By Isle of Wight Observer
The possibility of a seaside for everyone moved closer thanks to an event held by Ryde Beach Accessibility Partnership.
Businesses came together to hear the latest developments with the project, and witness first-hand how some of the construction materials will work.
Annette Johansson-Steed, from Ryde Town Council, explained: “We have already tested the first section of the planned board-walk successfully, and we wanted to share and show our partners how this first milestone has exceeded expectations.
“At the same time our crowd-funding page has reached an incredible £6,002; however we are still some way off reaching our target, and I am delighted to say this event also encouraged more donations.”
Guests were hosted in the Solent Views meeting facility at Hovertravel’s Ryde terminal, with light refreshments provided by Grace’s Bakery and Mermaid Gin. After hearing about the impact this new level of accessibility will bring from the project’s ambassadors, guests took a trip on the hovercraft to the beach to see the board-walk in action.
To kick-start the next push of reaching the target of £25,000, Hovertravel donated a private hovercraft charter with an auction value of £5,000.
Neil Chapman, Hovertravel’s MD, said: “We know access to the beach and the seaside is something many of us take for granted, but the reality is that many of our beaches are difficult or impossible for some people to reach, and our belief is that the seaside should be for everyone.”
For more details visit the project’s crowdfunding page via iw.observer/ryde-beach-accessibility.
