Towns and villages throughout the country have
raised money for the charity, even though many have not had any
direct connection with the sea. Almost every town has had its RNLI
Branch dedicated to raising money for “The Lifeboats”. Here in the Glens of Antrim, for as long as can be remembered the
local communities have raised money for the charity. The closeness to
the sea and the many people who
se livelihood have depended on the
sea, has meant that the RNLI has been close to their hearts. In “The Glens” collections have been made for the charity for as long
as can be remembered. Call in to any shop in the area and you will
find a “Lifeboat” collection box prominently placed on the counter. A short time after the formation of the lifeboat station at Red Bay,
many local residents, wanting to assist, decided to form a Lifeboat
Guild for the station and support the activities of the crew. The Lifeboat Guild, one of many throughout the UK and Ireland, are a
group of people formally setup as an association, recognised and
affiliated to the RNLI, with the aim to organise the fundraising
activities within their local area. The Guild is made up from members of the community of all ages, who
come together to support a cause that they feel is a very important
aspect of Glen’s life. They meet together, regularly, in the Lifeboat
Station to co-ordinate their activities. They are able to liaise and meet
with other local branches, fostering their aim to raise funds, in a very
sociable and enjoyable manner, on behalf of the RNLI. Each year “The Guild” working in parallel with the crew and the staff of
Redbay Lifeboat Station, hold various fundraising events, from Coffee
Mornings, Cheese and Wine Parties, Raffles, and The Annual Open
Day, held at the start of the Cushendall Festival week, in August.
