
Full church for Newbiggin RNLI carol service
It was a case of all seats and space taken in St, Bartholomew's church for the annual Newbiggin RNLI Carol Service.
This annual service which this year in tandem celebrates 200 years of the RNLI was led by Rev. Anthony O’Grady who is also a member of the volunteer crew at Newbiggin lifeboat station.
The congregation sung along to a variety of Christmas carols with those more pertinent to the lifeboat including ‘I saw three ships’ and ‘It was on a Starry Night’. Volunteers from Newbiggin RNLI took several readings that tell the Christmas story with the Salvation Army Band, continuing there long term support for the RNLI, providing a rousing accompaniment to the singing.
After the service the congregation were treated to refreshments at the church including tea and traditional mince pies.
John Bryan, Chairman of Newbiggin RNLI added ‘The last year for our volunteers has been a busy one not only in our rescues, lives saved and people helped but also in the wider community engagement we do with our supporters, where we are giving back to the community, to thank them for their ongoing support to us. The Newbiggin RNLI volunteer team have also welcomed the 200 year celebration scroll earlier in 2024 and, in a variety of events, celebrated this very important birthday in the history of this vital life saving charity. Tonight's service allows us to celebrate Christmas and also look forward to 2025 which is only possible thanks to our supporters.'
Notes to editors
Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat
' Richard Wake Burdon.'
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected], Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.
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.