Welcome to Woodbridge Branch of the RNLI

Our mission

The Woodbridge & District branch of the RNLI is one of the 1,300 fundraising branches and guilds throughout the country. Our objective is to raise money for the RNLI to support our brave volunteer crews to help them save lives at sea.

As a branch, our main aim is to identify fund raising opportunities and arrange events, store collections, flag days, card sales, etc.

We can’t achieve this without the help of our fundraising “Crew”. You can join our “Crew” by volunteering to be Collectors, Helpers, or Committee Members. Please contact our Branch Secretary to find out more.

Highlights of 2024

Congratulations to Anne Wright, our Branch Treasurer, on receiving her 20 year long service award.

She was invited to attend the 200th Anniversary Garden Party at Buckinham Palace in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and RNLI President HRH The Duke of Kent.

Among those who attended were lifeboat crew, lifeguards, water safety volunteers, fundraisers and recent recipients of meritorious service awards and The King’s Birthday and New Year Honours.

Events in May

The highpoint event for us was the Suffolk Show on 29th and 30th May where we collected £270 in donations and sold £447 in gifts and souvenirs.

Many thanks to all the helpers over the two days and the generous support from the public.

Our very own Stormy Stan entered a race on the second day and came first – well done Stormy.

Please click link to see the full press release

Events in June

June was a busy month for us. See highlights below

Woodbridge Regatta and Riverside Fair, 9th June

Thank you to our team of volunteers who were instrumental in making the event such a success! We took a total of £594.45 at Woodbridge Regatta & Riverside Fair in aid of the RNLI.

Debenham Street Collection, 15 June

Many thanks to our small band of collectors and to the people of Debenham who kindly gave generous donations to the RNLI and helped us raise £361.47.

Grove Court Care Home, 21 June

We were pleased to be invited to help celebrate Grove Court Care Home’s 25th anniversary. It was a beautiful day with amazing food on offer and we were pleased to have raised £142.40 for the RNLI

Events in August

Our main events in August are the Flag Day on 10th August and Walberswick Fete on 24th August

Woodbridge Flag Day, August 10th

We raised a whopping £866.66 at our Flag Day in Woodbridge. Thank you to those who kindly donated and to our team of volunteers. And we had a welcome visit from our Woodbridge Town Crier

Walberswick Fete, August 24th

Thank you to everyone who braved the rain and made Walberswick Village Fete another hugely successful event! We had a fab time and are pleased to say we took a total of £400.35 for the RNLI made up of donations and sales. (Thank you to the generous chap who kindly donated £50!)

Events in September

Elmfest , September 7th

What a wonderful day we had at @elmsfest! Thank you to Tanya who organised a fantastic event and we are delighted to share that we took £200 in sales for the @rnli and £30.37 in donations, so thank you all very much for your generosity! We were also well fed courtesy of @suffolk_pig_roast and it was great to see the classic cars; as well as stall holders and visitors all having a great time!

Tesco Collection, September 14th

Thank you to everyone who kindly donated to the RNLI at Tesco in Martlesham and of course to our loyal band of collectors. It was a beautiful sunny day for fundraising and we are delighted to let you know that we raised a whopping £1,000.41 which is incredible! Thank you.

Events in October

Fish & Chip Supper and Quiz, October 12th

Thank you to all our loyal supporters who attended a fun filled evening with a challenging quiz set by our quizmaster, Anne Wright, and fish & chips from the Melton Fish Bar. It was an excellent evening and we raised over £315 for the RNLI.

RNLI Autumn Fair, Levington, October 26th

Another successful fundraiser at Levington. The all weather boat was unable to visit because of lack of water and the yacht racing was cancelled because of lack of wind. But there were lots of people about and the day was very successful helping us to raise a whopping £1044 through sales and donations.

Events in November/December

Charity Card Shop, Woodbridge

Thank you to everyone who visited the Charity Card Shop and bought cards, calendars, etc. We sold over £4,000 worth of RNLI cards and it is anticipated that around £31, 000 in total was taken supporting 20 charities.

Woodbridge Christmas Street Fair, Woodbridge, December 1st

Thank you to everyone who supported the wonderful Woodbridge Christmas Street Fair! Thanks to Tim and the organisers and our team of volunteers. We’re delighted to share that we raised £350.75 in sales and £92.84 in donations for the RNLI. Thank you