Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville will host event to celebrate the re-opening of Chichester’s Graylingwell Chapel

Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) will be celebrating the re-opening of the doors of Graylingwell Chapel as a community and events space, hosted by acclaimed actor and West Sussex resident, Hugh Bonneville. SUS-220402-165017001

Bonneville, a West Sussex resident, is a keen supporter of projects designed to bring the community together.

He said: “I’m delighted to formally open The Chapel. It perfectly combines the importance of connecting us with each other today, with the lives and stories of those who inhabited and cherished this space throughout the last century.

“Caring for the wellbeing of the local community is in the very foundations of this building and that ethos is just as important today, whether it be through live performances, or the simple act of meeting with friends, or trying something new.

“The Chapel has a new lease of life and offers something for everyone.”

The Chapel will open its doors in early March and will be open regularly from Monday, March 7.

From Monday to Saturdays, 8am-5pm, The Chapel will be open to all guests and in the evening will play host to a wide range of events.

An extensive programme of activities has already been scheduled to take place throughout the day in both the workshop rooms and within the open space.

These range from art and drama wellbeing workshops, to ‘story and supper’ times for younger visitors.

Clare de Bathe, director of the Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT), said: “What makes this such an exciting space for the Chichester community is that much of the furniture has been purchased thanks to incredible donations made by so many during our crowdfunding campaign just before Christmas, highlighting how this truly is your space – everybody’s space.

“It tells the story of the history of mental health care at Graylingwell but critically we have focussed all that has been done on helping people feel better today.

“Creating a space where everybody is welcome to meet, laugh, learn, be entertained and importantly to connect.

“To bring us all together again after such a difficult two years. It is an amazing space that we cannot wait to show everybody.”

Those interested in tickets to evening events or daytime activities can already book their spaces via the Chapel’s website at https://graylingwellchapel.com/ from the ‘What’s On’ pages. Alternatively you can email [email protected]

Alternatively, email the team at CCDT at [email protected] for more information.