RNLI shop opens at new station
Retail outlet starts new era at Scarborough lifeboat house
The fundraising shop at Scarborough RNLI’s new lifeboat house is now open.
After the old lifeboat house closed last year, the RNLI opened a temporary shop on the edge of the building site. However, it closed in July.
The shop in the new building, which is nearing completion, is offering all the usual RNLI fundraising items along with sweets and various items of clothing, including waterproofs.
Shop manager Michael Turner said: “It’s several times larger than the one we had before in the old lifeboat house.
“The shop depends on volunteers and we would like to thank everyone who helps out including Irene Duff, Sandra Oldroyd, Janet Brown, Mary Lakin, Janet Tucker, Carol Bisby, Ann Malloy, Michael Turner, Hilary Casey and Gordon Pottage, Alan and Judith Hargreaves, Barrie Evans, Brian and Molly Dargie, Cassie Pelucci, Chris Furniss, Jan Southam, Joan Davies, Lesley Hopkins, Shirley Foulds, Sue Emms and Val Humphreys.”
The RNLI’s visitor engagement operations manager, Michael Charlton, said: “The shop is an exciting addition to the new station and will continue to raise vital funds for the lifesaving work of our volunteer crews.
“I would like to thank all the shop volunteers for their patience during the building of the station and for their efforts in the small temporary shop.
“Thanks also go to everyone in Scarborough for their continued support during the building of the station; it has really been appreciated.”
John Senior, lifeboat operations manager, said: “This is a very exciting week for Mike and his team of dedicated RNLI shop volunteers.
“It marks the beginning of a new era for the Scarborough lifeboat station.
“All being well, we should be taking over the new building some time this week.
“We will move the administration team over first, but operational life-saving duties and our two lifeboats will continue to operate from the temporary station until the Shannon has arrived and is passed out as fully operational. This should be some time in mid-December, weather and operations allowing.
“Senior coxswain Tom Clark MBE and the crew would like to thank all those who have helped to make this new station a reality and invite you to join them for our open day and Shannon arrival on 27 November.”
Visit www.rnli.org.uk to find out more about volunteering with the RNLI.