Urgent appeal to sign up and help save lives at sea (From Wharfedale Observer)

Call to help RNLI carry on vital work

2:41pm Thursday 28th June 2012 in News By Annette McIntyre

The vital work of a charity that saves hundreds of lives a year is to come under the spotlight at a meeting in Yeadon.

People from in and around the area are being urged to go along to find out about the RNLI, which last year saved an average of 22 people per day.

The Yeadon and District branch is looking for new blood, and organisers hope the meeting will help attract additional members from the surrounding area.

A charity spokeswoman said: “The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and is supported only by voluntary donations.

“Last year, the RNLI had daily operation costs of about £450,000. In order to keep this vital service in operation, our volunteers at branch level manage to raise about £52.2 million each year.

“Therefore, it is vital we keep local branches open, in operation and fundraising in order to save lives at sea. The meeting at Yeadon Methodist Hall on July 9 is for this very reason. The local branch network during the past few years has been declining, however a few core supporters are very keen to generate interest in the RNLI again and engender new members, helpers and supporters in a local branch.”

As well as the Yeadon and District branch, there used to be branches in Ilkley and Otley, but these have now closed. The charity has had a presence in the area for the past 60 years, and all three branches have contributed significantly to the RNLI.

The meeting aims to show what the RNLI does through a series of films, and will show how local people can help. It will take place at 2pm in Hardwick Hall, Yeadon Methodist Church. Refre-shments will be provided.