Torbay Lifeboats annual Service of Dedication took place last Sunday 24th August
The service occured between 6:30 and 7:30pm at the Old Fish Quay on the edge of Brixham's inner harbour, and was attended by both the Torbay Severn Class and D-Class lifeboats with crew.
'It is a relatively small ceremony that has become a traditional opportunity for the local community to give thanks for the lifeboats, the crew and all who voluntarily support this valued and cherished charity - an institution that has been a part of our coastal community keeping a watchful active eye over our fishing, leisure and tourists’ pursuits since 1866.' Says Peter Thorp, Chairman of Torbay Lifeboat Fundraisers and organizer of this year’s service.
The service itself was led by Mrs Helen Lovell-Smith, Devon Area Officer of Fishermen’s Friends and a good friend of Torbay RNLI for many years now. Readings were made by Cllr Barbara Lewis, Civic Mayor of Torbay District Council, and Cllr Clive Nicholls, Mayor of Brixham Town Council.
This year’s music was very ably delivered all round, with hymns belted out by our invited and impromptu congregation at the Old Fish Quay, supported the Brixham Town Band, by Roger Smith, a key member of Torbay Lifeboat Fundraisers (TLF), and by the great sea shantiers ‘All Hands on Deck’. Roger also delivered a stirring rendition of the old Scottish folk song ‘Mingulay’, and ‘All Hands on Deck’ performed a beautiful medley of traditional shanties, including ‘Shine on Me’, ‘Keep Hauling’, and ‘Don’t take the heroes’.
A special thanks to Torbay Lifeboat station’s neighbours, the Sea Rangers, who lent their support and once again provided organizational help, including the very important matter of sorting a collection by charming everybody in attendance to drop a few of our ever-elusive coins into the RNLI’s buckets.
Torbay RNLI's Severn Class All weather Lifeboat arrived halfway through the service having been called out earlier in the day to a speed boat requiring assistance on its return leg in the Cowes-Torquay race. It all added a touch of drama to the occasion, and reminded everybody there what this ceremony is actually all about.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.