Burnham Hovercraft Home Page > Burnham Hovercraft News Archive
May 2, 2005
Burnham goes orange crazy as money pours in for Lelaina Rescue Appeal
Burnham-On-Sea went orange crazy this weekend as members of the hovercraft and RNLI crew raised thousands of pounds for the Lelaina Rescue Appeal by selling thousands of brightly coloured wristbands.
Wearing their orange rescue suits and sporting orange hairstyles, the hovercraft crew sold 1,600 of the specially-made wristbands across the town, earning £1,600 in just 72 hours for the Western Daily Press campaign. RNLI crew members also sold several hundred of the bands, pouring more money into the overall fund.
Both the Hovercraft and RNLI stations also held open days on Monday (May 2nd), and the Spirit Of Lelaina joined the RNLI’s D-Class lifeboat in taking part in a special parade through the town – along the seafront and down the High Street – to the sound of cheers from crowds of holidaymakers who lined the streets.
Hovercraft Chairman Alan Miller said: “It’s been an incredibly successful weekend. People have been out in force enjoying the seaside and they have been more than happy to help us.”
He added that this is not the end of the fundraising push. More of the orange wristbands are arriving during the next few days and crew members will be out selling them in coming weeks.
He said: “We are getting re-stocked again. I’d like to see everyone in Burnham buying one. It’s not just about raising money, it’s about showing your support for the rescue teams. Wearing one is just as important as buying one.”
Hovercraft crew and supporters celebrate a successful fundraising drive
The hovercraft and RNLI D-Class lifeboat at the start of the parade through Burnham town centre
RNLI Operations Manager Martin Cox’s hair was sprayed orange for the event!
The hovercraft and D-Class lifeboat teams set off for the procession through Burnham
Crew members sell the wristbands to motorists during the procession
The hovercraft and lifeboat make their way along the seafront
The procession wends its way past the Somerset & Dorset pub
A sign outside the ‘Orange HQ’, otherwise known as the Burnham hovercraft station
Orange hair coloured RNLI and hovercraft crew members discuss the event
The orange wristbands are given the thumbs up by Josh Watts (7) and Rory McGregor (7)
Another supporter of the event, Emily, is delighted with her wristbands. Pictured outside the Burnham RNLI station, she said: “I think the wristbands are a good idea, and the Lelaina Appeal a worthwhile cause.”
RELATED LINKS:
Hair raising experience for Hovercraft chairman!
Western Daily Press Lelaina Rescue Appeal
