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Special Guests Gather To Mark Official Opening Of Ryde’s New Hotel For Veterans 

Veterans, military VIPs and volunteers gathered in Ryde on Friday (February 17) to mark the official opening of The Veteran Hotel — including three Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital in London.

Formerly 'The Marine', the 13-room hotel and bar 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 three 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.

The ribbon-cutting saw director John Dugdale declare:

"We are here to provide a free service for veterans, who will be fully supported in a calm and caring environment.

"It’s taken a year of sweat, toil, grief and headaches, and without some amazing people we wouldn’t be here."

Visitors also took the opportunity to tour the hotel, viewing one of the brand new hotel rooms, the kitchen and one of the bathrooms.

Entertainment was provided by the Not Forgotten’s (Annie Riley and Lloyd Ellery.)

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.

Those wishing to donate to the project can click the Crowdfunder page here.

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