A day to remember!
Over 700 residents and school children attended The Worthing Pier, Past, Present and Future end of project celebration at The Worthing Dome on Thursday 14th July 2016. Hosted by The Worthing & Adur Youth Council the two presentations, one for primary schools in the afternoon and the second in the evening for the general public, used film, music, poetry and personal memories to tell the story of the Pier and suggest how this local historic landmark might serve the borough in the future.
Afternoon Celebration
Pupils from St Marys, Durrington and Seaside attended the afternoon presentation upstairs at The Dome. Compered by James Line and Jenny Hirst (Former Youth Mayors) the programme included:
A slideshow about The Pier prepared by the Youth Council
Worthing Pier Past Present & Future – A short video by Worthing Drama Group
How did Worthing Museum support the project? – Short talk by Tiernon McCarthy
The history of Worthing Pier 1862 to the present day – Chris Hare (Local Historian)
Pier Memories and recollections read by Youth Councillors
Worthing Pier Past, Present & Future Competitions – Prizes and Awards
To close the programme Councillor Alex Harmon ( Deputy Mayor of Worthing) addressed the gathered audience to challenge all present to build on the projects legacy to ensure the Pier is preserved for future generations.
Evening Celebration
The evening celebration hosted by David Price (Youth Mayor) and Harry Williams (Past Youth Mayor) attracted an audience of over 300 adults and children. Contributions to the programme included:
A slideshow about the history of Worthing Pier prepared by the Youth Council
A short firm about The Pier by Worthing Drama Group
How did Worthing Museum support the project? – Short talk by Tiernon McCarthy
A performance of local Sea Shanties – Chris Hare and The History People UK Choir
Pier Memories and recollections read by Youth Councillors
Worthing Pier Past, Present & Future Competitions – Prizes and Awards
The programme concluded with a short address from Councillor Sean McDonald (Worthing Youth Mayor) and a short poem read by Niamh McCarthy.
At the end of the evening all present stood to acknowledge and applaud the work of all the Youth Councillors and Shirley Robinson Viney (Worthing & Adur Youth Fascilitator) and her Team who have supported the project over the past eighteen months.
Worthing Pier Past, Present and Future – A great success!
Some of these photographs and recollections together with school pupils art work and a selection of poems will appear in the 92 page illustrated colour book the Youth Councillors are presently completing that charts the history of the Pier and tells the story. Due for publication in October 2016 each school and college in the borough will receive a free copy plus the museum, library and all community and youth groups that have contributed to this Heritage Lottery Funded Young Roots project.
