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Wirral Deputy Mayor visits RNLI New Brighton Open Day as new record set

Lifeboats News Release

Deputy Mayor of Wirral Councillor George Davies and Deputy Mayoress Cath Davies stopped by in support of the day and RNLI volunteers on 30 June 2019. The RNLI lifeboat station’s annual event reached a new record for funds raised, bringing in around £3,500.

After meeting with the RNLI lifeboat station’s volunteer crew, the deputy mayor gave a short speech thanking the volunteers for their commitment to the charity.

Deputy Mayor of Wirral Councillor George Davies said: ‘It’s a fantastic tribute to you that you are all volunteers. The work that you do is absolutely phenomenal and the people of Wirral very much appreciate it. Thank you very much indeed.’

The deputy mayor and deputy mayoress visited the RNLI stalls before boarding the newly refitted inshore lifeboat Charles Dibdin to hear more from volunteer crew about the vessel’s features and capabilities.

The annual family friendly day saw visitors of all ages take part in a variety of competitions, games and raffles. Homemade preserves and cakes, as well as RNLI souvenirs, Christmas cards and calendars proved popular once again.

Hurling soaking sponges at crew members was a highlight for many including Councillor Davies who entered into the spirit of the day by taking a shot at RNLI Crew Member Mark Daly.

RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Thornton said: ‘We are delighted that the deputy mayor and deputy mayoress were able to support the day in person and take the time to speak with our volunteers.

‘It’s also been such a pleasure once again, to welcome members of the public into our lifeboat station. We couldn’t be more grateful to all the visitors and supporters who saw us to another record year of funds raised. This really does help our lifesaving charity continue in its efforts towards saving lives at sea. Thank you.’

All proceeds raised on the day go to the RNLI.

The group are lined up in front along the side of the lifeboat in its carriage. Stormy Stan is in the middle flanked by the rest of the group on either side

RNLI/Cherie Rowlands

The deputy mayor and deputy mayoress with RNLI New Brighton volunteer crew and Stormy Stan
The deputy mayor shown shaking hands with Lucy as heads down the line of volunteer lifeboat crew

RNLI/Cherie Rowlands

Volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Crew Member Lucy Shaw meets Wirral Deputy Mayor George Davies as part of the open day line up
A group of people stand with their backs to camera facing the lifeboat

RNLI/Cherie Rowlands

A busy open day saw record funds raised for the annual event
Stormy Stan stands with a mother and young child

RNLI/Cherie Rowlands

RNLI mascot Stormy Stan making new friends
Wet-faced Helena faces the camera with her head through a cut-out hole of the sponge board

RNLI/Cherie Rowlands

RNLI Crew Member Helena Siggins after a prolonged stint as a target for sodden sponges
A group of around 20 people stand in the boathouse facing the camera

RNLI/Cherie Rowlands

RNLI shop volunteers await open day visitors after much behind-the-scenes preparation

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.

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