A day in the life of Ian Ivatt...

My name is Ian Ivatt, and you will often see me somewhere in the High Street, where my tax accountancy office can be located. I may, of course, be going about my personal tax business for a client, or possibly, with my Chamber of Trade hat on (I am the current Chairman), even talking to a retailer or other local professional - even speaking to friends! Life in Steyning is great, yet it can be hectic: always a lot to say and do.

By way of background, I was educated at Collyers (dare I say it, a Grammar School) in Horsham and later when I reached my mid-50s became an Open University student - part time. I enjoy education and especially my pet subject of history, on equal terms I suppose, with my fascination with income tax. My career in tax has lasted since my 1961 school days ceased. I was lucky to achieve a Research Degree to my Open University studies although earlier in 1972, I passed the examination to become a fully-fledged member of what is now the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Currently, my days now consist of keeping the office going, dealing with client meetings, answering correspondence, and arguing clients’ cases with the Inland Revenue, together with the inevitable telephone conversations. None of this would really happen without my long suffering loyal secretary and friend, Mary French, not forgetting my constant friend and fellow tax worker, Ken Riddell - a sprightly 82 year old, plus my daughter Alison whose swift perceptive mind is such a blessing.

And after work - well the Steyning History Society keeps me well occupied as does my involvement with Steyning Athletic Club (although now at a lower level) together with numerous charitable audit jobs I am asked to do for local charities and societies. My new found hobby of learning to play the flute sweeps up any free moments!

The simple truth is that work, now, seemingly has to fit in with my other pursuits, yet all is such a pleasure (well sort of) in this wonderful town of ours.

In a typical day, apart from those aspects already touched upon, I might get involved in dealing with art queries as my wife Jacqueline has a separate role as a brilliant watercolour painter, people/visitors simply wandering into my office, lost, and requiring directions, questions about dogs, buses, local councils, properties, restaurants, politics, sport and even religion. All in a day’s work, I am informed.

Oh, well, back to the grind, there are still tax returns to be completed, and on the history front some new revelations about Lloyd George (my favourite political study), which business might be going into which empty shop space, or who won the race last weekend. A full life, I can assure you. Am I the only accounts office in the town having three large cats in attendance, two always in the office, and one of these often seen languishing in the front window?

Ian Ivatt, Tax Accountant, 84 High Street, Steyning, BN44 3RD, 01903 813230

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