Dewsbury

YOUTH DIVE IN TO DROWNING PREVENTION

In 2017, Kumon Y’all, an organisation mobilising young Muslim people to give back to the community, approached the RNLI to seek safety advice for an upcoming canoe expedition in Scotland.
After a water and canoe safety talk by our Education Team, the group were inspired to get involved. Education volunteers and members of the Dewsbury RNLI Branch were invited to Kumon Y’all’s annual community event, which raised £2,000 for the RNLI. Since then, four young people have been trained to deliver drowning prevention presentations encompassing water safety and our Respect the Water campaign. The new volunteers have set themselves the task of speaking with more than 1,000 young people in schools and mosques in the area, helping us reach the group most at risk of drowning in the
UK: young men. These ambassadors are not only learning excellent life skills, but are also setting an example of how to look after your community. You can find out more about the work of Kumon Y’all at kumonyall.co.uk.

Hartlepool THE BEST MEDICINE

They may not wear yellow wellies but medical students and pharmacy staff in Hartlepool know a thing or two about lifesaving. The students, from the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton, have joined crew to share their skills on a training exercise. And staff at Seaton Pharmacy in Seaton Carew raised an impressive £529.19 with the now legendary Betty’s 5p Pots as part of their ongoing support for the RNLI. Hartlepool RNLI Enterprise Branch Chair Beryl Sherry says: ‘We are delighted with this donation and the support from the pharmacy staff and customers. Their generous effort will help our volunteer crew members save lives at sea.'

New Huddersfield Branch

A new inland fundraising branch formed in Huddersfield last September is attracting volunteers
of all ages, bringing together people and businesses to help save lives at sea.
A 6-week pop-up shop in Shepley Post Office, and another at the Cottage Kitchen in Kirkburton, each raised close to £200 through the sale of RNLI souvenirs. The local café also served up £150 from a sold-out coffee day. The young branch looks set to go from strength to strength. St Paul’s Church Hall, which hosted a rock and roll night with the fantastic JB Goode band, is gearing up to host Canadian folk band RBR (formerly Tanglefoot) on their 2018 UK tour in June. Local pub the Spring Grove Tavern is supporting monthly quiz nights. And Education Volunteer and Branch Secretary Tony Watson is inspiring young supporters with visits to schools. Students from Wilthorne Primary School in Barnsley have already raised £839.74 from a sponsored swim at Barnsley Premier Leisure Swimming Club. 

Whaley Bridge

LONG SERVICE HONOURED

Committee member of Whaley Bridge Branch Diane Hughes was presented with a vase for her long service at the branch’s annual dinner last year. She has volunteered for the RNLI for 40 years and her contribution to saving lives at sea, despite living inland, is an incredible success to celebrate.

What's On

Details might have changed since going to print, so please check in advance to avoid disappointment. To find out what else is on near you, see RNLI.org/events.
LEG IT FOR LYTHAM
Sunday 22 April
Lytham Inshore Boathouse, Central Beach
(opposite the Queens Hotel)
A leisurely 3½-mile run (or stroll) taking in views of the estuary and coast between the inshore boathouse on Central Beach, Lytham, and the all-weather boathouse on South
Promenade, St Annes.
Visit lythamlifeboats.co.uk.
SOS RADIO WEEK
1–31 May
An opportunity to raise money and celebrate the work of the RNLI. Find out more or register
your callsign at sosradioweek.org.uk.
BUXTON DUCK RACE
Monday 7 May
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
RNLI fundraisers will be holding a duck race in Pavilion Gardens during the Buxton Spring Fair.
Tickets £1, on sale from April. Contact
Dianne Travis on [email protected].
HOYLAKE CAR WASH
Sunday 13 May, 10am–1pm
Hoylake Lifeboat Station
Have your car hand washed by the coxswain and his crew, £5 per car.
THREE SHIRES CYCLE SPORTIVE
Sunday 20 May, 8am–4pm
Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire
An annual event aimed at cyclists of all ages and abilities. Choose between a 5K family cycle, 35K, 100K, or the Triple Crown of all three (140K). Visit RNLI.org/ThreeShires.

Send details of your events for the summer issue (mid-July onwards) to
[email protected].