All smiles for Bella’s dedication to RNLI
The Lerwick branch of the RNLI and Lerwick Ladies Lifeboat Guild fund-raising committee made a special presentation to guild treasurer Bella Irvine this week.
She not only celebrated her 80th birthday but 31 years of membership of the guild and 16 years as treasurer.
The surprise presentation was made at a meeting of the management group at the Lerwick lifeboat station on Tuesday. Mrs Irvine received a brooch, a bouquet of flowers and chocolates.
She said: “I was overwhelmed by the surprise and very grateful for the beautiful gifts that I received. I very much enjoy being treasurer for the guild. It is a pleasure to work with all those involved in the RNLI.
“Our fund-raising efforts continue year on year. The most significant change in my time as treasurer – which we were sorry to have to make – was stopping the door-to-door collection which raised around £6,000 for the charity each year.
“Particular highlights, which my involvement with the guild has afforded me, include being lifted by helicopter from the lifeboat on a rescue exercise and going out in the harbour on the lifeboat in a force eight gale to greet Santa.”
Guild president Linda Simpson said: “We very much appreciate Bella’s continued dedication to the RNLI. As well as 31 years of service, we must thank her for the 16 years she has been our treasurer.
“She has made an outstanding contribution to the charity over this period and we hope that she will continue to do so for many years to come.”
