This article was first published in the West Sussex Gazette on 21st February 2002.

This year is one where Anniversaries are being celebrated, in particular the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. But one lesser known anniversary in excess of 50 years is to be celebrated locally at Pulborough.

Lodge Hill, situated there, cannot claim a significant milestone but it will have been a Residential Centre for Young People since the 1940s when it was acquired by West Sussex County Council for to provide a venue for educational facilities especially for young people. The 30 acre site south of Pulborough encompasses residential and conference centres, as well as an activity area and campsite.

Following a massive fundraising campaign, some four years ago in 1998 the centre was purchased from the Council by the Lodge Hill Trust for some millions of pounds, and it has continued to develop from strength to strength.

The Friends of Lodge Hill were formed to maintain interest in the centre by former users and supporters and the Trustees of the Friends decided that a reunion would be a significant way of bringing everyone together.

The trust is trying to make contact with as many people as possible who have enjoyed and, indeed, benefited from the facilities of Lodge Hill with a view to having a Reunion there in August of this year; and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has been a Resident at Lodge Hill; anyone who has attended a course there and anyone who has lectured or provided a course at the Centre.

Those who have already come forward include David Wood, the actor, playwright and TV and stage producer, who took part in a course in the 1950s, and Tony MacMillan, whose name has been synonymous with local issues including the Connaught Theatre. Others who have made contact include John Bates, Clive Bateson, Cynthia Bateson, Gerry Finch, Jean Hodby, Sheila Nye, Jane Royle, Harry Streets, Molly Voysey, Lynn Mayes, John Telling and Rita Taylor.

David is encouraged by progress so far: "At present the enquiries are having a snow-ball effect as each response puts me in touch with someone else, and it is surprising the number of marriages that consequently took place following courses. (Those were the days!) Geographically responses have come from Prague and as far as Australia so far."

In view of the number of people who have passed through Lodge Hill in the last 50-odd years, David Marchant, who is organising the reunion, would be interested in making contact with former users of the centre. They are invited to write in with their memories, what they did at Lodge Hill and any further details of their experience.

And anyone who recognises a face in any of the photographs published on this page is also requested to make contact with David.

David Marchant, 2002

This article was first published in the West Sussex Gazette on 21st February 2002.