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Wick RNLI Harbour Day is back: 'Let's just make it a day that people can come and enjoy'





The Wick lifeboat Roy Barker II will again be a focal point. Picture: Alan Hendry
The Wick lifeboat Roy Barker II will again be a focal point. Picture: Alan Hendry

Wick's RNLI Harbour Day fundraiser is returning this month for the first time since before the pandemic.

Lifeboat coxswain Allan Lipp is hoping there will be a big turnout by the public after the disruption to community events caused by Covid.

Harbour Day has raised five-figure sums for the lifeboat service in previous years but it hasn't happened since 2019.

There will be a range of attractions and activities at the event on Saturday, June 11, from 1.30pm to 5pm. These are likely to include displays by the emergency services along with entertainment from Wick RBLS Pipe Band, Highland dancers and fiddlers.

“It's an opportunity for the community to get involved," Mr Lipp said. "I don't think there has really been a lot on event-wise, so hopefully it will be quite well supported.”

Wick RBLS Pipe Band will again be taking part in the popular event. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick RBLS Pipe Band will again be taking part in the popular event. Picture: Alan Hendry

It is hoped the police, fire, ambulance and coastguard services will be represented as well as the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Wick airport firefighters and Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes.

The Wick lifeboat Roy Barker II will be open to the public, while a barbecue stall, face-painting and children's games are planned.

Visiting yachts will be in the harbour along with the Wick Society's historic fishing boat Isabella Fortuna, and it is possible that one of the crew transfer vessels from the Beatrice offshore wind farm will be able to take part.

Mr Lipp said: “It's probably going to be a little bit lower-key than it has been in previous years and hopefully next year we'll be back to full swing again.

“The way we're looking at it, we don't want to go begging people and companies for donations because everybody has had such a hard time. Let's just make it a day that people can come and enjoy.

“If we get a bit of money out of it, all the better – because that's really why we're doing it. But it's nice just to put something on at the same time.”

Coxswain Allan Lipp is looking forward to his first Wick RNLI Harbour Day on June 11. Picture: Alan Hendry
Coxswain Allan Lipp is looking forward to his first Wick RNLI Harbour Day on June 11. Picture: Alan Hendry

Mr Lipp was appointed as coxswain in February 2020 so this will be his first experience of the popular event.

“I've not actually had a Harbour Day so I'm really looking forward to being part of it,” he said.

“It was a month after I started that we went into the first lockdown, so it has been a rough old time up until now and we're just coming out the other side of it.”

He added: "The community spirit here is strong. The amount of money that comes in, throughout the year, right through tough times as well, it's quite special seeing that.

“We're hoping that we get a good turnout. It's a positive thing to look forward to, so here's hoping it's a grand day.”

Related stories:

Traditional music on the quayside at a previous RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan Hendry
Traditional music on the quayside at a previous RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan Hendry

Children's games will again be part of the Harbour programme. Picture: Alan Hendry
Children's games will again be part of the Harbour programme. Picture: Alan Hendry

RNLI mascot Stormy Stan at a previous Harbour Day in Wick. Picture: Alan Hendry
RNLI mascot Stormy Stan at a previous Harbour Day in Wick. Picture: Alan Hendry

Members of Wick Coastal Rowing Club providing trips around the harbour at a previous Wick RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan Hendry
Members of Wick Coastal Rowing Club providing trips around the harbour at a previous Wick RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan Hendry

A display by HM Coastguard at a previous Harbour Day in Wick.
A display by HM Coastguard at a previous Harbour Day in Wick.


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