
A successful ball for Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers
After two postponed dates due to the pandemic, on Saturday 14th October 2023 Burnham-on-Sea RNLI held an extremely well-attended 20th Anniversary ball, 14th October 2023!
Supported by the fantastic venue at Batch Country House, Six Machine filled the dance-floor through the evening and with a silent auction and raffle, over £4000 was raised to help keep our two Lifeboats on service here in Burnham!
A number of very special award medals were received by crew, including 20 years Long service and individual recognition for lives saved. It was an honour to have the presence of Adrian Carey, Head of the Southwest region for the RNLI speak and also congratulate each of our volunteer crew on their respective awards.
One special mention is the hard work that crew member Tim put into organising last nights event, liaising with the venue, the amazing band and ensuring it went without a hitch - backed up by our amazing team of volunteers who supported the Ball by rallying raffle prizes, table decorations and even welcoming guests in full lifeboat kit! None less of course to the many businesses that sponsored the evening- we are hugely grateful!
Thank you also to Mike Lowe, Operations Manager at BARB Search & Rescue - Burnham-on-Sea hovercraft who attended from the independent hovercraft rescue charity we work so closely with.
Burnham Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Davies says; ‘It was fantastic to see so many people jointing us at our charity ball to celebrate our 20th year as an operational RNLI Lifeboat station, our special thanks go to Adrian Carey Head of South West Region in attendance to present some special awards, Martin Horton Queens Jubilee medal, and Matt Davies, Scott Rundle, Lyndon Baker, Jason Coombes and Dave Parsons with 20 year service medals, Innes Ross also collected the same award for his late father and former station treasurer Mike Ross. Over 250 celebrated last into the night with food, drinks and plenty of dancing with live music courtesy of Six Machine.’
Burnham Social Media manager Lyndon Bull adds; ‘Finally, none of it would be possible without all of you who attended, bought tickets and gave so generously to our cause - from the bottom of our hearts on behalf of all at Burnham #RNLI - THANK YOU.!’
ENDS
Notes for editors
Photographs with this release:
File name: Matt_Davies_and_Adrian_Carey (RNLI/Phil Woodall)
Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Davies receives his 20 year medal
File name: Jason_and_Faye_Coombes (RNLI/Phil Woodall)
Leading Helm Jason Coombes with his wife Faye
File name: Jason_Coombes_and_Adrian_Carey (RNLI/Phil Woodall)
Jason Coombes receives his 20 year medal
File name: Crowded_dance_floor (RNLI/Phil Woodall)
Guests dance to Six Machine party band
File name: dressed_to_impress (RNLI/Phil Woodall)
Fundraisers and well-wishers
RNLI Lifeboats at Burnham-on-Sea
A 8.5m Atlantic 85 named Doris Day and Brian plus a smaller 4.95m D class IB1 inflatable named Burnham Reach The station was opened officially on 15th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003
RNLI media contacts
For more information about this release please telephone Mike Lang, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07889 815860 or email [email protected],
In the absence of the above, contact Emma Haines Regional Media Officer [email protected] Mob: 07866 064437
Alternatively, telephone Amy Caldwell RNLI Public Relations Manager (South) Tel: 07920 818 807, [email protected].
As a last resort, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789
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.