Another Open Day success for New Brighton RNLI!
New Brighton RNLI’s lifeboat Open Day took place on Sunday 6 July, an opportunity for the volunteer crew to welcome the local community to station, where a fantastic day was had by all.
There was a festive atmosphere at New Brighton RNLI last weekend, as the Merseyside-based station celebrated their annual Open Day.
Volunteer crew from all aspects of New Brighton’s team had been hard at work in the days and weeks running up to the event to ensure that it was a success. On the day there were craft and gift stalls, tombola, and prizes to be won – raffle prizes, guess the weight of the cake, guess the name of the elephant, as well as hot dogs, tea and coffee, and a delicious selection of cakes, all provided by New Brighton volunteers. A family-favourite Open Day activity returned too, with the ‘soak the crew’ sponge throwing attracting plenty of attention across the day.
The Open Day also offers a rare opportunity for the public to get on board the lifeboat, a B-Class Atlantic 85 lifeboat at New Brighton RNLI, to see the boat and equipment that keeps crews safe whilst they are out saving lives at sea.
In attendance were local HM Coastguard Rescue units, showing off their kit alongside their colleagues in the RNLI, as well as Wirral Community First Responders, who were giving out crucial lifesaving advice and teaching CPR. The recently elected Mayor Brian Kenny, along with his wife, Mayoress Helen Kenny, were also in attendance. The pair were in great spirits, taking part in many of the activities, enjoying tea and cake, and even chucking a sponge at a crew member.
The Mayor also gave a speech at the event, in which he marked the celebration of New Brighton volunteer Beryl Watkins, who has been volunteering for 20 years. A special day for Beryl, who was presented with flowers and a long-service medal. Beryl has the utmost respect and thanks of all of her fellow volunteers at New Brighton.
The Open Day was a great success for New Brighton RNLI, who raised over £2500 on the day. This money will fund training, equipment and fuel for New Brighton as they continue in their mission to save lives at sea.
Lee Arnall, LOM at New Brighton RNLI, said:
‘The Open Day is always a wonderful celebration of the New Brighton community alongside their local lifeboat volunteers. The support of the people of New Brighton is integral to what we do, and we couldn’t operate as we do without it. I’d like to say a huge thanks to all our volunteers who made the day possible, and to all who came down and made it such a memorable occasion.’
Notes to Editors:
New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.
RNLI Media Contacts:
For more information, please contact:
Connor Wray
Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
New Brighton RNLI
07756553092
Emily Craven
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
New Brighton RNLI
07986119684
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith
Regional Communications Manager
07977728315
Danielle Rush
Regional Communications Lead
+441745538995
Or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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