A devoted Dorset couple who live at the same care home enjoyed a trip to the waterfront venue where they celebrated their golden wedding nine years ago, the restaurant of the RNLI College in Poole.
Pam and Trevor Clark, residents of Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors, are long-standing supporters of the lifeboat charity and expressed a wish to return for a nostalgic visit.
Care staff at Brook View organised a minibus trip and high tea for them along with friend and fellow resident David Vincent.
The visit included a tour and the chance to watch new recruits in training.
After they dined in the RNLI’s Rigger’s restaurant, with views to Poole Harbour and the Twin Sails Bridge, Pam said: “We reminisced about the wonderful lunch we had to celebrate our golden wedding here nine years ago. It was a lovely opportunity to revisit the place where we had our special day.”
Trevor said of the return trip: “We were all made very welcome. The RNLI staff were so happy to help and we enjoyed seeing the panoramic views of the bay once again.”
Trevor added: “I am a lifelong supporter of the RNLI and know just how important it is. My father’s influence led to my own interest in the work the RNLI does.”
Pam and Trevor moved to Brook View three years ago. They previously lived in Ringwood and Wimborne before retiring to nearby St Ives.
David is a Royal Navy veteran who also served as an RNLI shoreline member along with his late wife Audrey many years ago. He has continued to support the charity through making donations.
David said: “Among the many highlights of the day, I was delighted to see the Twin Sails Bridge lift as I had never seen that before. It’s remarkable how quickly it can rise to allow vessels to go under.”
Pam, Trevor and David were accompanied on the visit by Colten Care minibus driver Paul Hilliam and Brook View Companionship Team member Rebecca Grimsey.
Trevor said he very much appreciated taking the salute with Paul in front of an RNLI wall display.
Headquartered in Poole, the RNLI is now in its third century of saving lives at sea having celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024.
