Yarmouth RNLI celebrates the RNLI’s 200th anniversary with a gala ball

After many months of planning, the night finally arrived of the RNLI’s 200^th and Yarmouth RNLI’s 100^th anniversary celebration, and what an incredible night it was!

The evening was organised by Yarmouth RNLI fundraising volunteers, crew representatives, their families and event staff at The Royal Solent Yacht Club, who were led by RNLI Fundraising Chair, Debbie Cotton and was sponsored by several local businesses and supporters.

The event kick started with guests arriving at the yacht club with local all-male singing group, the Slipshods performing sea shanties, including one written specially for the 200^th in front of an Atlantic 85 B-Class RNLI lifeboat whilst the guests were offered welcome drinks in the glorious evening sunshine that were made with generously donated Conker Spirit RNLI Navy Gin. Guests were then invited through structured balloon arches to be seated in the beautifully orange and blue themed decorated dining rooms and enjoyed a delicious set three course meal created by Head Chef Tom from the Royal Solent Yacht Club.

Over 150 guests joined the celebration and included locals of the town, crew, and avid supporters of the RNLI as well as Lord Grade who was also compere for the event, and Susie Sheldon who is the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight and the President of the Isle of Wight RNLI Lifeboat Board.

During the evening, a grand raffle was drawn where prizes included weekend glamping tickets, Helly Hansen clothing, meal vouchers for local restaurants, theatre experiences including best in house seats and limited-edition commission paintings and tankards.

After the raffle, Lord Grade gave a short speech about the history of the early years of the RNLI and then went on to talk about Yarmouth RNLI and all its achievements over the last 100 years.

Headlining the evening, was the legendary band, “The Blue Water Giants” who were sponsored by local businessman and charity fundraiser, John Caulcutt CBE. The band are comprised of members of Procol Harum, Status Quo, The Robbie Williams Band and Tears for Fears and their incredible repertoire had the guests of all ages, up dancing the night away, and even drew the attention of those on the nearby local beach, who were also seen grooving to the music.

Debbie Cotton, Yarmouth RNLI Fundraising Chair said: ‘This gala was the best way of celebrating the RNLI’s 200^th, and centenary of Yarmouth RNLI. It was a fantastic evening with an amazing band, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was indeed a very special night to remember, and all for the RNLI’.

Although we currently don’t have the grand total of money raised on the evening, the event exceeded all expectations with entry and raffle ticket sales on the night. Once a final total has been received, an update will be made.

The Yarmouth RNLI Fundraising Team would like to extend its thanks to the following sponsors for their invaluable support for the evening:

The Albion at Freshwater Bay, Conker Distillery, Flower Garden Florist, Glamping the Wight Way, Harwoods of Yarmouth, Helly Hansen, John Caulcutt, On the Rocks, River Yar Boatyard & Wight Marine, The Royal Solent Yacht Club and all the staff, The Hut, The Party Shop, Wightlink Ferries, Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners and Yates’ Brewery.

Notes to editors

· Photos attached of the evening were taken by Hebe Gregory, RNLI Press Officer.

• Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat 17-25 Eric and Susan Hiscock ‘Wanderer’ came into service in 2001, prior to that Yarmouth RNLI had an Arun Class Lifeboat 52-08 Joy and John Wade which was in service for 23 years.
• As well as 2024 being the year the RNLI celebrates its 200th year, it will also be Yarmouth Station's 100th year in service.

RNLI media contacts

● Hebe Gregory, Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

● Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London) [email protected]

● Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East) [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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.