Boxing Day Tug o’War sees win for Hoylake RNLI and raises over £2,200

The friendly competition is a traditional festive fixture in the local community calendar and attracted hundreds of spectators, who came down to cheer on the teams outside Hoylake Lifeboat Station.

The two teams pulled on their boots and were greeted with rapturous applause from the crowd, before going head to head at midday for the coveted Slater Trophy: a small teapot that bears the name of the winning team stretching back to the start of the competition in 1972.

With victory later secured for Hoylake RNLI the two teams gathered in Hoylake Sailing Club, where the prestigious teapot was presented to Hoylake RNLI by Terri Slater. Her husband Arthur co-founded the tournament over 50 years ago with then Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Danny Triggs.

Terri Slater celebrated her 100th birthday this year and was congratulated on her impressive milestone by the teams and attendees.

Spectators at the Tug o’War also made generous donations to support the lifesaving work of the RNLI’s volunteer crews, raising an incredible total of £2,259. The RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024 and the funds will ensure future generations of lifesavers can continue the RNLI’s mission to save every one.

Robin Stratton, Hoylake Sailing Club Vice Commodore and Secretary, said: ‘Congratulations to the Lifeboat team in retaining the Slater Trophy once again. It’s a great Hoylake tradition where our two longstanding local organisations come together for a moment of friendly rivalry. We wish the RNLI well in their big anniversary year ahead and look forward to doing battle again next year.’

Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘It was another great Tug o’War and both teams definitely gave it their all. We’re thrilled to have retained the trophy and look forward to next year’s competition. We hope to do the RNLI proud again as we mark our bicentenary.’

‘Thanks to Terri Slater and her family for their enduring support of this community tradition and to the crowds who came down to cheer on the teams. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who donated to support our crew’s lifesaving work.’

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews.

To make a donation online to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal and help the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

Media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or email [email protected]

RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

Notes to editors

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and was founded in 1824. In 2024, the RNLI marks its 200th anniversary. Find out more about the bicentenary celebrations at RNLI.org/200

Hoylake Lifeboat Station was founded in 1803 and pre-dates the RNLI as one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the UK. It operates the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood and Inshore Rescue Hovercraft Hurley Spirit.

Hoylake Sailing Club was founded in 1887.

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.