New lifeboat to be named after generous supporter

8:40am Saturday 6th September 2008

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A NEW lifeboat will be launched at Penarth RNLI this weekend - thanks to a donation from the family of a loyal supporter.

The £29,000 D-class inshore lifeboat is to be named after RNLI supporter Constance Dains, who passed away in 2000.

Mrs Dains’ daughter, Jean Leverton, will travel from London for the ceremony this Saturday (September 6) and predicted a mix of pride and sadness as the lifesaving vessel is named in memory of her mother.

Mrs Leverton said: “Living in one of the most landlocked areas of the country, we couldn't live further away from the sea, but have always had great respect for RNLI volunteers and the work they do.

“My mother more recently moved to Cheltenham and Penarth was one of the closest lifeboat stations.

“I know my mother would have been proud to see a lifeboat named in her memory.

“Throughout her life she supported the RNLI, whether it be through lifeboat collections, selling souvenirs or garden parties.”

The naming ceremony will be a real family affair, with guests coming from across the country to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Youngest members of the family will be stepping out in style wearing specially made t-shirts emblazoned with pictures of the new lifeboat.

Philip Lay, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Penarth, said: “As a charity, the RNLI depends entirely on voluntary contributions and legacies.

“We are most grateful to Mrs Leverton for this very generous donation.

“The new D class lifeboat is an improved version of the former version, which increases the top speed capability from 20 to 25 knots and means we can attend an emergency situation quicker. There have been a number of other improvements including an updated GPS navigation system, which improves the accuracy of locating casualties.

“We are looking forward to this significant event,” he added.

“And to welcoming Mrs Leverton and her family and friends to Penarth, to share this historic day.”

The new lifeboat will replace Penarth's previous D-class lifeboat ‘Severn Rescuer’ which was at the station from June 1998 to March 2008 - in which time she carried out 155 launches and rescued 197 people.