Lerwick Lifeboat Guild fundraising volunteer steps down after 38 years
Lerwick Lifeboat Guild fundraising volunteer steps down after 38 years
Lifeboats News Release
Bella Irvine has retired from the Lerwick Ladies Lifeboat Guild after 38 years service, since first volunteering in 1982.
RNLI
Commitee members of Lerwick Ladies Lifeboat Guild and RNLI Lerwick lifeboat crew joined Bella Irvine (seated) to say thanks for her 38 years of service with the Guild.
At a gathering at RNLI Lerwick lifeboat station to mark the occasion on Tuesday evening, members of the Guild and current lifeboat crew members paid tribute to Bella’s contribution on the committee.
After her first ten years, Bella was then treasurer for 23 years, from 1992 until 2015. Since then, she has continued to support fundraising events and activities, including volunteering in the RNLI Lerwick shop. In recognition of her long service, Bella received a RNLI Gold Badge and Bar in 2016.
The Guild raises funds for the RNLI towards the operational costs of the Lerwick lifeboat, which relies entirely on public donations. Throughout the year, the Guild organises many events, including the popular Lifeboat Open Day in midsummer and the Lifeboat Ball later in the year. Committee members also attend many country shows during the summer months to generate income and to raise the profile of the RNLI.
In 2019, the Lerwick Lifeboat Guild, including funds raised by the men’s committee, raised a total of over £44,000.
Rhoda Watt, Joint Chairperson of the Lerwick Ladies Lifeboat Guild, and current Treasurer said: “Bella has been absolutely dedicated beyond measure and will be missed on our committee. She’s one in a million and will always be welcome in our shop, where she will always find the kettle on.”
Malcolm Craigie, RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “The RNLI relies on dedicated fundraisers across the country to provide equipment and training for our volunteer crews, so that we’re ready to respond 24 hours a day. On behalf of the lifeboat crew we’re hugely grateful to Bella for everything she has done for the Lerwick Lifeboat Guild over the last 38 years.”
ENDS
RNLI media contacts
Bob Kerr, RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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.
