Clovelly Lifeboat Day
Sunday 5 August saw Clovelly RNLI's Lifeboat Day take place.
The day started with an impressive Gun Run up and then down the Clovelly Cobbles by the 326 (Hartland) Squadron Air Training Corps, made even more challenging with such hot and sunny conditions.
Following this, Clovelly Pilot Gig club had a naming ceremony for their new gig boat. This was officially named by TV presenter Amanda Lamb. ‘Headon Home’ was named after Coxswain Richard Headon who who won a Silver medal in 1882 in recognition of his gallant services in saving 34 lives in the previous 12 years. The Gig club then continued with tradition and ran the BBQ for the day, selling a huge amount of burgers and sausages. Their support is always welcome and appreciated.
We had some amazing cakes entered into our Great RNLI Bake-Off, with a closely contested competition. Judges were Hon. John Rous and Sarah Jane Lander from No 39 the Pottery, who also donated the prize. The Nautical But Nice winner was Keeley Condron, with Charlotte Carling’s Octopus Cake a very close second.
A challenge set for visitors was to ‘Suit Up’ into full lifeboat crew kit, and then get the kit off. This was timed, the winner of the day taking only one minute and 19 seconds to complete the task. This was incredibly impressive as no Clovelly crew member has ever completed it this fast.
The raffle was well supported by local businesses, with a holiday donated by Parkdean Resort, tickets for Exeter City FC, Exeter Chiefs, entry to various attractions, locally made jewellery from Made From the Hart and a variety of other items. The Tombola prizes were donated by the residents of the Village, they showed huge generosity. Both these are great fundraisers for the cause.
The RNLI Face-to-Face team came along to speak to the public about how to #RespectTheWater, while also signing up supporters for a regular donation. There was a lot of interest and they were kept busy all day.
We were lucky to see the temporary return of the William Cantrell Ashley, the lifeboat that served Clovelly from 1949-1968. Skipper Ed Saunders took some lucky spectators out to watch the Clovelly RNLI volunteer crew and the St Athan based Agusta Westland Coastguard Helicopter complete a stunning display which concluded the day in magnificent style.
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
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.