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The South Downs National Park - Navigate creates big event
05/04/2011
Children sang and the bells rang out in celebration of the official opening of the South Downs National Park in Petersfield Square on Friday1 April. Thanks to the work of Philip Haines, Gareth Gammon and the Navigate team, there were shining, happy faces all around in the 1,000-strong crowd.
Joint organizer Gareth said: "From an initial concept and planning meeting on 1 February, to produce an event just 8 weeks later was a big ask.
"But with the help of the Navigate team and fellow organizer Philip Haines, Lucy Soal, (East Hampshire district Council), Petersfield Tomorrow, the SDNPA, and the First Friday attendees, among others, we believe the day was successful for all.
Certainly the quality and vibrancy of the exhibitors and demonstrators was fabulous – really showing the activities on the Downs to be varied and appealing for all.
We also achieved some excellent media coverage, which was central to the aims of the day." The event was featured on:
BBC national breakfast TV
BBC South Today TV
ITV Daybreak weather
The Daily Telegraph
The Guardian
Kestrel Radio
Heart FM Sussex
Radio Solent
Local newspapers – The Herald, the Petersfield Post, The News (Portsmouth)
Numerous online, trade and activity press.
Gareth added: "The South Downs National Park offers many positive opportunities for those that embrace it, especially businesses - and the way so many people worked together to make the launch event such a success was a tremendous testament to all involved. It is wonderful to see so many happy young faces enjoying this celebration of the 10th National Park in England.”
Celebrations started with singing in the Square by pupils from Petersfield Infant School. The Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, Margaret Paren, rang a handbell to send a peal of bells across the Downs. Then she played pied piper – leading a procession of children through a kissing gate, and onto a giant map of the South Downs which filled one quarter of Petersfield Square.
The new South Downs National Park flag fluttered from the St Peter’s Church. Another choir of 140 pupils aged between 9 and 13 from various local schools sang a special song about activities in the Park, composed by Jonathan Willcocks, and with words by Philip Young who conducted the choir.
Local MP Damian Hinds said: "This was a brilliant effort and it was great to hear the children singing. We have not only put Petersfield on the map but put the map on Petersfield.”
Round the Square, the 1,000-strong crowd had 29 exhibition stands to visit, including canoeists, cyclists, environmentalists, farmers, foodies, hang-gliders, ramblers, shepherds, a stately home (Petworth), a traditional gypsy caravan, volunteers, walkers, wildlifers, a yurt, and zorbers.
For great ideas and event management expertise, contact Gareth at Navigate, 01730 235669
