A large group of people wearing black outfits and red lanyards pose together outdoors in a courtyard, with a white event tent on the right and buildings in the background under bright sunlight.

Celebrating 60 years of Marine Court

We celebrated six decades of care and support at our West Sussex centre, with an event attended by fire chiefs, families, volunteers and The High Sheriff of West Sussex.

We recently celebrated 60 years of Marine Court, our centre in Littlehampton, with an anniversary event attended by fire chiefs and The High Sheriff of West Sussex.

Officially opened to service users in 1965, Marine Court has helped tens of thousands of individuals over the years with expert clinical, physical, and psychological care and wellbeing support. The Centre offers residential health care and wellbeing support to firefighters, control staff, and everyone working in – or retired from – the UK’s fire services, as well as their families.

The celebration on Thursday 19 March, included speeches from Sherine Wheeler, Chief Executive of Fire Fighters Charity, and two individuals who have been supported, as well as a demonstration from a group of West Sussex fire cadets, who showcased their teamwork with a series of fire drills in front of the crowd.

Attending the day was The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, alongside family members of the charity’s co-founder, Ronnie Greene, Chief Fire Officers from across the UK, senior leaders in the fire sector, individuals who have received the charity’s support over the years, and dedicated volunteers.

A group of twelve people wearing matching black uniforms and red lanyards stand in a row outdoors on grass, smiling for the camera. A white tent and brick building are in the background.

A group of firefighters in uniform kneel on grass outside a building, smiling and raising their arms in celebration. Some wear helmets, while others have red undershirts. Bright sunlight and a bush are visible.

Sherine Wheeler said:

“Celebrating 60 years of Marine Court is an incredibly proud moment for Fire Fighters Charity. As the first of our three centres, it has always held a special place in our hearts – and the hearts of all those who have been supported there over the years. 

“It is the foundation on which so much of our work has been built, none of which would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. Their commitment ensures that the care and support offered at Marine Court and across the UK continues to change lives. 

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this milestone celebration – including the wonderful group of cadets whose presence made the day even more memorable.”

A large building with a sign in front that reads "Fire Fighters Charity Marine Court." The building has brick and light green walls with multiple windows and a clear blue sky overhead.

Dr Fooks said:

“Supporting mental health and wellbeing across West Sussex has been the central theme of my year as High Sheriff, and it has been a privilege to see first-hand the extraordinary impact of Fire Fighters Charity.

“Following a series of community conferences held across the county, where we highlighted the importance of supporting firefighters’ wellbeing, it was truly inspiring to join the celebration of 60 years of Marine Court. Speaking with service users and hearing their personal experiences brought home just how vital the charity’s support is.”

A man in formal, historical clothing speaks into a microphone while standing at a podium. A screen behind him displays a photo of the same man in similar attire. The setting appears to be indoors with soft lighting.

Marine Court was first opened in 1964, before officially welcoming service users following an opening ceremony in 1965. On 19 April 1990, HRH Princess Alexandra opened the ‘Ronnie Green Wing’ in memory of the charity’s co-founder.

You can read more about Ronnie and Maureen Greene’s incredible history here:

The lasting legacy of Ronnie and Maureen Greene

Have you visited Marine Court? Let us know any memories you have of your stay by emailing [email protected].

You can see more photos from the day below:

A woman and an older man, both smiling and laughing, stand together indoors. The man wears medals around his neck and a checked jacket with a yellow pocket square. Red and white bunting is visible in the background.

A row of firefighters in yellow helmets and dark uniforms stand in formation outdoors, facing a person in safety gear near a building on a sunny day.

A man in a red shirt gestures while speaking to five adults standing in a medical examination room; some wear formal attire and name badges, and anatomy charts are visible on the wall behind them.

Four teenagers in matching uniforms and red lanyards smile and hold a wooden stick together outdoors, with a brick building and a white tent in the background.

A woman in a bright pink coat with a large tan bag talks to a smiling man in a gray suit holding a glass. Behind them is a screen displaying "Fire Fighters Charity" at an indoor event.

A man speaks at a podium in front of banners for the Fire Fighters Charity, which support the UK fire and rescue services community. People are visible in photos on the banners behind him.

A man in a suit and red striped tie holds a microphone and speaks at an indoor event. He has glasses resting on his head and stands near a podium with a large screen and banners visible in the background. A group of young people in dark uniforms with red lanyards stand together indoors. Two of them smile at the camera, one holding a toy fire truck. They each have a white gift bag. Other people are chatting in the background. A group of seven young women in matching dark uniforms with red lanyards and name badges stand together outdoors, smiling at the camera under a bright sky. Three men wearing name badges and red lanyards stand together under a white outdoor tent. Two are in business attire, one wears a casual shirt. They are smiling and posing for the camera at an event. Three men pose outdoors at a daytime event. Two wear black formal uniforms with medals and red lanyards; the man in the center wears a brown shirt, red lanyard, and holds a glass. People and tents are visible in the background. Five people stand outside, smiling at the camera. Three wear black shirts with logos, one wears a light pink shirt, and one a black top with a red lanyard. Some hold empty champagne flutes. It’s sunny, with buildings in the background. Four smiling women wearing black outfits and name badges stand close together outdoors in front of a building, posing for a group photo on a sunny day. A smiling woman in sunglasses and a red coat stands next to a man in a decorated uniform with medals, both holding drinks, at an outdoor event with other people in the background. Two older adults stand close together outdoors, smiling at the camera. Both wear name badges and red lanyards; the woman has sunglasses and dark hair, and the man wears a suit and striped tie. A tent is visible behind them. Four men stand outside in a sunny courtyard, three in formal black uniforms with medals and one in a light plaid suit. Other people are gathered in the background, near brick buildings and green grass. Three men wearing name badges and red lanyards stand together outdoors under a white tent. Two are in suits, one in a blue shirt, and one is wearing sunglasses. They are smiling at the camera. A man in a formal dark uniform with medals stands smiling next to a woman in a black dress with a tattoo on her arm. They are outdoors in front of a building with large glass windows. A heart-shaped cake decorated with colorful stars and circles sits on a silver board with a label reading "MARINE COURT 50 YEARS." Plates and a serving utensil are nearby on a red tablecloth. A group of firefighters in uniform and yellow helmets stand in a straight line outdoors, facing forward, near a building with large windows. Five people in suits are talking and smiling at an indoor event with “60” and flame bunting decorations hanging above them. The atmosphere appears celebratory and professional. A smiling woman in a red charity t-shirt and an elderly man in a suit converse at an indoor event decorated with red and yellow bunting, while other people mingle in the background. An older man wearing a suit and red lanyard smiles while sitting on a couch, engaging with others in conversation. In the background are posters with images of people and a window showing a brick building. Three women smiling at the camera; two are wearing red shirts with lanyards and name badges, while the third wears a dark blouse. There are colorful triangular banners hanging in the background. A man speaks at a podium on a small stage, addressing a group of people standing and listening in a decorated room. Some attendees wear uniforms, and a screen displays an image behind the speaker. A group of people, mostly older adults, stand closely together indoors, wearing formal or business attire with red lanyards and name badges. Flags hang above them as they listen attentively to someone out of frame. An older woman with white hair, wearing a green patterned top, sits holding a red book and a black purse, surrounded by people in black uniforms with red lanyards and name badges. A woman with long dark hair and glasses smiles while holding a microphone. String lights and blurred decorations are visible in the background. An elderly man in a checkered blazer and blue ribbon medal smiles and speaks with others at a social event. He is surrounded by people in a lively indoor setting.

A young person in a navy blue uniform holds a white flag with a fire service logo and the word "Fire" on it, standing outdoors in front of houses and greenery.

A woman holding a paper with the number 2 smiles and talks with a group of people at an indoor event decorated with "60" bunting.

A group of young people in blue uniforms with red lanyards stand outside, smiling with a woman in black glasses and a dark dress, under bright sunlight near a tent.

Three people stand outside a building with a sign reading "Fire Fighters Charity." One wears a formal uniform, one is dressed in traditional regalia, and one wears a patterned dress and lanyard.

A woman smiles at a young girl in a fire service uniform who holds a microphone. They stand near a podium, with a screen showing yellow firefighter helmets in the background.

Two smiling women with glasses stand close together outdoors, both wearing patterned shirts and red lanyards with name badges, in front of a white event tent.