Bumper Lifeboat Weekend for Filey RNLI

A fun-filled programme of events was planned over the 3 days with something for every member of the family to help raise funds for Filey Lifeboat Station.

The activities started with a mammoth afternoon tea being held in the boathouse during Friday afternoon. The crew were on hand to serve teas and scones with jam and cream. Later in the evening, members of the crew visited our 3 local Haven Holiday Centres and a number of pubs in the town collecting over £400.

The annual raft race, this year, due to take place on the Saturday afternoon, was postponed due to adverse sea conditions and re-arranged for the Sunday, where, in glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze, 11 teams fought for the trophy. The Murton Roofing Team were easily the winners with Filey Sailing Club finishing second. Best not to reveal what happened to the Lifeboat Crew entry but suffice to say they were comprehensively beaten by the “Wifesboat” Team!!!

Also on Saturday there was a static display by the White Rose Goldwings Motorcycle group who ran a tombola. The Ramshackle Shanty Men performed their songs at about 11am. And Stormy Stan was on hand for photographs.

The main event on Sunday following the raft race, was the launching of Filey’s all-weather lifeboat, Keep Fit Association as well as Filey’s inshore lifeboat, Braund, with guests Viscountess Downe (Filey RNLI President) and the Mayor and Mayoress of Filey on board, just after 1.30pm followed by a rescue demonstration with Filey Sailing Club and a display by the Coastguard rescue helicopter. Dearne Big Band was on hand to entertain everyone. Other emergency services provided static displays along with Filey Rotary’s Human Fruit Machine. There was also a static display of trial bikes. There was a massive tombola, summer raffle tickets, craft and book stalls, souvenirs, a selection of games as well as the chance for youngsters to “win a duck”; all of which took place at the lifeboat station.

David Wilson, Chairman of Filey RNLI said: “Every penny that we raised over Lifeboat weekend will go towards the running of Filey Lifeboat Station. Although the sea conditions and weather led to the raft race being postponed until Sunday, the weather held fine throughout the final day. It gave thousands of people the opportunity to support the RNLI here in Filey and we thank them for giving so generously”

Acting Lifeboat Coxswain, Neil Cammish, added:”It has been a fantastic 3 days here at Filey and I would personally like to thank everyone who has worked hard to make it such a success. It’s a fantastic team effort.”

Notes to editors

• Filey Lifeboat Station was founded in 1804. It currently operates both a Mersey-Class All-Weather Lifeboat and an Inshore Lifeboat. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Filey Lifeboat Station Facebook page.

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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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.