We are inviting local people, past visitors, schools, clubs and supporters to help tell the story of its 30 years on Chichester Harbour by sharing memories, photographs and stories from their time at the centre.
Cobnor has spent three decades helping people experience adventure, learning and connection on land and water. From school residentials and sailing club weekends to family activities, community programmes, corporate team days and youth group visits, thousands of people have made memories at Cobnor over the years.
In 2025 alone, Cobnor supported 2,246 state school pupils from 54 schools, alongside 617 disadvantaged young people through funded programmes.
Now, as part of its 30th birthday celebrations, the charity is asking the community to help bring those memories together.
Whether Cobnor was part of your school days, your working life, a sailing weekend, a team day, a family adventure or simply somewhere you spent time outdoors, the team would love to hear from you. Photos, stories, funny moments, first adventures, familiar faces and memories of time spent by the harbour are all welcome.
Shared photos and memories will help create a special anniversary slideshow, shown on the big screen before the film viewing at Cobnor’s celebration event on Saturday 4 July. There will also be a 30 years photo wall at the event, giving visitors the chance to look back, reconnect and spot familiar faces from across the years.
Tom Collins, Centre Manager said:
“Cobnor’s story belongs to the people who have been part of it. For 30 years, this special place on Chichester Harbour has brought people together through adventure, learning and time outdoors. We’d love the local community to help us celebrate the moments, memories and people that have shaped Cobnor.”
Join us for a day of celebration
Join on Saturday 4th July for a very special pirate-themed day of adventure, memories, food, music and community.
Cobnor’s 30th birthday event will be a day for the whole community, bringing together outdoor activities, local food, live music, stalls and shared memories by the harbour.
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to enjoy community stalls, local food, a 30 years photo wall and a programme of taster activities, including keel boat sessions, high ropes and crate stacking.
The afternoon will continue with music and food, before the Tide Turn Tavern opens from 3pm with local ales from Langham Brewery, Pimm’s and themed cocktails. Live performances will include the Selsey Shanty Men and Chilli Chilton, followed by evening music from Jukebox Jones & The Mighty Booth.
As the evening settles in, Cobnor will show a short film celebrating 30 years of impact, followed by an outdoor screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
It will be a chance to celebrate Cobnor’s past, enjoy the harbour setting and look ahead to the future of outdoor learning, adventure and community at the centre.
Share your Cobnor memory
To share a memory or photo, please complete the form here:
Please submit your memories by the 19th June so they can be included in the anniversary slideshow.
Whether it’s a photo from a school trip, a story from a sailing weekend, a memory of overcoming a challenge or a moment that has stayed with you, your contribution will help celebrate the people and experiences that have shaped Cobnor over the last 30 years.
