
West Kirby RNLI officially name new D class lifeboat
On Saturday 21 September, West Kirby Lifeboat Station hosted a celebratory ceremony to name its newest D class inshore lifeboat, Leonard Pownall.
Over 150 guests and more than 100 members of the public gathered to witness the naming of Leonard Pownall on Saturday, funded in part by a generous bequest from Betty Pownall, in addition to the local community’s efforts in last year’s Lifeboat Fund Appeal.
Following a warm welcome from Lifeboat Operations Manager, Richard Diamond, Michael Sandler, the Solicitor representing the late Betty Pownall (who passed away in 2003), spoke about her wish to honour her late husband through her generous donation of £35,000. Over the years, the cost of the lifeboat rose to £85,000, necessitating further fundraising efforts by the station. Incredibly, the community rallied together to surpass the fundraising target in just 8 months, raising £73,000 - well beyond the £50,000 target.
After Michael Sandler’s remarks, he officially handed over the lifeboat to the RNLI, with RNLI Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes, accepting it on behalf of the organisation. The lifeboat was then presented to Richard Diamond, who accepted it on behalf of West Kirby Lifeboat Station - while expressing gratitude to all those involved, particularly the local community and West Kirby’s volunteers.
The ceremony’s highlight was the official naming of the lifeboat by Captain Hugh Daglish LVO JP DL RN and Mrs Valerie Daglish BA, who performed the christening in accordance with tradition, with champagne being poured over the boat. Reverend Paul Rossiter, Hoylake and West Kirby Lifeboat’s Chaplain, then led a service of dedication and blessing for the lifeboat and crew. Reverend Paul was thanked by Richard Diamond for his unwavering commitment to his role over the past 12 years, as he is retiring in January.
Concluding the day’s formalities, a water safety demonstration took place on the lake, featuring the new lifeboat in action, supported by RNLI lifeguards on their rescue watercraft. The display was a reminder of the vital role that the RNLI play in ensuring the safety of all those who use the water. The event was a fitting celebration of the station’s achievements and the lifeboat’s new chapter of lifesaving service, made possible by the enduring support of the local community.
Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority and Chair of West Kirby Lifeboat Appeal, said:
‘What a remarkable, absolutely amazing voyage the West Kirby Lifeboat Appeal has been. After a £35,000 generous legacy from Betty Pownall, we needed to fundraise an additional £50,000 towards our latest D class lifeboat.
‘It's been humbling and incredible witnessing the dedication, support and generosity of RNLI volunteers, businesses and our community as they came together, as one crew, smashing our target by achieving over £73,000 in just 8 months.
‘Through your efforts and community spirit, we've secured our latest lifeboat, Leonard Pownall at West Kirby, where, through your support, our crew can continue the 200-year RNLI tradition of saving lives at sea.
‘On behalf of the team at West Kirby Station, the RNLI and all those lives that will be rescued and saved during her service, thank you. It's you, individually - and collectively as one crew, one community that makes this possible.'
Richard Diamond, West Kirby Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
‘Our station and the wider RNLI is funded entirely by generous donations from the public, and we would be unable to continue our mission of saving lives at sea without the overwhelming generosity we receive from our local community here in West Kirby.
‘I’ve been blown away by the response to the Lifeboat Fund Appeal, particularly during a cost of living crisis. It was incredible to witness individuals, businesses and community groups come together and actively support us in a whole host of unique ways.
‘We’re very grateful to Betty Pownall for leaving this incredibly generous donation to fund our newest D class and we feel privileged to have Leonard Pownall here with us in West Kirby to help us save lives at sea. On behalf of everybody here in West Kirby, thank you.
‘I’d also like to thank all our incredible volunteers that make all of this possible, from our crew to our fundraisers to our management. The hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes doesn’t go unnoticed and I couldn’t be more proud of every individual making up our one crew.
'If you’d like to play your part in saving lives at sea, please do get in touch to find out about the various opportunities available.’
Notes to Editor:
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The retired D-class, D-751 Seahorse, was called out 177 times and saved 8 lives.
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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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