Bridlington RNLI welcomes support from Veterans Group

Members of the Yorkshire Veterans Model Group (YVMG) attended Bridlington RNLI on Wednesday (27 September 2022) to present Bridlington Lifeboat Station with a cheque for £200. The group supports veterans from all corners of the armed forces, emergency services and the police. The Yorkshire Veterans Model Group was set up to help veterans of all our armed forces and blue-light emergency services with an interest in model making.

Ian Dewar, a veteran himself explains, 'We're a club for Veterans, run by Veterans and our group meetings and workshops aim to develop or re-awaken an interest in making models from plastic and other materials. Modelling groups provide Veterans with a place to meet and share their interests in a social and friendly atmosphere, gaining a sense of belonging and shared values in a world where social isolation is all too common. Making models has proven therapeutic values and is now frequently used in several MOD rehabilitation programs for those recovering from life-changing injuries. Our YVMG is totally self-funding and relies on donations and gifts of model kits to allow, a return to the modelling bench for many.”

Ian continues, 'However, it is not all one way. We recognise there are many more worthy organisations deserving of support in our coastal community including the RNLI which provides an essential, voluntary service to safeguard the welfare of those who enjoy our coast and seas. Every year, more people rely on RNLI lifesavers and rescue those who may find themselves in a life-or-death ordeal. The Yorkshire Veterans Model Group working with another model group has adopted the Bridlington RNLI Lifeboats as our chosen charity and we are pleased to confirm our first donation of £200 has been presented to Bridlington Lifeboat Station. Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent fundraising auction and make this and future support possible.”

Bob Taylor, Chair of RNLI Fundraising said ‘Thank you to Ian and all the members of the Yorkshire Veterans Model Group for the fantastic donation. We are delighted that your wonderful organisation has chosen Bridlington RNLI as your chosen charity. Your involvement with Bridlington RNLI helps us to continue to save lives at sea”.

Notes to Editors

Veterans who may be interested in joining the YVMG can contact Ian on [email protected]

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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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