The Front Page. - Copy 104 (Grand Opening Sea Sports Centre)

15 June 2010

The Grand Opening
of
The Sea Sports Centre.

Although it has been up and running for a while, Dover's wonderful Sea Sports Centre was officially opened and officially unveiled last thursday June 10. Official bigwigs from DHB, DDC, and DTC, and indeed even from Calais, were all on hand to wish the new building 'bon voyage'. But topping the bill as it were amongst the officialdom, was none other than Lord Boyce himself, The Lord Warden of the Cingue Ports, who unveiled a plaque to mark the grand occasion.

In the picture on the left, taken just moments after the unveiling, you can see Lord Boyce on the right hand side of shot posing with the ever good humoured Bill Fawcus. Bill as many of you will know is a leading light at Dover Harbour Board and an individual who worked tirelessly to make this fab Seasports Centre happen. It is now of course in full flight operation and the centre for not only much social activity through its Beach Cafe, but also of course and more importantly the centre for the amazing amount of seasports that take place in Dover Harbour.


Picture left was taken during the speeches and shows Phillipe Blet, Leader of Calais District Council, speaking in French and being translated through an interpreter, who was just out of shot, welcoming the new building. There has been much 'entente cordiale' going on recently betwen Dover and Calais, as this is the second feature, the second front page in a row, where we have featured Msr Phillipe Blet. So a very positive thumpsup to all this goodwill.
Also in the shot are the other speechmakers, Jon Horne of Sport England, Lord Boyce himself, and Cllr Bernard Butcher Chairman of DDC. Picture right shows Msr Phillipe again this time with the Mayor of Dover Sue Jones, and the Chairman of Dover District Council Bernard Butcher, all posing in fine style by the unveiled plaque.

Shiver me timbers.. a formidable duo here and no mistake. Yes its the distinctly ungagged Deputy Chairman of Dover District Council Sue Nicholas seen here conflabbing with former Mayor of Dover Lynn Young. The ladies look very smart indeed and are clearly enjoying the grand occasion.

Above left two more busy bee ladies about town Colette Boland of Doverforum fame and Gill Gough. Gill has a finger in lots of pies but is probably best known for her role in the Regatta core group. Always very pleasant is Gill. Across and above we have the designer of the building himself John Haynes. John was the Project Leader on the enterprise and the architects were Simons Design Ltd of Lincoln. John informs us that the Building was nominated for FOUR awards in the recent LABC Building Excellence Awards. Although it wasnt an outright winner in the categories, the building did receive a highly prized "Commended" Award. So...splendid news there. Very impressive. Even to be nominated in such prestigious circumstances is very special indeed. Well done to all.

Finally to round off. The chap surrounded by the ladies in the centre of the shot on the left is Kevin Fordham, the Chief Executive of Vista Leisure, who are now in control of all catering facilities for the building and presumably much else besides. Left is Deputy Chairman of DDC Sue Nicholas again and on the right.. last but not least is Cllr Sue Chandler, Cabinet Member at Dover District Council. Paul Boland.