Hoylake RNLI successfully defended their title in this year’s Slater Trophy Boxing Day Tug o’War against Hoylake Sailing Club.
The friendly competition is a traditional festive fixture in the local community calendar and attracted hundreds of spectators, who came down to cheer on the teams outside Hoylake Lifeboat Station.
The two teams pulled on their boots and were greeted with rapturous applause from the crowd, before going head to head at midday for the coveted Slater Trophy: a small teapot that bears the name of the winning team stretching back to the start of the competition in 1972.
With victory later secured for Hoylake RNLI the two teams gathered in Hoylake Sailing Club, where the prestigious teapot was presented to Hoylake RNLI by Terri Slater. Her husband Arthur co-founded the tournament over 50 years ago with then Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Danny Triggs.
Terri Slater celebrated her 100th birthday this year and was congratulated on her impressive milestone by the teams and attendees.
Spectators at the Tug o’War also made generous donations to support the lifesaving work of the RNLI’s volunteer crews, raising an incredible total of £2,259. The RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024 and the funds will ensure future generations of lifesavers can continue the RNLI’s mission to save every one.
Robin Stratton, Hoylake Sailing Club Vice Commodore and Secretary, said: “Congratulations to the Lifeboat team in retaining the Slater Trophy once again. It’s a great Hoylake tradition where our two longstanding local organisations come together for a moment of friendly rivalry. We wish the RNLI well in their big anniversary year ahead and look forward to doing battle again next year.”
Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said: “It was another great Tug o’War and both teams definitely gave it their all. We’re thrilled to have retained the trophy and look forward to next year’s competition. We hope to do the RNLI proud again as we mark our bicentenary.
“Thanks to Terri Slater and her family for their enduring support of this community tradition and to the crowds who came down to cheer on the teams. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who donated to support our crew’s lifesaving work.”
To make a donation online to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal and help the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
Photo credits: Stratus Imagery (top), RNLI/Daniel Whiteley (middle)