There was a fantastic attendance on Sunday 26 July, for the first annual Blessing of the new Flamborough Lifeboat and crew members, held at the Flamborough RNLI Boathouse at South Landing, Flamborough.
The new lifeboat, Forever Yibba (B-959), arrived at the station on 30 June and has already been put to the test, responding to numerous shouts throughout July. The Blessing marked a special occasion as the crew, supporters and community came together to celebrate and wish the new lifeboat and crew members every success in their vital role saving lives at sea.
A wonderful and moving service was led by Flamborough RNLI Chaplain, Father Wilson.
The station offers thanks to all the crew, supporters, friends and families and fellow volunteers from neighbouring stations who attended and thanks them for their continued and vital support.
A special thank you is also extended to everyone who read the prayers during the service which helped make the occasion even more meaningful.
The Bridlington Excelsior Band performed a selection of beautiful hymns throughout the service, delivering an excellent performance that was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
There was a generous contribution from local artist Julie Thompson, who donated two beautifully framed pieces of artwork. These were auctioned after the Blessing and raised a fantastic amount in support of Flamborough RNLI. The team thanks Julie for her generosity and support which is truly appreciated.
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of a beautiful new memorial board, generously hand crafted by three generations of the Stevens family in memory of Corrine Stevens. The stunning oak memorial board was created by her husband, David Stevens, David’s father, Adrian, and Corrine’s son, Gaetan.
Corrine had a great love of the Yorkshire coast and fell in love with Flamborough. After her passing 12 months ago, her ashes were scattered at South Landing. Coming from France, Corrine could never quite believe that every member of the Flamborough RNLI crew was a volunteer, something she deeply admired.
The memorial board is also in memory of Anne Wraith late wife of Bill Wraith who alongside his family funded the station’s new boat Forever Yibba (B-959) and also retired boat Elizabeth Jane Palmer (B-820).
The memorial board will take pride of place in the Flamborough RNLI Boathouse, displaying brass plaques of past crew members, supporters and friends of Flamborough RNLI. It is a fitting tribute that will be admired for many years to come.
David Stevens said: ‘It was a pleasure to create. The project took just over five months to complete. We sourced the oak from R. H. Chappellows in York. My Dad Adrian, prepared and cut the oak, I created the etched glass artwork of the Atlantic 85, and Gaetan also worked on the memorial board.’
RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Captain David Freeman said: ‘The new memorial board isn’t just a board it’s a work of art. The detail and craftsmanship that have gone into this piece are extraordinary. The memorial board will always have a place in our boathouse, reminding us of the crew members, supporters and friends of Flamborough RNLI who are no longer with us.
‘Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a memorable and successful day. The continued support of our volunteers, supporters, local businesses and the wider community is what makes Flamborough RNLI so special.’
