Clovelly RNLI prepares for lifeboat celebration

Volunteers at Clovelly’s RNLI lifeboat station are gearing up for their annual Lifeboat Day, set to take place on August 4.

This event will celebrate the RNLI's role within the history and heritage of Clovelly, where a lifeboat station has been a fixture for over 150 years.

Currently, Clovelly station houses the Toby Rundle, an Atlantic 85 B-class lifeboat celebrating a decade of service this year.

Additionally, 2024 marks 200 years since the RNLI was established by Sir William Hillary, creating the charity dedicated to saving lives at sea. 

The Clovelly crew has participated in several events to honour this milestone and eagerly anticipates continuing the festivities on Lifeboat Day.

The event will commence at 10.30am with a host of activities scheduled throughout the day. Highlights include a multi-vessel display at approximately 12.30pm (subject to change), live music from The Cabin Girls, The Applecorers, and Spoots, along with a BBQ, games, competitions, and a charity auction, all in support of Clovelly RNLI. 

An old lifeboat, the Charles H. Barrett, will make a special appearance in remote-controlled form.

The lifeboat station will be open all day for tours, with crew members available to share their sea stories. 

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of tasty cakes and shop at the new pop-up store. The Red Lion and the New Inn will be open as usual, offering food and drink.

Landrovers will provide transport from the harbour to the top of the village for those unable to manage the steep hill.

The RNLI charity, known for saving lives at sea, relies on volunteers to provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coasts of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.