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11/06/08: Life Saved Off Porth Ceiriad
Abersoch's Atlantic 75 Lifeboat, "Margaret Bench Of Solihull" was involved in a rescue off Porth Ceiriad yesterday afternoon after 2 people found themselves in the water after coming off a jet ski. It appears that the actions of a passing fisherman and one of the people from the jet ski, saved the life of the other before the Lifeboat arrived on scene. For more information on the rescue - visit the call out page.

12/05/08: RNLI Abersoch Open Day:
Abersoch RNLI's Annual Open Day held on Friday, May 30 was a huge success with £1600 being raised towards the running of its Lifeboat service. Hundreds of people came along to support the event.

photo: John Wormald: see more at www.totallyabersoch.co.uk

As the sun shone, the crowds browsed among the various stalls, boarded the Lifeboat, met the volunteers and generally enjoyed a great day out.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the organizers' control, the RAF rescue helicopter and the famous Red Arrows were unable to attend.

The tireless support of the members of the fund raising committee is greatly
appreciated by all, and they in turn would like to thank everybody who
contributed in any way to the success of the day. A special thanks to Enlli and Danielle and to Margo and to local businesses - Abersoch Garden Centre, Bwydlyn, Dwyfor Coffee and Tea Supplies, Pwllheli Seafoods and Spar, Pwllheli.

Many photos from the event can be viewed at: www.totallyabersoch.co.uk

12/05/08: RNLI Abersoch Quiz Night - Sandpiper, Abersoch.
This annual event was another fun night and very well attended. A total of £578.00 was raised. Many thanks to all who attended and helped and especially to Jess and Leigh at The Sandpiper.

11/05/08: Very Generous Donations
We have received some very generous donations recently and we'd like to thank all of those people who have thought of us. Many, many thanks to Willenhall Round Table (£1000), the nursing staff Maelor Ward (£130), Cabot Carbon Ltd (£160) and Ysgol Mynytho (£33.45). Also a wonderful chart table for the LIfeboat Station has been donated by the Dean family in memorium of Jeane Dean. Very generous amounts were also given in memorium of Mark Huddlestone and Dorothy Lambert.

09/05/08: Running For Abersoch Lifeboat.
Dave Hursthouse from Cheshire, was rescued by Abersoch Lifeboat in 2007 after a sailing accident in Abersoch Bay. Details of the incident can be found by clicking here. Dave has now generously decided to help Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat Station by taking part in the Great North Run in October 2008. Dave can be sponsored by visiting www.justgiving.com/daves-rnli-run Many thanks to Dave and good luck with the run!

09/05/08: New Years Day Sponsored Dip - Update
Sponsor money continues to come in with some individuals raising some big totals. £6980 raised so far!!

03/04/08: Deucoch Touring & Camping Park Egg-stravanganza!
The second annual "Eggstravaganza" took place over the Easter Weekend and raised £48 for the Abersoch station. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all those involved.

Easter Egg Hunt
1st = Alex Parker—17 eggs, joint 2nd/3rd/4th = Tom Grabham, Max Johnson & Kieran Rawlinson—11 eggs, joint 5th/6th = Kristian McAdam + Patrick Johnson—10 eggs

Art Competition
1st—Bradley Cottrell, 2nd—Joshua Rawlinson, 3rd—Darcy Ross

Egg Decorating Competition
1st—Megan Oliver, 2nd—Orlagh Smith, 3rd—Georgia Taylor

There was also an adult entry from John Wright and his girlfriend Claire who have a bottle of bubbly for them when they next visit the campsite!
Click here to view photos from the event.

28/03/08: First Shout of 2008
The Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat had its first shout of 2008. Click here for details.

13/03/08: Beetle Drive At The Vaynol
The Beetle Drive held at the Vaynol on March 4th was thoroughly enjoyed by all the players and the evening raised £253.00. Many thanks to the Vaynol and all involved.

10/03/08: Fundraising News - Update
Many thanks to Lou Potts who held a recent fancy dress birthday party at the Powerboat Club in Abersoch and, rather than receiving gifts, asked for donations to be made to Abersoch Lifeboat station and raised £285.00. Some photos from the fanparty can be viewed by clicking here ....

05/03/08: Fundraising News
It has been a very successful period of fundraising in Abersoch! The Grand Xmas draw raised £1928.00 and the figure so far for the New Years Dip is over £5400. Ysgol Mynytho School has raised £64.00 on SOS day and Fresh Restaurant recently held a charity football match and auction and raised over £2000! Many, many thanks to all those involved.

02/01/08: Abersoch RNLI Sponsored New Years Day Dip
Over a thousand spectators turned out for the second Abersoch New Year's Day Dip to see at least 180 brave "dippers" rush into the cold sea to raise money for the Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat. The fancy dress theme for this year was Pantomime, the entrants were judged by King Neptune, arriving on the Lifeboat to laud cheers as he waded ashore. The costumes were magnificent; all should have been prize winners! However the judges had to make difficult decisions and the prizes were awarded to the following: Best Boy, (Ugly Sister): Thomas Turtle of Abersoch; Best Girl, (Pocahontas): Alice Ward of Prestatyn, Best Gentleman (Captain Hook): David Jackson of Bwlchtocyn, Best Lady (Mother Christmas): Carol Nichols of Warrington and Best Team (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs): the Whitehead family and friends of Prestbury. Photographs of all the entrants can be seen and downloaded from minxpix.co.uk at: http://john53.zenfolio.com/p1004699170/

photo:minxpix.co.uk

The committee are grateful to local businesses and friends of the RNLI who generously supported the event, including Asda, Somerfield, The Co-Op, Harlech Foods, Gwynedd Disposables, J & C Jones (Builders) and Willy and Jane Williams for use of the Beach Café. Heartfelt thanks also to the Abersoch Lifeboat crew and support team and the Coastguards, all of who gave up holiday time to ensure the event was safe. Thanks to the generosity of participants and spectators the amount raised is expected to better last year's sum of £5000.

Abersoch Lifeboat Crew Member Andy Gunby: photo: woods

22/12/07: New Year Dip & Christmas Draw
Abersoch RNLI is holding its second New Years Day Fancy-Dress Dip at midday on Abersoch Main Beach. This is a fun-filled way of seeing in the New Year for all the family, regardless if you intend testing the water! There are prizes for the best fancy-dresses and free hot drinks and mince pies for all "dippers". The Abersoch cafes, pubs and the South Caernarfon Yacht Club will be open for drinks and refreshments.

Abersoch RNLI held its annual Grand Christmas Draw on December 10th; the magnificent sum of £1928 was raised to support crew training. The Fund-Raising Committee wish to thank Malcolm and Joan Timmins for their hard work organising and hosting the event, also our many supporters who donated the wonderful prizes. Thanks also to everyone who bought tickets!

06/11/07: Halloween Party & Coffee Morning
Abersoch RNLI reports two very successful recent events at The Sandpiper; the Halloween Party raised £832 and the Coffee Morning £1580. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make these events happen, and to our supporters. The fund-raising committee also wishes to thank The Abersoch Power Boat Club and the Land and Sea team for donating a magnificent £255 raised at their annual end of season party.

01/09/07: Tremfan Hall RNLI Fundraising Event
The sum of £2140 was raised in aid of Abersoch Lifeboat at a Summer Ball held at Tremfan Hall on Bank Holiday Saturday, August 25. Click here for details...

14/08/07: Raft Race 2007
After last years triumph it was a disappointing performance at the annual Abersoch Raft Race with our team trailing back in fourth place on the newly built "R790". Unfortunately we were beaten by father and son team, Marcus and Jack Pollitt, one of the junior teams and also the all girls team, who beat us on one of our old rafts! Back to the drawing board for 2008!

R790 and crew before the race: photo: John Wormald: www.minxpix.co.uk

13/08/07: Long Shout!
The Abersoch Lifeboat had a long shout to a yacht in difficulties at Porth Neigwl last night. For the details - click here.

08/08/2007:New Year's Day Dip 2008
By popular demand Abersoch RNLI are holding their second sponsored New Year's Day Dip on January 1st 2008! This year over 500 spectators enjoyed the spectacle of seeing 80 brave "dippers" dashing into the cold sea in their fancy dress costumes, raising over £5000 which has been dedicated to supporting training for the crews of all four Llyn lifeboats. The target is to beat that magnificent sum on New Year's Day, 2008! Same venue and time, twelve midday on the Main Beach. There will be free hot drinks and mince pies for all dippers.

The fancy dress theme is PANTOMIME, with prizes for the best girl, boy, lady and gentleman. There will also be a new prize for the best team; a team can be two or more of any group: family, friends, workmates or whatever!

Sponsorship forms are available from: Rip Girl, Boardrider, The Abersoch Visitor Centre, RNLI shop in Lifeboat station (Thursday evenings only) and the South Caernarfon Yacht Club. You can also obtain a form by post from Clive Jenkins, Tel. 01758 712157 or e-mail: clive@ashdownclinicalresearch.co.uk

23/07/07: Hog Roast
In spite of unfortunately choosing what was up to then the wettest day of the year (it was Friday July 13th!), the Abersoch Lifeboat Hog Roast evening was a great success raising £1046. Although planned to be held outside in the light of the setting sun, the decision was made to transfer to the boathouse; which was cosy! The committee wish to thank our loyal supporters for venturing out in such awful weather; their Dunkirk spirit ensured that everyone had a great time enjoying the lively Chris Hayward band and an excellent supper.

13/07/07: Ysgol Sarn Bach Visit The Station!
A party of school children from Ysgol Sarn Bach visited the lifeboat station this morning. Photos can be viewed at http://john53.zenfolio.com/p184969086/

photo: John Wormald: www.minxpix.co.uk

26/06/07: Lifejacket Maintenance - It Could Save Your Life!
Lifejackets come in various forms these days but there are some basic checks that should be done on a regular basis so that it actually works when you need it. Following a shout today to a man who had gone overboard whilst racing Squibs, it appeared that his lifejacket had not inflated when he tried to activate it. In this case no harm was done as he was quickly retrieved from the water - however it could have been very different. It appears that the gas cylinder was not screwed in properly - hence the lifejacket did not inflate when activated. For a list of simple checks that can be performed on your lifejacket - click here.
A lifejacket is designed to save your life - but it needs looking after, otherwise it could let you down just when you need it most!

22/06/07: Remarkable Visitors To Abersoch!
Abersoch Lifeboat Station had a visit yesterday from Paul, Wendy and Havoc the dog who have been walking the coastline of Britain for charity. They started from John O'Groats last November, travelling clockwise, and have about another 2000 miles to go. The 2 charities they are walking for are Guide Dogs for the Blind and the RNLI. You can follow their progress or donate at www.tvh3.com. Best of luck to the trio for the rest of their mammoth journey!

22/06/07: White Water Rafting
5 of our crew recently took part in a fundraising white water rafting event near Bala and they did rather well by raising money and finishing second in the event. The sponsor money is still being collected but it looks like being in excess of £900. Well done to Ems, Simon, Leigh, Tim and Jon. More photos from the day can be found by clicking here.

13/06/07: First Shouts For Refitted B790
Our refitted Atlantic 75 has had a couple of shouts since it returned from Cowes with a long towing job on Sunday and also a serious incident yesterday (details are available on the Call Out page), involving two persons and a jet ski, off Abersoch Main Beach. The two young adults had fallen off the jet ski and then had been unable to get back to it as it drifted off in the breezy conditions. They attempted to swim ashore and even though they were wearing buoyancy aids, they appeared to be struggling when the Lifeboat reached them - as they were only in swimming gear and had no type of wetsuit on. The numbing effects of the cold water had taken its toll on one of the casualties and an ambulance was called to provide medical attention. An Abersoch Lifeboat spokesperson said of the incident, "This type of incident shows just how important it is to wear the right equipment for each particular water sport."

02/06/07: Open Day 2007 - Download Photos
This years Open Day was a great success and was blessed by fine weather and over £1600.00 was raised for the running of our station. Local photographer John Wormald was on hand and has uploaded over 200 photos to his website at www.minxpix.co.uk - you could be on one! Many thanks to John and all those volunteers and visitors who made the day so successful.

photo: John Wormald: www.minxpix.co.uk

30/05/07: Our Open Day - Friday 1st June 2007
Abersoch Lifeboat station is holding its annual Open Day on Friday June 1st. Fun and activities for all the family, including stalls selling plants, home made cakes, jewellery, books and souvenirs etc. Refreshments available all day. Children of all ages welcome to come on board and see how a lifeboat works! There will also be an exhibition of RNLI activities and safety at sea. Local photographer, John Wormald, will be taking photos on the day and your children can be photographed onboard the Lifeboat.

30/05/07: Margaret Bench Of Solihull Returns From Refit
B790 returned on Thursday evening with new engines- for a report and photos click here. You can see the Lifeboat on Fridays Open Day at the station.

24/05/07: Rescue Of Labrador From Cliffs At Cilan Head.
Click here for a report and photo of this rescue.

22/05/07: Photos From Recent Helicopter Exercise Now Online
We have uploaded a few photos from the recent exercise - click here to view them.

22/05/07: Margaret Bench Of Solihull To Return From Refit - Tues 29th May
B790 is due back on Tuesday next week (evening) with its engines upgraded to Yamaha 75h's - just in time for Open Day!

18/05/07: Helicopter Exercise
The Lifeboat took part in a joint exercise with the Pwllheli and Criccieth Lifeboats and RAF Sea King Rescue 122 yesterday evening. We hope to have some photos online in the near future.

16/05/07: RNLI Quiz Night Raises £403.00
Many thanks to all who attended this successful event and to Jess and Leigh of the Sandpiper for their generosity and hospitality.

10/05/07: Margaret Bench Of Solihull To Return From Refit
For the last few months, B790 has been away for its 5 year refit and we have been using the relief Atlantic 75, Pride Of Sherwood. There is great anticipation at the station for the return of the Margaret Bench, which is due before the end of the month, as it will be fitted with an engine upgrade - twin Yamaha 75's rather than the current Evinrude 70's. Watch this space for a performance report!

09/05/07: Vic Receives Long Service Medal
Congratulations also to Station Mechanic Vic Jones who received his 20 years long service medal from RNLI Deputy Divisional Inspector, Rob Atkinson.

01/05/07: New Helm At Abersoch
Congratulations to crew member Jonathan Miller who was recently confirmed by RNLI inspectors as a new helm for the Abersoch Lifeboat.

16/04/07: More thanks to The Deucoch Campsite in Abersoch, who held a fun Easter "Eggstravaganza" with £61.00 raised. Click here for more details and photos.

05/04/07: Many, many thanks to the very generous donations that we have received from the Abersoch Ladies Golf Group, Mynytho School (pupils raised money by wearing hats for charity!) and Llanbedrog St. Pedrogs Knitting Guild.

The New Year's Day Dip has raised a stunning £5475.00. Big thanks to all involved! Watch this space for details of next years dip.

The recent Beetle Drive held at the Vaynol, Abersoch raised £307. Many thanks to all those who helped make this a successful event.

There will be a Quiz Night on May 10th 2007- 7.30pm at The Sandpiper, Abersoch.

03/01/07: Sponsored New Year's Day 2007 Sea Dip - A Great Success:
A crowd of over 500 people watched the first RNLI New Years Day Dip on Abersoch Main Beach and over 80 braved the chilly wind and freezing water to take part. The event raised over £2000 for the running of Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat station. The organisers would like to say a big thank you to all who supported the event.

The Fancy Dress competition winners were:

Best Boy: James Whitehead, Prestbury
Best Girl: Alex Morbury, Hale
Best Lady: Joan Timmins, Bwlch Tocyn
Best Gentleman: David Jackson, Nether Alderley.

By popular demand, this will almost certainly be the first of an annual event!

John Wormald has taken some excellent photos- which can be viewed at: http://john53.zenfolio.com/p544837013/

 

For an archive of old news items - click here