Family connection to RNLI sparks generous donation to the charity

Claire visited the station on Friday along with her colleague Olivia Whittle, Senior Face-to-Face Fundraiser, and was greeted by Lifeboat Operations Manager Roger Gillett and Coxswain Stuart Adams.

Claire’s connection to the RNLI is a longstanding one, with her mother and aunt being relatives of the Tart family and growing up in the nearby town of Lydd. The Tarts were, and still are, a local Dungeness fishing family who have provided many Coxswains and crew to the station for decades.

One member of Claire’s family, Frank Tart, had created a model of one of Dungeness’ earlier lifeboats, the Charles Cooper Henderson which Claire brought to the station to show the existing crew.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Roger Gillett, said:

“It was a pleasure to meet Claire today for her special visit. Dungeness Lifeboat Station has a rich history, and the Tart family paid a key part in it. We were particularly grateful that she took the time to bring the model boat for us to admire. We gratefully accept Claire’s donation to our station to continue our lifesaving work.”