Almost £3,000 was donated by the generous public at the last open day of the year for Freshwater Independent Lifeboat.
The charity had high hopes going into the event on Sunday 25th August, as the last open day had to be cancelled which left a hole in the estimated income.
The weather was generous this time around although some fog encroached on the outskirts of Freshwater Bay in the early afternoon. Thankfully, it didn’t impact the event at all and respectfully kept its distance.
Lots of live music from West Wind and the Brass Monkeys really helped the day alone. The crew entertained the crowds by demonstrating a couple of rescue techniques and raised a laugh with their formation swimming display.
For the first time, crew member Ricky Lock was not at the helm of the lifeboat but instead cooking at the Boathouse BBQ. A ‘pay what you wish’ policy was in place rather than having a set price and this proved a success, leaving volunteers astonished by the generosity of those that dived into a burger or sausage roll.
Rod Adams, Principle Fundraiser, says:
“All the cakes and refreshment goodies sold out, and the shop team were flat out all day, we virtually ran out of ice cream. Thank goodness for the whippy machine although that was heavily overworked.”
The Churches Together outdoor service to bless the lifeboats and crew afterwards was incredibly well attended again this year. It proved an eloquent conclusion to the days’ event and was enjoyed by everyone.
Rod adds:
“A particularly massive thank you to all you wonderful volunteers and crew who helped on the day either setting up, running stalls, dispensing teas, playing music, serving in the shop and baking. I am truly humbled by your unstinting commitment.
“The treasurer Richard Barton-Wood has also asked me to pass on his personal thanks for your amazing efforts on such a brilliant day.”
A record amount of £2,971.46 was raised during the August open day.
