Organisation
The Core Group agreed that the Centenary Celebration would consist of a number of linked events. A traditional fete would be held in Sewell Park on Sunday 6th July 2008, a Centenary Souvenir Edition would be published to coincide with the celebration, and a Sewell Park exhibition would be held at the Christ Church Centre. It was also agreed that an official logo and a website would be designed for this event. The congregation of Christ Church, New Catton, also planned a day of celebration in the church and on Sewell Park.
The Day
The Centenary Celebration on Sunday, 6th July was officially opened in the park by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Jeremy Hooke in bright sunshine, in front of a large, festive crowd. A large number of local clubs and organisations were represented, over 40 stalls had been set up on Sewell Park and there were many activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
Our children enjoyed the fete enormously. The circus workshop gave them the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, the Punch and Judy was popular as always and the Graffiti and Mural Walls provided great entertainment. A variety of groups performed on the park such as the Lisa School of Dance, Charmond, Allstars, the Singing Squad, the Minstrels Gallery and the Norwich Academy of Martial Arts; all to great and appreciative applause.
The Dog Show was a great attraction. It included agility tests and competitions such as the Waggiest Tail and the Obedience Test – all enjoyed by the onlookers, the dogs, puppies and their owners. A number of stalls exhibited a variety of fascinating historical objects from the Victorian and Edwardian eras which led to lively discussion and reminiscences, and the Vintage Radio and TV stall showed a selection of old, interesting films. And nearby, the TV storyteller Bryan McNerney, related Horrid Histories to an entranced audience.
Great British Summertime
Unfortunately, rain began to fall in the middle of the afternoon and the Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band, which had just began their concert, were forced to retreat to Christ Church to continue their recital, However, even though it rained, the huge crowd of over 2000 visitors had enjoyed themselves immensely. A wonderful, memorable Centenary Celebration in Sewell Park.
Centenary Exhhibitions
An exhibition, illustrating aspects of the life of Philip Edward Sewell and the Sewell family, the laying out and opening of the park and a brief survey of the history of New Catton was curated by Phil John and Trevor Nuthall. It included photographs, plans and maps and attracted a constant stream of visitors throughout the day.
Christ Church's programme included an exhibition in the church illustrating a Christian's Journey through the year and a treasure hunt for children in the park. Because of the rain, the Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass band played in the church and the Songs of Praise was enjoyed by a full congregation.
The Centenary print logo, designed by Paul Hithersay, and the website, set up by Nick Ajose and John Brooks, proved successful, the website attracting 'hits' from all over the world. The website is now legally licensed to Sewell Park College (formerly The Blyth-Jex School): students ands staff are able to use it as an educational and research resource and it is still available to be accessed worldwide.
The Centenary Celebration Souvenir Edition booklet, written and Edited by Phil John and Trevor Nuthall, was published and distributed to visitors on the day and later to our children in the local shops.
