This in from Andrew Turner’s office, in their own words, Ed
On Monday 27th January 2014, the Island’s MP Andrew Turner, in conjunction with Red Funnel Ferries and Southern Vectis, has organised an all expenses paid trip to London for 50 Island residents. Places will be made available by ballot.
Coach and ferry travel
The trip will include coach travel to London, including the ferry crossing. There will be time to tour the shops, take in the sights or visit a tourist attraction.
There will also be an opportunity for those who wish to take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament.
Hopes for annual event
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, said:
“Both Red Funnel and Southern Vectis were very enthusiastic when I came up with this idea. I am very grateful to them and hope we may be able to make this an annual trip. The fairest way of distributing a limited number of seats will be through a straight-forward ballot.
“If you are not successful in the ballot for the free transport to London I am always happy to organise tours around Parliament, which for Islanders are free-of-charge if they’re organised through my office.”
How to apply
Any Island resident can apply for either one or two places on the coach by sending name(s), address and contact details (e-mail and/or telephone number) to [email protected] or to Mr Turner at the Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR.
The ballot is open until 5pm, Friday 17th January.
Do your own thing or tour Parliament
Winners of the ballot will be picked up by a comfortable Southern Vectis coach at collection points in Newport and Ryde early in the morning of 27th January and taken via Red Funnel Ferry to London.
Once in London you can ‘do your own thing all day’, or choose to take part in the tour of Parliament (duration approx. 70 minutes) with free time until the coach departs for the Island at around 3pm. Full joining instructions and details will be sent to those successful in the ballot.
All round delight
Paul Winter, Red Funnel’s acting CEO commented:
“Red Funnel is delighted to provide complimentary ferry travel in the New Year to enable 50 lucky Island residents to enjoy a free day-out in London”.
Matt Kitchin, General Manager of Southern Vectis said:
“We are delighted to be involved in this innovative opportunity for residents to visit London and tour the Houses of Parliament. I hope the trip is a success and can become a regular event in years to come.”
