Crowds expected for Porthleven RNLI lifeboat day

One of the biggest RNLI events in Cornwall will be happening on Sunday 26 August when the flags fly for the annual Porthleven lifeboat day.

Despite the fact the harbour no longer houses a lifeboat the organisers still manage to raise huge amounts of money for the charity that saves lives at sea, last year bringing in a whopping £9,888.

The annual bonanza is based around the harbour at Porthleven and runs from 11am in the morning to 5pm teatime with lots of stalls, music, water-based attractions, children’s activities and the annual parade of local working boats. A highlight will as always be the arrival of the volunteer crews of the two Penlee RNLI lifeboats that will come into the harbour before carrying out a search and rescue exercise with a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose (weather and operational activity permitting).

Jean Howard, one of the organisers of the annual Porthleven RNLI lifeboat day, says there’s something for everyone at the event;

‘We try to cater for everyone with our lifeboat day so if you need Christmas cards we’ve got them, if you’re hungry we’ll feed you and if you fancy some activity we’ll provide it with a bouncy castle, line dancing and gig rowing to name just a few highlights.  We might not have a lifeboat in Porthleven anymore, but we all understand the importance of having the RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards around our shores and we are keen to help raise the funds needed to ensure they continue their lifesaving work.’

Porthleven lifeboat day started back in 1976 and since then has raised more than £138,451 for the RNLI; a remarkable amount says Guy Botterill, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager for Cornwall:

‘Lifeboat days are always popular but this one is always a massive hit with visitors and locals alike and represents a huge amount of work by the volunteer committee who run it each year. I urge people to go along if they possible can as they will be guaranteed a great day out and they’ll be providing suitable reward to all those who give up time to make the event happen in support of our charity.’

A programme of events will be available on the day for a small donation and car parking will be at the Porthleven Football Club that will be clearly signposted.

RNLI notes to editors

• Attached are two library pictures from previous Porthleven lifeboat days – one is of the two Penlee RNLI lifeboats in the harbour and one is of the famous little lifeboat Dash II that takes people on a mini slipway launch experience into the harbour – great fun for all ages! Please credit RNLI.
 
RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Public Relations Manager for the south west, on 07786 668847 or email Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk