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On 12 May 2012 I will be taking part in a firewalk challenge to raise funds for Winston’s Wish, the leading childhood bereavement charity. This special event is being held at the Jackie Stewart Pavillion Paddocks, Goodwood Motor Circuit. A team of firewalk professionals will provide me and other fundraisers with 2 hours of training before we embark on this amazing challenge.

Spofforths' client Don Wales made a fantastic presentation about the Bluebird K7, on 16 May 2012, at a charity event for the Lions International Blood Research Appeal. I joined 90 guests at a private motor museum in Surrey to hear Don speak about his Bluebird team and plans for a centenary celebration this year. He also gave a heartfelt account of his uncle, Donald Campbell’s, fatal accident on Coniston Water.

Join Spofforths’ Partner Mark Spofforth for the Rathbones’ Annual Charity Symposium at the British Museum in London, on Wednesday 12 September 2012. It is a challenging time for Trustees given the current economic climate, and Trustees and their advisers are being encouraged to attend the event to enjoy some topical discussion and share ideas.

We are looking forward to the Worthing Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday 29 July and have a team of paddlers taking part to raise funds for the Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service. In our 40-foot Dragon Boat, team ‘Spofforths’ will compete in a series of races on Brooklands Lake in Lancing. The event will be opened at 9.45am by the Mayor of Worthing, the Chairman of Adur District Council and Tim Loughton MP.

There was a great atmosphere at Brooklands Pleasure Park in Lancing, on Sunday 29 July, as we took to the water for the Worthing Dragon Boat Festival 2012. Our fantastic team of paddlers and a drummer raced against 18 other dragon boats to help raise funds for the Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service. So far generous sponsors have donated £570 and we still hope to reach our £1,000 target.

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator for charities in England and Wales, has published new guidance on starting, running and supporting charitable disaster appeals. It is intended to provide information and advice to charities as well as members of the public who want to give much needed help to people affected by a disaster or other humanitarian crisis.

The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, yesterday launched the first in a new series of audio podcasts, designed to help charity trustees develop their understanding of their duties under charity law. Click here to find out more.

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has published an online Trustees Handbook aims to help charities ensure a smooth handover between departing and newly appointed trustees. The guide also informs new trustees about their duties and responsibilities towards their charities and explains how to make use of the Commission’s online services and guidance.

To celebrate the festive season, we are delighted to sponsor Horsham’s Christmas Charity Market for the fourth year. The special event is being held at the Carfax on Sunday 25 November from 10am to 4pm. Organised by the Rotary Club of Horsham in association with Horsham District Council, there will be a great programme of activities.

It was a pleasure to attend the West Sussex County Times Community Awards last night, Tuesday 20 November, and enjoy an evening of celebrations. We joined other event sponsors at Horsham’s Capitol Theatre to honour those who make a huge difference to our community. It was a very emotional evening as various category winners talked about their work and experiences.

A new legal status for charities is now available as the Charity Commission are accepting applications to register as charitable incorporated organisations (CIO).

In the latest edition of Sussex Life, Spofforths’ Partner Sarah Ediss provides charities with some useful advice about trading. Many charities do carry out trading activities and it is vital that they are aware of the tax implications

We are co-hosting an educational seminar for charity trustees with Rathbones on Thursday 25 April 2013. The event at Pallant House Gallery, in Chichester, will begin with a morning of discussion followed by lunch.