2020 has been a year like no other for the RNLI. Our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have continued to risk their lives to save others during the lockdown.

Over the past 6 months, all of the RNLI’s stations continued service every single day. Our crews have been missing family occasions and dinners to answer the call from those in peril. Unfortunately, our ability to raise funds has been significantly impacted by the lockdown and we are currently projecting a £60m downturn in income at a time when our services are being called upon more than ever.



I really appreciate that fundraising is quite possibly the last thing on many people’s mind at present, but I wondered if members of the Residents Association including the Evergreen Club might be interested in participating in one of the RNLI’s major fundraising campaigns next year; the RNLI Open Gardens 2021.



An Open Garden can be any shape or size, country or urban, private, or public, a grand hall garden or a driveway plant sale.

An online page will be available to register interest in Open Gardens and where people will also be able to download a ‘how to’ guide. More resources, (posters, adverts etc) will be available later in the year. If anyone is interested in taking part, there’s still plenty of time to get involved.



By pledging to host an Open Garden, neighbours, family and friends can get involved too. If anyone would like further information on RNLI Open Gardens, please email: opengardens@rnli.org.uk



The RNLI is also inviting people to join their Open Garden Facebook group where people can share garden images, tips, stories and ask any questions they have.

You don’t have to open your garden to be part of this group. The more who join, the more we will all hopefully benefit and have some fun. mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;color:blue;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB”>https://www.facebook.com/groups/270252550739018/



Thank you for your time and if there are any questions, do please feel free to contact me.



With very best wishes and warmest regards.



Bryan


Bryan Hughes – RNLI volunteer
Mobile + 44 (0)7768 928 942 / email bjh0307@btinternet.com