The West Wight Sports And Community Centre - now turned 'coronavirus hub' - has joined forces with local churches and parish/town councils during the pandemic to support Islanders.
Over 400 Islanders in and around Freshwater have been supported by volunteers, who have been picking up essential goods, doing prescription runs and giving emotional support over the telephone.
Clare Griffin, who runs the Centre, told Isle of Wight Radio:
“It has been a bit of a different world...Quite a lot of new friendships have been formed and I think the support network that has been put in place will go on beyond lockdown, so I think that is a real positive that has come out of this.”
Royal Royal Recognition
The team at the West Wight Sports Centre has also received recognition for their efforts from members of the royal family.
Clare told Isle of Wight Radio:
“The post came and there was a very nice letter - with my name on it - with very lovely handwriting and I thought who’s this from? And it was from the Earl and Countess of Wessex (Edward and Sophie).
“Somehow they got wind of what we have been doing here and they wrote a lovely letter thanking us for the work we are doing and saying how much it is appreciated by everyone, it was fantastic to get that letter and it was a real boost for all of us.”
Back in the 1970s, Lord Mountbatten opened the swimming pool and the small pool was opened by his daughter in the 1990s.
“We are holding out for July 18”
Clare says she and the rest of the staff were "gutted" that they did not get the go-ahead from Government to open this Saturday (4), adding that it was a “bit of a blow”.
She said she is still “struggling to understand the rationale behind it” - particularly that swimming pools cannot open as she says “it’s one of the safest places you can be” because chlorine kills the virus.
It's hoped the centre will be able to welcome Islanders on 18 July.
A number of new measures will be introduced including:
- Islanders need to book online
- Hand sanitiser in public spaces
- Doors will be propped open to prevent frequent touching
- Regular cleaning
- Ceaning/disinfecting public areas
- Contactless payments where possible
- Lanes in the swimming pool at certain times
Meanwhile, the annual Solent swim which raises money for the centre is still expected to go ahead in August.
You can find the latest updates from the West Wight Sports Centre via their Facebook Page here.
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