New building shines a light on park’s beauty

Blissful sunshine graced the official opening of Chace Catering’s new facility at Mewbrook Park on Monday morning.

The conservatory – part of a £23,000 overhaul of the café’s redevelopment plans – features a spacious seating area overlooking the open space’s stunning pond and natural wildlife habitat.

Littlehampton’s mayor Emma Neno cut the ribbon, alongside Arun District Council’s chairman councillor Ann Smee and owner of the café, David Chace.

More than a dozen people turned out to celebrate the launch of the new glass site.

During a speech to mark the occasion, Emma reminisced about her time spent in the park during her childhood.

“I have been coming down to Mewsbrook Park since I was a little girl and I used to spend my pocket money on sweets at what was basically just a shack,” she said.

“It’s certainly come a long way since then.

“I am really, really excited about what the future holds for Mewsbrook Park and the café.

“David is always thinking of new ideas for our community and the conservatory will become a real asset to the town. He is a credit to Littlehampton.”

David and his team were instrumental in providing catering services and arranging entertainment during the town’s diamond jubilee festivities.

He also hosted the mayor’s fun day, over the summer, which saw hundreds of people gathering in the park to enjoy the revelry and bolster the coffers of two of Emma’s chosen charities during her mayoral year, Cancerwise and Home-Start Arun.

David is now looking forward to future events which, with the help of the new conservatory, will be bigger and better than anything previously hosted at Mewsbrook.

“This is such a beautiful park and we have got to realise that,” he said.

“Times are very testing for everyone. The idea is that it will give something back to the community and to get them involved – that’s why I like organising my charity events.

“Having something like this is in Mewsbrook can only help. The park is so lovely – this is just another way to show how great Littlehampton is.”