Oh we do like to be beside the seaside (or near to it)

For what was a final hurrah the Master decided on an outing to what was, for him, almost home territory - a visit to Chichester on 26th and 27th of August. A modest sized party - those able to tear themselves away from the pleasures of their families and late summer holidays on the bank holiday weekend were rewarded with a real treat.

Visits included a meeting in the Council House with the Mayor - Cllr Tony French and a session there with local historian Alan Green.

Next up was a visit to the Pallant House Gallery - - which houses the legacy of Walter Hussey - Dean of Chichester who left a superb collection of modern British Art to the City on the condition that it would be housed in the early 18th century Grade 1 listed house. It has has been added to by other benefactors including architect Sir Colin St John Wilson. The building was extended in 2006 by Kentish and Long in association with Colin St John Wilson.

The group had a talk about the building from MJ Long and those willing to forego lunch took in the current exhibition of the works of Frida Khako and Diego Rivera.

There was an afternoon tour of the Cathedral and grounds (including those of the Bishop's Palace) led by the chief guide to the Cathedral.

 

Dinner was taken together.

The following day started with a tour of the historic St Mary's Hospital Almshouses in St Martin's Square led by architect Richard Meynal. The tour also included the the new buildings of the complex.

The remainder of the day was spent on a tour via West Dean College with its gardens to Singleton to look at Ted Cullinan's Gridshell Building and the other buildings which make up the Weald and Downland Museum..

Sated with culture, the members of the party were then delivered back to Chichester to make their own way back home or the the Festival Theatre.

Thanks are due to the Master for all his careful arrangements and to Tom Ball for the use of his photographs.