Improvements to Priory Park ahead of centenary celebrations

Justin Jones, CDC Green Spaces team; Stephanie Jones, Natures Way Foods; Councillor Tony Dignum, CDC Leader; Councillor Richard Plowman, Friends Chairman; and Steve Smart, CDC Green Spaces team.

The project has involved installing new railings to replacing an old wooden fence, following an idea raised several years ago by the Friends of Priory Park, a voluntary group set up to promote, conserve and protect the park.

The work has been funded with money from developer contributions, with Historic England involved in the planning stages of the project.

The work has been completed ahead of the park’s exciting centenary celebrations which are being organised by the Friends.

Next to the new railings, from left: Justin Jones, CDC Green Spaces team; Councillor Tony Dignum, CDC Leader; Stephanie Jones, Natures Way Foods; Councillor Richard Plowman, Friends Chairman; and Steve Smart, CDC Green Spaces team.

Tony Dignum, leader of Chichester District Council, said: “As well as improving park security, the railings are also aesthetically pleasing and fit in with the heritage surroundings.

“Although some hard pruning has been carried out to allow the work to take place, the gaps in the vegetation will disappear over the coming seasons, aided by some extra plants.

“We are very much looking forward to the Friends’ programme of events to mark the park’s centenary.

“We are also grateful to Natures Way Foods which has just come on board as the park sponsor - so a double celebration for Priory Park this year.”

Stephanie Jones, business insight and communications manager of Natures Way Foods, says: “We are pleased to be sponsoring Priory Park as it offers so many opportunities for people to come together and be part of their community.

“As a local company we know how important educating our young people is and we also recognise how vital it is for people to keep active, whatever their age. Parks offer a unique environment in which to do this.”

For the centenary celebrations, a wide range of activities will be taking place through the year.

In September, there will be a nine-day festival of activities which will mark 100 years to the day since the 7th Duke of Richmond gave the park to the people of Chichester, to honour those who had died in the First World War.

The first event takes place on April 24 and will be a talk about the park’s history called Priory Park 100: Romans, Roundheads and the Rolling Stones.

The September programme will involve a wide range of activities to reflect the history and uses of the park over the years and include:

• a historical re-enactment of the 1642 siege of Chichester

• a parachute jump

• a vintage hockey match

• poppy display

• art and craft display

• vintage game of bowls

• a celebrity cricket match

• display of classic Rolls-Royce cars

• sky watching with South Downs Planetarium, and

• the biggest Teddy Bear’s picnic.

Friends chairman Richard Plowman, who is also a district and city councillor, said: “We are very pleased that our idea for the new railings has been completed. It really sets the park off well and is in good time for our Priory Park 100 celebrations.

“Generations of residents and visitors to the city have made Priory Park their own through a variety of activities and events that have taken place within its walls.

“We hope that our vibrant programme of events will offer something for everyone and as well as celebrating the park’s history, will play their part in creating memories for the future.”

To find out more about the programme of events at www.priorypark100.com