Opening ceremony of New Brighton RNLI’s garden of reflection
On Sunday 22 June New Brighton RNLI celebrated the opening of their garden of reflection, a new project outside the New Brighton boathouse, created in association with local group New Brighton in Bloom.
A small patch of land outside New Brighton boathouse, previously overgrown and disused, behind the stone and plaque commemorating New Brighton RNLI’s lifesaving record since the station’s inception in 1863, has now been transformed into a tranquil, public space, as a garden of reflection.
The work was carried out by volunteers from New Brighton RNLI, New Brighton in Bloom, and their friends and families. The garden features a memorial bench and plaques commemorating the lives of Haydn Griffiths and Daniel Halliday, who both lost their lives on the River Mersey in recent years, Haydn in July 2022, and Daniel June 2024. Members of each of their respective families were present at the opening of the garden.
Speeches on the day were given by representatives from New Brighton RNLI and New Brighton in Bloom.
The garden is now open to the public for quiet contemplation and reflection.
Mark Harding, helm at New Brighton, said:
‘It has taken a lot of hard work to bring this project together, and I can’t thank the dedication of those involved to make it a success enough. We’ve seen wonderful collaboration between New Brighton RNLI and New Brighton in Bloom, and the support they have offered has been invaluable.
I know that Daniel and Haydn’s families were extremely touched by the bench and memorial plaques, and in this we can see the impact that this new garden space has already made, and hopefully will make for others in years to come.’
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
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.