Thanks to George for the following which should be of interest to many VB readers. Ed
The call has gone out to Islanders to take part in an energetic fun-day at the end of January in aid of the proposed new Cowes lifeboat station.
SOS Day is the RNLI’s biggest nation-wide annual fund-raising initiative, with members up and down the country staging a whole variety of weird and wonderful events intended to appeal to all the family.
Fundraising for Cowes lifeboat station
Last January an SOS Day event at Gurnard Pines Holiday Village raised sponsorship cash for the charity’s general funds.
However, the next event, on Saturday 29th January, will be specifically in aid of the new lifeboat station, planned for the Customs House next to Cowes Parade. The day will be organised by the East Cowes Branch of the RNLI.
Last year people were invited to use cycling and rowing machines, and cover lengths of the swimming pool – with the idea of chalking up mileage towards the equivalent of circumnavigating the Isle of Wight. Such was the enthusiastic support, that by the end of the day the ’60 mile circumnavigation’ had been achieved no fewer than seven times.
A fourth way of chalking up the mileage will also be on offer this year – with the addition of a well-pathed nature walk around the extensive holiday village site (but no dogs please).
“We want the 2011 Gurnard Pines event to be even more of a success, both in respect of great fun and fund-raising,” said East Cowes hon. branch treasurer Jenny Clune. “We are extremely grateful to the owners of Gurnard Pines for again setting aside so many of their excellent facilities for our event.”
As well as out-doors walk being part of the forthcoming challenge, the idea is that people wanting to row, cycle or swim will do 15 minute stints at any time between 10 am and 4 pm, before resting or taking up another activity. To encourage youngsters to take part, invitations have gone out to Island schools.
Non-participants are also warmly invited to drop in during the day.
Sponsored activists can either enter as individuals or as a member of a team. For more information, contact Jenny Clune, telephone 293292 or email [email protected]
