Falmouth RNLI appeal boosted by Ska Night Fundraiser and Falmouth Beer Festival

The charity’s appeal was launched in March with the aim of raising £100,000 towards the cost of alterations and improvements needed at the lifeboat station head of the arrival of their new Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat. It has now reached over £90,000.

The Ska night, entitled ‘Lifeboat to Cairo’ and organised by the Falmouth Pink Wig committee, was held at Falmouth Football Club and featured Los Palmas 7. The band, after hearing about the station’s appeal, generously decided to appear free of charge. The evening was a great success and raised £2,788.

Emma Kent, Falmouth Pink Wig committee member, said ‘The Pink Wig committee were keen to be involved when approached by Paul Wickes, Deputy Chair of the Falmouth RNLI appeal committee, earlier this year and have been delighted to support the appeal. Living by the sea, the local RNLI lifeboat is a cause close to all our hearts and the Falmouth volunteer crew have supported our Pink Wig charity night for the last two years which was great! We are all thrilled to be able to support our local community and give something back to such a great cause.’

Paul Wickes MBE commented: ‘This is an amazing donation and the fund raising abilities of the Pink Wig ladies are truly an inspiration. Thank you for your support.’

The cheque was recently presented to Coxswain Jon Blakeston by members of the Pink Wig committee at Falmouth Lifeboat Station. They were able to witness the work of the volunteer crew at first hand as the inshore lifeboat was launched on service just after they arrived at the station.

Falmouth RNLI was the official charity at this year’s Falmouth Beer Festival held at the Princess Pavilion from 19 to 21 October. The event, organised by CAMRA Kernow (Cornwall’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale), raised £1,026 for the appeal.

Paul Wickes explained why the Falmouth RNLI appeal was chosen as the festival charity: ‘I was talking to Vince Curtis, Cornwall CAMRA Deputy Chairman about the appeal and he decided to make a contribution himself and used the opportunity of his 60th birthday to ask for donations rather than have presents. This led to a conversation with Bob Bunce, Cornwall CAMRA Chairman and the decision was made.’

Mark Killingback, Chair of the Falmouth RNLI Appeal Committee, is involved with the Beer Festival and said: ‘Betty Stogs and Falmouth RNLI volunteers Dave Nicoll and Stacie Nicoll carried collecting buckets during the festival. I believe the amount collected is a record for the festival which is fantastic. We are very grateful to Bob and Vince and Cornwall CAMRA for supporting the appeal.’

Notes to editors

• Photo DSC0994: members of Falmouth Pink Wig Committee present the cheque at Falmouth Lifeboat Station. Left to right standing: Sue Morant; Jay Wicks; Michelle Bray; Falmouth RNLI Coxswain Jon Blakeston; Kath Stivey; Emma Kent and Paul Wickes MBE, Deputy Chair of the Falmouth RNLI Appeal Committee. Kneeling: Falmouth volunteer lifeboat crew members William Allen; Elliot Holman; Sandy Procter; Nick Head and Jonathan Hackwell.

• Photo DSC0954: Falmouth Beer Festival fundraisers left to right: Dave Nicoll, RNLI Community Fundraising Area Manager and Falmouth RNLI Deputy Second Coxswain; Stacie Nicoll; Betty Stogs and Paul Wickes MBE, Deputy Chair of the Falmouth RNLI Appeal Committee.

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For more information please contact; Simon Culliford, RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07971986978, [email protected]; or Carrie Garrad Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847, [email protected]; or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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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