Once again, the people of Todmorden have shown their support for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution by their generous donations on the recent Flag Day in the town, and at Morrisons Supermarket and Gordon Rigg Nurseries.
Local branch secretary Heather Blenkey said: “Everyone was, as usual, very generous to a cause seemingly close to the hearts of Todmorden people. We collected about £932 on Flag Day.
“Together with the proceeds from other collections at Gordon Rigg, total donations this year have been £1695, which is very gratifying at a time when many people are feeling the pinch.”
She said many people might not realise that the RNLI, totally funded by donations and bequests, in addition to funding lifeboats at about 240 stations around the coast, also provides lifeguards to cover many popular holiday beaches around the country and frequently provides assistance in cases of inland flooding.
“Todmorden’s tradition of supporting the Lifeboats goes back over 100 years.
“In those days, a lifeboat was hauled through the town and cheered by hundreds of people.
“Nowadays I’m afraid we don’t have the numbers or the energy to do that, even with an old model lifeboat!
“Each year we struggle to find collectors in the upper Calder Valley and unfortunately, this year we did not have sufficient help to cover Hebden Bridge as we have done in the past.
“If anyone is interested in helping to support the RNLI I would be delighted to hear from them on 01706 818527.”