RNLI celebrates 50 years in Sutton Coldfield

The evening started with the presentation of RNLI Gold Badges to the Branch Chairman Jill Carter and Branch Treasurer Mike Lorenz by the Branch President Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, who spoke warmly of their outstanding service and contribution the the charity’s work.

Cllr Charlotte Hodivala then addressed the gathering and added her own congratulations to the awardees.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Band of the Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets, of which Mr Mitchell is also President. He spoke for everyone in the room when we said how very well the young people had performed and what a great credit they are to the Sea Cadets and the Royal Town.

After supper the evening continued with a resume of the RNLI’s 50 years in Sutton Coldfield by Mike Lorenz.

This was followed by an overview of the RNLI’s work by their Volunteer Presenter Carolyn McLaughlin and included an update for the town’s adopted lifeboat station at Seahouses in Northumberland.

Branch Chairman Jill Carter said:

'The RNLI Sutton Coldfield Branch has been working hard to save lives at sea for 50 years, so we couldn't let the milestone pass without a form of celebration.

'We much appreciated seeing so many of our supporters at our special Supper Party. Special thanks must go to the Band of the Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets who gave a brilliant performance. They are such a wonderful credit to our town and well deserving of their status as national champions.

'Whilst we all had a very pleasant evening together we never lose sight of why we fund raise for the RNLI. It is to support our brave lifeboat crews and lifeguards who put their lives on the line every time they go out to sea to rescue a stranger.'

Notes to editors:

Photograph – Courtesy of Gerry McLaughlin

Celebrating 50 years of RNLI in Sutton Coldfield at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall 2 December 2016

L-R: Lt (SCC) Alan Wright, RNR; Cllr Charlotte Hodivala, Mayor of Sutton Coldfield; Jill Carter, Chairman, RNLI, Sutton Coldfield; Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell, MP for Sutton Coldfield; Mike Lorenz, Treasurer, RNLI, Sutton Coldfield; Edna Heappey BEM, Vice President and Founder Chairman, RNLI, Sutton Coldfield

RNLI media contacts:

For further information, please contact Carolyn McLaughlin, RNLI Local Press Officer, Sutton Coldfield branch on 0121 352 0705.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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