Ancasta Brighton celebrate Diamond Jubilee with the Earl and Countess of Wessex

Recently an invitation was extended to Ancasta’s Brighton Office to join the celebrations when the Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived in Eastbourne to officially name the new Eastbourne Tamar lifeboat, ‘Diamond Jubilee’.

Tom Lynn was our Ambassador for the day and he told us that the whole event was extremely jubilant. Tom was introduced to the Earl and Countess who proved to be very relaxed and game for a laugh!   Apparently when the Vicar splashed the lifeboat with holy water to bless the vessel, he accidentally splashed a few of the crew as well. On his arrival back into the ceremonial marquee, he announced that …

“The crew who were splashed by holy water are a little more blessed than the others!”

The Countess then compounded everyone’s mirth, when the champagne bottle she released smashed onto the foredeck and doused the crew yet again.

Crowds of well wishers also flocked to the Eastbourne RNLI Lifeboat Station to see the Royals, raise their toasts, and soak up the great atmosphere that prevailed on the day. The lifeboat’s name was chosen to coincide with the Diamond Jubilee year of HM The Queen, patron the of the lifeboat charity. ‘Diamond Jubilee’ replaces the old Mersey class lifeboat, The Royal Thames, which has been in service since 6 September 1993.

Everyone on the Ancasta team would like to wish the RNLI all the very best with their new acquisition and offer many congratulations to the tireless fund raisers who work for this charity.