Trustee Paul Willis went along to the Children’s Parade last weekend to present them with a cheque for £1,500. Sounds like he had a cracking time…
One of the highlights of the burgeoning events calendar in Worthing is the Children’s Parade and now so many schools take part it has become a firm fixture for children across Worthing and even beyond. Worthing Community Chest were delighted to be able to support the event this year and the materials that were purchased with the grant money certainly contributed to a fantastic spectacle. I suspect I am not alone on the panel of being a Harry Potter fan and the schools outdid themselves with this theme this year.
For me this was not just a case of rocking up with the cheque for the presentation but actually accompanying my daughter as she beat her enormous drum in the Thomas a Beckett Samba band. As we stood in Beach House Grounds waiting for the parade to assemble there was much excitement as the children, teachers and other helpers looked around at all the fabulous creations that were about to be showcased to the people of Worthing. I spotted Dumbledore, Dobbie, The Phoenix, a massive bat and the basilisk among so many wonderful pieces. There was also a murmur of excitement when Dame Kelly Holmes was spotted although to be fair she was there for a different event that had just finished.
From Beach House Grounds the parade headed west along the promenade with the Samba rhythms. Progress was a little stop start but no-one seemed to care. In fact the pauses were helpful as the crowds could get into the swing of the thumping drums and inspect the costumes of the children and their Harry Potter creations. By the time we headed back down Montague Street to return to Steyne Gardens we had caught a happy mood along the way from those who had planned to be there but also from startled shoppers and staff who came out to see what all the fuss was about. I noticed that it was almost impossible for people to stay still as the Samba Band did their stuff.
The parade ended at Steyne Gardens where the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and MP Tim Loughton received all the children and praised their wonderful efforts. Worthing Community Chest was thrilled to have supported such a successful and happy event. The grant cheque of £1500 helped with the materials and organisation of the event that brought so much happiness last Saturday. In turn we have to thank the wider Worthing public who have given their textiles to the clothing banks dotted around the town. Contributions from these clothes are instrumental to supporting the work that the Community Chest does in Worthing and we thank everyone for their efforts.
