Couple behind town's arts centre honoured

A Bognor Regis couple have been awarded a trophy to recognise their tireless work for the town.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Sep 2012, 14:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:23 BST

Barry and Jenny Jones have become the latest recipients of the Britten Trophy.

The Victoria Drive pair were awarded the cup at a special ceremony, in the old United Reformed church, in Linden Road, the building the couple bought to be used as a community arts centre by the town.

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Nick Stuart-Nicolson Bognor Regis Chamber of Commerce’s president and chairman said: “On many occasions Barry and Jenny have shown their dedication and love of Bognor Regis.

“They single-handedly brought the International Bognor Birdman back to the town, and kept it going, they bought the former Berkeley Arms in West Street to become the town’s museum and they have now bought this wonderful building 
back to life.

“There have been many notable recipients of this award and Barry and Jenny will join them.”

The Britten Trophy, which is in its 60th year, was first awarded in 1952 to honour an individual or organisation who had done the most to help Bognor.

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Winners have included Billy Butlin, Lec founder Charlie Purley and the Duke of Richmond.

Mr Jones said: “I would like to thank the chamber of commerce for this award. It means an incredible amount to both of us.

“We purchased this church to create a community hub for the people of Bognor Regis. For the same amount of money I probably could have bought a Rolls Royce Phantom, and for the first couple of weeks I would have enjoyed it.

“But after that it would have probably gone in the garage and only been used on special occasions.

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“Seeing the community using this space will give us far 
more enjoyment, I hope, for 
many years to come.”

Local MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Nick Gibb, who was given the accolade in 2000, was 
also at the presentation held on August 31.

He said: “This really is a very 
well-deserved honour for Mr and Mrs Jones. What they have done for the town is exceptional.

“There are those who would say they should have been presented with this trophy a long time ago, perhaps when the purchased the former Berkeley Arms as a home for the museum.

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“They have shown outstanding generosity to the town and are continuing to dedicate their wealth to the people of Bognor Regis. Instead of buying a villa in Spain they have bought something which will give the whole community a lot of joy. I think I must speak for the entire Bognor Regis community when I say thank you.”