Veterans, military VIPs and volunteers gathered in Ryde on Friday (17th February) to mark the official opening of The Veteran Hotel – including 3 Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital in London.
The new 13-room hotel and bar – formerly ‘The Marine’ – is situated on the town’s esplanade and has been operational since December last year.
Directors and veterans, Dale Hillier and John Dugdate, have leased the hotel to offer free respite, transition, holiday and emergency accommodation to veterans.
The official ribbon cutting was performed by 3 veterans of The Falklands War representing all services including Pete Robinson, Royal Marines; Tom Jones, RAF and Dame Vera Lynn’s son-in-law; and Dale Hillier, Royal Navy.
As the ribbon was cut John Dugdale, Director declared:
“We are here to provide a free service for veterans… who will be fully supported in a calm and caring environment.”
Visitors also took the opportunity to tour the hotel, viewing one of the brand new hotel rooms, the kitchen and one of the bathrooms, whilst entertainment was provided by the Not Forgotten’s Annie Riley and Lloyd Ellery
Each area in the hotel is themed, remembering conflicts and services such as: The Falklands War; a Royal Navy enclave; another for the Merchant Navy; and areas representing The Royal Air Force and The Army.
The very successful and popular Veterans Hub on Ryde High Street remains operational, with the hotel and bar an addition to the group’s offering to veterans both on the Island and coming over from the mainland for respite.
John Dugdale, Director says:
“It’s taken a year of sweat, toil, grief and headaches to get here, and without some amazing people we wouldn’t be here…
‘The idea is to give veterans who find themselves in need of some respite, help, care, advice – this is a place to come.”
If you would like to donate toward the project head over to https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-veteran-hotel.
