Naming ceremony and dedication of Invergordon RNLI Shannon class Lifeboat
On Sunday 10 April 2022 Invergordon RNLI held their lifeboat naming ceremony and dedication to the Shannon Class Lifeboat ‘Agnes AP Barr’ in front of invited guests, family and friends.
David welcomed Brian Robertson, a representative for Agnes AP Barr, to the stage who gave the audience an insight to Agnes Arthur Paton Barr’s life and her support of the RNLI over the years with her legacy latterly funding the Shannon class lifeboat numbered RNLI 13-37 with her name plate proudly shown.
Mr Robertson formally handed the Lifeboat to the care of the RNLI which was accepted into the fleet by RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie, who thanked the Barr family for this lifeboat before handing the lifeboat into the care of Invergordon Lifeboat station, with station Lifeboat Operations Manager Calum Slater accepting.
Invergordon LOM Calum Slater said ‘As Lifeboat Operations Manager I am sure I speak for us all, at the Invergordon lifeboat station, when I say that this is a very proud day and we are extremely grateful for the generosity of Agnes AP Barr in funding this lifeboat, This new lifeboat means that we now have the latest and finest rescue equipment available to us and I know that when the crew heads out to sea, there will be peace of mind by all, that she will help to keep them safe. Ladies and gentlemen, honoured and distinguished guests, on behalf of Invergordon lifeboat station I am delighted to accept this Shannon class lifeboat into our care’
The Service of Dedication was carried out by Reverend Calum MacMillan with an array of hymns and readings before David Lipp welcomed Mr Robin Barr to stage to formally name the Lifeboat and commence the christening with his families and Scotland’s famous soft drink A.G Barr Irn Bru over her bow.
Former Lifeboat Operations Manager Captain Iain Dunderdale also delivered a Vote of Thanks before the formal ceremony closed.
A volunteer crew of six commenced a demonstration of the operational capabilities of the Shannon Class Lifeboat, joining them was over 9500 names which are part of the Launch a Memory campaign holding their pride of place on the RNLI 13-37 decals on the Port and Starboard side as she was put through her paces wowing the guests watching with her speed & jet-drive manoeuvrability.
From Invergordon RNLI we would like to thank everyone for their support in making this memorable day such a great success
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.