Fundraising branches and guilds of the RNLI on the Isle of Wight made a staggering net contribution to the charity of £292,777 during 2017, it was reported at the annual meeting of the Island’s Lifeboat Board on Saturday.
Hon Treasurer Tim Woodcock said the donation amount was 26.5% more than the previous year and thanked all who helped to generate this fantastic result.
During Saturday’s event at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, the RNLI’s Poole-based Business Support and Services Director, Angela Rook, spoke of the 857 glass plates of early lifeboats given to the charity by Cowes photographers, Beken. Some had now been turned into framed prints, examples of which were on display at the meeting after a period at the Shipwreck Museum in Arreton. Funding for work on the glass plates came from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Christopher Andreae and the Scorpion Trust.
Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Sir Martin White, said the coming year would be his last as the board President, a post he had held since 2006. He said:
“I have been able to see for myself the professionalism and dedication of our crews on the Island, supported by an army of committed and enthusiastic volunteers.”
The AGM heard how the BBC series ‘Saving Lives at Sea’, featuring lifeboat rescues from across the country including on the Isle of Wight, had attracted around 2 million viewers a week. It’s said that the program has engaged new audiences in volunteering and supporting the charity.
Angela Rook also revealed that the RNLI, together with the Marine and Coastguard Agency, were exploring the possibility of using drones for lifesaving. But no decisions had yet been made.
Board Chairman, Robin Ebsworth, said the board continued to act as a link between the 12 Island stations, guilds and branches, plus the Inshore Lifeboat Centre. An innovation this year was the recruitment of volunteers to assist with visitor tours of the ILC in East Cowes.
A booklet produced for the meeting gave comprehensive reports, including those on Yarmouth, Cowes and Bembridge stations, the guilds and branches and the ILC.
Also included was a report from Partnership Manager Peter Baxter about the pioneering Sandown-based Swim Safe scheme, encouraging safe outdoor swimming for children aged 7-14 and jointly run by the RNLI and Swim England. The scheme had 1,600 passes through a 6-week period in July and August, representing an 80% take-up of the available places.
The current officers were re-elected, including the Hon Secretary, Lesley Myland, who received thanks for her work from both Major General Sir Martin and Robin Ebsworth.
