Volunteers who help organise events and raise funds for the Largs Lifeboat would like to thank everyone who have donated to help save lives at sea.
After 13 years chairing the Fundraising Branch, Cathy Holgate is standing down, but despite many efforts and pleas, they have been unable to find a replacement.
Linn Munton will be Acting Chairperson until October when Billy Strang will take over for the next six months. Cathy will remain on the committee, but the message—loud and clear—is that they are still looking for a Chairman!
Cathy reported that they had had another busy year; that the amount raised had increased from last year to over £39,000. She detailed the year’s activities and said they had only been possible through the commitment of the many volunteers and the continued support of the local people and businesses.
She thanked them all and gave special mention to her officers and committee for their support and flexibility. The other objective was to raise the profile of the branch and she praised and thanked the local paper for its continued support, and contribution through its publicity including on the website, on Facebook and the Largs Advertiser.
Cathy added: It has been a rewarding and satisfying position that had presented me with many challenges, left me with many memories, and I have made many friends along the way.” She wished the Branch continued success and was presented with a large bouquet!
After the AGM was concluded, the mainly female audience heard a fascinating talk from Walter Lee, RNLI Coastal and Educational Volunteer, on the role of women in the RNLI. He told of how the RNLI was credited with the first ever recorded street collection in Manchester, organised by Marion Macara in 1891 when she entered a call for financial help following a lifeboat disaster. Over £5000 was raised through this—people were queuing to donate--and she went on to found the Ladies Guild. He also explained that with no slipways and many lifeboats not situated near the water, another role for the women was to pull the lifeboats with heavy ropes to launch and recover them, but they couldn’t crew them because that was considered bad luck! The first female crew member was appointed in 1969 and now there are a few more, as well as female lifeguards.
The next big fundraiser is the fish supper dance at Nardini’s on Saturday April 22.