Words: Anna Burn. Photos: The Bedford Sixth Form, Elmfield School for the Deaf, RNLI/(Dereham Branch, Nathan Williams), Simon Trafford

Welcome to your community news for the South, Midlands and East. For the latest from where you are, head to RNLI.org/news

Bedford

LIFE SKILLS

When it comes to life skills, thorough analysis, decision making and safety are at the top of the list – and something the RNLI knows all about. In December, business students at the Bedford Sixth Form had an opportunity to learn from the best when several guest speakers, including the RNLI, brought these topics to life. Teacher Alex Townsend says: ‘This visit really helped the students understand the value of teamwork and problem solving as well as helping them all stay safe.’ Want to arrange a visit to your school or college or get involved with RNLI education volunteering? Visit RNLI.org/education to learn more.

Portishead

PUPPET POWER

A lively and educational water safety puppet theatre created by RNLI Education Volunteers Jon Yabsley and Geoff Vian is seeing great success with children – most recently at Elmfield School for the Deaf in Bristol.
In just 2 years, the Beach Buddies Seaside Puppet Theatre has reached more than 2,000 children, and the visit to Elmfield was the first time it was presented to children with hearing loss. Jon and Geoff found the visual presentation, with support from an interpreter, to be a really helpful teaching tool. Jon says: ‘We thoroughly enjoyed what was
a very different experience and a very worthwhile visit. I hope we have built a relationship with this school and that we can extend our work with deaf children in the future.’ A fantastic and innovative way of reaching more young people with lifesaving water safety messages.

Dereham

Lordy lordy, Dereham’s 40

The Dereham and District RNLI Branch – celebrating their 40th anniversary this year – said goodbye to their 30s in style last November with an evening of sea shanties and fundraising. Swaffham shanty crew Pot of Gold had the rafters ringing and over 90 supporters, including the mayor, helped raise a fantastic £643 for the RNLI.

Matlock

Rafters raise £1,500

Matlock’s annual Boxing Day event, organised by the Derbyshire Association of Sub Aqua Clubs, saw 100 quirky craft, including an army tank and a Star Trek themed raft, journey the 4 miles from Cawdor Quarry to Cromford Meadows along the River Derwent. Thousands gathered to cheer them on, helping this year’s event to raise £1,510 for the RNLI.

PLEASE SEND US YOUR NEWS AND EVENTS
Want to share your RNLI news and events with Lifeboat readers? By the time this issue lands on your doorstep, we’ll be nearing our deadline for the autumn issue, so please email [email protected] with anything you’d like considered.

WHAT’S ON

Mayday events will be happening throughout the region in May.
Visit RNLI.org/mayday to get involved.

LONDON LIFEBOAT DAY
Tuesday 30 April, 7am–7pm
Come along to volunteer for a few hours or a full day. You’ll meet fellow RNLI supporters and help collect across the city. Call 0300 300 0128 or email [email protected] to sign up.
LYMINGTON LIFEBOAT 10K
Sunday 12 May
Woodside Park, Lymington
Now in its 18th year, this 10K race takes place in the beautiful coastal location of Lymington and offers shorter fun runs for children. Find out more and register at lymingtonlifeboat.co.uk/annual-10k-run.
CASTLE 2 CASTLE SWIM
Sunday 9 June, 10am
Pendennis Point, Falmouth
Join this iconic 1-mile swim from Pendennis Castle in Falmouth to St Mawes Castle on the Roseland Peninsula. The swim is open to anyone over the age of 14. To register or find out more, contact James Clarke on 07774 436 265 or [email protected].
CROQUET
Sunday 30 June, 2–4pm
Ramsgate Croquet Club Come along to enjoy croquet, refreshments and a raffle. Contact Sarah Hewes on 07778 066 655 or [email protected].