Santa Surprise at RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Family Christmas
The Electric Cinema in Hastings was filled with festive cheer as RNLI Hastings volunteer lifeboat crew and their families came together for a special Christmas celebration.
The independent cinema hosted a family Christmas screening of Elf for the children of the volunteer lifeboat crew – some of whom may well be future RNLI crew members. Babies as young as five months old joined older children and grandchildren for an afternoon of festive fun.
Each RNLI lifeboat station receives funding to support a family event, but this year RNLI Hastings was able to make the celebration extra special thanks to additional support from the Beacon Owl Trust. The Sussex-based charity works to protect owls and other wildlife through conservation, education and habitat creation, and their generous contribution enabled the lifeboat management team to provide gifts and food for the event.
The excitement was taken to another level with the surprise arrival of Santa, who delighted the children by handing out presents. Lifeboat Operations Manager Sarah Milne stepped into the role of Santa’s elf assistant for the afternoon and was thrilled with how the event unfolded. It was noted that one volunteer crew member, Mick, wasn’t in attendance during Santa’s visit!
Sarah says: “It was wonderful to see our volunteer crew families all together, especially at such a busy time of year. Events like this are a great way to say thank you to our volunteers and the families who support them.”
Festive cheer wasn’t just reserved for the youngsters. An anonymous benefactor kindly provided a Christmas drinks kitty for the serving volunteer crew, allowing them to enjoy a seasonal drink from the Electric Cinema’s well-stocked bar.
As the festive season gets underway, RNLI Hastings’ volunteer lifeboat crew remain on call throughout Christmas and the New Year, ready to respond to emergencies at sea and along the coast, ensuring the charity’s lifesaving mission, to save everyone, continues.
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