Dawsons help raise £6,450 for the RNLI

Dawsons Auctioneers & Valuers are proud to work alongside the RNLI.

We recently held a Timed Charity Auction for the RNLI's Walberswick Fundraising Branch, in their efforts to raise much needed funds for Southwold Lifeboat Station.

The team at Dawsons are delighted to confirm that £6,450 was raised for this fantastic cause.

Walberswick itself is a small coastal village in Suffolk which lies on the south bank of the River Blyth, a short ferry ride across from Southwold. It is tucked away amidst a thousand acres of coast, heath and marshland listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The ferry, which transports people across the Blyth in the summer months, is rowed by the fifth generation of the same family. Walberswick was a busy port trading in fish, cheese, corn, bacon and timber from as early as the 13th century right up to the First World War. The one surviving church, St Andrew's, is tucked into the old ruins of a much larger church, which demonstrates vividly how prosperous the village must once have been. Silt and the ever-changing coastline caused the decline of fishing and trading; and today's village is growing increasingly concerned about its existing sea defences.

The huge number of visitors Walberswick receives are often very understandably drawn to enjoy the beach and water sports.  Inevitably this has sometimes led to children, dogs and adults getting into difficulties in the water; both sea and river.  When that happens, we are fortunate to have the Southwold Lifeboat close by to assist. As a coastal village the invaluable work of the RNLI lies close to the hearts of many in the community. Our branch was formed in 1981 by Ruth & Leslie Goodwin and this auction continues our work to help fund the RNLI, who in turn support locals and visitors alike in safely enjoying our nearby waters.

All the money raised from this auction will go towards the lifesaving work of the RNLI at Southwold Lifeboat Station. The average cost of a callout for a lifeboat is £250. In terms of Southwold’s general running costs; 'it costs £71 a day to run the lifeboats here, and £49 a day to keep our volunteer crew members safe through training and providing them with world class kit to protect them whilst they risk their lives to save others'.

Your generous bids are the difference between people returning home safe to their families when they get into trouble at sea. We thank you for your generosity – if you like more information about the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org