Falmouth RNLI volunteers presented with Spirit of Falmouth Award

On Wednesday 7 March, members of Falmouth Lifeboat Crew, management, fundraisers and volunteers gathered at Falmouth Council Chambers to be presented with the Spirit of Falmouth Award to recognise their work supporting the community.

Tribute was also paid to the fantastic efforts regarding the recent fundraising appeal, to raise money for the improvements to the lifeboat station to house the stations new Atlantic class inshore lifeboat in 2019 and enhance facilities for the crew.

Receiving the flag from Mayor Grenville Chappel, who paid testament to the work of the crew and all involved, Falmouth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Alan Rowe said:

‘The crew in Falmouth are dedicated, as are our friends who help and support us, the shore crew, helpers, those in the shop and anyone that has been involved have supported us 100%.’

Coxswain Jon Blakeston paid tribute to the commitment of the crew and team by saying:

‘Thank you for the crew for always being there and committing the huge amount of time they do. But it’s vital to have all of the support team in their roles too, educating people, minimising the number of shouts we have to go out on and raising funds for the vast expense in getting our boats to sea. Thanks to everyone involved in Falmouth Lifeboat Station and to Mayor Grenville Chapell and all the council officials; it's an honour to be recognised in this fashion.’

Notes to the Editors

• 2018 is the fourth year of the Annual Spirit of Falmouth award, previously won by the Falmouth Marine Band, Falmouth Cruise Ship Ambassadors and the Falmouth Pink Wig Ladies.

• Falmouth Lifeboat Station fundraising appeal is still underway. If you wish to contribute, please get in touch with [email protected].

• Visitors are welcome at Falmouth Lifeboat Station, one of a number of stations around the coast designated as an ‘Explore Station.’ As such, the station is open to visitors for most of the year, subject always to operational requirements. The station is open for visits this 2018 season from 26 March to 27 October: Monday - Friday 11am to 4pm; Saturdays 11am to 1pm.

• A team of volunteers provide free guided tours of the lifeboats. There is no need to book, just go into the lifeboat shop attached to the station.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact; Justine Read, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07857522378, [email protected]; or Carrie Garrad Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847, [email protected]; or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.