Arklow RNLI names new lifeboat after West Midlands music teacher

The state-of-the-art lifeboat was officially named Roy Holloway in memory of the principal donor whose legacy funded the lifeboat. Roy Holloway was inspired by the bravery of the crews after receiving a card one Christmas with an image of a bright orange boat battling the rough seas. Every Christmas the same card came back out to adorn his beloved honky tonk piano.

Brothers, Richard and Joshua Cartwright, former students of the quietly spoken music teacher had the honour of naming the lifeboat.

Speaking while delivering the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI, Richard said, ‘I feel incredibly honoured to be a part of this moment in a place with such a proud and powerful maritime legacy. Roy was affectionately known as the tall chap, a calm confident presence behind the piano. His extraordinary gift to the RNLI will live on with every launch, every rescue and every safe return.’

Accepting the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI, Peter Sparkes, RNLI Chief Executive added, ‘Ever since 1826 successive generations of lifeboat crew in Arklow have been keeping the waters safe using the best lifesaving equipment that we can provide. During this time Arklow lifeboat crews launched 776 times and saved 441 lives. That is a remarkable number of people that have been reunited with their families. This Shannon class lifeboat ensures that the lifesaving tradition continues in Arklow for many years to come.’

Receiving the lifeboat on behalf of the lifeboat station and the people of Arklow, John Bermingham, Lifeboat Operations Manager said ‘The Roy Holloway lifeboat arrived into Arklow in October and following a period of intensive training, entered service in February this year. Since then, the lifeboat has been involved in10 callouts. Our new Shannon class lifeboat brings a new era of lifesaving to the station.’

The service of dedication was delivered by Fr. Padraig O’ Cochlain, Rev. Michael Anderson, Rev. Jack Kinkead and Pastor Soloman Aroboto. Music was provided by Arklow Revival Gospel Choir, Arklow Shipping Silver Band and Arklow Saint Colmcille’s Pipe Band. The ceremony was opened by Secretary of the Arklow Fundraising Branch, Majella Myler and closed with a vote of thanks by crew member Cillian Kavanagh.

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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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