Ilfracombe RNLI delighted to receive hamper and cheque from Caen Rotarians

Chris Andrews, Chairman of Caen Rotarians in Braunton, North Devon is keen supporter of the RNLI having previously been shore crew for more than 30 years. He recently arranged a visit for his rotary club to visit the RNLI lifeboat station at Ilfracombe. He says: ‘it was a really fabulous evening. The boathouse visits team there made us so welcome, and they showed us around and explained things. We learned a lot. I would like to thank the volunteers at the RNLI for setting it up and looking after us so well.”

After the visit, Chris wanted to help the RNLI in some practical way. He approached the Council of his Rotarian group to ask if they would make a contribution, and they were pleased to donate £200. He then thought about the RNLI volunteer crew, and had the idea of putting together a hamper of food and drink for them to enjoy. He says: ‘I know how expensive it is to keep something the size of the RNLI running, and I appreciate that the crew are all volunteers. They risk their lives and can be out at sea for long stretches of time, and hot drinks and food are important to keep them going.'

The cheque and hamper was accepted on behalf of the station by Leigh Hanks, station Mechanic and volunteer inshore lifeboat Helm. Leigh says: ‘the donation from the Rotarians was very much appreciated, however the crew were especially pleased to receive the hamper, as tea and hot food are vital to the crew when out on long, cold shouts. We are also delighted to receive the delicious cakes and biscuits which will be shared amongst all our station volunteers.’

Ilfracombe RNLI lifeboat station is open most days throughout the summer and the volunteer boathouse team are happy to show visitors around. Group visits can also be arranged by contacting the lifeboat station.

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.