Flamborough RNLI New Lifeboat And Crew Receive Annual Blessing

A new lifeboat and its volunteer crew have been blessed at a special service in Flamborough, which also saw the unveiling of a handcrafted memorial board.

A new lifeboat and its dedicated volunteer crew have received their first annual blessing during a special community gathering on the Yorkshire Coast.

The dedication ceremony for the vessel, named Forever Yibba, took place at the Flamborough RNLI Boathouse at South Landing on Sunday, July 26.

The Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, officially designated as B-959, arrived at the Flamborough station on June 30 and has already been put to the test.

Crews have responded to numerous emergency shouts throughout a busy July, demonstrating the immediate impact of the new vessel.

The blessing marked a significant occasion as crew members, supporters, and the local community came together to celebrate the arrival.

Attendees gathered to wish the new lifeboat and its crew members every success in their vital role of saving lives at sea.

Flamborough RNLI Chaplain, Father Wilson, led the moving service, sprinkling holy water to bless the volunteers and the boat.

The station extended special thanks to everyone who read prayers during the service, helping to make the occasion even more meaningful.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Bridlington Excelsior Band, who delivered an excellent performance of beautiful hymns throughout the event.

A poignant highlight of the day was the unveiling and presentation of a new memorial board, which will take pride of place inside the boathouse.

The stunning oak tribute was generously handcrafted by three generations of the Stevens family in memory of Corrine Stevens.

Corrine, who originally came from France, held a great love for the Yorkshire Coast and fell deeply in love with Flamborough.

She deeply admired the fact that every member of the Flamborough RNLI crew was a volunteer, something she could never quite believe.

Following her passing twelve months ago, her ashes were scattered at South Landing.

The memorial board was created by her husband David Stevens, his father Adrian, and Corrine's son Gaetan.

The board also serves as a memorial to Anne Wraith, the late wife of Bill Wraith.

Bill Wraith and his family generously funded the station's new boat, Forever Yibba, as well as the retired lifeboat, Elizabeth Jane Palmer.

The oak for the project was sourced from R. H. Chappellows in York, with the family dedicating over five months to its completion.

David Stevens shared his thoughts on the creation of the tribute.

David Stevens said:

'It was a pleasure to create. The project took just over five months to complete. We sourced the oak from R. H. Chappellows in York. My Dad Adrian, prepared and cut the oak, I created the etched glass artwork of the Atlantic 85, and Gaetan also worked on the memorial board.'

The memorial board will permanently display brass plaques honouring past crew members, supporters, and friends of Flamborough RNLI.

Station officials described it as a fitting tribute that will be admired by visitors for many years to come.

RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Captain David Freeman praised the dedication behind the project.

Captain David Freeman said:

'The new memorial board isn't just a board it's a work of art. The detail and craftsmanship that have gone into this piece are extraordinary. The memorial board will always have a place in our boathouse, reminding us of the crew members, supporters and friends of Flamborough RNLI who are no longer with us.'

Captain David Freeman added:

'Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a memorable and successful day. The continued support of our volunteers, supporters, local businesses and the wider community is what makes Flamborough RNLI so special.'

The day also featured fundraising efforts to support the lifesaving charity.

Local artist Julie Thompson made a generous contribution by donating two beautifully framed pieces of artwork.

These pieces were auctioned off after the blessing, raising a fantastic amount of money in support of Flamborough RNLI.

The station team thanked Julie for her generosity and ongoing support, which they noted is truly appreciated.

Officials also offered their gratitude to all the crew, supporters, friends, families, and fellow volunteers from neighbouring stations who attended the blessing.