Celebrations as Fareham Shopping Centre marks 40th anniversary

To commemorate the milestone, artefacts and photos from the 1970s are on display for all to see in a special exhibition.

The free displays include vintage cars, fashion and ’70s nostalgic photo displays.

The mayor, Councillor Mike Ford, and mayoress Anne Ford launched the celebrations in a traditional way with the cutting of a cake with 1976 mayor Alan Chamberlain.

Centre staff also dressed appropriately in ’70s gear to mark the anniversary.

Two of the centre’s longest- serving members are also celebrating 40 years and they were recognised for their dedication.

They are Leslie Jarman, who started work with Clarks at the age of 16 in 1976, and Mary O’Keefe, who started her career in the travel industry with Grace Travel (renamed Hogg Robinsons, Going Places and now Thomas Cook).

Centre manager Mike Taylor said it was a successful day.

‘The launch was such a great day.

‘I would like to thank Alan Gladwell and all at the South Hants Vehicle Preservation Society who are providing some wonderful cars for our customers to see, and Annabel Cook from Hampshire Cultural Trust for helping with our displays providing fashion from the ’70s.

‘Occasions store in the centre also did a fantastic job in providing the balloon decorations.

‘The event acknowledged some of our longest-serving members of staff, who all work hard to meet the demands of an ever-changing retail environment, which is amazingly evident when looking back 40 years.

‘I hope our customers enjoy the displays, which we believe are a great way to help mark this occasion.’

The display is in the mall opposite Debenhams until Sunday, May 8. For more information about the display, please visit farehamshopping.com.