Record return for popular RNLI charity event in Frinton

This was the fifth time the event had been held and, as one of the few events still running this year, attendance at the nine gardens on show was unprecedented.

Organisers were delighted to raise over £7,000 for the Walton and Frinton RNLI.

Paul Williams, who headed up the organising team said: ‘This has been our most successful open gardens event ever, giving much pleasure and welcome mindfulness during these challenging times.

‘It was wonderful to welcome so many from our community and visitors from further afield to the nine very diverse gardens. Over 750 tickets were sold, and we thank everyone for their patience when having to queue so we could ensure their safety according to the Covid restrictions.

‘Thanks go to all those that showed their lovely gardens and also to the organising team, including my wife, Michele, without whom this could never have taken place.’

A spokesperson from Walton and Frinton RNLI said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to the team for this donation.

‘During the pandemic we have been unable to hold any fundraising events but have remained operational throughout, launching more than 40 times since the start of March 2020.

‘The volunteer crew have worked rotas in operational ‘bubbles’ to prevent any Covid outbreaks putting the whole station off service.

‘Our operational costs have remained the same but with the additional burden of expenses associated with Covid, such as PPE and extra cleaning materials for the safety of our crew.

‘This is another lovely demonstration of the support we have had from the local community since the station was founded in 1884 and will go a long way to ensuring our sustainability for any challenges that may lie ahead.’

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please telephone Miranda Rayner, Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799691852 or [email protected]

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.