Newsletter 18032024:
Well after the celebrations at the start of our Anniversary year we returned to the regular Fundraising events when TLF members Julia and Jamie hosted us for a Coffee Morning earlier last week at their guest house, The Cimon on Abbey Rd, Torquay. And what a great turnout it was from all 3 areas of Torbay so thank you especially to those who travelled over from Brixham. Overall £234.50p was raised so well done everyone.
Sally Lord was one of the deserving members who was invited to Westminster Abbey on 4 March and Sally has provided the link below which will be available until 2 April so you can catch up on the Service itself. Sally has provided a bit of guidance should you wish to “fast forward” the video to the “interesting” bit. Thank you, Sally.
The arrival of the Duke of Kent is at about 16.15, followed by the slow procession through the Abbey doing the meet-and-greet. The service proper starts at about 25.00.
Succession Planning:
I referred to this in the last Newsletter and I just want to add a little to this. At the AGM Barbara Smithson expressed a wish to stand down as our Hon Secretary after 20 years, thankfully we think we have a successor but I will confirm that upon Barbara’s return from holiday.
And at our recent Committee Meeting Sparks expressed a wish to stand down from managing the Facebook and Media role. If anyone feels they can take up that position please do contact Sparks sparksattheseaside@gmail.com or myself.
However, whilst all Committee Roles are important, the role of the Treasurer and Events Co-ordinator are not positions that can be filled easily “at the drop of a hat”. I am therefore asking for a couple of Volunteers to “shadow” Dave and myself in order to appreciate what the roles involve. Neither of us are seeking to leave the respective roles in the near future but it will certainly make life easier if we have natural successors waiting in the wings.
Please give it some thought or come and have a chat without committing yourself.
Event Assistance:
We are (thankfully) receiving increasing offers and opportunities to attend Events with our Souvenirs Stall, often using our Gazebos as well for certain outside events. Transportation and setting-up requires a few people (usually about 4) to effectively achieve that. What I would appreciate is having a small team that I can call on should it be necessary to assist with the setting-up and clearing up aspects. Please let me know if you can help.
Event Programme:
You should all, by now, have received the April – September Programme and as usual you will see there are plenty of forthcoming Events; In addition to the Coffee Mornings at Old Market House (2 April) & Berry Head Hotel (14 May), of particular importance are the Bucket Collections at Morrisons 9 & 10 April, Souvenirs & Cover the Flag @ Pier Point, Torquay, May Day Stalls outside the Lifeboat Station on Sunday 5 May and Souvenir Stall @ Torquay Harbourside 27 May.
If you can spare an hour or so to help please contact Debbie Philips 07799 055680 for the Torquay events or myself on 01803 855329 for any of the others.
King’s Quay Shop:
This Friday Middle St Shop closes its door for the final time, following a few days of boxing up the merchandise and transferring it to our “new” home opposite the Man & Boy statue we hope to commence trading from there on Good Friday 29 March.
I am grateful to all the Volunteer staff who will be helping us to achieve the move. Sadly two of our Volunteers have decided to “call it a day” but please join with me in thanking Malcolm and Rosemary for many, many years of great service and commitment at the Middle St Shop.
Dr Andrew Medley (Coxswain in waiting):
Andrew gave a superb Talk at Brixham Yacht Club last week on the topic of “Staying Afloat” – Keeping Your Minds Healthy. Andrew is currently a Clinical Psychologist working with trauma in general hospital and critical care settings and as a Crew member Andrew has been able to bring his skills to help colleagues when needed. The Club was packed to hear Andrew’s presentation. However, if you missed it or want to remind yourself of some aspects of Andrew’s Talk just e-mail me and I will send you a copy of his Talk.
Until next time, Take Care
Peter
Torbay Lifeboats 