More than 150 people headed to Burnham-On-Sea RNLI station on Saturday (June 15th) to see a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat officially named.
Allison Reshad, pictured above, officially named the new lifeboat by ceremonially pouring Somerset cider over it and then handing it over to Burnham-On-Sea RNLI.
The boat has been funded by keen sailor Brian Sigley, who was Allison’s uncle. When he passed away he left the money for the new lifeboat in his will.
The new Atlantic 85 boat, which is named ‘Doris Day and Brian’, was delivered to Burnham RNLI recently and is now operational alongside its smaller lifeboat.
Allison said: “Uncle Brian was a very intelligent, solitary man who was happiest at the helm of a boat, whether he had a crew to work with, or captaining his own boat single handedly.”
“In this respect Brian was acutely aware of the vital work provided by the RNLI. I know Brian would have loved to have been here and to see the result of their legacy.”
Matt Davies, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Burnham RNLI, received the lifeboat on behalf of Burnham Lifeboat Station in front of the audience gathered next to Burnham’s Old Station Approach.
He said: “We are all very proud of our new Atlantic 85, and will ensure she performs to the best of her capability.”
Rev. Graham Witts from St Andrew’s Church led several prayers and hymns during the unique service of dedication, which was also accompanied by Burnham and Highbridge Town Band.
Town MP James Heappey also attended the ceremony and thanked Allison and the crew of Burnham RNLI for the work they do in sea safety. He said the bequest is “an extraordinary gift from your family to our community.”
The new boat was launched from Burnham’s jetty at the end of the ceremony, watched by spectators.
