July 10 2013.


The main fundraising events of the summer for RNLI Newhaven took place on Saturday at Huggetts Green on the West Quay  and at the Lifeboat House. The fete was officially opened by Seaford Town Crier, Peter White, who also introduced Newhaven Lady Mayor Julie Carr to make a short speech, welcoming everyone to the event. The whole District was represented at the fete, as Telscombe Mayor Brendon Rossiter, Peacehaven Lady Mayor Rachel Coles and the deputy Mayor of Seaford Mark Brown were also able to attend.

It is estimated that approximately 2000 visitors joined the fun and celebrations at the fete and they enjoyed a sizzling summer day whilst being entertained by various displays, including the award-winning Norcross Dancers and locally based Lewes drumming group, Skull Drummery, with Haven Harmonies performing at the boathouse.

Attendance of visitors was higher than last year, assisted, in part, by the better weather, although the heat was a little too much for some who required assistance from members of the St Johns Ambulance.

Despite the heat of the day, the Hog Roast proved popular and was a complete sell-out and the children's activities, including the Bouncy Castle and Slide were also ever-popular attractions.

The final total of monies raised in aid of the RNLI is yet to be confirmed, although initial indications suggest that a total of between £4500 to £5000 is expected. Secretary for Newhaven and District Lifeboat Fundraising Society, Graham Hillman, said: "This day is not just about the raising of funds, but also an important opportunity for us to demonstrate to the people of Newhaven and surrounding district that their own efforts and support throughout the year for their local lifeboat are fully appreciated.'"

The weekend of celebration of 210 years of the Newhaven Lifeboat service continued on Sunday with a rescue display by the lifeboat at Seaford Beach. Unfortunately, the Coastguard Helicopter was called away for an operational duty prior to being able to join the demonstration, however, this gave the lifeboat the opportunity to extend it's own training display time. The calm waters of another glorious summer morning allowed the Severn Class lifeboat, the largest of the lifeboat fleet, to come very close to the water's edge at the beach and the substantial audience were treated to a very close view of the lifeboat and volunteer crew.

Donations from beach collections totalled £190.00, ensuring that the lifeboat weekend was an overall success.
 

Pictured: The lifeboat close to the beach, event organiser Paula Hillman and PC Matt Holt  and The Norcross Dancers in action.