Hoylake Sailing Club’s annual bonfire night and firework display wowed the crowds and raised an incredible £1,582.59 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) on Friday, 3 November.
Hundreds of spectators braved the rain in the aftermath of Storm Ciarán to see the bonfire and watch the spectacular fireworks on Hoylake beach, which were sponsored by Kid’s Planet Hoylake Day Nursery and the Discount VW Audi Centre. The event was organised by the sailing club at short notice after being given the go-ahead by the relevant authorities.
Volunteers from the sailing club, Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI and the community kept the crowds safe and collected donations from the public, raising vital funds for the two Wirral lifeboat stations.
The firework display is a major fundraiser for the local RNLI and celebrates the close maritime links between the lifesaving charity and the sailing club. The RNLI crew and club members will come together again for the traditional Slater Trophy Boxing Day Tug o’War planned to take place this year on Tuesday 26 December.
Robin Stratton, Secretary and Vice Commodore at Hoylake Sailing Club, said, “Thanks to the lifeboat for their support with building the bonfire and stewarding the beach, once again cementing our good relationship.
“Despite the short notice and wet weather, people still came out in good numbers and all went really well. Now time to rest but we look forward to seeing you on Boxing Day and then doing it all again next year.”
Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Howie Owen said, “It was amazing to see so many people down on the prom despite the heavy rain. Our crew are really grateful to everyone who donated in support of our lifesaving work.
“A big thank you to the sailing club for organising another fantastic display – especially at such short notice – and to the event sponsors and volunteers who made sure it was another safe and successful community event.”
In 2022, RNLI lifeboats in the UK and Ireland launched 9,312 times, helping 16,476 people and saving 389 lives. But as a charity, the RNLI is reliant on voluntary donations to power its lifesaving work, which last year cost a total of £188 million.
Image: Hundreds of people watched the firework display at Hoylake Sailing Club raising over £1,500 for the RNLI. Credit: Hoylake RNLI
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