Pritchard Adventure Climbing Course, Cobnor

Published 11:13 on 2 Oct 2025

Last week, I was delighted to represent ESC at the official opening of The Pritchard Adventure Climbing Course at Cobnor Activities Centre Trust. The event was marked by a special ceremony led by Lady Emma Barnard, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex.

The new facility offers a variety of exciting multi-activity outdoor climbing challenges, including dual-sided climbing walls, giant Jacob's Ladder steps and 8m high ropes to test balance, strength and agility, and designed to inspire and challenge young people through outdoor adventure and teamwork. It can also be used by adults, families, organisations and businesses too for team building, private parties etc.

It was a privilege to attend on behalf of the Club and to see first-hand the valuable opportunities that this climbing course will create for the local community and beyond.

The occasion highlighted the strong links between Chichester Harbour organisations, and sailing clubs in supporting young people's confidence, skills, and enjoyment of the outdoors. Adults, families, organisations and businesses can use the course too for team building and parties etc.

It was great to meet with other ESC members at the opening who volunteer their time to support the Activities Centre as Trustees, chaired by Matt Wright and supported by James Lavery, Ruairidh MacKenzie and Liz Rushall, not forgetting Caroline Fisk who is employed as the Education Development Manager.

On behalf of ESC, I would like to thank Cobnor Activities Centre Trust for their warm welcome and hospitality, and Lady Emma Barnard for officially opening this wonderful new facility. We look forward to seeing the course enjoyed by many young people in the years ahead.

Craig Summers
Vice Commodore