Hundreds pack church for Hunstanton RNLI And Friends Carol Concert
A towering church on the Norfolk coast was filled with song for a lifeboat station's Christmas carol service.
More than 300 attended the RNLI And Friends evening at the 14th Century St Mary's Church at Old Hunstanton on Wednesday, 17 December.
They were in fine voice for festive favourites including Once in Royal David's City, Away in a Manger and We Three Kings, accompanied by the Hunstanton Concert Band directed by Paula Cuthbertson.
Lessons were read by members of the crew and Hunstanton and West Norfolk RNLI Guild, including helm Jon Butler and his 10-year-old son Rowan.
Hovercraft pilot Leesa Espley read the RNLI Prayer before Rev Sandra Ellison, who led the service, delivered the final blessing.
Derek Greening, chair of the Hunstanton and West Norfolk RNLI Guild told the audience about the work of the different teams at the lifeboat station who all support the work of the crew.
As well as the guild which raises funds for the RNLI's lifesaving work, they include the station's souvenir shop, visits and education teams.
'This year the crew have undertaken 47 shouts, made up of 34 launches - 19 for the lifeboat and 15 for hovercraft, in which 30 people were aided,' said Derek.
'To achieve this level of skill, knowledge and experience all of the crew at the station, including those that go to sea and those that launch the vehicles and maintain them commit a large amount of their time.
'Can I on behalf of all the RNLI teams say it is due to your amazing courage and devotion that we volunteer to support you.'
After a rousing rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas led by the band, it was time for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
Guests included the Mayor of King's Lynn and West Norfolk Andy Bullen, whose late mother Margaret was president of the Hunstanton and West Norfolk RNLI Guild, who was made an MBE for her efforts for the charity that saves lives at sea before she passed away at the age of 96 in 2020.
Mayor of Hunstanton Cynthia Easeman was also among the audience, which included members of the lifeboat crew, personnel from HM Coastguard, the National Coastwatch Institution, the police and fire service, along with RNLI supporters.
The event was organised by Kate Craven, visits and water safety lead at the lifeboat station on nearby Sea Lane.
'The RNLI and Friends Carol Concert brings together all those that volunteer at our station to honour the work that is done 365 days a year to save lives at sea, as well as that of our friends and colleagues from all the other emergency services who help to keep us safe all year round,' she said.
'Inviting our community to the church for carols, mulled wine and mince pies allows us to reflect on the courage and dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our fundraisers and donors, without whom their lifesaving work would not be possible.
'RNLI crews like ours all around the coast of the UK and Ireland will have their pagers on and be ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea as they do throughout the year.'
RNLI lifeboats launch on average more than 100 times over each Christmas period, with 119 'shouts' in 2024.
These rescues and others throughout the year, are only made possible by the donations which help to fund the essential kit and training needed to keep crews prepared and equipped to save lives.
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work into next year and beyond, go online to RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.
Editor's Notes
Hunstanton lifeboat station operates both a fast inshore lifeboat and a search and rescue hovercraft.
Its volunteer crew covers The Wash, a tidal estuary of some 200 square miles, along with parts of the north Norfolk coast.
The lifesaving work of the station and more than 230 like it would not be possible without those who raise funds or donate to the charity that saves lives at sea.
RNLI Images
Pictures from the evening are attached. Please note credit RNLI/Chris Bishop
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.
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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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.