Seaton RNLI branch's Mayday appeal raises more than £670

The Seaton, Beer & District branch of the RNLI raised more than £670 during the charity's national May Day appeal.

The month of May saw branch volunteers Wendy Cummins and Pat Watterson walk a total of 137 miles between them as part of their Mayday Miles fundraising campaign. Branch secretary Wendy completed 65 miles both locally and while on holiday and during days out, while Pat completed 72 miles in the local area.

The month culminated with a public walk along the full length of Seaton seafront and back, in which Wendy and Pat were joined by fellow volunteers Wendy Marselle and Roger Grose – pushing mascots RNLI Ted 1 and little Rodney RNLI Bear in the lifeboat pushchair – while Brian and Marilyn Coates and Adrian Mills held collections for the RNLL throughout the day.

A children's welly boot theme colouring competition was also staged, with judging of the 22 entries from Seaton Primary School taking place at Pebbles Coffee House. Edie Moss and Dexter Flynn were named the winners.

The day raised £281.48 and, with additional sponsorship and donations, the total raised for the RNLi during the month of May was £671.63.

Beer Lifeboat Weekend

The branch is now looking forward to Beer Lifeboat Weekend.

Events will include a table top sale at the Mariners Hall in Beer on Saturday, July 1 from 9am to 12.30pm. The doors will open to sellers at 8am and tables are still available for hire at £6 for one or £12 for two – call or message 07790 861 531 or email [email protected] to book.

There will also be bacon baps, tea, coffee and cake on offer, as well as a raffle, tombola and a variety of stalls. The branch will also be holding street collections and more volunteers are needed for this.

The 16th annual Duck Race Day will be held on Sunday, July 2. Exmouth and Lyme Regis lifeboat crews will hold a display off Beer beach at 2.30pm (subject to weather and operational requirements) and Beer Coastguards will also be attending, as well as the RNLI Sea Safety Stand, F2F Fundraisng Team and the Inflatable Shannon.

The day will also include a duck tombola, stalls and colour a duck competition, with the duck races starting at 3pm.

The Seaton, Beer and District branch's RNLI shop at Jubilee Gardens in Beer is now open for the 2023 season.

Volunteers aim to open the shop seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, subject to volunteer availability and weather.

There are still some vacancies on the rota; if you would be interested in volunteering, pop into the shop for more details.