Funday 2024, fun and fundraising for Mudeford RNLI
On Sunday 11 August, the sun shone brightly over Mudeford Quay as the crowds gathered for the Mudeford Lifeboat Funday 2024.
With paddleboard and kayak races, a DJ and live music on stage, lifeboat demos, and the famous duck race in the Run, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Chairman of the Funday Committee, Robert King welcomed everyone before introducing the Mayor of Christchurch, Paul Hilliard who officially opened the Funday.
On the Green, visitors could purchase everything from flip flops to jewellery to churros and luxury cocktails. The Mudeford RNLI volunteer crew were manning the BBQ selling burgers and hot-dogs whilst families sat on blankets and enjoyed the chilled out summer music from local DJ Malcolm Evans.
Live music came courtesy of The Navy Larks, a sea shanty crew from Salisbury, local band, Mudeford and Sons and finally the Coda Ukulele band who were joined on stage by the RNLI’s Stormy Stan. All three groups had the audience singing and dancing as they played popular classics old and new.
On the quay, the funfair rides were in full flow and The Haven House Inn was a popular destination for those needing some refreshment. Members of the Mudeford RNLI Fundraising Crew manned stalls selling cakes, souvenirs, and books as well as tombola and raffle tickets while the lifeboat crew performed demonstration rescues in the harbour to enthusiastic applause.
Near the lifeboat station, long-time supporters of the RNLI, James and Belinda Richardson,made a special visit in their Porsche 911 car ‘Splash’ before embarking on their final fundraising challenge for the RNLI, visiting all 238 lifeboat stations in 911 hours.
Undoubtedly the highlight of the day was the famous duck race which saw 1100 ducks dropped in the Run from Mudeford Spit. From there they made their way slowly across the run to the quay, accompanied by an entertaining commentary from RNLI volunteer and Funday MC Adam Della Rocca.
Reflecting on the event, Mudeford Lifeboat Funday Chairman, Robert King, said, ‘2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. As a lifesaving charity the RNLI depends on the goodwill and generosity of the public and all monies raised from Funday go to our local Mudeford Lifeboat Station so they can continue their vital work.
‘This year that goodwill and generosity has raised over £13,000 for the station and on behalf of the Funday committee, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came to this year’s event and to all our sponsors, stallholders and everyone who contributed. Your support not only makes this special day possible but allows the Mudeford RNLI crew to continue saving lives at sea.’Mudeford RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Steve Doe, said, "This funding enables us to train and equip our crew as well as maintain and operate the lifeboat and station. Thank you to everyone who supported Funday and gave so generously. You are truly helping to save lives."
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.