For the first time for several years the East Cowes-based RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre staged an open day on Sunday.
Highpoint of the 6-hour event was the naming of a D Class lifeboat, named after the late Marjorie Boneham. Marjorie made a substantial donation to the RNLI, for which she was a Coventry branch fundraiser. The naming was performed by her friend, Kate McCutchion.
Throughout the day around 500 people flocked to the centre; they were welcomed by 45 centre staff and RNLI volunteers, manning the various stalls and conducting tours of the extensive riverside premises.
The visitors had a chance to see how inshore boats are manufactured and maintained at the centre, which accounts for 60% of the lifeboats constructed by the RNLI.
Among the other attractions were capsizing and man-overboard demonstrations with a lifeboat in the adjoining marina, music by Medina Marching Band, and the attendance of the Cowes station’s Atlantic 85, Sheena Louise.
There were also lively performances by the Sink or Swim ukulele band, involving a number of centre staff, including Operations Manager Glyn Ellis.
In addition, there was a chance for visitors to view the new Visitor and Heritage Centre, recently opened by the Princess Royal.
The boat-naming began with Glyn welcoming guests to the ceremony; the proceedings continued with the official handing over of the craft by Bill McCutchion to RNLI Council member Roger Fairhead. It was destined to become part of the charity’s relief fleet.
A service of dedication was led by the Rev Andrew Poppe, Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Cowes, and Chaplain of Cowes lifeboat station.
