The groundbreaking followed a short ceremony at which co--founder and fundraising director Helen Somerset How welcomed guests and said "... today is the beginning of the realisation of a dream ...".

Janet Blann, Chairman of the Board of Trustees spoke of the teamwork which had brought the Rainbow Centre from the brink of closure, four years ago to today. She thanked staff, volunteers, foundations and trusts, personal donors and businesses who have given many kinds of support which have made today a reality.


Fred Dinenage recalled the time when Helen had "strong-armed" him at a business dinner and persuaded him to visit the Centre! He suggested that if there had ever been a television programme called "How", one of the "Hows" could be on how to perform miracles. He said this could be done by sending a camera crew to the Rainbow Centre, where near-miracles are performed on a daily basis"! Fred then unveiled a commemorative stone which will take its place in the entrance foyer of the new Centre when it is opened.

The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth, The Right Reverend Dr Kenneth Stevenson, said that after visitng the Centre he was moved to mention what he'd seen in his Easter sermon. He concluded by describing what is going on in the Rainbow Centre as "...helping people to use what they don't know they have to make up for what they don't have..".

After the addresses, the Bishop lead the guests outside to the site of the new building. The Bishop called for a moment's silence before he blessed the ground, and all those involved in the building program.

This was followed by the groundbreaking!