Pirates, reindeer and Stormy Stan fund raise for Torbay lifeboats

Debbie Phillips, RNLI Torbay Ambassador, Richard Fowler, coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat, Chris Thomas and Dean Kelly | Submitted

placeholder image — Debbie Phillips, RNLI Torbay Ambassador, Richard Fowler, coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat, Chris Thomas and Dean Kelly | Submitted

Business leaders and community raise hundreds for RNLI

From pirates and face painting to singing reindeers and Stormy Stan - fund-raising for the Torbay Lifeboats knows no bounds.

For a number of years Dave and Sue Ballinger, who ran the Torbay Inn in Paignton, would hold a Pirate Weekend in aid of the Lifeboats. When they retired a void seemed to be left behind until Sue pointed fund-raisers in the direction of Dave Darby and his regulars at the Devonport Arms.

Dave Darby from the Devonport Arms receiving an RNLI “Thank You” Certificate from Fundraisers’ Event Co-ordinator Nige Coates | Submitted

A Pirates themed day was held with youngsters having their faces painted, ale and rum consumed heartily, and a number of fine singers taking to the stage to entertain the locals.

A total of £550 was raised with the fund-raisers saying: “To Dave and his regulars a heartfelt thank you.”

Over at the Otter Garden Centre at Marldon, the fundraisers were invited to run a raffle when they held their Christmas launch. Suppliers of the garden centre donated prizes, the first being a signed copy of a photograph of the RNLI Torbay All Weather Lifeboat plus a tour of the Lifeboat Station.

Garden centre staff member Trevor with Stormy Stan, the Lifeboat Man | Submitted

With singing reindeer, glasses of prosecco for customers and a guest appearance from RNLI mascot Stormy Stan, almost £350 was raised.

Customers can still donate to the RNLI when they visit the Garden Centre by cash or contactless payments on the pedestal or spinner next to the singing reindeer.

Business groups have also united to raise money. Torbay Business Network, Paignton & District Chamber of Commerce, Torbay Business Forum and The Samphire Club got together for a social evening at Shoreline in Paignton.

Torbay Lifeboat fundraiser volunteers Noreen and Mick Powell at the garden centre | Submitted

Prizes were donated for a raffle which raised £450. A proportion of the ticket price was also donated bringing the grand total raised to £1,051.

Dean Kelly, from Torbay Business Network, and Chris Thomas, from Paignton & District Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the Torbay Lifeboat Station to hand a cheque to coxswain Richard Fowler.

Fundraisers said: “Donations like this are the lifeblood of the RNLI to help keep our shores safe.”