Northumberland watersports company donates hundreds to help community

KA Adventure Sports, run by Kevin Anderson from the Beadnell Bay car park, has made the donation to Beadnell Parish Council.

Kevin said: “I think it’s a really good thing for us to do. We have been operating down there for about 11 years and we have been looking for some way of paying for what we do.

“I love Beadnell and it makes me feel much better to have made a contribution like this.”

The company started off as a kitesurfing school but has expanded over the years and now offers stand up paddle boarding at Beadnell and on the River Tyne, coasteering at Howick and surf lessons at Bamburgh.

“I am really proud of our staff,” he added. “I think we have some of the best watersports people in the North East.”

Last year the firm, along with the neighbouring Bait Shack, raised around £800 for the RNLI and Surfers Against Sewage from charity events.

Parish council chairman Alison Nation thanked him for the donation.

Parish councillors are yet to decide what to do with the money but one suggestion is that it could be used to install a drinking water fountain at the beach car park.

Costs vary from around £450 to £2,500.

Members were told the water supply from the public toilet block could be used. The county council would carry the cost of testing the water but the parish council would have to apply for a new supply. It would be a parish council asset.

Coun Nation said: “I think it would be a very nice thing to do. It’s not just about having drinking water, it’s about reducing the use of plastics.”

Coun Adrian Baker suggested asking Bamburgh Parish Council for information about its recently installed drinking fountain.

Coun Jen Hall said: “I am all for it as long as it’s not funded through the precept.”

Coun John Rhind added: “We don’t want a Rolls Royce here. We just need something that dispenses water.”

It was agreed to do more research before making a decision.