Over £2,100 Raised Through Longhope and Flotta Christmas Events

The Longhope RNLI Lifeboat Guild once again brought our island communities together this November for its much-loved Christmas fundraising tradition. Every year the Guild organises a Christmas Bazaar, and this time the main event was held on 7 November at the YM in Longhope, followed by a second Bazaar on 15 November in the Flotta Community Hall. Both were thoroughly enjoyed and showed just how strongly the people of the South Isles continue to support their lifeboat.

In Longhope, the Bazaar was opened by island GP Dr Ian Cromarty, who reflected on his years serving the community ahead of his retirement in February. The lifeboat has been a significant part of Dr Cromarty’s life and work, as he also serves as Longhope’s Lifeboat Medical Adviser and a Launch Authority, roles through which he has long supported the RNLI’s lifesaving mission, for many years. During the event Dr Cromarty also surprised Guild member Trish Avis by presenting her with her 20-year RNLI service badge, a moment that was met with warm applause.

The hall was full of festive colour and the usual fantastic range of stalls, with Santa making a welcome appearance and teas being served in The Shore cafe. The atmosphere was warm, busy and full of that familiar Longhope community spirit. The event raised £2,048.95, with an additional £117 from RNLI souvenirs, bringing the total to £2,165.95.

A few days later, four Guild members travelled across to Flotta to bring a mini-bazaar to the island. The Flotta community is always known for its hospitality, and this year was no exception. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all, with a raffle, grid, lucky numbers and RNLI souvenirs on offer. The Flotta Community Café was also open, giving everyone a chance to sit, chat and make the most of the day. Although smaller in scale, the Flotta Bazaar had the same friendly, relaxed feel and contributed meaningfully to the fundraising effort.

Both events were generously supported by local businesses and community members across Orkney, including Longhope, Lyness, Orphir, Stromness, Kirkwall and Harray. Donations came from JMF Groat; Scapa Flow Museum; Toumal Art Studio; Wilson Wholesale; E Flett Butchers; Cooke Aquaculture; W Shearers; The Longship; Highland Park; Aurora Jewellery; Tesco; and Fursbeck Pottery, along with many individual contributions, including prizes given on the night. Support from neighbouring island communities, including Graemsay, continues to play a valued role in the success of these fundraisers.

Reflecting on the events, Trish Avis (Guild Chair) said, ‘Thank you all for such a tremendous effort. From setting up, baking, being there and the clear down, it was a fantastic team effort and pretty much went without a hitch! Well done everyone!’

While these Bazaars are wonderful community occasions, they also play a vital part in supporting the RNLI. The organisation receives no public funding and relies entirely on donations, fundraising and the dedication of volunteers. Every stall, raffle ticket, home bake and contribution helps ensure that the Longhope lifeboat can continue to launch whenever it is needed.

A sincere thank you goes to everyone who supports Longhope RNLI; whether as crew, Guild, shore helpers, local businesses or community members. Your generosity keeps our lifeboat service afloat. Thank you Longhope and thank you to our neighbouring islands, your support means everything.

Notes to editors

• Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)

RNLI media contacts

Vicky Mackinnon, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07703 688066, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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