Walmer RNLI first fundraiser for 2026
Walmer lifeboat volunteers braved the cold on Sunday 11 January, to undertake their seventh annual Christmas Tree Chipping to raise vital funds for our undertaking to Save Lives at Sea.
From the first event in 2020 when the fundraiser chipped 120 trees, the operation has grown year on year.
After opening a compound on Walmer Green on Boxing Day, the station offered a pick-up service with volunteers collecting over 150 trees from the local area.
In all, six van loads containing the chippings of 775 trees will be transported and turned into biofuel, a renewable source of energy.
As in previous years, posters, flyers and banners for the event were distributed to local businesses to help advertise the event and we thank them sincerely for their support.
As a charity, the RNLI relies heavily on donations, and Walmer lifeboat would like to thank everyone involved – Tom Ledger’s Leaf Tree Services for again sponsoring the event, Mark Chittenden from Diamond Removals and Fabweld Metalworks for their help with the tree collections, Peter Varrall from Deal Chamber of Trade and Just Signs for producing the banners and posters.
Thanks also to fundraisers Ann Austin, Dawn Whitbread and Chair Roger Blown the continuous supply of tea, coffee, hot soup and cheese rolls, Carol Moleshead for collecting donations from those bringing trees on the day, Vic Ward for designing an online booking form for tree collections and her mother for providing sausage rolls and cake, local café Hut 55 for also providing cake and local photographer and supporter Chris Mansfield.
Special thanks must go to Walmer helm Dan Sinclair who has worked tirelessly organising collections, often replying to text messages until late at night, displaying banners, distributing posters and setting up the compound and then going out in his van with other crew members to make collections.
Speaking after the event, Dan said:’ I’d like to thank everyone for their phenomenal effort today. Days and events like this really show how well we operate as One Crew. I’d also like to make a special mention to the local residents and friends from Walmer, Deal and the surrounding area for their continued support in helping us Save Lives at Sea.’
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.