Holyhead RNLI deliver Commonwealth Baton to Wales

The dramatic sight of three of the charity’s lifeboats, in formation, heading into the town’s harbour attracted people from all over the Anglesey and further afield, to welcome the baton onto the mainland, after travelling around the world.

Holyhead RNLI helm Marc Falloon was the proud baton bearer, and brought the baton in by lifeboat, before alighting and proudly holding the baton aloft, to cheering crowds and a traditional trumpet fanfare.

Marc, who has been a lifeboat volunteer for the past nine years, and who qualified as a helm last year, was chosen from a shortlist of crew, and said he was thrilled to be given the prestigious job of bringing the baton safely onto Welsh soil.

‘It’s a huge honour for me to be a Commonwealth baton bearer in the Queen’s Jubilee year. I’m proud to represent the RNLI, and the town of Holyhead, and this is something I’ll treasure for a very long time.’

Marc travelled in on the charity’s D-class inshore lifeboat, Mary and Archie Hooper, which was accompanied by the all-weather Severn-class lifeboat Christopher Pearce, and flank station Trearddur Bay’s B-class Atlantic lifeboat. The baton had been expertly handed over to Marc by the previous bearer, Chris Jenkins, Head of Commonwealth Games, Wales, who was aboard the Severn-class.

Dignitaries from across Wales attended the event, and the crew were even joined by the ceremonial goat for a photo call!

The Queen’s Baton Relay takes place over several months leading up to the Commonwealth Games, and was created to inspire all generations all over the world to get together and celebrate their communities. The baton has already visited Australia and New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Maldives, Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada. It will spend five days in Wales before heading to England, ending in Birmingham for the Opening Ceremony, where the final baton holder will pass the baton to Her Majesty The Queen.

For any further information on Holyhead RNLI’s involvement, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07531 681409, or email [email protected]

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.

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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.