By Isle of Wight Observer
The Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC), in Fishbourne, has been welcoming guests to its ‘Open Day for People with Disabilities’ since 1981, the first International Year of Disabled Persons. This year’s event took place on Saturday, with more than 90 enjoying trips out on their boats, a barbecue lunch, tea and cakes.
There was a variety of vessels to take guests for trips along Wootton Creek, but strong winds meant they were unable to venture out onto The Solent, and could only use motorised boats. Guests enjoyed more than 32 trips on the RIBs Whitewash and Ballistic, motorboats Strong Arm and Ricochet, and RVYC’s launch, Victoria, despite occasional showers.
Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Kate Collins, and parish councillor, Cheryl Fontana, joined in the fun, and it was a first official engagement for new IW East MP, Joe Robertson, who also enjoyed a trip out on the water.
More than 60 RVYC members, young and old, volunteered, including specialised boat crews, and gave their time and boats free of charge, for the guests to have a wonderful day.
DW Hospitality cooked and served the food, supplied by Medina Foods, and club members provided cakes for afternoon tea, and gifts for the tombola, which raised over £300. Grace’s Bakery donated a large quantity of doughnuts and Island ice-creams to complete the day’s menu.
There was live music throughout the day provided, free, by local bands, Island Jive and Run With The Pineapple, which kept the guests and volunteers tapping their feet along to the music. The day was sponsored by Fishbourne Parish Council and the Daisie Rich Trust.
