Oddfellows Continues to Southport’s coastline heroes

For more than 15 years, Ormskirk and Southport Oddfellows have been supporting Southport’s coastline heroes – Southport Offshore Rescue Trust – with charitable donations.

This year is no exception for the local friendly society, as a group of its members visited the Trust’s lifeboat station on 2 August to present them with their most recent financial contribution of just over £775.

…the lifeboat station needs a minimum of £60,000 a year to stay in operation…

Southport Offshore Rescue Trust is an independent charity that provides a 24-hour lifesaving lifeboat and land based search and rescue service around the Sefton coastline. Commenting on the donation, Lifeboat Coxswain Keith Porter, said: “We’re responsible for all our own financing and fundraising and receive no regular Grant Aid toward the running costs of the lifeboat service. The crew also commit their time freely. So without the generosity of those such as the Oddfellows, we couldn’t do what we do. We can’t thank them enough for their on-going help.”

Ormskirk & Southport Oddfellows District Chairman Lillian Leece presents the cheque to Lifeboat Senior Coxswain Keith Porter, joined by Oddfellows members Alec Patten, Edna Palmer, Brenda Lowe, Judith Catton and lifeboat crew members Chris Law and Alison Holmes.

The latest donation was raised at two of the Society’s fundraising events, explained Oddfellows District Chairman, Lillian Leece: “Our members dug deep at a recent dinner dance in the Isle of Man and at a garden party in Southport. What the charity’s lifeboat and land rescue crews do day-in, day-out is extraordinary, especially considering they’re volunteers. We’re very pleased to help where we can.”

Based on the Esplanade, the lifeboat station needs a minimum of £60,000 a year to stay in operation, notwithstanding to maintain its two lifeboats, launch vehicles, ATV quad bikes and all other lifesaving equipment used by the crew.

To make a donation or to find out more about how you can support the work of the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust, contact info@southport-lifeboat.org.uk or call 01704 501471.

Ormskirk and Southport Oddfellows arrange regular social events and activities in the Southport area, and continually fundraise for good causes. To view a copy of their events diary, visit their Branch page or contact Judith Catton on 01704 545279 or email judith.catton@oddfellows.co.uk.