RNLI Appledore Guild

RNLI 200 North Coast Dinner

100 guests welcomed lifeboat crews from Clovelly and Appledore to the North Coast Dinner at the Barnstaple Hotel to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. The evening was hosted by Emma Marston (The Voice FM) with the guests of honour the Hon John and Mrs Zeenat Rous, the President of Clovelly Lifeboat Mrs Vivian Foster OBE and the President of Appledore Lifeboat Mr Rupert Gibson. John Rous kindly shared some amusing anecdotes from Clovelly and the evening concluded with dancing to the fantastic Golden Coast Big Band.

Tea at Tapeley

One of the most popular events in our calendar, Tea at Tapley was once again a HUGE success thanks to the support from everyone who attended and the volunteers who made it happen. Special thanks to Ruth and Michel for providing the music and to Tapeley Park for allowing us to use the garden and kitchen.

Round Britain eRIB challenge

Thanks to the Mayor of Bideford Cllr Rachel Clarke, staff from Torridge District Counciland #RNLI #Appledore #volunteers RNLI Appledore Lifeboat Station for the welcome given to the roundbritain_erib team during their stopover in #Bideford to recharge the 6.5m electric powered eRIB so 18 year old Harry Besley could continue on his Round Britain challenge https://www.roundbritain-erib.org/

Tracey's Skydive

Tracey Bligh (our Treasurer's wife) is taking part in a tandem skydive on 4 August in support of RNLI Appledore Lifeboat Station and the RNLI. Please read her story and donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracey-bligh-1713886775057 thank you.

Sea Sunday

Thank you to everyone who supported Appledore Lifeboat Sea Sunday, especially the Crew who brought ALB Mollie Hunt alongside Appledore Quay for the public to visit. On the Quay was the RNLI Bideford Bay pop-up shop and the famous RNLI Appledore BBQ. The afternoon concluded with a service of thanksgiving led by Revd John Kidd (Chaplain to Appledore Lifeboat) with Revd. Jules Harris. The service concluded with a surprise performance from the Appledore Shanty Singers. The afternoon raised over £1000 for the RNLI and Appledore Lifeboat.

MS Oldenburg Cruise

Thanks to Caroline and the fundraising crew for organising this event which raised a magnificent £5000 for Appledore Lifeboat and the RNLI. Special thanks also to The Applecorers shanty group and to singer songwriter Wallace for providing the live music. Finally Thants to the Lundy Landmark Trust and the MS Oldenburg for hosting our event to celebrate RNLI 200.

RNLI 200 Scroll

To mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI in 2024, a special scroll is being signed by every RNLI Lifeboat Station, with Appledore being the 51st to sign the Scroll. The scroll started its journey at the Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. It will continue travelling until October 2024, when it will end in Douglas, Isle of Man, the former home of Sir William Hillary.

Christmas Raffle

The RNLI Christmas Raffle organised by Pat Hughes (left), was drawn by Patrick Kivlin (right) at the Carol Concert in the lifeboat station. First prize donated by The Commodore Hotel, Instow, of an overnight stay including breakfast, was won by Ray Turner, with second and third prizes going to Huish and M Rice respectively. The raffle raised over £5000 for RNLI Appledore Lifeboat Station and the RNLI helping to save lives at sea. Thanks to everyone who supported the 2023 raffle.

Seafood Supper at NDYC

As part of the RNLI fish suppers events in October, a special seafood supper evening was held at North Devon Yacht Club with music provided by shanty group Cousin Jack from Bude. Thanks to Pat, Amanda and Phoebe for organising the evening and all the Guild volunteers who assisted in making the evening such a success.

£18k Art Show sales

With over £18k of original art work and crafts purchased by visitors, the annual art show was an outstanding success, generating £6,500 for Appledore Lifeboat and the RNLI. Thanks to all the volunteers involved but especially (LtoR) Wendy Harrison, Lee Holman and for curating the show and Sally Adamou for organising the event.

Walkers raise £7k for RNLI

Congratulations and thanks to all the walkers who completed the 16 miles on the south west coastal path from Clovelly to Appledore today, raising over £7000 so far for Appledore Lifeboat and the RNLI.

First to complete the walk in just over 5 hours was Mary Webber, followed by Shaun Roberts and Amanda & Peter Hayes. It wasn't a race and all those completing the walk received a medal and tremendous sense achievement arriving at the finish line at Appledore Lifeboat station.

Thanks also to our many local companies, supporters and the #RNLI #volunteers who made the day such a success.

Chair of RNLI Appledore Guild, Roy Broad said: "Not even an emergency 'SHOUT' for Appledore Lifeboat could spoil the BBQ party at the finish and thanked the crew and everyone involved in the event for their enthusiastic support'.

Dancers present cheque to Appledore Lifeboat

Four fabulous dancers from Dance Fusion North Devon presented Appledore Lifeboat with a cheque for £500 collected during their summer dance performances. Pictured with some of the Crew on a Tuesday training night at the Lifeboat Station are L to R; Sue Passmore, Vicki Ball, Louise Coysh and Frankie Filmer - thank you ladies. Dance Fusion North Devon can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054389237264

Call to Artists

RNLI Art Show 21-22 October at NDYC, Instow
Artists and makers are invited to submit entries for the annual Art Show via a dedicated website at http://www.rnliartshow.co.uk
We are grateful to Sally Adamou for organising the event on behalf of RNLI Appledore Guild, NDYC for allowing us to use the Yacht Club, and to Lee Holman and Wendy Harrison for curating this year's Art Show. Contact the organisers by email mailto:rnliartshow@gmail.com or Instagram @rnliartshow

ABBA Tribute Concert

Thanks to everyone who supported the ABBA tribute night with the fabulous 'Take a Chance on Us' at St Mary's when £1700 was raised for the RNLI in support of Appledore Lifeboat - another successful event with thanks to all the #volunteers who made this possible.

#volunteering morning

An invitation to join us on Saturday 15th April 10:00-12:00 at
APPLEDORE LIFEBOAT STATION for coffee and a chat about #volunteering as part of the events and fundraising crew.
You could be part of the team organising events, selling raffle tickets, collections, providing refreshments or transporting kit.

In return, you’ll be a member of an enthusiastic team dedicated to supporting the RNLI and Appledore Lifeboat. No special skills are required other than a passion for helping the RNLI and the ability to assist the fundraising crew whenever you can.

If you're interested, email Roy Broad chair@rnliappledore.org.uk

Thanks to everyone who came along,
our next meeting is on 4 May at 6:00pm
when you are very welcome to join us at the Lifeboat Station

HUGE thanks to Pat

After nearly ten years as Chair of the Guild, Pat Hughes handed over to Roy Broad at the AGM held at the Lifeboat Station on 6 April; 2023.

Thanking Pat for her many years supporting the RNLi, Roy said: "Pat has worked tirelessly over many years to raise funds for the RNLI, most recently as our Chair for which we are extremely grateful."

Pat was presented with a bouquet of yellow roses and a card from the Committee with our thanks and best wishes.

Sir Chay Blyth

Round the world yachtsman and sailing legend Sir Chay Blyth entertained a sell-out audience at North Devon Yacht Club hosted by Pat Hughes Chair of RNLI Appledore Guild and RNLI #volunteers raising over £1500 in support of RNLI Appledore Lifeboat Station.

Not content with rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, Chay Blyth went on to sail single-handed, non-stop, around the world the wrong way (east to west against the prevailing winds) on his 59 foot yacht British Steel in 1971 and was knighted in 1997 for services to sailing.

Tuesday Night Training

Training for Appledore Lifeboat Crew continues all year, whatever the weather, on Tuesday nights from 18:00 and frequently on a Sunday morning. These pictures were taken on a bitterly cold Tuesday evening in February and show the launch of the 'D' Class boarding boat used to take the crew to the Tamar class ALB moored opposite the lifeboat station and also used in estuary search/rescue due to its shallow draft.

We are pleased to help support the training of lifeboat shore and boat crew at Appledore and donations are always welcome.

and the WINNERS are...

Congratulations to the winners in the 2022 Appledore RNLI Christmas Raffle: 1st Prize Keith Chidwick, B&B for two at any Brend Hotel, 2nd Prize Mrs T Spain, a Day Trip to Lundy and 3rd Prize, Scarder, a Christmas Hamper. The raffle was drawn by Margaret Cracknell, President, with Pat Hughes, Chair RNLI Appledore Guild.

RNLI Art Show is OPEN

Don't forget to visit the RNLI Art Show 20-23 October, 10:00-5:00 (2:00 pm on Sunday) at North Devon Yacht Club, Instow.

Everyone is welcome to view and purchase the paintings, original prints, ceramics jewellery and textiles made by local artists exhibiting at the show, or simply admire the craftsmanship while enjoying light refreshments available at the Yacht Club, all in aid of the RNLI.

Bideford Bike Nights cheque presentation

Appledore Lifeboat is the charity chosen by Bideford Bike Nights and the hundreds of riders donating cash to the RNLI at its monthly motorcycle meetings on Bideford Quay between April and September 2022.

RNLI Appledore events organiser Roy Broad was delighted to accept a cheque for £1559.24 from Lisa Elston founder and organiser of Bideford Bike Nights at Appledore Lifeboat Station with members of the crew and Bideford Bike Nights.

Roy Broad said:

'We are grateful to Lisa and everyone involved with Bideford Bike Nights and its sponsor Bideford Auto Services for this donation which will help to support Appledore Lifeboat.

As a rider myself I know what a great job Bideford Bike Nights do raising thousands of pounds each year for local charities.

The RNLi is funded entirely from public donations and every pound raised goes to provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around our coast, saving lives at sea.’

Caption: Bideford Bike Nights present RNLI Appledore with a cheque for £1559.24. Pictured with members of the crew (in yellow) from L to R (in blue) Carol Kelly, Mike Elston, Peter O’Flahterty, Lisa Elston, Roy Broad and Martin Cox. Photo credit Alex Hall.

RNLI Art Show

The annual RNLI Art Show is on 20-23 October, 10:00-5:00 (2:00 pm on Sunday) at North Devon Yacht Club, Instow.

The Art Show is organised by RNLI Appledore fundraising Guild volunteers curated by Bideford artist Rosie Burns. North Devon artist Ian Hudson will be in residence for painting demonstrations, joined by other local artists showing their work including Rosie Burns, Philip Barnes, Sally Clark, Lesley Anne Cornish, Lee Holman, Susan Mitchell, Tom Waters and Norman White, and many more.

Station to Station Walk

Congratulations to everyone who completed the 16 mile challenge to walk from Clovelly to Appledore raising £2600 in support of Appledore Lifeboat. Among the early finishers were L to R Mary Webber, Jenny Mills and Shaun Roberts supporting #RNLI
Despite the change of date and the autumn weather, 96 people registered to walk the 16 miles from Clovelly to Appledore Lifeboat station on Saturday 1^st October. Most completed the walk and all said they enjoyed the experience and were keen to do the walk again in 2023.
We would like to thank everyone who took part, the walkers, marshalls and the volunteers at Appledore Lifeboat station who organised the BBQ.

Tea at Tapeley

Thanks to everyone who supported our annual tea at Tapeley Park, it was a glorious summer afternoon with entertainment from Chloe Aston on her Bike and Jo Jones & Friends and of course delicious Devon cream teas. Many thanks to Hector Christie for inviting us and events manager Nigel Maun and the staff at Tapeley for making us so welcome. The event raised £1100 in support of RNLI Appledore.

Boat Pull Winners

Boat Pull on Sunday 26th June
It was a tough competition in the wind on Westward Ho! beach but the eventual winners were Studio Stars (pictured)in the ladies competition and The Yard, Appledore, in the mens. The support from the public was tremendous and we are grateful to all the teams, visitors and our fantastic RNLI volunteers for making this such an exciting event. So far we have raised over £1000 in support of Appledore Lifeboat.

Live on The Voice FM

Great to talk to Laura James at THE VOICE FM studios in Barnstaple about the RNLI Boat Pull competition on 26 June on the beach at Westward Ho! with a beach BBQ, RNLI souvenirs, children's games, welly 'wanging' and music. Teams can enter now https://rnliboatpull.eventbrite.co.uk

Going for a Song makes £1500

With thanks to ALL our supporters, organisers Anne, Ruth and Suzy, our volunteers and wonderful guests, Going for a Song BBQ and auction raised over £1500 for the RNLI and Appledore Lifeboat. Special thanks to Caroline Hunt and Dean Warminton for providing the music and managing the auction. Thanks to D K Sound & Lighting for providing the lighting and finally huge thanks to Rick Turner and the team at The Big Sheep for making us so welcome.

Chris' London Marathon

Eric Broad (15 months) says: "Please support my Daddy, Chris Broad, running in the London Marathon 2022 to support the RNLI and Appledore Lifeboat" Donations are invited at https://www.facebook.com/chris.broad.54/posts/10159545296410169 Thank you.

Motown with Soul Intention

Great support for the big band sound of Soul Intention at the Motown Night organised by the RNLI at Appledore Community Centre, with thanks to everyone involved.

"Soul Intention https://www.facebook.com/soulintentionsw/ is a local 10-piece "big sound" soul & Motown band who play songs that everyone knows and loves that fill the dance floor time after time."

RNLI Appledore Guild Chair Pat Hughes said "This was a fantastic night enjoyed by everyone, made extra special with the big sound live music from Soul Intention. Thanks to our volunteers and supporters over £500 was raised for Appledore RNLI.

Our next event is "Going for a Song" on 6 May at The Big Sheep, Abbotsham, with an evening of music and a charity auction, BBQ food and a Bar."

RNLI SOS Day and Sausage Sizzle

Thanks to Amanda and her team for organising the fantastic RNLI SOS Day at North Devon Yacht Club. The weather was beautiful and the sausages really did 'sizzle'. Special thanks to DogLeg for providing the live acoustic music and to the craft stall holders who supported this event and helped to raise £1328 on the day for the RNLI and Appledore Lifeboat.

RNLI Art Show - bigger and better than ever

Sandra Thompson from Aldershot won the Ian Hudson original water colour in the raffle at the RNLI Art Show this weekend, one of ten lucky winners in the prize draw, which included the Royal George bed/breakfast/meal won by Micky Rebel from Darlington and a £50 voucher from Frank Heard Butchers won by Cath Pedley. The other winners were Sandra Morris, Ann Wilkinson, Michelle Caffe, Barbara Darch, Ivan Wright, Simon Lacey and Sally Steven. With more exhibits, more visitors and more sales, the Art Show has been an outstanding success. Total sales were approximately £8,500 with over £2500 raised for the RNLI from the event. Thanks to organiser Lesley Anne Cornish, the artists, volunteers and everyone who attended the show at North Devon Yacht Club and raised much needed funds for the RNLI.

Fish Suppers - a 'flippin' success

Many thanks to The Beaver Inn, Appledore, for supporting the RNLI Appledore Lifeboat Station ‘Fish Supper’ with Cousin Jack sea shanties and folk group from Bude entertaining those lucky enough to attend the lively evening at The Beaver. Thanks also to the many other venues (listed below) who have supported the RNLI Fish Suppers this year.

RNLI Fish Suppers
sponsored by
Appledore West Fish Shop

With thanks to the Appledore Wet Fish Shop, the following venues are supporting the RNLI Appledore 'Fish Suppers' 11-17 October 2021

The Yard, Appledore

Royal Plaice, Appledore

Serene Sky, Appledore

The Beaver, Appledore

The Thatched Inn, Abbotsham

The Quay Inn, Instow

The Boathouse, Instow

Instow Arms, Instow

The Wayfarer Inn, Instow

The Pier House, Westward Ho!

Fairway Buoy, Westward Ho! (drinks only)

The Waterfront Inn, Westward Ho!

The Drift, Westward Ho!

Atlantic Bay Fish & Chips, Westward Ho!

Pig on the Beach, Westward Ho!

Morans Restaurant, Westward Ho!
The Royal George, Appledore
The Seagate Hotel, Appledore

Station to Station Walk

Congratulations to everyone who completed the 16 mile station to station walk on 11 September from Clovelly to Appledore on the South West Coastal Path in support of the #RNLI with thanks to organiser John Wilson the Appledore RNLI Guild volunteers and the many supporters. With your help over £5000 has been raised for the RNLI.

Boat Pull Competition Winners

Winners of the RNLI Appledore Guild Boat Pull competition on Westward Ho! Beach were the team from Skern Lodge.

After a close fought knockout competition with the teams pulling Laser Pico sailing dinghies complete with masts and launching trolleys around a one hundred metre course, it was the teamwork of Skern Lodge who finally beat the other finalists Team Boaty McBoat Face.

The teams of six including at least one lady, were drawn from local sports clubs, gyms, social clubs and businesses, including Brend Hotels, Appledore Pilot Gig, The Yard, Appledore, a team remembering their friend Richie King, Old Town Blues, Boaty McBoat Face and the eventual winners Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre.

The competition was organised by Appledore RNLI fundraising guild, sponsored by Atlantic Bathrooms and Kitchens, with support from the Lifeguards, North Devon Yacht Club, Simon Ellery Photography and Kitemare-Surf and Kite, Westward Ho!

Organiser Roy Broad said: “Thanks to the support from the teams, Pete Sawyer providing the commentary, local businesses and the RNLI Appledore Guild volunteers, £1250 was raised to support the RNLI, helping save lives at sea.”