Twenty years ago, on Tynwald Day 1991, Ramsey’s RNLI Mersey class lifeboat, the RNLB Ann and James Ritchie, arrived in Ramsey to replace the town’s aging Oakley class lifeboat, the RNLB James Ball Ritchie. Ramsey lifeboat crew and supporters aim to celebrate this twentieth anniversary with a lifeboat day full of fun for everyone on Saturday 2nd July 2011, at the beginning of Ramsey National Week. From 11:00am to 9:00pm on July 2nd, there will be events and attractions in and around Ramsey RNLI Lifeboat Station on South Promenade, Ramsey. Attractions include: • A visit from Douglas RNLI lifeboat, the RNLB Sir William Hillary; demonstrations by the two lifeboats and the Isle of Man Coastguard in Ramsey Bay and Harbour; tours of the two lifeboats whilst in the harbour • Static displays from the Isle of Man fire brigade and ambulance • Kevin Ford and Radio 3 FM • Hands on radio controlled model boats; have a go powerboat and kayaks with the Venture Centre instructors; face painting; coconut shy; treasure hunt; rifle range • A working steam engine • Stalls including cake stall; WI stall; Ramsey lifeboat shop; lucky dip • Refreshments including Cathy Brew’s famous pink candy floss • RNLI Storm Force’s Stormy Stan; Manx dancers; Pom-pom dancers • Beach racing hosted by the Manx Grass and Sand Racing Club from approximately 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm followed by live music with local bands from approximately 7:00pm to no later that 9:00pm Throughout the day Ramsey’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew, operations team and fundraisers will be on-hand to welcome and chat with visitors. Also in action on the day will be Ramsey Ladies Lifeboat Guild, who are holding their annual street collection and flag day, raising much needed funds to keep the lifeboats afloat as well as public awareness of the vital life-saving service the RNLI charity provides, all funded from public generosity. Ali Clague, the lifeboat station’s mechanic, said “Any lifeboat day is a fantastic opportunity for members of the public and their families to come along and find out about their local RNLI station, skeet with the volunteer lifeboat crew and have some fun into the bargain! However this will be a special lifeboat day for Ramsey lifeboat and her crew as it is our lifeboats twentieth year at the station. And I have to say the old girl is still looking pretty good! “Come along, join in, have fun and celebrate with us on July 2nd.” Ends