Littlehampton RNLI has officially welcomed its newest lifeboat, Spirit of Fidelity, at a heartfelt naming ceremony and service of dedication held on Saturday 27 September.
The D-Class lifeboat, formally designated D-902, has already launched on service 20 times since arriving at the station in May. Known as the “workhorse” of the RNLI, D-Class lifeboats are highly manoeuvrable and ideal for rescues in surf, shallow waters and confined areas close to shore.
The lifeboat was generously funded and named by donors Michael and Alison Veale, whose family has supported the RNLI for more than 65 years. Speaking at the ceremony, Michael Veale described the event as deeply personal:
“Our gift of D-902, with its name Spirit of Fidelity, honours my father’s memory and is the natural extension of my family’s involvement with the RNLI. Needless to say, the naming ceremony has been an amazing and very emotional event for us, given the memories it generates.”
As part of RNLI tradition, the Veales formally handed Spirit of Fidelity to RNLI Trustee Andrew Jordan, who then passed it to Nick White, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Littlehampton, accepting the lifeboat on behalf of the station’s volunteers. A service of dedication, led by shore crew and station chaplain Mike Meachin, concluded with the traditional champagne christening.
Nick White said the new lifeboat has already strengthened lifesaving capability along the West Sussex coastline:
“Since arriving at our lifeboat station in May, Spirit of Fidelity has already enabled our crew to be there for people who need our help. We’re so grateful to Michael and Alison for their extremely generous donation – and we’re very proud that Littlehampton RNLI is the home of Spirit of Fidelity.”
The ceremony was attended by Alison Griffiths, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, and the Mayor of Littlehampton, Alan Butcher, alongside crew, supporters and members of the local community.
Michael Veale said he was humbled by the welcome he and his wife received from the station:
“Although we’ve donated the lifeboat, it is the crew – through their courage, professionalism and the support of the wider RNLI – who are dedicated to saving lives at sea every time they go out on a shout.”
The Spirit of Fidelity will serve as a vital asset for Littlehampton RNLI, which provides lifesaving cover from Worthing to Bognor Regis.
Add your first comment to this post