IN PICTURES: Hundreds attend Teddington RNLI’s Open Day



Hundreds of people turned up for Teddington RNLI's Open Day yesterday (Sunday, 08 June).
Running from 12.30pm – 3pm, there was lots to do throughout the day, including enjoying drinks and food from the event's sponsors The Wharf, Shambles, Ruba, and The Anglers.

There were also homemade cakes and snacks available in the lifeboat station's Boat Hall.

Inside the Boat Hall, guests could also ask the RNLI's crew members any questions and take a look at the kit.
One of the station's lifeboats stood in the event area throughout the day, which saw the little ones climbing onto.

Moreover, the London Fire Brigade and Ambulance service stationed a fire engine and ambulance to take a look at.

Throughout the day, various activities were available for attendees to enjoy, including a 'Human Fruit Machine', hosted by the Rotary Club, Bob a Duck by Teddington Society and 'Throw a Bag', hosted by the RNLI's Water Safety Team.

From 1.30pm, there were demonstrations showing how the crew help those in trouble on the river.

And at 2.30pm, was the long-awaited inaugural Teddington Duck Race, sponsored by Teddington Together, which saw many, many ducks dropped into the river and floating toward the finish line.
One local resident enjoyed the Duck Race so much he said he believes it will "make history".
Announcing the race winners and the prizes that came with each duck was the new Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael.
The Mayor's Consort, Jennifer Schwalbenberg, and Hounslow councillor, Shantanu Rajawat were also in attendance.

Speaking about the day, Teddington RNLI volunteer, Tim James, who has been a member of the station since it first opened in 2001, said: "I just want to thank everyone today for coming down. We've been blessed with the weather and the ducks are ready to go, so that should be fun."

Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group, Tim added: "This is my second time here and it seems to improve every year. I can see that there are a lot more people here than there were last year.
"And the quality of the displays and the attendees and the pop ups is amazing. I think this provides a huge sense of community.
"It's surprising how many people who live in Teddington aren't aware that there is a lifeboat station here, so one of the drivers of trying to have these open days is to improve people's awareness."
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