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Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI are inviting the public to step aboard their lifeboats, check out their search and rescue equipment, and enjoy a day of fun at their annual Meet and Greet Day on Saturday 25 July.
The fundraising community event takes place from 10am until 4pm at Hoylake Lifeboat Station on North Parade, with all proceeds supporting the lifesaving charity.
Visitors will have the chance to tour Hoylake RNLI’s all-weather Shannon class lifeboat and hovercraft and West Kirby RNLI’s inshore IB1 lifeboat.
The stations’ launch and recovery vehicles will also be on display, including Hoylake’s Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS) and West Kirby’s Hagglund BV206 launch vehicle - the only vehicle of its type based on station in the RNLI.
The RNLI volunteer crews will be showcasing how they work together with their specialist equipment to save lives at sea and around the region’s coast. The Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team will also be displaying their lifesaving kit.
A fantastic range of RNLI gifts and souvenirs will be on sale, including the charity’s ever-popular Christmas cards and calendars. Refreshments will be available including homemade sweet treats and Spanish-inspired hot food from The Tapas Kitchen.
There will be fantastic prizes to win in a fundraising raffle and tombola and stalls and displays to visit, including from the RNLI Water Safety team, Birkenhead Kennels, and second-hand maritime books. A range of classic cars and a miniature steam railway will also be on show.
With public parking limited on North Parade, visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible.
Carron Jones, Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI Branch Fundraising Chair, said: "This really special event gives our local lifesavers the chance to welcome the community and showcase the lifesaving vessels, equipment and kit they use to save lives at sea.
"Our Meet & Greet Day is a free, family-friendly event with plenty of brilliant ways to learn more about the RNLI’s lifesaving work and enjoy a fun day out. There will be refreshments available and if the weather is kind, visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the day on our beautiful coast.
"Our RNLI shop will be selling some fantastic gifts and souvenirs and there will be range of activities promoting water safety skills as we head into the school summer holidays. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone along to support Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI’s lifeboat crews."
Last year’s Meet and Greet Day raised almost £5,000 to fund the lifesaving work of the RNLI.
Photo credit: RNLI/Daniel Whiteley
