A very successful Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat Week drew to a close on 4 August
The week started on Sunday 29 July with the annual rib raid, in which approximately thirty rigid
inflatable boats ( ribs ), arrived in Portpatrick from Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. This was
followed by an open air church service on the harbour side and entertainment from the Loch Ryan
pipe band.
There were many events to suit all age groups throughout the week, including a catch the crab
competition, children's treasure hunt, sand castle competition, children's fancy dress contest and
disco for the younger age groups.
Adults were catered for with events including men's and lady's golf competitions, zumba dancing, coffee morning, quiz night and the hugely popular raft race. Events to suit families included a race night, family bingo, scruffs pet show, family fun run and a 'Portpatrick's got talent ' singing contest.
On the final day, Saturday 4 August , there were demonstrations by various groups including a cliff
rescue exercise by local members of H.M. Coastguard, a combined exercise between the
Stranraer RNLI Inshore lifeboat, H.M. Coastguard and a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from
HMS Gannet at Prestwick.
The Portpatrick RNLI Tamar class lifeboat was due to take part in the exercise, but was called out to rescue a yacht in difficulty near to the Corsewall lighthouse approximately ten minutes before the start of the event.
Another popular event was a demonstration by 'Aila Says', a group from the Girvan area who train
and use Newfoundland dogs to rescue people in difficulty in the water. These gentle giants were
very popular with children and adults alike.
The RNLI is an organisation which is funded entirely by charitable donations and fund raising
events, and is crewed almost entirely by volunteers. Portpatrick RNLI lifeboat week is a success
year after year due to the hard work put in by members of the crew and their families, as well as
members of the local community who work together to ensure its success.
Many local businesses also support the week by sponsoring various events. Visitors to the Portpatrick RNLI lifeboat week, many who return every year, ensure that all events throughout the week are well supported, and are always very generous with their donations, making Portpatrick lifeboat week one of the most
successful RNLI fund raising events in Britain.
Photo Caption: A Newfoundland dog goes for a ride with RNLI volunteers.
RNLI Media Contacts: For more information please contact Phil Bestjan, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01776 810650, 07793 025793 or email phil.bestjan@btinternet.com
or contact Richard Smith, Media Relations Manager for Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or email
richard_smith2@rnli.org.uk