Tobermory Lifeboat Day raises funds to help save lives at sea

Lifeboat Day is a true team effort with organisers Penny Goode (Fundraising Volunteer Manager) and Sarah Smith (Shop Volunteer Manager) putting in a herculean effort, over many months, to pull together all the resources and people needed for every part of making this fun day a success. Over 40 volunteers helped with the with the setting up, running and clear-up operations. Mark Strevens very ably compèred the proceedings, although in his closing remarks he said he hoped to see Alasdair Satchel return again next year! The weather remained dry, if a little overcast, so it was all systems go for the diverse range of stalls and events on the day, with prizes donated by Tobermory Distillery, Island Bakery, Tobermory Fish Company, and Fisherman’s Pier Seafood amongst others.

A festival atmosphere was created with musical performances from both MullUkes and the Natural Voices choir.

Tea, coffee, soft drinks and a mouth-watering array of home-baking, donated by individuals in support of the day, were all served with a smile by our volunteers, Maggie, Margaret and Caroline. For something more substantial, Ian, Colin, Susan and Katya manned the barbecue serving freshly cooked Glengorm burgers in Tobermory Bakery rolls, and some vegetarian options. Additional barbecue supplies were provided by Hook’d. Kyle from Isle of Mull Ice Cream was also there, scooping her delicious ice cream.

New this year were two special Guess the Weight challenges: Guess the Weight of the Newfoundland. Delightful Chewie weighed in at a whopping 73kg and she was on her best behaviour throughout the day. Guess the Weight of the Giant Scotch Egg! A colossal Scotch Egg was made and donated by our Launch Authority, Sarah Padley of Tobermory Stores, using an ostrich egg (or was it a freshly foraged haggis egg?) – a true culinary marvel weighing in at 5.05 kg.

The range of other stalls included: Tombola, Books, Plants, Face Painting, Lucky Straws, Lucky Dip, RNLI Gift Shop, Water Safety, Photography by Alan Jack, who kindly donated some cracking pictures of our Lifeboat in action, and original art by Oban artist, Fiona Campbell. We were also joined by Mull Safe and Sound and the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

We mustn’t forget our Human Fruit & Welly Machine – a marvel of kinetic engineering requiring strong quad muscles and three crew members at a time to operate; Sponge the Pirate, with Kegan Everard valiantly facing the onslaught of sodden sponges; and Splat the Kilted Rat!

Also in attendance were our emergency service colleagues; Police Scotland, The Scottish Ambulance Service, Tobermory Coastguard Rescue Team and Scottish Fire and Rescue, who allowed children to sit in their vehicles and try out the sirens. There was an unofficial attempt on a World Record to see how many lifeboat crew could fit in the Police prisoner transport cell. Coxswain David McHaffie was tempted to throw away the key after seven crew squeezed their way into the tiny space.

On the water, our Severn class all-weather lifeboat, the Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey was open to visitors alongside the pontoon and saw over 200 people come to inspect her.

Lyndsey from Tobermory Bay Tours donated over £500 from the proceeds of that day’s boat tours to the RNLI.

This year’s raft race was won by our own RNLI crew by quite a margin (fix!), but the local Scouts and Beavers took the awards for 1st under 18 raft, 1st mixed adult and junior raft, and best dressed raft. The rafts made quite a spectacle and it looked like all the teams enjoyed their race across the bay.

Long Service Award presentations were made to Inez Cordeiro and Maggie Robson to mark their 10 years of service to the RNLI, and to Christine Macdonald who has achieved a remarkable 20 years’ service.

The day concluded with a raffle of fabulous prizes including stays in the Iona Pods, a stay in the Argyll Hotel, Fiona Campbell Original Painting, Whisky and tour from Ardnamurchan Distillery, Nc’nean whisky from Pier Café, Vouchers from Café Fish, Sauna Shack and Catriona’s, Gin from Cheeky Puffin and a manicure from Holly Maclean Beauty.

A huge and heartfelt thanks to all who donated prizes, baking, or their time to make this event the resounding success it was. To Tobermory Harbour Authority for the use of the area at the top of the pontoons, and to Aros Hall for their gazebos and tables.

As a charity without government funding, the RNLI relies entirely on the generosity of the public to continue its service. Early indications are that over £5000 was raised, supporting us in saving lives at sea.