Oddfellows visit lifeboat that is saving lives in Essex before it moves up coast

The group visited the Atlantic 85 lifeboat – named ‘Oddfellows – Making Friends, Helping People‘ – ahead of its move first to Mablethorpe RNLI to cover whilst they have a refit and then to its final location of Sheringham RNLI in Norfolk next year. Sheringham RNLI station is currently being repaired and refurbished in preparation for the arrival of the boat.

Since arriving at Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI, the lifeboat has already been involved in attending a number of incidents.

This includes a Mayday call to a disabled yacht drifting five miles east of Foulness Point after suffering engine failure. It also includes a medical evacuation from a 36ft sailing vessel in the River Crouch.

The lifeboat has also been supporting the training of the crew in Burnham-on-Crouch.

The visit highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Oddfellows and the RNLI. Through its RNLI fundraising efforts that first started in 1868, the society has funded seven RNLI lifeboats.

The Oddfellows and Sheringham RNLI have a relationship stretching back to 1961. Three of the lifeboats the society has funded have been stationed at Sheringham.

During the visit, the Oddfellows paid tribute to the RNLI volunteers who give their time freely to help others, often in challenging and dangerous circumstances.

Secretary of the Oddfellows’ East Anglian Group Conference, David Randall, said: ‘I would like to the thank the team at Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI for arranging this visit which gave us all the opportunity to find out more about our sponsored lifeboat and the working of the station.

‘It was however good to hear that the B-953 had seen three service shouts since being deployed on station and is providing valuable training opportunity for crews which will then help to keep the crew and members of the public safe on the water going forward.

‘I am also pleased that our Society Chair,Debbie Jex, was able to attend in what is a busy time for all Oddfellows as we move towards our Friendship Month in September. Helping people and making friends is essential for all of our lives, so we are pleased to continue our support of the RNLI with our seventh Lifeboat, in the knowledge of the RNLI’s past and future achievements.

Simon Dennis, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Oddfellows Lifeboat Appeal group, the generous donors of our relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat.

'Although only with us for a short time while our own lifeboat is being re-fitted, we have had the privilege of launching Oddfellows – Making Friends, Helping People on its maiden service call. This is an historic moment for any lifeboat.

'Without the generosity of our donors, we simply couldn't do what we do, and it was a pleasure for us to be able to meet and show the Oddfellows how we operate.'

Ends

· Established in 1810, the Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK, with around 39,000 members across 91 branches nationwide. We're a not-for-profit mutual run by our members for our members, and we do our best to improve the quality of people’s lives through friendship, care and charity. It costs from £25 a year to join us as a member and become part of our friendly society. www.oddfellows.co.uk.

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For further information about the Oddfellows, please contact Naomi Fulwood ([email protected])  

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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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