Portsmouth's Clarence Pier dedicates Variety Club Sunshine Coach to The Harbour School in Tipner

Walter Shufflebottom was a renowned member of the Portsmouth community and successful businessman who owned Clarence Pier for over 40 years.

Walter, also known as Wally, took over the Pier, which was originally constructed in 1861 and opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales, in the 1970s and continued working there for as long as he physically could.

The Clarence Pier remains a family run business to date and they continue to grow in honour of their loved one.

He was a character well known to many and during his career, he was also owner of the Queen’s Hotel and ran the Southsea miniature railway from 1977 to 1984.

Wally was 87 years old when he died on April 14, 2022 and his family have decided to do something for the community in his honour and have paid for a coach to be donated to The Harbour School, based in Tipner.

The school, which supports children with special needs and extra learning requirements, was presented with a Variety Club Sunshine bus, which has been sponsored by the Wally’s family in his memory so that he can continue to be a pillar of the community.

Wally was a supporter of the Varity Club for over 50 years as it offers life-changing support to disabled children across the country.

Jill Norman, Wally’s daughter, said: ‘It was presented on behalf of my father because he was a supporter of the club for over 40 years and we just wanted to have something in his memory.

‘He was a big personality in Southsea and he was at Clarence Pier for over 40 years.

‘I think it will be nice to see dad’s name driving around town and I know that he would be absolutely delighted that he is able to support a good cause for the community.’

The coach was presented on October 6 at the Variety Golf by Steve Coppell, former Manchester United player, who is currently the charity’s captain for 2022.

The bus also has a special tribute to Wally on behalf of the Clarence Pier so that he will continue to support the charity and be a part of Portsmouth.