Torbay Lifeboats celebrated at annual service

Torbay Lifeboats’ annual Service of Dedication brought the community together at Brixham’s Old Fish Quay on Sunday 24 August.

The service, held between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, was attended by both the Torbay Severn Class all-weather lifeboat and the D-Class inshore lifeboat with their crews, alongside fundraisers, civic leaders and residents.

Peter Thorp, Chairman of Torbay Lifeboat Fundraisers and organiser of this year’s service, said: “It is a relatively small ceremony that has become a traditional opportunity for the local community to give thanks for the lifeboats, the crew and all who voluntarily support this valued and cherished charity – an institution that has been a part of our coastal community keeping a watchful active eye over our fishing, leisure and tourists’ pursuits since 1866.”

The service was led by Mrs Helen Lovell-Smith, Devon Area Officer of Fishermen’s Friends and a long-time supporter of Torbay RNLI. Readings were given by Cllr Barbara Lewis, Civic Mayor of Torbay District Council, and Cllr Clive Nicholls, Mayor of Brixham Town Council.

Music came courtesy of Brixham Town Band, Roger Smith – a key member of Torbay Lifeboat Fundraisers – and the sea shanty group All Hands on Deck. Hymns were sung with gusto by the gathered congregation, while Roger Smith delivered a stirring rendition of the Scottish folk song Mingulay. All Hands on Deck performed a medley of traditional shanties including Shine on Me, Keep Hauling and Don’t Take the Heroes.

Neighbouring Sea Rangers once again lent their support, helping to organise the evening and leading a collection that encouraged attendees to part with “a few of our ever-elusive coins” for the RNLI’s buckets.

Adding a touch of drama, Torbay RNLI’s Severn Class lifeboat arrived halfway through the service after being called out earlier in the day to assist a speedboat on the return leg of the Cowes–Torquay race.

The RNLI – founded in 1824 – is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service across the UK and Ireland, operating 238 lifeboat stations and more than 240 lifeguard units. Since its foundation, crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.