Clacton RNLI volunteer fundraisers recognised for their hard work by Institution
Five local fundraisers receive certificates of thanks from the RNLI Chief Executive Paul Boissier for their hard fundraising efforts, allowing Clacton’s two lifeboats to save lives at sea.
The awards were all made recently, with the most recent going to David and Paulin Jiggens, who each year since 2004 have covered their Frinton Road bungalow with Christmas decorations and even convert their garage, all at their own expense. Their reputation for a good display has resulted in coach parties stopping to admire, and in doing so have raised over £15,000.
Jill Green is also being honoured. Jill is one of the newer members to the fundraising team. As well as helping in the shop, she throws herself into all she does from box collections to selling raffle tickets. Jill is credited with raising half of last years raffle total of over £1,800. With her husband Jim volunteering as a tractor driver, it’s a real family affair.
The next recipient is Ann Norman, who like Mr and Mrs Jiggens got involved in 2004, and has worked tirelessly ever since. From using her network of contacts, she has managed to push the word out when help is needed, using her membership of the Inner Wheel she has made sure the RNLI souvenir stall at the Clacton Airshow is ‘manned’. Peter Edwards said: ‘Ann is a stalwart and can always be relied upon to be wherever we need her.’
Steve Cole who has been the lifeboat station's fundraising chairman for over five years has also been recognised. Since joining the charity he has thrown himself into everything, and is always looking for new ways to raise money. One of the events that Steve has been crucial in organising is the Open Gardens which has become one of the team’s biggest fundraisers annually, being held on 27 / 28 May this year at The Hall, School Lane, Tendring. With an aim of having at least one event each month Steve is kept busy, but in doing so raises over £12,000 a year.
Without the hard work and dedication of these often overlooked members of the team who go out in all weathers, and members of the public giving their time and resources for free, the volunteer crew wouldn’t be able to go afloat to save lives at sea. This year Clacton RNLI celebrate 140 years of continuous lifesaving service, with over 2,800 launches resulting in 1,180 lives being saved. A large part of this success is due to their dedication and their forerunners.
If you would like to help with fundraising or have a great idea for Clacton RNLI, contact Steve Cole: [email protected]
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RNLI media contacts
- Richard Wigley, Lifeboat Press Officer, Clacton RNLI: 07903 424698
- Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer, North East and East: 07824 518641
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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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.