The inshore rescue boat operated by Burnham-On-Sea’s BARB Search & Rescue has been given a £4,400 upgrade thanks to a donation by a group of local fundraisers.
The Freemasons have presented the funds towards the Burnham charity’s boat, which helped communities across Somerset in 2013 and 2014 during flooding.
Jeff Body of Alfred Guthrum Lodge, based in Wedmore, has presented £3,400 to BARB and John Chinn has presented a further £1,000 from the Provence of Somerset Freemasons.
“We are delighted to be helping BARB – they do a fantastic job and it’s good to know the funding will stay local and be put to good use immediately with the upgrade of this rescue boat,” said Jeff.
“We saw how busy BARB was during the floods and wanted to help the charity with its work. It’s reassuring to know that the boat is here.”
The boat has been upgraded with a more powerful engine, other improvements including a new steering console, and the funds will also help with training costs.
BARB crewmembers are pictured thanking the group with the presentation of a certificate outside their seafront station in Burnham.
