Bangor RNLI host a gala ball to celebrate the charity's 200 anniversary

The event was organised by Samantha Beale from Bangor RNLI's fundraising team with support from James Gillespie and Ross McDonald to celebrate the RNLI's 200 years of saving lives at sea. The event was attended by over 170 people and was supported by local business and friends of the RNLI.

The evening began with a drink’s reception. Former Lifeboat Operations Manager Mervyn Kinney said grace which was followed by a four course meal. Brian Meharg _MBE regaled everyone with knowledgeable history of lifeboats in Belfast Lough, from Carrickfergus, Bangor, Groomsport and Donaghadee.

Bangor RNLI President George Ralston and his wife Lynn cut a birthday cake along with Bangor RNLI fundraising lead Samantha Beale.

Lifeboat Press Officer Tom Bell conducted a auction and ballot for the charity raising over £2,500 on the evening.

The evening concluded with music and dancing.

Byron Griffiths, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘I would like to say a huge thanks. Firstly, to all those who have served Bangor RNLI in the past. Thanks also to our current team. Everyone from the President, treasurer, launch authorities, operations teams, helms, boat and shore crew teams. Your input is valuable and really does save lives. A big thanks to our station volunteer fundraisers for their hard work raising much needed fund for the station and the RNLI as a whole.

'From the bottom of my heart, the biggest thanks are due to our crew members families. Husbands, wives, partners, children. The support given by family members is phenomenal and no amount of thanks will ever be enough.

'A massive thanks also to the standby lifeboat and shore crew covering service for the evening Gareth Whan, Joanne Heasley, Tommy Burns, Denis Thurley, Iain Dobie, Kevin Baird and Ewan Rathbone-Scott.

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Tom Bell, Bangor RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07515327284 or email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [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.