Page 73 - Salcombe Masthead 2020

THANK YOU SALCOMBE RNLI
With a thank you, a Royal visit and a Church service, RNLI Salcombe brought to a close a yearlong celebration of 150 years commitment and sacrifice to the town and surrounding coastline.
On Friday, under the cover of a large marquee Salcombe Rugby Football Club opened its doors to allow the Lifeboat Fundraising Crew to say thank you to the local community and families, for their constant support not just in raising funds but with their forbearance for the disruption to everyday life put on hold when the pager goes off.
Saturday, the actual 150th birthday, saw the town and its close neighbour Kingsbridge honoured with a visit from His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.
On a very bright and sunny morning
in Kingsbridge, and after meeting and talking with many local dignitaries His Royal Highness unveiled a sculpture, by sculptor Jim Martins depicting the very first Salcombe lifeboat, the Rescue, which was launched from the quay in Kingsbridge 150
years ago.
Onboard Salcombe’s all-weather lifeboat,
The Baltic Exchange III, HRH Duke of Kent reviewed a fleet of old and new lifeboats with HMS Magpie heading the fleet that also included a rowing gig, Salcombe Yacht Club cadets, safety boats and a number of private launches and yachts.
This was followed by HRH the Duke
of Kent unveiling a twin sculpture in Salcombe, again by sculptor Jim Martins, but depicting the current Salcombe Lifeboat The Baltic Exchange III, followed by private meetings with volunteer crew and members of the fundraising crew
and supporters. HRH Duke of Kent
then attended a luncheon served at the Salcombe Yacht Club, which was a great success and our thanks go to the club for all their support with this event.
On Sunday, the Holy Trinity Church
in Salcombe was full for a Service of Celebration for Salcombe RNLI, led by Father Daniel French and music from The Britannia Royal Navel College Volunteer Band and the Salcombe Community Gospel Choir.
The Service was followed by a parade through the town to the War memorial
for a short service of re-dedication of the memorial to those who perished on the 27 October 1916.
Salcombe Lifeboat Operations Manager, Mr Andrew Arthur paid tribute to the many people within the communities of Salcombe and Kingsbridge who had come together
to make the anniversary year such a great success.
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