HUNDREDS of people turned out to watch the naming ceremony for West Kirby RNLI's new D-class lifeboat.
West Kirby Lifeboat Station hosted the ceremony to name its newest vessel, Leonard Pownall, on Saturday, September 21.
More than 150 guests and over 100 members of the public gathered to see the event, funded in part by a generous bequest from Betty Pownall, in addition to the local community’s efforts in last year’s Lifeboat Fund Appeal.
The event ended with a water safety demonstration on the lake, featuring the new lifeboat in action, supported by RNLI lifeguards on their rescue watercraft.
Over the years, the cost of the lifeboat had risen to £85,000, which meant further fundraising efforts were needed by the station.
Incredibly, the community rallied together to surpass the fundraising target in just eight months, raising £73,000 - well beyond the £50,000 target.
The lifeboat was then presented to Mr Diamond, who accepted it on behalf of West Kirby Lifeboat Station - while expressing gratitude to all those involved, particularly the local community and the station's volunteers.
Reverend Paul Rossiter, Hoylake and West Kirby Lifeboat’s Chaplain, then led a service of dedication and blessing for the lifeboat and crew. Reverend Paul was thanked by Mr Diamond for his unwavering commitment to his role over the past 12 years, as he is retiring in January.
Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority and chair of West Kirby Lifeboat Appeal, said: "What a remarkable, absolutely amazing voyage the West Kirby Lifeboat Appeal has been.
"After a £35,000 generous legacy from Betty Pownall, we needed to fundraise an additional £50,000 towards our latest D class lifeboat.
"It's been humbling and incredible witnessing the dedication, support and generosity of RNLI volunteers, businesses and our community as they came together, as one crew, smashing our target by achieving over £73,000 in just eight months.
"Through your efforts and community spirit, we've secured our latest lifeboat, Leonard Pownall at West Kirby, where, through your support, our crew can continue the 200-year RNLI tradition of saving lives at sea.
"On behalf of the team at West Kirby Station, the RNLI and all those lives that will be rescued and saved during her service, thank you.
"It's you, individually - and collectively as one crew, one community that makes this possible".
Mr Diamond, West Kirby Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: "Our station and the wider RNLI is funded entirely by generous donations from the public and we would be unable to continue our mission of saving lives at sea without the overwhelming generosity we receive from our local community here in West Kirby.
"I’ve been blown away by the response to the Lifeboat Fund Appeal, particularly during a cost of living crisis."
He added: "It was incredible to witness individuals, businesses and community groups come together and actively support us in a whole host of unique ways.
"We’re very grateful to Betty Pownall for leaving this incredibly generous donation to fund our newest D class and we feel privileged to have Leonard Pownall here with us in West Kirby to help us save lives at sea. On behalf of everybody here in West Kirby, thank you.
‘I’d also like to thank all our incredible volunteers that make all of this possible, from our crew to our fundraisers to our management.
"The hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes doesn’t go unnoticed and I couldn’t be more proud of every individual making up our one crew.
"If you’d like to play your part in saving lives at sea, please do get in touch to find out about the various opportunities available."
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