Walmer RNLI volunteers welcomed ashore by boat sponsor
Mrs Val Rodbard, sponsor of Walmer's D Class inshore lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II paid a visit to Walmer lifeboat station.
On returning from exercise on Sunday morning, 28 April, the volunteer crews were welcomed by Mrs Val Rodbard, long-time supporter of the RNLI and the sponsor of Walmer’s D Class lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II.
After the passing of her husband Duggie, his life-long friend John Farley suggested that a lifeboat be sponsored in his name. After contacting the RNLI with their idea, they were offered five stations. Mr Farley, his wife Wendy and Mrs Rodbard undertook to visit them. Such was the welcome they received at Walmer, their first stop, by one of the shop volunteers, that they looked no further. Mr Farley sponsored the original Duggie Rodbard and at the end of its service life in 2016 Mrs Rodbard undertook to sponsor its successor.
Part of her donation also enabled the station to refit their mechanic's workshop which also bears his name.
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station 01304 374475, 07906 623037 [email protected]
· Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 620 7426, 07785 296252, [email protected]
· For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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http://www.rnli.org/. News releases and other media resources, including
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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.
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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.