NEW PARK CENTRE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Published 10:44 on 11 Apr 2025

Chichesters beloved community centre launches its Golden Jubilee Year with a packed calendar of events this week. 

Talking at the launch of the Golden Jubilee, Bob Long, Head of Trustee said, For half a century, New Park Centre has been at the heart of Chichester, offering a space for people to connect, create, and celebrate. Established by the community and for the community, the centre remains a thriving charity dedicated to serving local people. 

Bob continued by announcing, Now, as we mark this incredible milestone, we invite everyone to join us in a year-long celebration filled with exciting activities, special events, and fundraising efforts to ensure New Park Centre continues to flourish for future generations.  

Bob then went on to explain the calendar of events that have been arranged to create a year of celebrations. These included: 

April Celebrating Young Artists

To kick start the Golden Jubilee Year, New Park is running a Childrens Art Competition 

inviting children aged 5-16years old to take part in a special art competition to mark its 50th anniversary. Generously sponsored by Bond-a-Frame, the competition invites participants to explore the theme My Chichester.

All submission will be judged by two highly respected gallery owners from Chichester. Iolanda Martinho, co-founder of August+Co, a London-based gallery that celebrates fine craftsmanship, textiles, and furniture. Candida Stevens, founder of Candida Stevens Gallery, showcasing thought-provoking British contemporary art in Chichester and London. Winning entries will be displayed at New Park during the Chichester Art Trail and turned into postcards to raise funds for the centre.

April Honouring Volunteers and Supporters

A special evening will take place at the end of April to celebrate the volunteers, trustees, and supporters who have helped shape New Park, while also outlining the future vision for the centre and fundraising goals for essential roof repairs.

June & July - The Heart of New Park Festival 

New Park are thrilled to be presenting The Heart of New Park Festival as part of this years Chichester Fringe Festival, showcasing the incredible talent of local artists, musicians, dancers, and authors. This festival will shine a spotlight on the inspiring individuals and groups who bring New Park to life every week. 

Launch Time Capsules:  Gift for the Future

Local schools and groups will be asked to create Time Capsules, capturing life in 2025. These will be stored at New Park Centre, offering a glimpse into todays world for future generations.

August History Talk and An Interactive Exhibition Sharing Memories

Historian Alan Green, who attended New Park Centre when it was Central Junior Boys School, will be giving a talk detailing the New Park Centre's history from its beginnings as a school (1812-1964) to narrowly avoiding demolition and becoming todays vital Community Centre.

In addition, the centre is planning to curate an exhibition of photos, memorabilia, and personal stories from the past 50 years. For which it is calling on the community to contribute memories and help bring this display to life.

September The Big 50th Anniversary Celebration

New Park is planning to hold a day-long festival in September which will feature live performances, activities, and demonstrations from the many groups that call New Park home. It will be a celebration of the past, present, and future of New Park Centre.

After running through the exciting calendar of events Bob stated: New Park Centre has always been a place where people come together - whether to learn, create, or simply connect. Reaching 50 years is a testament to the dedication of our community, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone.

Allison McDonald Hughes, Centre Manager joined Bob, adding: This year is all about honouring the spirit of New Park—its people, its history, and its future. Were excited to welcome the community to our events and to ensure New Park remains a vibrant space for years to come.

Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of New Parks Golden Jubilee:

• Volunteer: Support our events and fundraising efforts.

• Fundraise: Help maintain New Parks future through community-driven fundraising.

• Participate: Enter the Childrens Art Competition, visit the exhibition or share your New Park memories.

To concluded Bob said: We really hope our local community join us in celebrating 50 years of community, creativity, and connection. To make sure as a charity run centre, that we can continue our mission of bringing people together