Newsletter 290923:
First of all “People”
“Shirley calls it a day”:
Shirley Brown, a stalwart of our Middle St Shop has decided to retire from the Shop.
With 20-years service there, 17 of which Shirley has been the Shop Manager she will be sorely missed by all who know and love her. Shop volunteers gathered for a farewell lunch in her honour at the Yacht Club this week and we all wish her well in the future and she can enjoy other past-times not necessarily involving TLF. Thank You Shirley.
It is however, always difficult at times to find a replacement for such a role and I am thrilled to announce that Hilary Houlston will take up the baton as Shop Manager at Middle St. Hilary brings with her great retail experience and together with Jane managing the Stock Control and Budgets I am sure the future of our Shop is in safe hands (as of course is the Kiosk with Angela, Carol and the volunteers there)
Recent Events:
Often unexpected fundraising opportunities present themselves from nowhere and so it was when Barratt David Wilson Homes announced they would like to donate £1,500 to Torbay. So 2 weeks ago their Team came to the Lifeboat Station to present the cheque to our Coxswain, Jason Stride, Richard Fowler and Ash McInally.
We feel there could be further fundraising benefits from our new sponsors, we’ll keep you posted.
The “Petrel”:
On a somewhat sadder note, in May, our Crew assisted by Teignmouth & Exmouth went to the aid of a fishing boat in difficulties. One person was saved but sadly the skipper was lost, however his son ran a “Crowd-funding” page to donate to the many charities his Dad had supported in his life, the RNLI being one of them and as a result, each of the 3 Stations received £500.
Dedication Service of our Lifeboats:
Recovering from the previous planned Event in August when the storm forced us to cancel the Event on the Quay, we rearranged it for 15 September and it was a very enjoyable evening, the bucket collection of £450.90p was testimony to how much supporters and holiday-makers enjoyed themselves. Thank You as always to our Crew.
Hoopers Fashion Show:
Trudi Knapman and her staff laid on, yet again, a very enjoyable Show in the Torquay Store. With 92 of the 100 tickets available sold and tremendous support of the Raffle (£302) once again we are looking at over £1,000 to TLF funds.
Future Events:
Coffee Mornings:
Birdcage earlier in October was a good one again and we are looking forward to our second visit of the year to the Old Market Place on 11 October and The Trawler on 7 November.
Talks:
Next Wednesday 4 October Julia Fox. M.A, Hon Curator Devonshire Collection of Period Costumes presents a Talk @ the Rugby Club entitled “Rationed Fashion – Utility & Wartime Chic”. Talk starts at 2.30p.m. followed by Refreshments. Just £5 on the door.
“Special Events”:
Gold Sponsors – Cream Teas @ BHH
This Sunday the Crew are hosting a group of the Kili Challenge Gold Sponsors (those who donated £1,000 or more) at Berry Head Hotel as a way of saying “Thank You”. It should be a great event.
Skittles: Fundraisers -v- The Crew
Scheduled for Wednesday evening 11 October @ Brixham Cricket Club. Plenty of interest from you Fundraisers, Crew seem to be holding back at present (can’t blame them given the risk to their reputation !!) but we’ll have a great evening.
Quiz:
Once again we are at the Yacht Club on Wed 18 October for another of our (in)famous Quizes. Usual “rules” of max 6-people in a Team, £3 entry, Raffle available. Food available from 6.30pm just call the Bar on 01803 853332 to book your Team table.
200th Anniversary:
Again, we welcome any ideas about how Torbay can mark/celebrate this wonderful landmark next year, don’t worry how “wacky” you might think your idea is, just let us know.
Kind Regards
Peter
Torbay Lifeboats 