8 October 2009                                                                                    Ballycotton  2009

Ballycotton lifeboat fundraising committee calls on new members to join them for their annual general meeting on Tuesday, 20 October, at 8:30 pm, in Ballycotton lifeboat house.

This hardworking committee has a long tradition of raising large amounts for Ballycotton lifeboat.  Over the years they have seen their numbers diminish which restricts them in what they can do.  This year they are sending out an SOS for new members.

Various fundraising events are run throughout the year and manpower is becoming a critical issue.  The committee understands that a member cannot be available at all times, after all they are only volunteers.  That is why it is so important to have a large committee to fall back on.   New ideas are always being sought for fundraising events and with new blood come new ideas.

The lifeboat service is a vital emergency service for our island nation.  The RNLI is a charitable service and fundraising is its lifeblood.  Ballycotton lifeboat fundraising committee is asking anyone with a little spare time to share it with them.  Committee members do not have to live in Ballycotton but can be from anywhere with a little time to give.  New members are always welcome and if you are interested in joining the committee but cannot attend on 20 October please contact a committee member.   If there is someone who does not want to join the committee but would like to help occasionally would you please contact Bláthnaid at 087 4151475 to make yourself known?

* Ballycotton Lifeboat was founded in 1858.  To date, the crew of Ballycotton Lifeboat Station have been awarded seventeen medals by the RNLI, 2 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze.

* The station has a €2 million, Trent Class lifeboat, Austin Lidbury.  This is a 14 metre, all weather lifeboat, with a top speed of 25 knots

* To learn more go to www.ballycottonlifeboat.org

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.