Lyme Regis RNLI Supporters Open Meeting hears of exciting summer programme

Chair of Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters Group Olly Mullen opened the meeting by outlining changes to the management structure for RNLI fundraising within the town and thanked outgoing Chair Ken Lavery for his dedicated service over 8 years at the helm. Treasurer Clare Evans gave a financial breakdown for 2025 which included the impressive total income of £144,000 for the fundraising branch. This is an increase of £18,000 over the previous year.

Volunteer lifeboat Helm Mark Ellis is leading the team organising this year’s Lifeboat Week, the RNLI’s major fundraising event in Lyme Regis. He said; ‘Planning for Lifeboat Week is well advanced, and we were over the moon to learn that the RAF Red Arrows will be performing here on 15 August, the first day of Lifeboat Week. We are very grateful to Lyme Regis Town Council for making this happen.’

Lifeboat Operations Manager Mark Colley presented an overview of the work of the station's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne. Volunteer crew had responded to 40 service calls in 2025 and have been called out seven times this year.

Guest Speaker for the meeting was the Director of Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, Will Reed, who gave a fascinating talk on the history of the Academy and the many impressive vessels that have been built by students since it was founded in 1997. He also described the diverse skills taught at the Academy, and the varied careers its graduates pursue in boat building and restoration, as well as in furniture making.

2026 is a busy year for the volunteers of Lyme Regis as they celebrate their 200th anniversary. The lifeboat will be paraded through the town on Saturday 2 May starting from Holmbush Car Park at midday and finishing at Cobb Gate. On Saturday 9 May there is a RNLI Open Golf Day at Lyme Regis Golf Club, and on Sunday 10 May at 3pm, the station will host the annual Blessing of the Boats service. This year’s Lifeboat Week is scheduled for 15 – 23 August and will include all the family-friendly events plus, after a gap of nine years, a display by the Red Arrows on the first day.

Ends

Notes to editors

Photo1 Caption: Chair of Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters Group Olly Mullen welcomes volunteers to the annual Open Meeting. Credit: RNLI/Nick Marks.

Photo 2 Caption: RNLI Community Manager Andrew Escott gives an overview of the charity’s planned developments. Credit: RNLI/ Nick Marks.

Photo 3 Caption: RAF Red Arrows over Lifeboat Week banner. Credit: RNLI/Peter Hampton.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected], or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789