Largs RNLI volunteer crew members were joined by previous crew and invited guests to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI and 60 years of the RNLI in town.
On Saturday May 20, swapping dry suits and wellies for dresses and kilts, the volunteers at Largs RNLI attended a dinner dance in celebration of both RNLI’s 200th anniversary and the 60th Anniversary of RNLI lifesaving in Largs.
More than 100 people attended the event at the Brisbane House Hotel, including current and former lifeboat crew and their families, fund-raisers and Deputy Lieutenant Jane Evans.
The event started with a short speech by John Griffiths, operations manager at the Largs lifeboat station, and saw Lifesaving Operations Director commendations awarded to the crew who were involved in the rescue of a paddleboarder being swept offshore at Seamill on June 10 last year.
Helm Brian Rankin and his crew of Jennifer Flavell, Andrew Malone and Andrew Anderson launched in strong northerly winds, poor visibility and thunderstorms to locate the casualty, retrieve her from the water and ibegin casualty care.
The commendations were presented to the volunteer crew involved by area lifesaving manager Bob McMaster and Deputy Lieutenant Jane Evans.
A lovely dinner was followed by the drawing of a special fund-raising raffle, with prizes donated from a host of local companies, including Largs Yacht Haven, Morrisons and Thorne Travel.
Volunteer crew member Steven Kemp then spoke about his anniversary booklet detailing the history of the RNLI in Largs, from its very first local lifeboat to recent events.
The cost of printing the booklet was covered by a donation from Peel Ports and a copy was given to all those at the event as a souvenir.
The McHart Ceilidh Band then provided the music for an evening of ceilidh dancing.
John Griffiths said: "A fantastic night was had by everyone involved. It was lovely to have so many of our crew at the event and to be joined by their family.
"Having the night begin with the issue of commendations for the crew was a brilliant way to set the tone.
"All of the volunteers here at Largs RNLI work very hard throughout the year, dedicating time to the common goal of saving lives at sea, and they deserve to be recognised for the work they do.
"‘For the last 60 years here in Largs, the volunteers have reacted in a selfless manner to aid strangers in trouble in the water, aligning to the vision established by Sir William Hillary 200 years ago when the RNLI was formed.
"I know the passion and dedication of the volunteers here at Largs RNLI will allow RNLI lifesaving to continue here at Largs well into the future. Here's to the next 60 years and beyond."
The night was sponsored by Largs Yacht Haven, Cedarwood Wealth Management, Pearsons of Wemyss Bay and Maritime Craft Services.
This event is one of a series of 12 planned for this bumper anniversary year, which the next being a Welly Walk on May 27 at 11am, starting at the Fish Works.
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