On Monday 6th April (Easter Monday) we celebrated the official opening of our new Swanwick Marina boatyard, with an event for berth holders, local residents and tenants involved with the £5.8 million development.
The afternoon celebrations also featured a raffle in aid of Fareham charity, The Rainbow Centre with prizes generously donated by local businesses and tenants based in the boatyard. A hog roast was laid on for everyone and tickets were sold in advance to raise money for the local charity, which provides support to children with cerebral palsy and adults with MS, Parkinson's disease and those recovering from strokes. The hog roast and raffle tickets combined succeeded in raising £1,637 in donations.
To mark the occasion, an official opening ceremony took place in which CEO Pete Bradshaw and Fareham Borough Council leader, Sean Woodward unveiled a specially-made plaque on the boatyard buildings as crowds looked on.
Pete Bradshaw said on the day: "I would like to thank you for being with us today to celebrate the opening of our new boatyard and dry stack. I'd particularly like to thank our berth holders and tenants - new and existing - for coming along and for their patience whilst we carried out the development work. I'd also like to thank those of you who were instrumental in helping us to construct the new yard - we are proud of what has been achieved by the team here."
The fine weather and family attractions, including a two part dance display by aerial silk dancers, performances by Warsash and Southampton Sea Cadets and live music from Fat Cats Soul band all added to the party atmosphere.
