Grand-daughter of Second Coxswain baptised on board the RNLI Torbay lifeboat
The RNLI Torbay team are used to bringing you stories of bravery and rescues at sea carried out by our wonderful volunteer lifeboat crew, but today we have a very different story for you …
Back in sunny July, beautiful little Mia was baptised aboard the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes on 14 July, the day she also turned one year old! The service was led by Reverend Malkinson (who stepped in to officiate for a colleague from St Mary’s Church, Brixham) and attended by close family and friends, and of course little Mia’s Godparents.
A special concession available to family members of serving lifeboat crew, Mia’s ceremony aboard the lifeboat was attended by the RNLI Torbay Second Coxswain Richard Fowler - who also happens to be her Grandad! Mia’s big sister Ayva was also baptised on board the same vessel in 2016, with the vicar using the specially blessed upturned ships’ bell as a font on both occasions!
The happy event was celebrated by around 75 guests who witnessed proceedings from Relief Severn Class lifeboat Volunteer Spirit, which proved a perfect viewing platform being also moored at Brixham lifeboat pontoon that week following the Torbay lifeboat’s recent re-fit.
Among the proud Godparents pictured is Richard’s son (and Mia and Ayva’s Uncle) Adam - who is also an RNLI Torbay crew member. The girls’ mum Sammy told us she feels extremely lucky to have such a supportive family – and the RNLI Torbay team are lucky to have a local family so dedicated to saving lives at sea!
Notes to editors
Photographs (all courtesy of the family) show:
L-R: Rev Malkinson, RNLI crew member (and Godparent) Adam Fowler (with Ayva seated on lap), and (either side of little Mia) Godparents Emily, Mandy and Darren
Torbay Lifeboat Station Key Facts:
- Torbay lifeboat station has been operating since 1866. To learn more about the station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/torbay-lifeboat-station
- Coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat is Mark Criddle
- Further information on Torbay Lifeboat Station’s local activities can be found at: http://www.torbaylifeboat.co.uk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnlitorbay
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLITorbay
RNLI media contacts
Victoria Bowen, RNLI Torbay Lifeboat Press Officer
07794 043 428 or [email protected]
Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer:
01752 854450 or [email protected]
or RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789 (24 hours)
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.