Over 200 people attended a ceremony where Burnham-On-Sea’s new lifeboat was officially named on Saturday (April 8th).
The ceremony at the Pier Street lifeboat station saw the new RNLI D-class lifeboat ‘Burnham Reach’ named by Ann Maw, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset.
The ceremony included music from Burnham and Highbridge band, a handing over ceremony with speeches and prayers led by vicar of Burnham Rev Graham Witts, before the lifeboat was named with the pouring of cider over the bows, below.
Those in attendance included Burnham-On-Sea’s MP James Heappey, Burnham-On-Sea Mayor and Mayoress Michael and Maria Clarke, Sedgemoor Chairman Ian Dyer, plus fundraisers, crew and their families.
Those present heard how the RNLI had raised £50,000 locally towards the cost of the new boat. After the boat’s christening, which was overseen by RNLI Chairman Ash Edwards, and a service of dedication, the new lifeboat was transported to the beach launching area for a short sea trip before returning to the lifeboat station, where the guests enjoyed light refreshments.
