Annual lifeboat open day raises more than £10,000
The sun shone for the annual open day in aid of the RNLI on Lerwick’s Victoria Pier on Saturday, which raised an outstanding £10,350.
The NorthLink Ferries trip around Bressay, was, once again, a popular part of the event, attracting 458 people.
Lerwick Ladies Lifeboat Guild president Moira Leask said: “The day was a great success. We were blessed with great weather and Victoria Pier was buzzing with live music and the usual range of attractions to satisfy young and old.
“The girls in the tea tent and barbecue were kept busy with a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, while a number of reluctant lifeboat men were called upon to take part in ‘dunking the lifeboat man’ which drew an enthusiastic crowd ready to spend their money.”
Mrs Leask said the trip around Noss on the Hrossey, courtesy of NorthLink, was very popular with 458 people boarding the ship for the cruise. The lifeboat came alongside and demonstrated a safety exercise. Meanwhile, indoors, the public areas of the ship were busy with stalls, teas and raffles. The feedback from the passengers was outstanding with some claiming that it had been the best £6 that they had ever spent.
She added: “We very much appreciate all the help that we receive from the people at NorthLink. Shore side, Jane Leask was, as always, a tremendous support and, onboard the ship, Captain Dave Wheeler and hotel director Lorrain Burrows and crew were as accommodating as ever.
“The lifeboat service is at the heart of our community and, thankfully, the people of Shetland recognise this and always show their generous support at events such as these, for which we are very grateful.”
Michael Eaton
Thursday afternoon my daughter rings me here in Kendal England to tell me that this weekend is Lifeboat day.Friday morning I am on a train to Aberdeen to catch the evening ferry arriving Saturday morning.
Saturday afternoon and back on the ferry for the trip to Bressay. What a superb experience and an ideal way to help support a remarkable group of people.Thank you to all involved for a great day and for all you do throughout the year
Sunday back on the ferry and back home tierd but happy after a last minute and crazy decision to be there. Maybe next year…….
but I’ll be back before then.
Michael Eaton
(Not mentioned above as it is probably not appropriate is that I have terminal cancer and this was on my before I go wish list for last year but I could not make it so the maybe next year is very much outside my control)