Veterans, military VIPs and volunteers gathered in Ryde last Friday to mark the official opening of The Veteran Hotel - including three 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.
Directors and veterans, Dale Hillier and John Dugdale have leased the hotel to offer free respite, transition, holiday and emergency accommodation to veterans.
The official ribbon cutting was performed by three veterans of The Falklands War representing all services.
They were Pete Robinson (Royal Marines), Tom Jones (RAF) who is Dame Vera Lynn’s son-in-law, and Dale Hillier (Royal Navy).
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As the ribbon was cut, director John Dugdale said: "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 bedrooms, the kitchen and one of the bathrooms.
Entertainment was provided by the Not Forgotten’s Annie Riley and Lloyd Ellery
Each area in the is themed, remembering conflicts and services.
The 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.
Mr Dugdale said: "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."
To donate toward the project, go to https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-veteran-hotel
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