VIDEO: A worldwide audience will now get the chance to view activities in the Solent thanks to a new camera located on the highest point in Ryde, the spire of All Saints’ Church.
The camera, which can pan 180 degrees and even zoom in to cover any news and sporting events on the water, will change it’s view point throughout the day and takes in locations such as Ryde Pier, the Solent Forts and Portsmouth’s Emirates Spinnaker Tower.
It is hoped that the remote camera, which has been funded with the help of a grant from Ryde Town Council, will help generate advertising and sponsorship income for All Saints’ Church which is in need of numerous repairs and restoration.
The idea came from Wight Media Services’ Managing Director and former ITV reporter, Dave Russell. He says:
“I had the idea 10 years ago but it’s taken that long for the reduced cost and technology to become available.
“I have always loved the building, which is starting to show its age and needs preserving for future generations.
“As well as the live view on the website I have produced some historical videos showing a walk up the bell tower and the history of Ryde Pier”.
The Vicar of All Saints’, Canon Graham Morris says:
“It’s very hard to come up with new fundraising ideas when it comes to church, but the spire of All Saints’ does have a spectacular view.
“Due to health and safety we can no longer invite people to visit the spire, so this is the next best thing.
“We’re hoping through sponsorship and donations we can start some long overdue projects to restore some of our stained glass windows and get some urgent maintenance done on the church organ”.
One of the project backers is Tesco Ryde who’ve donated a smart TV so church visitors can see the live view.
The magnificent views can be seen live at www.isleofwightwebcams.co.uk.
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