Cream tea event raises £750 for Ilfracombe RNLI

Sun, scones, cream and jam combined in the gardens of historic Trimstone Manor near Ilfracombe to raise welcome funds for the town’s two lifeboats.

The first ever RNLI Charity Cream Tea at the West Down hotel was held to coincide with National Cream Tea Day and was well-attended, raising £750 in total.

The event was organised by Trimstone housekeeper and assistant manager Rhianne Mockridge, who baked the scones and was inspired to do something on behalf of the RNLI after she moved to the area earlier this year.

Rhianne said: “The day went really well, we were quite busy the whole time and a lot of people came in – the gardens were full, the sun was shining, it was lovely.

“I am hoping to arrange another next year, to tie in with National Cream Tea Day again.”

She added: “We chose the RNLI because of the fantastic work they do in the area; they are always out and they are always busy.

“My grandmother was a big fan of the Charity and my Uncle’s name is among those inscribed on the Norfolk-based Shannon class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh.”

The funds raised on the day were topped up to £750 by the Philip J Milton & Company Plc Charitable Foundation.

Anne Gilding, volunteer fundraising team leader for Ilfracombe RNLI, said: “The tea was a huge success and enjoyed by many but to then more than double the sum for the RNLI is a wonderful gesture and much appreciated.

“Many thanks also to Rhianne who was a total star and made the afternoon such a success.”