The RNLI was involved in a launching with a difference at Cowes, when instead of the local lifeboat it was their new shop that was given an appropriate send-off.
The shop, in the High Street, was the fourth to be opened by the life-saving charity on the Isle of Wight. Like the others, its task is to raise funds through the sale of specially made items.
“The shop is excellent, looking really smart,” said Cowes RNLI Guild chairman Sally Pengelly. “It will be a great asset to both the RNLI and Cowes, and a good way for RNLI helpers to both raise funds and communicate with the public.”
Well organised and well stocked
The shop’s interior is a prime example of how to display a bewildering range of goods in premises best described as bijou.
Everything, from mugs to lifeboat tea and teddy bears, has somehow been given a prominent position on counters and shelves; their often bright colours contrasting with the mostly white decor. Special to the shop are magnets, postcards and mugs featuring the Cowes station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, ‘Tabbycat’.
The task of setting out all the items was taken by James Thompson, the RNLI’s acting national retail manager, and Tina Maher, the organisation’s south-eastern retail advisor.
More volunteers needed
An army of volunteers would be taking turns to man the shop, although Sally Pengelly said there was still a need to recruit more men and women, even if they can spare just a few hours a week. It was envisaged the shop would be open daily between 10 am and 5 pm.
The ceremony, to mark the shop’s first trading day, was marked by long serving guild member Mrs Mary Jones cutting a tape, watched by many of the shop’s volunteers and two members of the local lifeboat crew. An official opening ceremony, probably performed by a VIP from the RNLI’s Poole headquarters, is planned for June 28.
The shop actually belongs to the nearby Island Sailing Club who last year also co-operated with the RNLI to purchase the nearby Customs House due to become, after extensive alterations, the new Cowes lifeboat station.
