August continues to rush by in an umbrella-up-umbrella-down kind of way, but thankfully it all held off for the recent Winchelsea Fete and dog show.

The event took place on Saturday 10th August, and Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat base, boat and committee volunteers were invited to attend and provide BBQ facilities. With the Winchelsea Fete, this also meant a chance to bring up the smaller Tornado boat, chat to families about the work we do, collect donations and to sell some of our merchandise. 

Many of our volunteers were able to help out with this one on the day … at one stage we had 13 team members giving a helping hand. But rest assured, being a busy Saturday in August, the main Pulfer boat was ready and waiting down the boathouse in case of an emergency ‘Shout’ whilst several of our crew were suited, booted and ready for action at the fete, ready to quickly relocate should a boat launch be needed.

The event was well attended, which was great after all the poor weather in the run up to the event. We took the opportunity to ‘launch’ our new ‘Come and chat to us’ banner and plenty of people took us up on this. This resulted in us being able raise awareness about a lot of the work we do, as well as share information about local (and general) beach safety. We received lots of additional donations as well as enquiries about volunteering, which was brilliant.

We also had a ring-side view to the Dog Show which was huge fun and very entertaining. Honorary four-footed-crew-member Monty entered this fun competition and achieved himself a tidy rosette, whilst his crew-mate Seamus cheered Monty on whilst also focusing on fundraising with the team.

As well as the event raising money for local community services and charities, Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat came away with just over £300 in additional donations and funds raised on the day.

Thank you so much once again to the Mayor of Winchelsea, Paul Godley, to the Corporation of Winchelsea and to the members of the fete committee who kindly invited us and made us so welcome on the day. Thank you too, to everyone who came to chat to us and supported us by buying merchandise and burgers and donating to us on the day. As ever, all support is much appreciated.