Eileen Monks and new High Sheriff Nick Hayward.Picture by Jennifer Burton.
A NEW sports shop raising money for the Isle of Wight Youth Trust was opened by the Island’s new High Sheriff yesterday (Wednesday).
Just two days after officially being sworn in as the successor to Susie Sheldon, retired hotelier Nick Hayward opened the Sporting Chance shop in Town Lane, Newport, as his first official job in the post.
Mr Hayward, from Pondwell, was nominated four years ago by TV personality and author Alan Titchmarsh, during his time in the post.
Mr Hayward, former owner of the Seaview Hotel and a founder of the Schools for Africa charity, is a board member of the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, which will benefit from sales at the shop.
Sporting Chance sells good quality second-hand sporting equipment and clothes.
Mr Hayward said: "Many children and teenagers find they are unable to take part in sport because the kit is so expensive."
The idea for the shop was conceived and implemented by the trust under the guidance of director Eileen Monks and her husband Barrie.
See tomorrow’s Isle of Wight County Press, April 20, for a Behind the News feature on Mr Hayward.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk