Mayday! Help needed to steer Oban lifeboat fundraising group

OBAN RNLI fundraising group has made a Mayday call for new volunteers.

The group, which is tasked with raising funds alongside one of Scotland’s busiest lifeboats, has a willing band of friends who help out at fundraising events.

However, finding volunteers willing to take over the helm as chairman and secretary is proving a harder task.

Chairman Mike Robertson and secretary Moira Kerr have spent several years in the posts as they have been unable to find replacement office bearers.

Now work commitments have forced the hand of the secretary, who is standing down from the voluntary role at the end of the month.

Fundraising group chairman Mike Robertson, who is also seeking a successor due to his many other commitments which include chairing the lifeboat management committee, said: ‘For many years Oban, as well as being one of the busiest stations in the country, has also had a very active and successful fundraising group.

‘However, nothing lasts for ever and the group now finds itself in urgent need of fresh volunteer leadership.’ The job description might read: ‘Wanted: one or more ladies or gents keen to help the lifesaving work of the RNLI by taking on the organisation of the Oban Fundraising Group. Would suit someone who has a bit of business or organisational skill, an interest in the sea and would like to become involved with the community through the lifeboat ‘family’.’

‘There is a very willing existing group of helpers for the fundraising activities,’ said Mike. ‘What is needed are one or two individuals willing to take over the roles of either chairperson or secretary.’ Mike added: ‘I stepped in as temporary fundraising group chairman more than six years ago when no-one could be found for that post and am still in situ now.

‘However, I have many other commitments and feel the time is right to hand over the fundraising lead to someone else.’

Both the chairman and secretary are keen to continue giving a helping hand at fundraising events.

Moira said: ‘It is great fun and it is hard to think of a more worthy cause to raise cash for than saving lives at sea.’

She added: ‘I am sure there must be suitable candidates out there, with both the time and the skill set to take on a lead organising role on the committee.’

Mike added: ‘I will be happy to have a chat or to show interested parties something of the work that goes on to make Oban the vibrant lifeboat station it is and just how important fundraising is to that work.’

Anyone interested in joining the fundraising committee should telephone the chairman on 01631 562840 or mobile 07766 757253 or email mjr@ dunol.co.uk