Little Haven enjoy tea on the Solent

On Wednesday we took some of our residents on the Alison MacGregor boat for an excursion across Southampton Water.  We went from Hythe to Hamble and enjoyed tea and biscuits whilst at sea. We saw a cruise ship leaving Southampton, several power boats, the Harbourmaster hard at work and lots of children participating in sailing lessons. Solent Dolphin, a charitable organisation who run the Alison MacGregor, was conceived in 1987 by the New Forest Rotary Club for the purpose of taking people with disabilities on day trips out to sea.

12th December 1988 saw the infamous Clapham Rail Disaster, in which many tragically lost their lives.  One young girl, Alison MacGregor – the daughter of Jimmy and Muriel MacGregor – sadly lost her life.  After attending a memorial service in Winchester Cathedral, the MacGregors happened to hear an appeal on the local radio for funds to build a boat for taking disabled people out to sea.

Being keen sailors themselves, they responded with a very generous donation making this first boat a reality.   She was called the  M/V ALISON MacGREGOR, and was launched in 1989 by Simon Weston OBE, who agreed to become the Patron of Solent Dolphin.

Residents wrapped up warm and enjoyed the outing immensely. Thanks to everyone involved with organising the trip and to Solent Dolphin for looking after us so well.