Cardigan needs RNLI lifeboat volunteers

2:30pm Thursday 27th November 2008

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RNLI lifeboat volunteers in Cardigan are making their own call for help this week as they launch a recruitment drive to find more people to take on various roles -- both at the lifeboat station and on the fundraising side.

The lifeboat station, which was first established in 1849, holds a vital responsibility in providing search and rescue cover off the west Wales coast.

And Cardigan lifeboat fundraisers contribute more than £10,000 a year from various events to the funds of the RNLI, which is financed entirely by voluntary contributions.

Fraser Coates, a former lifeboatman with Cardigan RNLI and now chair of the fundraising committee, said: "There is a great deal of support locally for the RNLI and out of every £1 we raise 96p goes directly to the rescue boats and equipment, so it is a really worthwhile cause."

He added: "We need more helpers to assist with collections on flag days, at coffee mornings and RNLI souvenir stalls which we run at events and shows throughout the year. We also need people to help in the RNLI shop at the Poppit lifeboat station."

Voluneers are also needed for operations at the lifeboat station itself.

David Powell, Cardigan RNLI Deputy Launching Authority, is asking anyone interested in volunteering to help at the RNLI lifeboat station to get in touch.

He said: "Cardigan RNLI lifeboat station has a long history of saving lives.

The volunteer RNLI crew play a vital role in the community. There is a fantastic team spirit here and excellent training is provided by the RNLI to ensure our crews can do their job in the safest possible way."

The voluntary roles currently available are for a Deputy Launching Authority and RNLI crew members.

Anyone wishing to sign up as a volunteer can call the following numbers.

To volunteer to join the lifeboat station crew contact David Powell on 01559 371613 or Cliff Griffiths on 01239 613327.

To volunteer to help with fundraising contact Fraser Coates, on 01239 613896 The offer help in the shop call Kath Lloyd on 01239 615758