The skies were blue, the sun was shining and there was a great turnout this afternoon for the official hoisting of the new Blue Flag for Ventnor.
Around 45 members of the public gathered beside the pumping station, as we awaited the arrival of Leader of the Council, David Pugh.
He gave a short speech, praising the efforts of everyone involved, particularly the Mayoress, Susan Scoccia, before presenting her with the Blue Flag.
The Mayoress went on to thank everyone involved in helping meet the criteria for the Blue Flag status.
It was a long list and we lost count of how many, although some people say there were 14 in all, from Blake family who look after the beach so well, to Mark Compton-Hall to the Council Parks and Beach department, and from the beach safety group to the library, before finishing with “that’s just about everyone that I’d like to thank.”
With a little help from her friends, the flag was then attached and hoisted to a round of applause.
We have a short podcast with David Pugh to follow and possibly some video coming out later today for those who missed this landmark event for Ventnor.
Photo: From the left: Head of Parks and Beaches, Matthew Chatfield, Ventnor Mayoress Susan Scoccia and Leader of the Council, David Pugh
