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Two-hundred singers mark 200th anniversary for Hunstanton RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

A choir belted out the hits on Saturday 27 July for the charity that saves lives at sea.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Rock Choir performed on The Green at Hunstanton for the RNLI
Rock Choir brought along 200 members for the two-hour show on The Green at Hunstanton, to honour both the 200th anniversary of the RNLI and the founding of a lifeboat service at Hunstanton.

Singers belted out the hits including the Four Tops' Going Loco Down In Acapulco, Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way and Video Killed the Radio Star by Buggles.

They were conducted by choir leader Sally Rose, who danced, jumped, kicked and threw in some air guitar to spur on her charges.

'We are so excited to be coming back to The Green at Hunstanton this year, and especially excited to be supporting RNLI 200,' she said as she took a well-earned breather after the show.

'The north Norfolk coast is a special place for many of us and singing for Hunstanton RNLI is our way of thanking them for keeping us and our families safe when we spend time here.

'We hope that the sound of 200 incredible Rockie voices, singing proudly for crew and volunteers of Hunstanton RNLI, will confirm how much their work is appreciated and valued by us and everyone who visits.'

Choir members didn't just bring their voices. They also brought a bumper-load of Betty's Pots - the recycled jam jars RNLI supporters fill with 5p pieces to support the charity's lifesaving work - along with larger jars full coins they had to resort to after they'd filled all their pots.

Proceeds from those and donations on the day are still being counted.

A bond has grown between the singing group, whose members are aged from their teens to their 80s, and their nearest lifeboat station.

Last year, they performed at Hunstanton RNLI's boathouse and on the seaside town's Green as part of a tour of the Norfolk coast, raising more than £1,100 for the busy crew's lifesaving work

Hunstanton RNLI chair Charles le Strange Meakin thanked the choir, those who helped put on the event and the many who turned out to support it.

He said the work of the station and more than 200 like it would not be possible without the kindness of those who donate.

'As many of you know, it's the RNLI's 200th anniversary this year and Rock Choir have recognised that, by bringing along 200 singers from West Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Essex,' he added.


'Many members of the choir enjoy water-sports and beach-side activities. The RNLI here doesn't just educate people about water safety, but pitches out to rescue those who get into trouble when needed.'

Editor's notes

Hunstanton is one of Norfolk's busiest lifeboat stations, operating both the inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.

It covers The Wash, a tidal estuary fed by five main rivers of more than 100 square miles, along with parts of the north Norfolk coastline.

Like more than 200 RNLI stations around the coast of the UK and Ireland, its lifesaving work could not be possible without the kindness of those who give donations or leave legacies to the charity that saves lives at sea.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of both the RNLI and the founding of a lifeboat service at Hunstanton.

RNLI media contacts

For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219, Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Rock Choir performed on The Green at Hunstanton for the RNLI

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Hundreds turned out so see Rock Choir perform for the RNLI at Hunstanton

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Choir master Sally Rose conducts her charges

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Rock Choir members brought hundreds of Betty's Pots to their show at Hunstanton

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Hunstanton RNLI chair Charles le Strange Meakin thanks the choir and those who turned out to support the event

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.

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