Bella and Megs

Teddy and the Big C campaign update - Aug 2023

By Kat and Alastair Lichten, Teddy’s mum and dad

Teddy’s campaign has continued to grow and grow! At the time of writing, we have raised nearly £175,000 towards our £250,000-£300,000 target for Teddy to access ground-breaking cancer treatment abroad.

In September, we are pleased to be supported by the wonderful Hassocks Goes Gold appeal, who will be donating the proceeds from poster sales to Teddy this year. You can also still pick up raffle tickets until 13th September from de la Casa for a gorgeous Coatimundi soft toy donated by Hassocks Pet Centre.

During August, Teddy enjoyed a wonderful day out, organised by Thameslink. Teddy got to meet the driver of the train and then he got to sit in the cab while the driver drove the train to Three Bridges. Fortunately, Teddy was on top form that day and could fully enjoy his special experience. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us so far by donating, taking on a sponsored challenge or organising an event.

Scroll down to see some wonderful fundraising events you can join in on…

Taste wine and fundraise for Teddy’s treatment

By Amanda Felix

An exciting new fundraising event has just been launched for Teddy and the Big C. Giles Cutlack of South Downs Cellars will host a wine tasting evening in Adastra Hall on Friday 27th October. Giles will take the audience on a lively journey through a range of wines with accompanying nibbles in aid of Teddy’s campaign.
Book early to guarantee your places on the online seating plan.

Thank you in advance for your support for Teddy and we look forward to welcoming you. Tickets cost £20 per head and are available online at www.buytickets.at/rathergoodevents or you can pay in cash at Bella & Megs Café on Keymer Road, Hassocks. If you have any questions please contact Amanda Felix on: amandajanefelix@ outlook.com.

Green fees for Teddy

Burgess Hill Golf Centre is holding a fundraiser for Teddy on Saturday 30th September. There will be prizes for ‘nearest the pin’ on the course and ‘putting hole in one’. Jess Armstrong-Kerr of Burgess Hill Golf Centre says: “Join us at the Burgess Hill Golf Centre for a family fun golf day to fundraise for Teddy and the Big C. One hundred percent of green fees will be donated to Teddy’s cause!” This wonderful event will run all day, and you can book online or just turn up on Saturday 30th September. Jess explains: “Golfers can play the nine-hole course for £20, knowing they are donating money to Teddy’s Campaign with Solving Kids Cancer.” A children’s putting competition will also run all day and cost five pounds to enter, again with all proceeds donated.

Role-Playing Games Day at Dice and Drinks Café

Reserve a space in your diaries for Teddy’s Role-Playing Games Day at Dice and Drinks Café in Burgess Hill on Saturday 14th October. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to RPGs, there will be fun for all. Tickets cost £10 per person and there will be afternoon and evening sessions available - see Teddy and the Big C on Facebook for more info or scan the QR code.

Behind the Counter: Bella and Megs, Hassocks

Chantal and Phil from Bella and Megs Cafe in Hassocks

By Joe Wayte

When Phil and wife Chantal decided to move into their corner plot on Keymer Road, they heard the cries from the people of Hassocks hoping it wouldn’t be ‘yet another coffee shop’. While during the day you can turn up any time for a quick beverage and a bite to eat, Friday nights at Bella & Megs are quite different, and if you haven’t already booked, you’ll need to join the waiting list.

In April 2018, Bella & Megs café and bistro opened its doors for the first time. The sun was shining, prosecco was on tap and many locals showed up to see what owners Phil and Chantal had done with the place. “It was very white when we first acquired the shop,” Chantal explained, “so we decided to do a refit. I wanted somewhere that felt homely, yet rustic and modern.” The launch was a huge success and, after twelve months in business, the pair are pleased with how things are going.

Originally from Newick, Phil started his career in stage management at the theatre in Worthing. After ten years of commanding crew behind the scenes, he decided he was ready for his next challenge and turned his hand to hospitality. “I went into training with the British Institute of Innkeeping,” Phil told me, “and then advertised myself locally when I was ready to take on a job.” Phil received an offer shortly after and moved to Poynings to work at the Royal Oak. It was there that he met Chantal, who grew up in the village.

This isn’t the first time the duo have gone into business together. For a number of years they ran Dolly’s Pantry in Ditchling, which they sold in 2007.

[Read the full article in the May 2019 issue of Hassocks Life magazine]