This in from George on behalf of Cowes RNLI. In his own words. Ed
The significant role played by members of the RNLI’s Cowes Guild in responding to the appeal for the town’s new lifeboat station was underlined at the guild’s annual meeting.
Anna Morgan-Crockett, guild chairman, declared, “I cannot praise too highly the hard work and dedication of our members. They worked flat out during the entire appeal, giving many hours of volunteer service, well above the call of duty.”
£850,000 raised
Despite the country’s economic difficulties the appeal, which had now closed, was a resounding success. A total of £850,000 was raised, of which just under £248,000 came from the Isle of Wight. Furthermore £71,475 of the Island’s contribution was via the local guild. “What a brilliant effort,” she declared.
She felt privileged to be the guild chairman in the year when the new Cowes lifeboat station was officially opened in July by the Queen, on the final day of her country-wide Diamond Jubilee tour. All those involved in the local RNLI welcomed Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh with a mixture of excitement and exhilaration.
2012 highlights
Other highlights in the year were such fund-raising events as a jubilee lunch at the Royal Yacht Squadron, an Olympic Cruise in the Solent, a summer party, afternoon teas, coffee mornings, and lunches.
The RNLI’s Cowes shop, managed by Fran Bracken and ‘her stalwart volunteers’ continued to do well, although takings were slightly down on the previous year. Profit from sales totalled £21,861.
The annual meeting, held at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, learned that a varied programme of guild events was planned for the coming year. “We greatly look forward to working closely with our boat and station volunteers to raise more money for the charity dedicated to saving lives at sea,” added Mrs Morgan-Crockett.
