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Craster RNLI Harbour fete hailed a storming success despite extreme weather.

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI volunteers, the local community and visitors to Craster harbour fete braved the elements to raise £5213.38 over the weekend, despite torrential rain, hail stones, thunder and lightning.

Seahouses and Amble all weather lifeboats joined Craster D class lifeboat entering Craster harbour

RNLI/Andrew Cowan

Craster lifeboat and flank station lifeboats
Saturday morning started with beautiful sunshine, but as the morning progressed the weather started to deteriorate as the opening of the fete approached. Spirits were high but the weather was changing.

The charity's All Weather Lifeboats (ALB) from flank stations, RNLI Seahouses and RNLI Amble arrived to the sound of thunder, as the fete was opened.

Kev Brown, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Craster RNLI said a few words in remembrance of the late RNLI Craster lifeboat station chairman, Michael Docherty. Who sadly passed away last year and for many years had previously opened the fete.


Former RNLI lifeboat Helmsman Mathew Bolam from Craster RNLI Lifeboat station was honoured with a certificate of velum for his volunteering service to the RNLI.

The RNLI souvenir shop was a great success, raising a further £720.75 on top of the already fantastic amount raised!!

Craster RNLI would like to thank Seahouses lifeboat station for the continued support with the pop up souvenir shop.

As the rain and thunder continued, the volunteers, stall holders and public embraced the severe weather.

The raffle was a great success with 48 prizes donated. The tombola, cakes, refreshments, sandwiches and stalls were welcomed by all.
This year a new addition to the fete was an inflatable water wheel hosted by Adventure Northumberland. along side the ever popular rides in a local speedboat.

At 3pm, the 'Fun Dog Show' took place, with 22 dogs entering.

The fete drew to a close with the raffle being drawn. later in the evening the RNLI volunteers and families enjoyed a barbecue in the rain.

On Sunday 16 July, the RNLI station held a cake and coffee stall. Raising over £500 (included in the total).

Without the support of the local community, local businesses, Craster RNLI station, volunteers, the fete committee and the generosity of the public and local businesses the amount raised for the charity would not have been possible

It was an excellent weekend despite the weather. A fantastic effort from everyone and a big thank you to all


Craster Lifeboat Station

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Andy Cowan: [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.

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.


Mathew Bolam being presented by lifeboat operations manager Kev Brown

RNLI/Andrew Cowan

Mathew Bolam receiving him certificate of Velum
Dark rain clouds over the harbour before the start of the fete

RNLI/Andrew Cowan

Storm clouds over Craster
a few of the entries getting ready for judging at the dog show

RNLI/Andrew Cowan

Fun at the dog show
Both Shannon class lifeboats moored against the North pier at Craster Harbour

RNLI/James Stoker

Seahouse and Amble< Shannon Class all weather lifeboats
people arriving, a long shot taken along the harbour front, before the rain

RNLI/Andrew Cowan

The start of the fete before the rain

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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