Portsmouth charity laps up Festival of Speed invite

See more coverage of the festival online at portsmouth.co.uk
The team from The Roberts Centre at Goodwood Festival of SpeedThe team from The Roberts Centre at Goodwood Festival of Speed
The team from The Roberts Centre at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Landport-based organisation the Roberts Centre has been the guest of honour at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, which kicked off yesterday.

The annual bonanza, which attracts thousands of petrolheads from across the globe, has named the homeless support group as one of its charity partners for 2017’s spectacle.

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The deal is expected to generate thousands of pounds for the cause through cash raised during the course of the four-day event.

And to mark the occasion, a team from the Roberts Centre was given prime spot at the action yesterday.

Carole Damper, chief executive, said that so far her team had been able to spread awareness of the work they do in Portsmouth for hundreds of people.

Speaking to The News from the festival, she said: ‘It’s an amazing experience to be here. It’s such a privilege.

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‘Who would have thought that a little Portsmouth charity would be supported by the 2017 Festival of Speed. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

The chance comes as the charity this year celebrates its 30th anniversary.

And to mark the link with Goodwood, the organisation has produced its own book featuring its mascot, Robert the Bear.

The book, called Robert Asks If Dreams Come True, is on sale at their stall – which also has a rare 1927 Bentley outside of it.

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Carole said that so far they had spoken to hundreds of people and hoped to see many more today and over the weekend.

She added: ‘Even in leafy West Sussex it’s nice to see that people do care about what happens to families in Portsmouth.’

The charity will be at the Festival of Speed from 7am to 7pm, today, Saturday and Sunday. For details on the centre, see robertscentre.org.uk

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