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RNLI mascot Stormy Stan arrives at the station aboard Lifeboat ‘Sarah Emily Harrop ' accompanied by lifeboat mechanic Diz Cary & Station Chairman Terry Ashmore. |
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Crowds had the opportunity to find out what happens inside their local Lifeboat Station at Calshot’s annual open day on Sunday 15 July.
Despite the crowd being soaked in a torrential thunder and lightening downpour that enveloped the event an estimated £1,000 was raised to support the charity.
The station’s lifeboats attended two rescue calls as a consequence of the extreme weather but still had time to complete the full programme of planned displays.
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Crowd watches the firefighting display |
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The crowd was able to see a Coastguard helicopter exercise, the All Weather Lifeboat tackle a simulated boat fire and a dramatic display of how to right a capsized Inshore Lifeboat.
Ashore, star attractions were Shelley Jory and Libby Keir and their Team Raymarine British Honda Championship powerboat and the Solent Skiers Association jetski display. Shelley and Solent Skiers’ jetskis will be taking part in the forthcoming ‘the Wight Stuff’ circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight on 21 July in aid of the RNLI.
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Team Projump 101 acrobatically hurdles over RNLI crew member Mike Lawrence |
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On the water, highspeed rib power boat rides, which are becoming an annual favourite with the public, and an impressive exhibition by an Esso Refinery tug entertained.
Away from things nautical, Portsmouth based Team Projump 101 freeran and jumped their way around the station and over a static lifeboat in a stunning display of acrobatic tumbling and ‘pro jumping’ with spring loaded stilts.
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Station fundraiser John Barry valiantly mans the BBQ through the rain |
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A fire engine, mobile climbing wall, bouncy castle, all the traditional fete stalls, a display of model boats and a BBQ completed the attractions.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Bryan Loughlin said that the afternoon had been a great success despite the weather and that he was very grateful to all the fundraisers and members of the public who supported the RNLI so well.
In addition to money raised on the afternoon, ABP and Red Funnel generously sponsored the Open Day. |
