A POPULAR RNLI fundraiser in Christchurch will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the lifeboat in Mudeford this weekend.

The annual RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat Funday on Sunday will have even more significance this year as it is a historic anniversary for the Mudeford station.

“It is hard to believe this is the 50th anniversary of the RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat and in recent times the funday has become a significant fundraising event to help support its on-going work,” said Kim Skinner, Mudeford Lifeboat Funday committee chairman.

“Our various different activities raised £28,000 last year and we will, of course, go all out to beat that this year if we can.”

The funday has a packed programme of events and activities which include the coastguard helicopter and lifeboat display, the Hawker Hunter Jet, ‘Miss Demeanour’, the raft race and a duck race, a chance to look around a Lifeboat, funfair rides and games, water sport demos and have-a-go sit-on-kayaks, paddleboards and windsurfers.

There will also be lots of stalls and children’s rides, refreshments, a designated picnic area and live music including the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir.

“I am always reluctant to make outlandish claims but I do truly believe this year is bigger and better than ever,” added Kim. “I do remind everyone that this fun day is both significant and unique, in that all the money raised at this event goes directly to maintaining the RNLI lifeboat service at Mudeford.”

JP Morgan has once again made a contribution of £1,100 to help fund the park and ride service which has proved so successful in previous years.

“We are very grateful to all of our supporters, particularly those like J.P. Morgan, which has helped us on a regular basis”, added Kim.

The fun gets underway at 10am and will go on until approximately 6pm.

For more information visit mudefordlifeboatfunday.org