Withernsea RNLI Hosts Final Celebration Marking 50 Years Back in the Community
Withernsea RNLI celebrated an incredible milestone this week with a lively event marking 50 years since the return of the Withernsea Lifeboat. The community gathered at Northfield to honour the organisation’s history, its achievements, and the people who make it all possible.
The Evening’s Highlights
The event kicked off at 5pm with a welcome speech from Lifeboat Operations Manager Darren Hickey, who introduced the evening’s events. Shortly after, local supporter Laurie made a moving donation to the RNLI, sharing his personal connection to the lifeboat and what the RNLI means to him.
At 5.15pm. Lifeboat Heritage Officer and Management Chair Paul Baker took the stage, reflecting on his time with the RNLI. Baker’s speech provided insight into the organization’s reintroduction to Withernsea and the countless rescues that have been carried out over the years.
The evening then welcomed a musical touch with Kev Young and ex-crewman Kenny Fowler, who filled the room with lively sea shanties and a heartfelt rendition of Fowler’s original piece, The Lifeboat Song. The audience joined in, making it a truly special moment for all.
Special Guest Speaks of History and Tribute
One of the highlights of the night was the appearance of Father Gary Donegan, who traveled from Northern Ireland to speak at the event. Father Gary spoke on the Kegworth Air Disaster, an incident where the Withernsea RNLI played a crucial role in the response efforts. He also shared what Withernsea means to him and paid a moving tribute to the late Operations Manager, Steve Medcalf, whose legacy continues to inspire the lifeboat community.
A Feast and Festivities
At 6:45pm, guests enjoyed a delicious spread of pie, peas, mash, and gravy, provided by the dedicated staff at Northfield. The 150 attendees thoroughly enjoyed the meal, which added a touch of comfort to the celebration.
The evening continued with live music from The Barefaced Band, who delivered an energetic performance that had the audience clapping along. Organizers expressed their gratitude for the band, encouraging anyone in need of entertainment for events to consider The Barefaced Band, noting that their performance was a standout highlight.
Raffle, Auction, and Community Spirit
As the clock struck 8.30pm, a raffle and auction were held with remarkable prizes up for grabs. Thanks to generous donors, guests had the chance to bid on unique items, with the top auction item, a thrilling flight in a WW2 Tiger Moth, reaching an impressive bid of £550.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Withernsea RNLI expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and made the evening a success. The community’s generosity and support help sustain the essential work the RNLI does in the region, and organizers shared that details on the total funds raised will be posted in the coming week.
Northfield Venue Applauded
A special note of thanks went to Northfield for hosting the event. The venue’s accommodating staff and warm atmosphere added to the night’s success. Organizers encourage others to consider Northfield for future celebrations, gatherings, and special events.
Withernsea RNLI’s 50th-anniversary celebration was an evening filled with gratitude, music, and community spirit, a true testament to the enduring legacy of the RNLI and the people who support it.
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.