Chi High and the City
Chi High and the City was the title of the 2022 Summer event that took place on the 15th September. Alan Green led a small group of Old Boys and their spouses on a nostalgic walk in Chichester. After coffee at Darryl Wulff’s Tim Peake Sports Centre Gym, we commenced with a viewing through strategically placed holes in the fencing that encloses the now empty site that was the old school. We noted the survival of the Woodwork shop, perhaps omitted in the demolition contract. Then we followed a familiar route to the Railway Station, where so many pupils arrived daily to make their way to the school. Alan pointed out the continued existence of the bus station and garage and the Law court that were to be part of a major redevelopment of the area that is now postponed.
The walk continued up South Street, turned right at the Cross, and walked to the old Gaumont cinema (now a shop) where so many boys went to Saturday morning pictures. Turning north up Little London, past the Boys Club we arrived at Fenwick’s Café in Priory Park.
After a pleasant and substantial lunch, Alan resumed the walk down North Street to finish at the Cross
During the walk Alan pointed out the architecture and he questioned the group on the shops and their former history. The sites of as the outfitters Bishops and Meakers were well known as the Men’s Outfitters of the famous ‘Green Blazers and Caps’. One small sweet shop was pointed out as allegedly having been an upstairs brothel!
We were blessed with excellent weather and after thanks to Alan everyone dispersed to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the city.