BUDE RNLI volunteer crew, along with the D-class inshore lifeboat, George Bird, and the RNLI rescue water craft (RWC), attended the annual Blessing of the Sea service in front of the old lifeboat house at Bude sea lock on Sunday, July 14.

Alongside the Bude RNLI volunteers stood the Coastguard Rescue Team, the two organisations often working closely together when assisting casualties.

A large crowd gathered in the lovely summer weather for the traditional service to give thanks and acknowledge the importance of the sea. Thanks were given to the RNLI lifeboat volunteers and fundraisers, the Coastguard Rescue Team and RNLI beach lifeguards for their role in protecting and helping everyone who uses the sea and coastline, whether that be for work or pleasure. Thanks and prayers were also given for all the organisations and individuals who are working hard to protect and repair the damage to the oceans.

Bude Town Band and St Michael’s church choir led the congregation in hymns and songs of worship. A member of the Coastguard Rescue Team gave a reading, followed by a reading from volunteer lifeboat crew member James Lewis Bale. Rev Barnes of St Michael’s church then gave a short sermon. Rev Barnes blessed the sea, the lifeboat volunteers, Coastguard Rescue Team as well as the wider congregation before moving on to bless the RNLI charity inshore lifeboat, George Bird, and the RNLI rescue water craft (RWC).