Christmas Annual Walk
Annual Dinner
Founders Day BBQ & Garden Party
Fishbourne Mill Morris dancers and musicians join with the Corporation when they lead the Uptown and Downtown Mayors, the officers in regalia, the burgesses and friends in procession from the Nags Head pub to Riverside, where Father Christmas dispenses presents from his wheelbarrow to the residents of the Dears almshouses, known affectionately as Our Old Dears.
At this charming ceremony, held usually on the last Saturday before Christmas, carols are sung and refreshments taken, including homemade sausage rolls and mince pies, with a glass of mulled wine. For the return journey, tradition demands that the Uptown Mayor is conveyed back to the Nags Head public house in a wheelbarrow.
For this year, see our events page.
The record made on 4 August 1689 of the formation of the Corporation says:
Went with Dick Bartholomew to a meeting held at the sign of ye Unicorn, lately built at ye corner of ye Hornet square, and in ye big room, which was filled with men of all degree, and enjoyed ye discussion, and it ended by it being resolved on to establish a Corporate Body, to consist of a Mayor, Aldermen, Town Clerk, and Common Council men, 2 Serjeants at Mace and Crier; and that the said Mayor, Aldermen, Town Clerk, Council men, and the Serjeants at Mace, and ye Crier aforesaid, should meet on the 4th day of November, on the eve of the (cruel) anniversary of the Gunpowder plot, and that they should dine and eat of all ye good things in Season, and there should be a plentiful supply of Wine and Ale, and everything provided to content the Stomach; and that all that partook of the feast on that 4th November should be deem'd free burgess, and without limit to their number.
We still celebrate this founding with an annual dinner as close to 4 November as can be arranged. Although the Unicorn has long since gone, our annual dinner is still held at a venue within Chichester.
For this year, see our events page.
Each Mayor and new set of Officers bring their own ideas towards raising money for charity. In past years we have had annual golf days, a trip to the dog races and, more recently an annual barbeque.
Last year (2023) Mayor Simon Palmer allowed us the use of this garden for this event. The sun shone, two bands played and a wonderful time was had by all. This looks set to be repeated this year. Please see our events page.
