Garforth Branch RNLI is celebrating 50 years of fundraising and as a thank you invited supporters to afternoon tea. Founded in 1966 by a group of local ladies who wanted to raise funds for the RNLI, it was known as Garforth Ladies Lifeboat Guild. In 1973 it was renamed Garforth Branch when men were invited to join the group.
Today a group of dedicated, committed, hard working fundraisers can be seen selling souvenirs at coffee mornings, galas, collecting in supermarkets, holding annual plant sales and race nights raising over £150,000 since 1966. The branch also donates to many special appeals including new lifeboats for Humber, Scarborough, Amble and 4 new lifejackets for Filey crew.
Two education volunteers from the branch give talks to schools,uniform and youth groups about the work of the RNLI and how to stay safe when visiting the seaside or near water. This year over 1,000 children in the area have been spoken to.
Christine Pitchfork, chair of the branch for over 30 years said “I’m immensely proud of our achievement and we couldn’t have done it without enthusiastic committee members and our loyal supporters”.
The efforts of the branch have not gone unnoticed by the RNLI as committee members have been awarded bronze statuettes, silver, gold and bar to gold badges and in 2001 the branch was awarded a certificate of thanks.
