Today, Red Funnel initiated the first step in its pledge to plant 160 trees across the Island in celebration of its 160th birthday, officially launching the tree planting initiative with a ground-breaking ceremony at Mountbatten.
This year, Red Funnel is marking over a century and a half of travel between the Isle of Wight and mainland – serving as the Island’s original and longest standing ferry operator.
Gifting 160 trees
As part of the birthday celebrations, Red Funnel is launching a community initiative that will bring together Island partners and residents, to look back on the ferry company’s past and to plant the seed for the next 160 years.
Having been inspired by the Island’s creative roots and local environment, the ferry company is gifting 160 trees to 11 local businesses, charities, and community groups, to contribute to the important community outdoor spaces for Island residents to enjoy.
Mountbatten up first
The first planting ceremony was held today at Mountbatten, with Nigel Hartley, the Chief Executive of Mountbatten and Cllr Matthew Price, Councillor for Fairlee and Whippingham, supporting with breaking ground and planting the first tree.
Red Funnel is working with local nursery Busy Bee to supply all the trees, fortifying its commitment to supporting Island business owners.
Collins: Creating spaces for relaxation and reflection
Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel said,
“We are extremely proud to partner with the community to gift such an important aspect of what makes the Island so unique: it’s scenic spaces and biodiversity.
“We wanted to thank local businesses and residents like the team at Mountbatten for the amazing work they undertake on a daily basis by gifting trees to help with creating spaces for them to relax and reflect.”
Hartley: A long-standing supporter of our work
Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive of Mountbatten, said,
“We are really grateful to Red Funnel for the gift of these trees, enhancing the look and feel of our hospice site is really important to us and the planting of these trees will complement our wonderful garden and outdoor spaces, which are so well looked after by our volunteers.
“Red Funnel has been a long-standing supporter of our work and this latest gesture is really kind and appreciated by us all at Mountbatten.”
Price: Great to attend tree planting ceremony
Cllr Matthew Price, councillor for Fairlee and Whippingham, said,
“It has been great to attend today’s tree planting ceremony and it is wonderful to hear how Red Funnel is supporting the local community through its series of initiatives, whilst also celebrating its 160 year history of supporting the Island community.”
Other partners
The full list of partners includes Mountbatten Hospice, Cowes Town Council, Northwood Recreation Grounds, East Cowes Council, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Isle of Wight Learning Centre, Kingswood Learning Centre, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Isle of Wight College, and Monkey Haven.
To find out more about what Red Funnel’s rich history, visit the Website.
News shared by Eloise on behalf of Red Funnel. Ed
