Staff in the Kent Thameside offices of Caxtons, the largest independent Chartered Surveyors in the South East, developed spots on Friday 30th January. The mysterious spots were accompanied by a variety of stripes and, happily, were all harmless fun to raise money in aid of the RNLI who have launched a nationwide fundraising drive. Caxtons rose to the challenge and one of the ideas they came up with to support the ‘SOS Day’ Appeal was to hold a Spots Or Stripes forfeit day at work. Everyone joined in, turning up in a rainbow of colours, some more noticeable than others!

Tina Jarvis, a Property Manager at Caxtons and a volunteer crew member of the RNLI Lifeboat Station at Gravesend since its formation in January 2002, suggested that they should support the cause and says that it took very little to get staff in Gravesend involved and enthusiastic.

“At Caxtons we regularly have special fundraising appeals for different causes and, because this one is so dear to my heart, it took no time at all before all sorts of ideas to raise funds were put forward. In keeping with the SOS theme, we accepted money from anyone who wished to donate, particularly those wearing Stripes Or Spots. And a whole host of Sweet Or Savoury items were made, donated and bought by staff who then purchased raffle tickets for a prize draw! We raised in excess of £250 on the day and I am really proud and grateful to everyone in the offices for helping such a good cause.”

Some of the local Crew from Gravesend, including Helmsmen Graham Tassell and Ian Smith, and mascot Stormy Stan dropped in to the offices in Windmill Street to encourage and thank everyone for participating in the appeal for much needed funds.

The background to Tina’s voluntary work with the RNLI had its roots back in the 1980s. Tina, a self-taught swimmer, became a volunteer lifesaver with the Royal Lifesaving Saving Society (RLSS). After 20 years with the RLSS she is not only a fully qualified lifesaver, but also teaches lifesaving to others and is an Assessor and Mentor for the Society. In 2001, when the RNLI Thames Crews were founded1, her predilection for getting wet and volunteering led Tina to apply to become a crew member.

In May this year Tina will be marrying fellow crew member, full time Helmsman Ian Smith, also a lifesaver, who she has known for 18 years. And they may be setting a trend as the station will see a further three weddings before 2010 is out!

When asked whether there was any basic criteria one had to fulfil to be a volunteer crew member Tina said: “Less than 10% of crew members come from a maritime background these days. We have to pass a medical with RNLI and be available for training courses in boat handling, sea survival and first aid – all held at the Lifeboat College in Poole. Other than that, I guess it helps to be practical, a team player and calm – whatever the situation.”

And Tina’s advice if you see someone in rouble in the river or at sea is to get help immediately, if you have a mobile or are near a landline remember to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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