THERE was a double celebration at Barry Dock RNLI on Sunday – the naming ceremony of the new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and the opening of the new lifeboat station.
In 2015, two rare Ferraris were sold at auction raising £8.5M for the RNLI. This was the remarkable legacy of Mr Richard Colton, and his family and friends are delighted that part of his legacy is being used to fund the new lifeboat at Barry Dock.
The new lifeboat station at Barry Dock, which became operational in 2023, plays an integral part in saving lives at sea in the area, aided by new facilities. This includes a warm shower to slowly warm a casualty, enough space to set up a casualty resuscitation area, and the equipment to support paramedics.
During the event, guests were welcomed to the station by Stuart MacMillan, chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group. The proceedings began with Enid Jones, a local supporter, handing the lifeboat station into the care of the RNLI on behalf of the donors.
The Shannon class lifeboat Richard and Caroline Colton II was then handed into the care of the RNLI by Charles Denton, also a donor representative. Janet Legrand OBE, RNLI chair, accepted the lifeboat station and lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI and passed them into the care of Barry Dock.
Bill Kitchen, lifeboat operations manager at Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, accepted the lifeboat and Rev Kevin Lake led the service of dedication, followed by a vote of thanks from Bill Kitchen.
Liz Matthews a local fundraiser was invited to officially open the lifeboat station. Helen Weber, a donor representative, officially named 13-51 RNLB Richard and Caroline Colton II.
Following the ceremony, the lifeboat launched on exercise. Andy Gavan RNLI Coxswain at Barry Dock RNLI said: “It’s an honour to witness this momentous occasion. “The station is incredibly grateful to Mr Richard Colton, Myristica Trust and The Kinsurdy Charitable Trust for their generous donations.
“Between moving into our new station, and the allocation of our new Shannon, we’ve had an exciting couple of years. I’d like to thank all of our volunteers and their families for their unwavering support and dedication over the last few months.”
Janet Legrand, chair of the RNLI, added: “It was a great honour to represent the RNLI. It was a very special day for all involved. We’re immensely proud of all who give up their time to volunteer at Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, and for the dedication, commitment and sacrifice they make.”
The £2.5M lifeboat was funded by a combination of Mr Colton’s legacy and a very generous contribution from Myristica Trust.
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