Mary Berry, Cream Teas and RNLI Salcombe
Although the weather had turned a little cooler the anticipation of Mary Berry joining the Salcombe RNLI Lifeboat Fundraising Crew certainly drew a big crowd to the Woodcot House & Gardens, in Salcombe this Saturday.
After a brief welcome and introduction by Mr. Andrew Arthur, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Mary opened the event at 11:00 am, after which the many visitors were able to relax in the stunning gardens of Woodcot House, enjoy al-fresco cream tea and enjoy the music of the Salcombe Jazz Trio. There were also several events laid on for the younger visitors, organised again by the Fundraising Crew.
Mary returned at 2:30 pm to give an interesting recollection of the many wonderful times she and her family had spent in Salcombe over the years, before taking a wide range of questions from the audience.
Members of the public also got to see just what it means to be a member of the lifeboat crew and the effects it can have on their families.
Whilst enjoying the event the public and Mary Berry witnessed a ‘real shout’, when crew pagers were activated and without hesitation crew members turned and headed straight for the lifeboat station.
The Coast Guards were reporting a 50ft yacht with engine problems 10 miles South of Start and within minuets the RNLI Salcombe all-weather lifeboat was on its way. Once on scene and no injured casualties were confirmed a tow was established and the yacht brought back to Salcombe.
Before leaving Salcombe Mary made a point of visiting the Salcombe RNLI Crew room where she was introduced to Coxswain Chris Winzar before being given a tour of both the in-shore and all-weather lifeboats.
When asked for his thoughts on the day Simon Linsley, Chair of the Fundraising Crew said “What a great day made possible by the appearance of Mary Berry and the many fundraisers who worked so hard throughout the day. Simon also wanted to thank the many business in the area for their support, The Bakehouse, Salcombe Dairy, Salcombe Coffee Shop, Salcombe Deli, Luscombe Drinks, Salcombe Co-op, Marchant Petit, Tesco Kingsbridge & Salcombe Trading”.
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.