Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI’s dedication and naming ceremony

The charity’s lifeboat was named after Glenis Joan Felstead, who was a passionate supporter of the RNLI.

One of Glenis’s final wishes was that her husband Trevor Felstead ensure the RNLI received a contribution in recognition of its lifesaving work. This generosity has funded the new lifeboat.

Glenis’s love of the RNLI developed when she saw media reports about the types of rescues that the charity’s volunteers were called to assist with. This led to her being a collector for the RNLI and attending events such as markets, fairs, exhibitions and other activities.

She also had a love of going on cruises. This strengthened her determination to support the RNLI when she saw people being rescued from the sea whilst on a cruise.

The naming and dedication ceremony took place from 12pm in glorious sunshine at Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI. The proceedings were opened by Kevin Knox, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager.

Fiona Fell, Deputy Chair of the RNLI, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the charity and handed it into the care of Berwick-upon-Tweed Lifeboat Station. Kevin then accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the station.

Reverend Canon Dr Sarah Hills, Vicar of Holy Island and Area Dean of Norham, led the Service of Dedication.

The lifeboat was then officially named D-900 Glenis Joan Felstead, by Trevor Felstead.

Glenis grew up in a village called Edwinstowe in North Nottinghamshire, next to Sherwood Forest and famous for the outlaw Robin Hood. Legend has it that Robin Hood and Maid Marian married at St. Mary’s church in Edwinstowe. This is where Glenis and Trevor got married.

Berwick-upon-Tweed was close to Glenis’s heart and as Trevor explained: ‘We spent lots of years touring in our caravan, both home in the UK and abroad, but Glenis’s favourite area was the North. We would leave home and make our first stop at Berwick-Upon Tweed, 250 miles away. Glenis loved it for the scenery and was fascinated by the bridges.’

Reflecting on the naming ceremony, Trevor said: ‘Today was a special and poignant day. I know that Glenis would have been very moved by the ceremony, as was I. It would have meant so much to her to know that her final wishes had been honoured. When the volunteer crew go out on the new lifeboat they will have the loving spirit of Glenis with them.’

After the ceremony D-900 Glenis Joan Felstead was launched and demonstrated her capabilities at sea.

Kevin Knox, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Berwick-upon-Tweed, said: ‘Today was a very special day for Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI and we can’t express enough gratitude for our new lifeboat.

‘We were delighted to welcome Trevor Felstead and his friends and family to our station. We hope they will visit again very soon, and they will always be assured of a warm welcome.’

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East: [email protected]

RNLI Picture captions

The photos show Trevor Felstead officially naming the new lifeboat, Trevor with the volunteer crew and new lifeboat and the lifeboat demonstrating its capabilities at sea. Please credit: RNLI/Clare Hopps.

For the photo of Glenis Joan Felstead, please credit the Felstead family.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.