Bangor RNLI were presented with a cheque for £2000 by the members of Ballyholme Yacht Club following fundraising during their Boxing Day Regatta and open sea swimLast night (Tuesday, 28 January) Bangor RNLI Visits Officers John Montgomery and John Magowan gave a presentation on water safety to the members and guests at Ballyholme Yacht Club.The audience were guided through the charities 200-year history and also the local history of Bangor RNLI which celebrates it’s 60th anniversary later this year. The presentation concluded with an audience member trying on the inshore lifeboat crew kit and drysuit. Bangor RNLI helms James Gillespie and John Bell also regaled the audience with some rescue stories, which were both informative and entertaining.Following the water safety talk, members of the Bangor lifeboat crew were presented with a cheque for £2,000.
The money was raised during the club’s annual charity open sea swim and Boxing Day regatta with generous donations from both competitors and supporters. Over 100 open water swimmers braved the elements on Boxing Day for the annual Boxing Day Swim and there were six races in the afternoon for the regatta.Rear Commodore Sailing Barbara Polly said: ‘There’s no better charity to raise funds for than the RNLI. We’re out on the water all year round whether it’s racing or leisure sailing, we know things can go wrong very quickly and its very reassuring to know that the volunteer crew from Bangor are there for us 24/7.’Tom Bell, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘We are extremely grateful for the support that we continue to receive from Ballyholme Yacht Cub, and we cannot thank them enough for their latest donation. The funds will be used locally at Bangor RNLI to help power our 24/7 lifesaving service so we can continue to achieve our overall goal of saving lives at sea.’
