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February 27, 2006
BBC’s John Inverdale officially opens new Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat shop
Burnham-On-Sea RNLI officially opened its new shop on the town’s seafront in a ceremony on Monday lunchtime.
Watched by dozens of onlookers, BBC TV presenter John Inverdale cut the ribbon to open the new facility, which is located on the seafront next to Sunspot Amusements on Monday February 27th.
During the ceremony John said he was pleased to be opening the shop
and that his lifelong ambition was to smash a bottle of champagne on the bows of a brand new lifeboat at an RNLI naming ceremony.
Before the shop opening he was treated to a ride through town in the Burnham-on-Sea specialized launching tractor Kay’s Cart.
After a short speech by Tony Winterburn, Burnham-On-Sea’s RNLI Chairman, John addressed the crowd of onlookers before stepping off the rear of the tractor to cut the official red, white and blue platted ribbons across the shop doorway.
After the ceremony, he talked individually to enthusiastic fans, posing for photographs and signing autographs.
John Inverdale currently presents the BBC’s Six Nations rugby coverage and his sister is Jendy Weekes, the Chairman of Burnham RNLI’s Supporters’ Group.
Head of RNLI retail Charlotte Higson said: “The efforts of Jendy and her team have been nothing short of remarkable, and I wish her the greatest success for the future.”
Run by Burnham RNLI’s Supporters Group, the new shop has been completely refitted both inside and out in recent months.
Jendy said: “The shop is now open daily between 10am and 4pm, with slightly longer hours during the school holidays.”
“If anyone is able to spare the odd hour or two during the week and would be willing to come along and help in the shop, we would be delighted to see them.
“Prospective volunteers should make themselves known by either contacting us at the shop on 01278 784213 or by ringing me on 01278 641370.”
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