The Salisbury branch of the RNLI say they had “a highly successful” street collection in the city centre earlier this month.
The Salisbury, Wilton and District Fundraising Branch of the RNLI told Salisbury Radio, “A day of activities was held in the Guildhall Square and surrounding streets and 30 collectors raised more than £3,000 which will be mainly used to support the lifesaving activities of our nearest lifeboat at Mudeford”.
The event on Saturday 12th October was part of a National Collection Week to celebrate the very first street collection by any charity in the UK - which was held by the RNLI - back in 1891.
That particular collection was significant as prior to that date charities had been funded by wealthy benefactors rather than the general public.
Performances were given by Shaftesbury Silver Band and two sea shanty groups, the Navy Larks and All at Sea. RNLI lifeboat crew from Mudeford also attended and there was a retail stall selling RNLI Christmas cards, gifts and other merchandise.
Members of the local Scouts and Sea Cadets also assisted with the collection.
The Welcome Ceremony on the steps of the Guildhall was attended by the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire and the Mayors of Salisbury and Wilton.
Ray Stedman, Chairman of the Branch, said, “The event was the culmination of a busy and successful year of fundraising by the branch during the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary.”
He also gave thanks to Stannah Stairlifts, Occasions Marquee Hire and LED Synergy for their “generous support.”
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