Priory Park 100 is an initiative led by the Friends of Priory Park to mark the centenary in 2018 of the gift of the Park by the 7th Duke of Richmond and Gordon to the citizens of Chichester as a place of public recreation and a memorial to the fallen of the First World War. A programme of activities through 2018 will make more widely known the Park's rich history stretching back to the Roman occupation, stimulate new partnerships between the local community and those charged with the upkeep of the Park, and promote the benefits offered by this vital green space in the heart of the city. The centrepiece is a nine-day celebration and commemoration with a focus on education, engagement and legacy, with a strong emphasis on civic pride and wellbeing

What we'll deliver:

• Anniversary week events September 22-30th
• Book. Priory Park Chichester . The story in 100 objects September 10th
• Series of wooden carved plaques showing the histoty of the Pack September

Why it's a great idea:

Increased knowledge and understanding of the history, heritage and role of Priory Park in Chichester across all ages and demographic groups by providing a series of events with very wide appeal and inclusive of all the Community. Recording the events on film by Clive Hand and photographs by Benjamin Graham will produce a record of the events for the Record Office for future generations Through the wide variety of events planned for PP100, demonstrate how the Community can utilise this wonderful asset. This will be monitored by the numbers of different organisations using the Park post PP100 and also particularly disadvantaged groups Increased awareness of the sacrifice and remembrance of local members of the armed services particularly on the 100th anniversary of the First World War as the Park was given also as a war memorial. Young people and schools will take part in the production of special poppies designed for a display in the Park.

Steps to get it done:

• April 24 Talk at the Record Office on PP100
• May 16 Mayor Making in the Guildhall fpor the first time in 184 years
• July 17t Excavations of the Roman Villa in Priory Park
• September 10 Book and Musuem Exhibiton launch
• September 22-30 Anniversary week events