Lifeboat Luncheon adds £3,300 to fundraising purse for RNLI

ANOTHER £3,300 was added to the bulging purse already raised by the Saddleworth Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild as they held their annual Luncheon.

Joan Halkyard (centre) with members of SSLG and some of the impressive raffle prizes at their Luncheon at The White Hart (picture by Carl Royle)

Once again the sun shone down – as it has done for the last decade – as around 140 supporters and friends attended the event at The White Hart, Lydgate last month.

In her welcoming speech chairman Joan Halkyard pointed out as Saddleworth is some distance from the sea they do not contribute to the 5,000 volunteers who man the lifeboat stations for the RNLI.

Instead, the SLLG aims to provide financial support so these volunteers have the very best equipment to get to people in distress as quickly as possible and return safely to shore.

The money raised will be added to sums from Open Garden events, a cross Morecambe Bay Walk, Cream Tea and other fundraisers throughout the year.

Of the funds raised at the Luncheon, £600 came from a silent auction of artwork kindly donated by Tim Pellowe of Artko Ltd.

Other generous supporters were Mr and Mrs Granville Mills, who sponsored the pre-lunch welcoming glass of wine, and Mr. Neville Heginbotham, Mrs D Beverley and Mrs H Lavelle who provided and designed the charming and intriguing floral arrangement for each table.

And 11 local businesses provided impressive raffle prizes as did members of SLLG.

SLLG isn’t finished with their 2017 fundraising just yet as they have a Coffee Morning at Uppermill Methodist on Wednesday, October 25 from 10am-12noon.

Alongside the refreshments, RNLI Souvenirs and Christmas cards will be on sale, along with the usual Home Bake stall.

Then there is another a Coffee Morning on Saturday, November 11 at Delph Methodist Church from 10am-12noon, with RNLI souvenirs, Christmas cards, and the home bake stall.

To end the year the SSLG have their annual Quiz Night on Friday, November 24 at The Royal George Hotel, Manchester Road, Greenfield.

8pm start, teams of up to six people, admission £3 per person, pay on the night. Refreshments available, RNLI cards and souvenirs on sale.

For more information or tickets for events, call Joan Halkyard on: 01457 875375.