First birthday celebrations for Bognor community group

Community Arts Bognor Regis, held a tea-and-cakes celebration at The Lodge in Hotham Park to mark the end of a successful year.

The group is made up of creative local people, and was set up help increase the arts provision in the town.

Chairman of the committee Su Cloud said: “The group was initially set up by creative people who felt there was no inclusive art space to exhibit, sell, share ideas and run workshops.

“We wanted to bring the community together and showcase the best aspects of the town to a wider audience.”

With nine committee members and a team of helpers and supporters the group has had a busy year, with several major projects.

Su said: “It has been an exciting year for the group, and we hope to be able to build on the success and carry it on next year.

“With the Hotham Park Heritage Trust and Arun District Council, we held the Day of Discovery in Hotham Park, which was a big success.

“It allowed people to take part in creative activities, and we also had children’s activities and the opening of the ice-house, which created a lot of interest.”

The group also won the best community group category of the cinema-themed 2010 Bognor Regis Carnvial with their colourful entry The Lady with the Tutti-Frutti Hat.

During the festive season, the group got into the Christmas spirit when they held a workshop making lanterns and tissue snowmen, as part of their contribution to Hotham Park’s annual carol concert.

“We paraded with the snowmen, complete with accessories such as scarves, from the lodge to the bandstand before the concert,” said Su.

The party was for anyone interested in finding out more about the organisation and its role in bringing art to residents.

“We just wanted to celebrate our first year, recognise our successes, and give people from the wider community to see the things we as a group have done,” said Su.

The organisation is looking forward to completing a range of projects during 2011.