Procession marks opening of £120,000 L'Arche project

More than 150 people attended the official opening and blessing of The Sycamore in one of the L'Arche houses in the town.

Many of them took part in a procession from the Opengate Church (Bognor Regis Baptist Church) in Victoria Drive to the property in Hawthorn Road. Their route took them along the middle of Marshall Avenue.

The ceremony in The Sycamore involved Fr Tony Churchill, of Our of Lady of Sorrows RC Church, Fr Andrew Wadsworth, of St Wilfrid's Church, and the Rev Graham Banks, of Opengate Church, blessing the building, the activities and the people who will use it.

The L'Arche drama and dance group conducted a mime on the theme of the Beatitudes. Later on, the Sussex Hand in Hand group of people with learning disabilities led a presentation based on celebrations.

The Sycamore has been built in the garden of the house. Fundraiser Mary Ann Bart said: "People's response to this project has been remarkable.

"Friends, churches, companies and trusts have been incredibly generous.

"We also had a bequest in memory of one of our residents, Victoria Weaver, who died a few years ago."

A variety of activities will take place in The Sycamore. During the day, it will be used for the new L'Arche relaxation activities project for people who want to enjoy music, arts and crafts at a slower pace. It will also be used for training and meetings.

Evenings will see it become a base for social activities such as games, singing and chatting.

Christian-based L'Arche has been in Bognor since 1978 and is one of 130 L'Arche communities around the world.

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