An RNLI open day at a lifeboat station is the perfect way of connecting with the local community and explaining the work that it does. Rye Harbour opened its doors on Saturday July 20 and the visitors had a great day.
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The lifeboat, an Atlantic 85, Hello Herbie II, was launched at 11am to go and greet RNLI Dungeness’ all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and crew and escort them down the river Rother. However, as the Rye Harbour boat was passing Camber Sands it was flagged down by a small pleasure cruiser with engine trouble and after the crew contacted HM Coastguard the journey turned into a real shout. The cruiser was taken in tow and escorted to a safe mooring further up the Rother.
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The Hastings ALB and crew arrived shortly afterwards and were joined by Pett Level Independent Rescue Lifeboat, much to the delight of the awaiting crowds who flanked the walkway. One little boy called Paddy said: “Do you know, this is my best day ever? Four lifeboats!”
RNLI Rye Harbour was pleased to welcome Rother Responders, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police.
The big draw of the day was the raffle which was, as always, full of amazing prizes donated by the local businesses and individuals. The top prize was a flight over Sussex and Kent donated by Lydd Air.
The home-made cakes are legendary and they flew off the table alongside cheese scones, rolls and cheese straws and raised lots of money.
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Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye, accompanied by Rother district councillor Simon McGurk, found time in her busy Saturday morning schedule to come and show her support for the open day. She has put forward a motion in Parliament celebrating the 200th anniversary of the RNLI because the charity is one that she feels strongly about and wants to promote the dedicated work that all the volunteers do.
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Mark Stephenson, launch authority and fundraiser at the station commented: “We were thrilled to welcome so many people to the boathouse especially the youngsters, who are after all potential future crew. We cannot thank those who donated the prizes enough: their generosity was amazing and helped us raise so much money. We are still counting but up to now we have raised a wonderful over £1,700. The children loved going on the boats and meeting the crew.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Martin Geldart .