Last Saturday saw the Tenby Coastguard team take to the streets of Tenby and Saundersfoot to complete their organised push/pull of the Coast Rescue Vehicle in aid of the Gareth Scotcher Trust Fund.
Prior to the off, the team all had a bit of 'air time' with Jim Hughes from Radio Pembrokeshire, who managed to talk to each member individually and helped promote this event via the magic of wireless. Then at 11.30, with a loud and orchestrated countdown, the team headed off round Tenby with sirens blasting, buckets rattling and muscles pumping as the 2.4 ton vehicle was rope pulled round every street possible.
The weather was fantastic, which put people in a generous mood as the buckets were soon starting to fill. Even though the team worked hard on the collecting, none of the adults could match the keenness and productiveness of Miss Gwynneth Hodgson, Master Sam Lewis, Miss Georgia Lewis and young Lilly Rice. These four were fantastically marshalled and assisted by Mr. Rice (senior) and Jenny Rice, which gave the day that family feel. Thank you.
At 1.30, a repeat then took place in Saundersfoot. This was equally as fun and thankfully the weather continued to hold bringing the crowds out onto the streets who yet again gave so generously.
With kind permission from Tenby Rugby Club, the Coastguard team continued their collection at half- time between the 1st XV and Haverfordwest at Heywood Lane, which was, as ever, fantastically supported by all in attendance.
Finally, as a way of a thank you, the team, under the leadership of Station Officer Mr. Mike Day, put on a cliff rescue demonstration next to the Imperial Hotel at 5 pm. The scenario of recovering an injured person up the cliff face drew a good crowd, which was a pleasing way to end a long, but very enjoyable day.
It had been a huge event to organise and the support from the people on the day was fantastic. However, the main support came from scores of businesses from Tenby and Saundersfoot who gave so generously. Thanks in particular to the Fourcroft Hotel, Sandyhill Nursery, Damien Brown and finally Lyn Deli, of Tenby Bowling Club, whose donations were so greatly received.
Tenby Coastguard wish Gareth and his family all the best and hope this event and the one laid on by the rugby boys on Boxing Day will encourage others to add generously to the Gareth Scotcher Trust Fund. Good luck.