Newbiggin RNLI Mayday Mile and VE Day event

The event today began with a forensic clean up of our beach to address debris brought in by the tide. Around 30 volunteers and members of the public took part along with assistance from Northumberland County Council who provided cleaning equipment, bags and disposal arrangements. At the end of the clean the beach was left spotless ready to receive the influx of beach users for a day at the seaside.

In the boathouse the fundraising team provided a VE themed celebration with traditional cakes and tea along with a repertoire of music from the 1940's era. The boathouse and equipment was decked out with flags and camouflage netting to enhance the VE celebration experience.

At the end of the event around £600 was raised for local funds with preparations in hand for our next event to be announced.

Notes to editors

Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected], Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.

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.