Freshwater Independent Lifeboat is appealing for public support to help fund major renovations to its lifeboat station.
Freshwater Independent Lifeboat is calling on the local community to ‘Buy a Brick’ as part of an ambitious fundraising drive to complete essential upgrades to its lifeboat station.
Founded by the community in 1972, the charity relies entirely on public fundraising to operate. The station building was last renovated in 2008 and, nearly 2 decades on, a significant investment is now being made to create a safer, more functional and future-ready base for its volunteer crew.
More than 450 bricks, priced at £50 each, have already been purchased, alongside £595,000 committed by the charity itself towards the project. However, a total of £160,000 is required to complete the full scheme.
The planned improvements include:
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Safer, more functional machinery storage
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A dedicated upstairs space for training, community events and local groups
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A larger, more efficient shop to help fund the station’s annual operating costs
Transformation work is already underway, with local firm Stoneham Construction having completed the footings and concrete pour.
Josh Macgregor, Freshwater Independent Lifeboat Station Upgrade Lead, has said:
“We’re really grateful for all the support we have had so far. This station exists because of our community support and every brick purchased will directly support the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat building project and help shape the future of our lifesaving station.
“Whether your brick(s) honours a loved one, celebrates your family, or simply shows your support, it will become a part of our new building, visible and remembered for generations to come.
“It’s easy to get involved so please buy a brick, back your lifeboat and be part of this lifesaving legacy and of course you are not limited to buying just one brick should you feel able to contribute on a larger scale.”
All names will feature on a permanent printed brick display wall inside the new station.
The exterior of the new station and shop is currently scheduled to be complete and weathertight by July, with the internal fit-out to follow as soon as funding allows.
Those wishing to support the campaign can visit the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/filbbuyabrick, email [email protected] for more details, or find further information at www.freshwaterlifeboat.org.uk.
