Largs RNLI ceilidh dance their way into 60th Anniversary
Largs RNLI volunteer crew members were joined by previous crew and invited guests to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI and 60 years of the RNLI in Largs.
On Saturday 20th May, swapping dry suits and wellies for dresses and kilts, the volunteers at Largs RNLI attended a dinner dance in celebration of both RNLI’s 200th Anniversary and the 60th Anniversary of RNLI lifesaving in Largs.
Over 100 current lifeboat crew, fundraisers and invited guests including previous crew and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Jane Evans attended the event which took place in the Brisbane House Hotel and was sponsored by Largs Yacht Haven, Cedarwood Wealth Management, Pearsons of Wemyss Bay and Maritime Craft Services.
The event started with a short speech by John Griffiths, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Largs RNLI, followed by the presentation of Lifesaving Operations Director Commendation being awarded to the crew who were involved in the rescue of a paddleboarder being swept offshore at Seamill on 10 June 2023.
As helm on this tasking, Brian Rankin and his crew consisting of Jennifer Flavell, Andrew Malone and Andrew Anderson launched in strong northerly winds, poor visibility and thunderstorms to locate the casualty, retrieve her from the water and immediately commence casualty care.
The commendations were presented to the volunteer crew involved by Area Lifesaving Manager Bob McMaster and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Jane Evans.
The evening continued on with a lovely meal followed by the results of the fundraising raffle.
The highly anticipated raffle included prizes from many local companies including Largs Yacht Haven, Morrisons and Thorne Travel to name just a few. Winners were absolutely delighted with their prizes and the money raised will contribute towards saving lives at sea.
An anniversary booklet was produced by volunteer crew member Steven Kemp which details the history of the RNLI in Largs, from our very first boat to recent events and everything in between. The cost of printing the booklet was covered by a donation from Peel Ports with a copy being issued to those in attendance to act as a souvenir for the future, hopefully something we can look back on in another 60 years to see how far we have continued to travel.
The night then continued with ceilidh dancing with music being provided by the fantastic McHart Ceilidh Band.
Largs RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths said: ‘A fantastic night was had by everyone involved. It was lovely to have so many of our One Crew at the event and to be joined by their family.
‘Having the night begin with the issue of commendations for the crew was a brilliant way to set the tone. All of the volunteers here at Largs RNLI work very hard throughout the year, dedicating time to the common goal of saving lives at sea and deserve to be recognised for the work they do.
‘For the last 60 years here in Largs, the volunteers have reacted in a selfless manner to aid strangers in trouble in the water, aligning to the vision established by Sir William Hillary 200 years ago when the RNLI was formed.
‘I know the passion and dedication of the volunteers here at Largs RNLI will allow RNLI lifesaving to continue here at Largs well into the future’
‘Here is to the next 60 years and beyond’.
This event is one of a series of 12 planned for this bumper anniversary year, which the next being the Welly Walk which is taking place on 27 May at 11am, starting at the Fish Works.
Notes to editors
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RNLI media contacts
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [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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