Boycie helps Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week to another success
Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis was heading for another financial success for the RNLI life-saving charity as the event came to an end at the weekend.
Early estimates were that donations totalling £28,000 had been received with the final figure expected within a week or two.
The week started in brilliant sunshine with the popular appearance of actor John Challis - Boycie in Only Fools and Horses - officially opening the event.
Second-hand book sales, the wine or water raffle, a birds of prey talk with barn owls and a bald eagle, the spectacular Red Devils Army parachute display team, not to mention the tug 'o war across the harbour mouth and the bathtub race...all proved big attractions for visitors and residents.
Almost a hundred took part in the swimming challenges for children and adults from Cobb Gate to the north wall of the harbour.
Around 500 hot dogs cooked by the lifeboat crew were sold, and 650 plastic ducks raced to the finishing line on the River Lym.
The singalong version of the Mama Mia ! film was a sell-out at the Marine Theatre.
Ken Lavery, chairman of the organisers, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, said: 'It was a great week with new events and old favourites all very popular.
'I can't thank enough those who took part and donated to our charity. Their generosity was once again amazing. I must also thank all our volunteers who gave their time to organise and run the 72 different events.
'The rain on one day did not dampen the spirits of anyone.'
Tug 'o war and the bathtub race rounded off the week. The lifeboat crew won the tug 'o war against a team from the sailing club, sea school and football club.
The sailing club's bathtub, Cat-Atrosphe won with the Boat Building Academy's Bare Minimum second and Kersbrook Chaos third.
The lifeboat crew and their bathtub, Time for Bed, came last and had to be towed into the harbour.....by the lifeboat.
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.