Bubbles and Baubles: Heartfelt Christmas film created by Poole RNLI volunteers
Christmas cheer has been amongst the volunteers at Poole RNLI as today (6 December) they launch their first ever Christmas film. Produced entirely by the volunteers themselves, the short film is set to bring a festive feeling into people’s homes.
In a year like no other, with lockdowns and social distancing, Poole volunteers were determined to bring some festive cheer into the local community and further afield.
Nikki Peace, the mastermind behind the video and RNLI Poole volunteer said: ‘I’d started planning the second Poole RNLI pantomime after the success of Seaderella last year where audiences donated generously to support the station. Due to the pandemic, the pantomime was thwarted so the Christmas short film idea evolved. I wanted to include crew and demonstrate what Christmas Eve could look like for us, whilst remaining festive yet truthful.
‘The short film sees four bubbles on Christmas Eve, whilst partners and children remain at home fulfilling Christmas traditions, crew members are called to attend a shout. It is often our families who are affected more by our commitment to the pager and I wanted to acknowledge this in the film.
'The other creative challenge was to create the work whilst remaining completely socially distant.'
This Christmas, many RNLI lifesavers will put their celebrations with family members on hold if the pager sounds. Our lifeboats launch in freezing temperatures and blizzards, to storm force winds and rain with volunteers on many of our crews risking their own lives to save others.
Matt Thomas, volunteer Poole Lifeboat Operations Manager says: ‘The most challenging weather of the winter is likely still to come and our lifesavers are ready to face it. As the short film shows, this Christmas, our dedicated volunteers are prepared to leave their loved ones at a moment’s notice to save complete strangers.’
As a charity, our RNLI lifesavers rely on the support of the public so they can continue to save lives. Our fundraising has taken a huge hit this year, so please support our Christmas Appeal to ensure we can keep on saving lives.
To donate visit RNLI Poole Lifeboat Station Facebook page or RNLI.org/Xmas.
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.