Goring Residents' Association

History of the Association

The Goring-by-Sea People's Association was formed in November 1944 to prompt collective action in securing a new School, Clinics, a Village Hall and a Public Library. It was claimed that people drifted here in retirement, knowing no one, and left a few years later still knowing no one. It was time for a change, as testified by locals who subsequently crowded into Goring Hall School in a quest for neighbourliness and pride in the area.

One of the early chairmen, Mr C Cossor, who led the committee for many years, was soon busy dealing with local complaints ranging from inadequate postal facilities to a resident who regularly grazed his horses on Goring Recreation Ground - with varying degrees of success Early entertainment for members comprised lectures, debates, brains trusts, concert parties, and whist drives with meetings held at the Molsom Hall - the first subscription was one shilling per household.

Within five years the Association secured improvements in street lighting, a Children's Clinic, improved paving, and a Refreshment Chalet on the sea front.

The Association's meetings moved to St. Mary's Hall in 1951 with a membership of 682 from the Goring Ward, which then embraced an area between Sea Lane, Ferring and Grand Avenue, Worthing.

The Association's minutes showed a myriad of issues occupying the committee, including work starting on the Library in 1955.

In 1959, the first Christmas Dinner was held at the Beach Hotel, and was the precursor of many to follow, often attracting more than 130 members In 1961, councillors attended meetings to speak and answer questions, which has continued to this day.

Summer outings were important. In 1962 members went to The Derby for 15/6d., with some ladies adjusting their race- going attire, to look more casual, for a fish and chip supper on the return journey. Quite a contrast. A general newsletter was then published encouraging members to join the first ever continental tour to Italy in 1971. This visit was enjoyed by the participants from a total membership of 2628 - an all-time high.

The Association's title was changed to The Goring Residents' Association,just prior to the first children's Christmas Party in 1974, which attracted many youngsters. Tickets were much in demand.

In 1979 a member contacted the secretary to ask if something could be done about the state of the nation! He was told that the group could not become involved in anything political. Yet the Association's views were often sought, with committee members serving on various working parties.

In recent times the Association has contemplated the preservation of the Goring Gap, the enclosure of the seafront greensward, and much else besides to good effect, as the organisation continues to thrive.