Bond Associates Ltd

BIS TO FUND PERMANENT MEMORIAL TO LOCAL MAN
'Fox Man of Worthing'. Eric Fossleitner to be honoured

Bond International Software (UK Ltd), which is moving into the refurbished Courtlands building at the end of February, is to erect a permanent memorial to the late 'Fox Man of Worthing' Eric Fossleitner

BIS. which produces market-leading software for the recruitment and personnel industries, launched a £l.4 million renovation programme after buying the empty building last August.

Since then, BIS chairman Steve Russell has been contacted by several of Eric Fossleitner's friends, who requested a permanent memorial to the popular character.

Eric, who became an international celebrity with his tame fox Ben, first became interested in foxes in 1989 when he spotted some playing one night in the grounds of Courtlands in Parklands Avenue, Goring.

He visited the foxes each night until his death in 1998, adopting Ben after hand rearing him. Together, they toured local schools, educating people about foxes and offering a rare opportunity for both children and adults to meet a fox. Eric was awarded a special New Year Honour from Worthing Borough Council for his educational and charity work, which raised over £10,000.

In memory of Eric, who lived in Lancaster Road, Goring, BIS is now turning the foxes' home in the grounds into a permanent nature reserve and is placing a bench and plaque nearby. BIS chief executive Steve Russell said: "We were really taken with the story of the 'Fox Man' and gave a great deal of thought as to how we could honour such a well-loved character. After discussions with Mr Fossleitner's friends and family we decided that a bench in the grounds was most appropriate. and we would leave the area where the foxes live as a wild area in his memory.

Eric's daughter Karen Besant, of St Thomas Drive, Pagham. said: "When I heard what BIS was proposing I was speechless and overjoyed. My father was always concerned that there should be a natural spot for the wildlife of Goring and for this to happen is truly wonderful.

"I would like to say thank you to all those who have made this living memory possible at his special place - Courtlands. It is just how he would have wished."

The bench will be officially unveiled sometime in April. when it is hoped the Mayor will attend the ceremony, together with Mrs Besant and Steve Russell from BIS.

Previous press release
Picture of Courtlands
Picture of the famous fox on the seafront

Media enquiries: Catherine Kelly/Caroline Clemson, The Priory Partnership, Brighton - 01273 207155.
Issued for: Bond Associates Ltd - 01403 864940.
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