Elves, oboes and watersports: why Worthing isn’t as dull as Andy Murray

ANDY Murray’s comments on BBC Sports Personality of the Year have put Worthing’s reputation under threat.
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World  Record Elf Dressing Up at Steyne Gardens on Saturday ENGSUS00120130912091020W50574H13

World  Record Elf Dressing Up at Steyne Gardens on Saturday ENGSUS00120130912091020
W50574H13 World Record Elf Dressing Up at Steyne Gardens on Saturday ENGSUS00120130912091020

While admitting the town is not as dull as him, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner told of how a weekend in Worthing had been compared to his personality in a newspaper article.

On accepting his award on Sunday, he said: “A friend sent me a message the other day with an article saying ‘Andy Murray is duller than a weekend in Worthing’, which I thought was harsh - on Worthing!”

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Here’s our top ten reasons why Worthing is anything but dull:

Andy Murray. Picture by PaAndy Murray. Picture by Pa
Andy Murray. Picture by Pa

1. World records and crazy capers

Community spirit often shines through in this seaside town. And it was clearly evident last year when hundreds of Christmas elves broke the world record for the largest gathering of Christmas helpers.

A total of 1,276 elves took over Steyne Gardens, after a call to action by estate agent Robert Luff.

A short sleigh ride away from Steyne Gardens is Denton Gardens, home to the annual British Masters Minigolf championship.

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Mini Golf Tournament. British Minigolf Masters, Splash Point Mini Golf, Denton Gardens, Worthing. Pictured is Michael Smith, British Masters Mini Golf Champion. ENGSUS00120130415093808W16211H13-MiniGolf - W16211H13-MiniGolf  140313  LP

Mini Golf Tournament. British Minigolf Masters, Splash Point Mini Golf, Denton Gardens, Worthing. Pictured is Michael Smith, British Masters Mini Golf Champion. ENGSUS00120130415093808
W16211H13-MiniGolf - W16211H13-MiniGolf 140313 LP Mini Golf Tournament. British Minigolf Masters, Splash Point Mini Golf, Denton Gardens, Worthing. Pictured is Michael Smith, British Masters Mini Golf Champion. ENGSUS00120130415093808
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This professional event sees the country’s top minigolfers compete for the anything but dull-coloured tweed jacket.

2. Worthing Birdman

This wacky event could have come under the former headline but deserves a category of its own.

A colourful and crazy array of hardy fundraisers in fancy dress join professional flyers in the yearly competition, launching themselves off the end of Worthing Pier.

DM153959a.jpg Worthing Birdman competition. Sean Frawley. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150817-092032008DM153959a.jpg Worthing Birdman competition. Sean Frawley. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150817-092032008
DM153959a.jpg Worthing Birdman competition. Sean Frawley. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150817-092032008

A £10,000 jackpot prize is awarded to those flying over 100 metres – with the prize claimed in two consecutive years.

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The event may not go ahead in 2016 – but Andy Murray has been invited to attend. Go on, Andy, give it a go!

3. Get hitched on the pier

Staying on the pier, couples can now get married on the iconic structure.

WH 160414 Opening of Southern Pavilion, on Worthing pier, after three years of being vacant. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140516-112619003WH 160414 Opening of Southern Pavilion, on Worthing pier, after three years of being vacant. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140516-112619003
WH 160414 Opening of Southern Pavilion, on Worthing pier, after three years of being vacant. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140516-112619003

Formerly a nightclub, maverick entrepreneur Phil Duckett has transformed the run-down Southern Pavilion into a ‘wow-factor’ wedding and concert venue, with the building operating as a café during the day.

If only Andy and his wife, Kim, had known about it before tying the knot at Cromlix...

4. Home of world-leading enterprise

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Who ‘wood’ have thought it – Worthing is home to some top-class businesses.

Everything from top-quality sound systems to electronic thermometers that have featured on countless TV cookery programmes are made in Worthing.

And for the last 60 years, wind instruments made by Howarth of London, based in Buckingham Road, Worthing, are shipped all over the world and played by some of the most accomplished musicians.

Howarth of London, based in Worthing. Pictured is Jeremy Walsworth, managing directorHowarth of London, based in Worthing. Pictured is Jeremy Walsworth, managing director
Howarth of London, based in Worthing. Pictured is Jeremy Walsworth, managing director

Oboes are a speciality.

5. A town on the up...but proud of its independent roots

Sadly, for many, it will come as a disappointment there is currently no sign of Nando’s or Wagamama.

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Fortunately, times could be changing, with several major developments hopefully on the horizon.

Plans have been submitted to transform Montague Place into a ‘restaurant destination’, while Worthing Borough Council strongly believes long-awaited development at Union Place and Teville Gate is on the horizon.

Independent eateries is a strong suit, whether that be Adur and Worthing Business Awards winner Andy Sparsis’s Proto restaurants, or varied offerings in Worthing’s West End and Warwick Street just a few examples of great places to eat.

6 and 7. World-class watersports and a stunning seafront

Worthing is home to former world champion kitesurfer Lewis Crathern, who often calls Worthing ‘the kitesurfing capital of the world’.

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Worthing seafront – another gem – is home to the Baker Academy, a watersports coaching facility run by Ant and Nik Baker, who between them have more than 50 national and international windsurfing titles.

A few steps further east and you will be in the Active Beach Zone, featuring artist’s studios, Coast Café and Worthing’s Splashpoint pool.

There’s also an outside gym, so Andy could stop off for a quick workout before heading off to explore more of Worthing’s sights.

The seafront is a great place for cycling, with plenty of places to stop off along the way, such as Sea Lane Café.

8. History and culture

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The nationals have already picked up on the town’s links to Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen, while cultural offerings include the listed Dome cinema and Worthing’s Symphony Orchestra.

But what about our own castle, owner by I’m a Celebrity personality Lady Colin Campbell? Click here to find out more.

Veteran councillor Tom Wye would be quick to show Murray Worthing’s working windmill, in High Salvington.

It’s still working today after being lovingly restored by a team of volunteers, who were recognised by the council for their hard work last week.

9.Town crier

A town with a town crier couldn’t possibly be dull.

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Take a trip to Worthing town centre and it’s likely you’ll spot Bob Smytherman, resplendently-dressed and ringing his bell.

A popular former mayor, Bob has already invited the grand slam ace to the town. Let’s hope he will accept.

10. Second only to Disney

If anyone was still thinking Worthing was dull, just ask Gavin Mallory what he thinks.

Having travelled the globe in a bid to find somewhere better to live than Worthing, it was only the combination of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter within the Islands of Adventure theme park and Walt Disney World, both in Orlando, Florida, that could beat our humble seaside town.

Read More
here.

We rest our case.

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