Volunteer Lifeboat Crew and Guild members are preparing to step up their fundraising efforts following the news that the target for the Floating Boathouse Appeal has been increased from £50,000 to £130,000.

The RNLI were relying on a legacy from an anonymous donor to fund the majority of the cost of the new boathouse, however with falling values on stocks, shares and property the estimated value has decreased substantially.

Walter Jenkins, Burnham Lifeboat Treasurer and Chair of the Appeal said, “This is a direct consequence of the current economic climate. The sale of property and stocks and shares did not realise as much as had been hoped for. The Appeal Target has been increased to £130,000 but we are exremely grateful to the local community for the wonderful support that we have received so far.

The total amount received is £23,407.15 with another £10,700.00 pledged from the skydive and other events and we would ask everyone to continue to support the fundraising initiatives. The crew have been very busy this year and we wish to be able to maintain this high level of support to the local community and those who use the River Crouch and neighbouring waters which the new Atlantic 85 Lifeboat with the facilities of the new boathouse will give us.”

If you have any fundraising suggestions or ideas, please email us via the Contact page.