Wetwheels South East Continues to Grow

On Tuesday 11th April, Wetwheels South East welcomed guests including Mayor of Dover Councillor Gordon Cowan to the official opening ceremony of their new Operational Centre in Dover. Geoff Holt MBE DL, joined the celebration by Video call to say a few words before we invited Curtis Powell who is a regular participant and Andy Fell, Wetwheels Foundation Chairman to cut the ribbon.

The Operational Centre is a great addition to the Wetwheels South East’s facilities, since 2018 they have been welcoming participants on board their boat to experience powerboating whilst leaving disabilities at the dockside by offering a unique opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages - including those with multiple, profound and complex impairments - to access the water.

Kellie Milano from Club AUsome said “It’s a great safe space and a fantastic addition to the services that the team at Wetwheels already offer to those with disabilities.” Kellie joined the celebrations dressed as a Shark as part of her ‘30 days of Fancy dress’ April Fundraiser. Which added to the celebration feel.

The new operational centre means the opportunities Wetwheels South East can now offer have increased. Creating a space for the community to come and immersing themselves into the whole boating experience.

Welcoming groups of all demographics, the new space creates a safe space for those visiting who have additional needs. On some occasions, participants may be out of their comfort zone and at the last minute refuse to join the rest of their party on the boat, this space now gives them and a carer a place to stay.

It also means when groups join us for a day with multiple experiences, the organisers have a base for meeting and greeting their participants and a place for picnics.

The Operational Centre can also be used for companies running corporate events, ensuring every member of their team can join in. With the option to come into the centre plan their route to Ramsgate followed by commandeering (under supervision) our £250,000 catamaran and enacting their plan. Ending up in Ramsgate for lunch on shore before returning to Dover.