The volunteer crew, Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild, volunteer fundraisers and supporters of Ramsey lifeboat, were joined by members of the public for the annual blessing of Ramsey’s Mersey class RNLI lifeboat, the RNLB Ann and James Ritchie on Sunday 4th August.
The blessing of the lifeboat and prayers for the safety of all who go to sea were led by Monsignor Canon Jeremy Garrett and the Reverend Lionel Thomas, music was provided by Ramsey Town Band and the lesson was read by Greg Anderson, a volunteer crew member with Ramsey lifeboat.
The service was held on the promenade outside the New Norbury Boathouse where the gathering was able to enjoy the fine weather whilst admiring a shining Ramsey Lifeboat and her smartly turned out crew.
After the service Kevin Christian, voluntary Lifeboat Operations Manager for Ramsey lifeboat said, “The blessing of our lifeboat is a community affair and recent events emphasise how very important it is to have a lifeboat in Ramsey. Ramsey has a lifeboat crew of which we can be truly proud and I personally wish to thank our crew for constantly being prepared to go that extra mile. Also, I am always amazed how the people of the town and the north throw themselves behind the lifeboat, support us and help raise much needed funds that help to keep the RNLI charity afloat. It makes us volunteers here at the lifeboat station feel very humble and we wish to say a very heartfelt thank you for that support and loyalty.”
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