Morecombe

Fantastic 5p fundraising

When 8-year-old Keegan Luraschi learned that RNLI lifeboat crew members are volunteers who count on public donations to save lives, he set his mind to doing all he could to help them in their mission.
Keegan began getting stuck in at home – doing chores to help his mum, and in return receiving a donation of 5p at a time. By July, he’d set aside £9.95 in 5p pieces! When Keegan paid the lifesavers at Morecambe Lifeboat Station a visit to present his donation, the crew treated him to a very exciting tour of the lifeboat and hovercraft. Morecambe Lifeboat Operations Manager Kevin Jackson says: ‘We are very grateful to Keegan for his donation. That someone so young should feel motivated to help in this way is marvellous and we can assure him that it will help us to continue saving lives.’

Cullercoats

West Jesmond pupils visit station

Year-1 pupils from West Jesmond Primary School in Newcastle had a brilliant time visiting Cullercoats
Lifeboat Station earlier in the year. They learned all about the rescue work of RNLI volunteers, as well as lifesaving tips for staying safe near open water.

St Bees

Outdoor concert raises £836

An outdoor concert held in St Bees in July raised £836 to help save lives at sea. Organised by Trainee Helm Dalton Watson and held at Queens Public House, the event brought together local acts Rogues, Springfield, Newtonsmith and Joe Riley for live music and sunshine in the pub’s beer garden. This all happened on the day the England men’s football team won its World Cup quarter final, so spirits were high. Dalton says: ‘I’m really pleased with how it all went. The sun and the football result helped put everyone in a party mood from the start and this carried on through the evening. I would like to thank Dave and Joan at the Queens for supplying the venue, the bands for putting on a great show, and my fellow volunteers, as well as everyone who came along to support the RNLI and help raise such a large amount of money. It will help us to continue saving lives at sea and I might even do it all again next year!’

Hartlepool

BACK TO SCHOOL

Former pupil of Frederick Nattrass Primary School and current crew at Hartlepool Lifeboat Station Jayne Mandeville had a blast from the past when current pupils paid a visit to the station to learn about water safety and the work of RNLI lifesavers. A few days later, she headed back to school to pay them a visit too – taking Stormy Stan with her! With the whole school present for the assembly, Jayne and Stormy were able to make sure even more young people had the opportunity to learn how to be water smart. Jayne says: ‘It was really nice to meet some of the children and staff from my old school at the boathouse and the school. But most importantly, with the summer holidays coming up, it was good to teach the children about being safe at the seaside.'

Gateshead

THROW BAG TRAINING SAVES LIFE

In July, staff at Gateshead’s By the River Brew Co learned lifesaving throw bag skills in training delivered by the RNLI and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. Just one week later, they were called on to put those skills to the test. In the early hours of Sunday morning, a man found himself in difficulty after entering the water. Seeing him struggle to keep his head above water, Bar Managers Phil Hall and Ben Anderson called 999, ran across the swing bridge and threw the throw bag to him. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Swift Water Rescue Team arrived in minutes, pulling the man to safety. By the River Brew Co Operations Manager Graham Moffett says: 'We have proved the training works and we are very proud of the guys for reacting so quickly. This is a scheme that all waterside operators would benefit from and we would recommend that everybody gets involved in this training.’ To find out more about the programme, visit RNLI.org/throwbags.

Fish Supper is back for 2018 from
5–21 October.
To host your own visit RNLI.org/FishSupper, or see RNLI.org/events to find one near you.

PLEASE SEND US YOUR EVENTS
We want to be able to tell readers about as many events happening near them as possible, but don’t always get to hear about them in time. When this issue lands on your doorstep, we will be looking for events from mid-January to mid-April. If you are an event organiser, please send your events listings to [email protected].
Be sure to also ask your community support coordinator how to list them on RNLI.org/events.