Hoylake RNLI defends title in Boxing Day Tug o’War and raises over £2,500

With a crowd of around a thousand people cheering them on outside Hoylake Lifeboat Station, the two teams took the strain on the rope before giving it their all to win the competition’s prestigious teapot trophy.

After two challenging pulls, Hoylake RNLI emerged victorious and defended their title from last year’s tournament. The RNLI team were presented with the Slater Trophy at Hoylake Sailing Club by Nicky Merryman, whose father Arthur Slater co-founded the competition in 1972 with RNLI Coxswain Danny Triggs.

This year’s event was especially poignant as it followed the sad passing of Terry Slater in October at 101 years old. Terry was Arthur’s wife and Nicky’s mother and had presented the trophy bearing her family’s name right up until last year’s event. Tributes were paid to Terry during the presentation, with the teams committing to continue the competition in tribute.

The many spectators at the Tug o’War also gave generously to support the lifesaving work of the RNLI’s volunteer crews, donating over £2,500 to fund essential kit, training and equipment.

Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘It was fantastic to see so many people turn out for the Boxing Day Tug o’War once again - it looked like our biggest crowd ever! The Sailing Club gave us a tough contest but retaining the Slater Trophy this year was a real honour, especially as we remembered Terry Slater and the fantastic support her family has given this event over five decades. We’re very grateful to everyone who came along to cheer on the team and support our RNLI crews this winter through their kind donations.’

Robin Stratton, Hoylake Sailing Club Commodore, said: ‘This remains a really popular day with the local community and it was great to see so many people turn out to support the event and give so generously. Well done to the Lifeboat team but once again, I was proud of the effort by our lads who went so close in the second pull and, as always, we'll be back to try again next year as we maintain the strong relationship between these two local organisations!’

RNLI lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland remain on call 24/7 throughout the Christmas period. On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year. In 2024, Hoylake RNLI’s volunteers were called out on Christmas Eve.

Whatever winter weather throws at them, RNLI volunteers will be ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters. Your own Christmas gift to the RNLI will keep the charity’s crews prepared and protected, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and help the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

Media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or email [email protected]

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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