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Military VIPs Attend Opening Ceremony In Ryde In Tribute To Veterans Hub

Photo credit: Harriet Hadfield/Veterans Hub IW

Military VIPs, including a D-day veteran and the granddaughter of Dame Vera Lynn, gathered in Ryde on Friday (May 20).

They were among those who attended the opening ceremony of a new floor dedicated to former service personnel at the Island’s first Veterans Hub.
 
The Veterans’ Lounge in Ryde officially opened its doors in December last year - the first of its kind on the Isle of Wight - and has now expanded its space with a first floor refurbished with veteran well-being in mind. 
 
In attendance for the opening were: Tesni Jones, Dame Vera Lynn’s granddaughter; Roy Hayward, D-day veteran and Michael Lilley, the Mayor of Ryde. 

Founder Dale Hillier and manager Mick O’Leary both made speeches, thanking their many supporters.

Upstairs at the hub there’s now a room for counselling or speaking with a veteran in confidence, plus a room with massage chairs to boost morale and offer a relaxation area.  
 
Dale Hillier, founder and patron said:
 
"We are very proud to be welcoming so many ex service men and women today, and are very honoured to have the Ryde Mayor and a few dignitaries attending.
 
"This project has become a real passion for Mick and I, and we are delighted to share our new space with everyone today."

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