Three community groups have presented cheques to Exmouth RNLI volunteers within three days to say thank you for working with them locally. Crew, shop and fundraising volunteers all played their part to raise the profile of the life-saving charity.

On Thursday 21 November, the Exe Sailing Club held their annual RNLI evening. Club Commodore, Rex Frost and his committee invited RNLI crew volunteers to receive a cheque for £664.80, raised by the club over the year. During the evening, the charity also received £154 raised by the proceeds of the raffle and shop volunteers sold £170.60 worth of RNLI branded souvenirs and Christmas cards. Retiring Exmouth RNLI Coxswain Mechanic, Tim Mock was then invited to be an honorary member and given a framed certificate, an engraved whiskey glass and his own membership card for the club. Tim’s wife, Melanie was presented with a bouquet of flowers. In his response, Tim said;

‘I’m delighted to be made an honorary member, as the station has enjoyed a very good relationship with the club over my 33 years’ service at Exmouth RNLI.’

Also on Thursday evening, Fundraising Team Chair Don Hodgkinson was invited to receive a ‘thank you’ cheque from the organisers of Dawlish Air Show. Attending with other community groups and charities including Teignmouth RNLI, Don was presented with a cheque for £100. During this year’s Air Show, crew volunteers were proud to take part in demonstration exercises for the spectators.

On Saturday 23 November, a number of Exmouth RNLI crew volunteers and their wives attended an annual event at Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club. During the evening, Tim Mock received a cheque for £250 on behalf of the charity that saves lives at sea.

All donations received over the three days will contribute towards the launch and recovery vehicle appeal for the new Shannon-class lifeboat, due next year. Don Hodgkinson said of the community’s generosity;

‘We’re very grateful for the generosity of these groups’ donations and they will boost our appeal fund greatly. We’re proud to play an important role in the community and this week’s presentations prove it.’