TV antiques expert Caroline Hawley was the auctioneer, leading a packed crowd at the village’s famous Cod and Lobster pub through more than 80 lots.
‘It was a fantastic evening,’ said Ms Hawley, ‘and when we heard half way through the auction that one of the Whitby RNLI boats had been called out on a shout, that really underlined what it’s all about.’
Top bids were £700 for a group outing on the Tees Port harbourmaster’s launch and £500 for an underground tour of the local Boulby potash mine. Three handmade model RNLI lifeboats from the collection of the late Staithes lifeboat man James Wright all fetched good sums.
Organiser Stuart Purdie confirmed that the total amount raised had passed £4,000 for the second successive year. ‘It speaks volumes for people’s generosity and how they feel about the RNLI,’ he said. ‘Huge thanks to all who donated some excellent lots and once again to Caroline who gave up her weekend to come to Staithes and bring tremendous charisma to the occasion.’
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.
