Events were happening all over Bude including on Castle Green, Summerleaze beach, The Brendon Arms, The Wharf and, of course, Bude RNLI Lifeboat Station itself.
Bude RNLI Lifeboat Weekend is a fabulous, fun filled weekend that helps to raise vital funds to support the crucial work of the RNLI — the job of saving lives at Sea. The weekend is a much-anticipated annual event which is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Whether people were after a pasty, a quiz, live music, dancing or fireworks, there was something for everyone.
Saturday began with local charities hosting their own stalls at the Castle Green and Bude Metric Brass Band performing. There were some amazing prizes to be won in the raffle and the day was completed with a quiz hosted by the RNLI quiz masters.
On Sunday visitors could enjoy live shanty singing at the Castle Green and take part in the Songs of Praise at Barkhouse Green with Bude Town Band leading the singing. There was also a children’s disco on offer to allow the youngsters chance to have fun while the adults relaxed. Later that evening Wadebridge Male Voice Choir and Cousin Jack entertained everyone, keeping the party going.
Bank Holiday Monday was packed with events. At Summerleaze Beach many people enjoyed taking a tour of the Lifeboat Station and watching a demonstration of a search and rescue. There was a great selection of stalls and games on the Castle Green as well as live music, singing and dancing. Ducks for the duck race on the canal were eagerly purchased and other activities included a Lobster draw, another amazing raffle, a craft fair, monster trucks and moving information about the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster. And for those with a love of the water, the rowing race or canoe polo was the perfect chance to show off some skills.
There was a great selection of hot food with a hog roast and BBQ, as well as the traditional cream teas and pasties.
The event ended with a spectacular firework display in memory of a wonderful friend and colleague from the RNLI. As Robin Bale said: “May his spirit light up the sky.”
Sue Kershaw, vice chair fundraising at Bude RNLI added: “A great deal of hard work and planning has gone into the weekend. A huge thanks goes to all our sponsors of the various events over the weekend and the businesses and individuals who have donated wonderful prizes. We could not do this without you.”