Forthcoming Fundraising Events - 2026

Will appear here

8 July 2026

'Dash for Dougie' Swim raises £2,900

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Portaferry RNLI volunteers welcomed Kim Armstrong to the boathouse where she presented a cheque for just over £2,900 after the 'Dash for Dougie' event which took place on 21st June at Strangford Lough Yacht Club.

Kim has organised the annual event in memory of her son, Steven 'Dougie' Dugan, who was 33 years old when he passed away in 2022 after a short illness, and this year's chosen charity was the RNLI. Kim was joined on the day of the Dash into the water, and at Portaferry boathouse by her family, and some of the Bathing Belles of Whiterock who Kim swims with almost daily.

Portaferry RNLI fundraising chairperson, Pat Browne commented: 'This is a fantastic amount of money for us to have received in memory of Kim's son, and it was a really great day in the sunshine at the well supported event back in June.'

'We would like to thank Kim, the Bathing Belles, and everyone who donated. Also the members of Strangford Lough Yacht Club for hosting this year's Dash for Dougie and for their hospitality while we were there.

'Kim is an incredible lady, her enthusiasm is infectious, and the money she has raised will be spent on both kit and training which will allow our volunteer lifeboat crew to continue to save lives at sea.'

5 January 2026

Portaferry RNLI '2025 Reindeer Run' has raised a whopping £2.159.00 and rising

Thank you to everyone who donated some cash to our crew taking part in the Reindeer Run in December.

They managed to cover 360 miles and so far have raised an amazing £2159.00 which puts Portaferry RNLI 3rd overall on both the team fitness and fundraising leader boards for the whole of the UK and Ireland!

They are absolutely delighted, but most importantly, the challenge got them out and about and they enjoyed a fair few laughs along the way.

Seven of our team have decided to keep walking, but are already looking forward to some warmer weather.

The donation page is open so if you intended to donate but forgot about in the chaos of December, just hit here

Some Past Fundraising Events

8th December 2023

The Sound of Christmas

by

The Amici Choir & others

Mulled Wine (with & without alcohol) & Mince Pies served during the interval

For Tickets (£10) & more information click here

Past Fundraising Events 2022

29 November 2022

at

Put your general knowledge to the test at our pub quiz! Tuesday 29th November at 8.00pm in The Port, Portaferry, with a raffle and a platter of sandwiches per team.

RNLI Christmas Cards & Calendars will be on sale.

Entry is £3 per person and maximum team size is 5.

25 November 2022

10 November 2022

Our thanks to 'The Cuan' Strangford for their support. Their Wine Tasting event on 10th November raised £315 for the RNLI

Wine Tasting & Canape Evening

For more information go to
https://facebook.com/thecuan

30 July 2022

PAST FUNDRAISING EVENTS - 2021

6 February 2022

OUR THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED 'THE CUAN' WINE TASTING EVENING ON
6 November 2022.

An amazing £1,447.30 was raised

Our thanks to those who supported the event, the suppliers and the management & staff of 'The Cuan'

24 November 2021

RNLI Christmas cards will also be available

PAST FUNDRAISING EVENTS - 2020

13th November 2020

SIXT, Downey's Cars
Newtownards
Christmas 'Drive-In' Movies
Friday 11th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th
December

Some of the Portaferry RNLI Crew that volunteered to help during the fundraising event

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Thanks to all those who supported this event which raised over £6,000 for the RNLI

November 2020

Artist Darren Leahy donates painting to Portaferry RNLI

Photos: Jordan Conway, LPO, Portaferry RNLI

Local artist, Darren Leahy (left), has kindly donated one of his paintings to Portaferry RNLI.
Darren used acrylic paint on canvas to create this stunning painting of a RNLI Tamar Class lifeboat at sea. Pictured accepting the painting is station mechanic, Colin Conway.

12 September 2020

Susan Brewster continues to raise funds for the RNLI

86 year old Susan Brewster from Ballynahinch enlisted the help of her friends Lorraine Bothwell and Sylvia Somerville to complete a 3 mile sponsored walk around the lake in Castlewellan Forest Park in aid of Portaferry Lifeboat and between them raised £840.

Susan, a long standing supporter of Portaferry Lifeboat, received the Thanks on Vellum certificate in 2015 for her fundraising efforts which, apart from sponsored walks, have included a street collection in Ballynahinch, bric-a-brac sales and a Lifeboat themed 80th birthday party.

Susan was concerned at the lack of fundraising support due to the current restrictions and decided she needed to do something to help the RNLI.

All at Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station send a massive thanks to Susan, Lorraine and Sylvia.

Photo: Pat Browne - Portaferry RNLI

Left to right, Sylvia Somerville, Susan Brewster and Lorraine Bothwell

Fantastic turnout - 30 boats took part in the RNLI Lifeboat Race

17 January 2020

The RNLI Quiz @ the

Smugglers' Table raised over £585

Organised by our Community Safety Team the pub quiz at The Smugglers Table Bar raised over £585 for the RNLI.  

"It was a great night which was enjoyed by our crew members and supporters. Thanks to all those who attended and donated, it’s greatly appreciated".

Photo: Portaferry RNLI Community Safety Team

Past Fundraising Events - 2019

6 November 2019

Portavogie Rangers Football Club raises £325 for the RNLI

Photo: Portaferry Rangers FC

Mike Miall, Vice Chairman of Portaferry and District Lifeboat Guild, accepts a donation of £325 from Portavogie Rangers Football Club captain David “Teddy” Cully, Supporter David “Nipper” Anderson and Club Secretary Glenn Thompson

The Fishermans Cup was started in July 2018 when an agreement between Portavogie Football Rangers Club and Portrush Football Club was established to host a yearly football match to raise funds for the RNLI.   In 2018 Portavogie won the cup but this year it was Portrush that took the trophy home.

23 & 24 October 2019

Portaferry RNLI fundraisers and crew combine to raise funds for the RNLI at Ards Shopping Centre

Portaferry fundraisers Joan Peacock and Pat Browne had the help of crew members Erin and Jordan

Crew members Sinead & Jenni with an inflatable model of the new Shannon Class Lifeboat

Our thanks to Ards Shopping Centre for their help in supporting the lifesaving work of the RNLI

12 September 2019

The 'Lady Captain's Charity' of Kirkistown Castle Golf Club raises £5,573 for the RNLI

The 'Lady Captain's Charity' events at Kirkistown Castle Golf Club during 2019 were in aid of the Alzheimer's Society and the RNLI.  

The magnificant sum of £4,073 was raised during the events for the RNLI and with an added generous donation to the lady captain's charity of £1,500 from the the Bank of Santander the total raised for the RNLI increased to £5,573.20.

Our thanks the the Lady Captain, the KCGC Council, the KCGC members, the various sponsors and all those who supported the fundraising events.

Penny Thorneberry (Lady Captain of Kirkistown Castle Golf Club) presents a cheque for £5,573.20 to Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow (President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) and Mike Miall (Vice-Chairman)

10 August 2019

Portavogie Seafood Festival

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Joan Peacock and Pat Browne manned the RNLI Pop-Up Shop

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Samuel Clint, who had built various scale models of fishing trawlers, brought some of them along so that he and his partner Sue could raise funds for the RNLI at the Portavogie Seafood Festival.  

25 July 2019

Join the fun at Kirkistown Castle Golf Club in Cloughey and help support the RNLI and Alzheimer's charities whilst enjoying tray bakes and coffee.

Lots of outdoor entertainment for children and stalls displaying local foods and crafts to tempt you.

2nd June 2019

Killyleagh runner raises £209

Janice Kavanagh who lives in Killyleagh, Co. Down, completed the Dublin mini-marathon on 2nd June and raised £209 through sponsorship for Portaferry RNLI.

Many thanks Janice to you and all your sponsors.

19 June 2019

The Portaferry Lifeboat Fundraising Team 'Afternoon Tea fashion show’
with Vogue and Bridget Clarke formal wear

Thank you to all who supported our fundraising event which raised over £900 for the lifesaving work of the RNLI. Some pictures from the event are below. Thank you for your continued support.

(Lto R) Joan Peacock (Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild), Bridget Clarke (Mother of the Bride & Formal Wear Hire), Pat Browne (Chair of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) and Caron & Margaret (Vogue)

11 January 2019

Thanks to the Smuggler's Table, Killyleagh, the Pub Quiz oganised by the Portaferry RNLI Community Safety Team raised almost £400 for the RNLI

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

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Past events - 2018

15 August 2018

KIRKISTOWN CASTLE GOLF CLUB
ANNUAL RNLI GOLF DAY
Wednesday 15 August

ENTRY FEE: £30 / KCGC MEMBERS: £25
£5 DEPOSIT REQUIRED WITH REMAINING BALANCE TO BE PAID ON THE DAY.
PLEASE NOTE: SHOT GUN START AT 11AM.
ALL PLAYERS REQUIRED TO REPORT BY 10.00AM.
You can contact Kirkistown Castle Golf Club here

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1 July 2018

During 'Sails & Sounds'
Visit Us
on our
Station Open Day
Sunday 1 July - 1pm to 5pm
Meet our Crew
See around Portaferry Lifeboat Station
& 'Blue Peter V' our Atlantic 85 Lifeboat
& lots more

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1 June 2018

Lady Captain's Day
Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

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9 May 2018

Vogie Fun 'n' Fit

Spring has sprung & Vogie Fun'n'Fit is just around the corner.

So get your trainers dusted off & get ready for 6 weeks of fun, fitness & lots of craic.

The programme will run similar to the previous years based on "The Biggest Loser" but more relaxed and fun.

The charities supported this year are;

Portavogie Youth Football Club
Portaferry RNLI
Extern  (Extern is currently working with the football club to provide awareness of mental health issues)

There will be prizes for the male & female biggest loser & the winning team will be presented with a cheque for £500 to be donated to a charity of their choice.

If you want to lose a few pounds, get fit for summer and raise money for worthwhile causes. . . Then why not join us!!

Everyone welcome.

Registration: £15 (includes team t-shirt) - Wednesday 11th April & Wednesday 18th April @ Portavogie Primary School 6.30 - 8PM
Cost: £5 per week

The programme will start on Wednesday 9th May.

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PAST events - 2017

18 September 2017

Birthday Party raises £200 for RNLI

Photo: Pat Browne - RNLI

Margaret Barbour, a former member of Portaferry and District Lifeboat Guild, recently celebrated her 80th Birthday with her husband Sam and her daughters Kate, Abi and partner Ricky.

Their birthday 'Tea Dance' was held at Comber Rifle Club during which £200 was raised by family and friends for the RNLI.

Thank you once again Margaret and Sam.

Note: If you would like to support the RNLI during your wedding, birthday party or other event and would like more information or assistance please contact us at guild@PortaferryLifeboat.com

Annual RNLI Charity Golf Day
Golfers - A date for your diary

The annual RNLI Charity Open Day will be held again at
Kirkistown Castle Golf Club
on Thursday, 17 August 2017

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5th to 13 August

Support the RNLI at Woodturning Workshops and demonstrations with Beading and Bobbin Lace Workshops & more

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June 'Wedding Bells' raise monies to
'Save Lives at Sea'

Chris and Briege Newton decided to raise monies for the RNLI as a part of their wedding reception celebrations in June.  Chris is a member of Lisburn Sub Aqua Club and dives regulary in Strangford Lough

Briege and Chris Newton present a cheque for £665.02 to Joan Peacock of Portaferry and District Lifeboat Guild.  The monies for the RNLI were raised during their wedding reception in June.

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Two of May's Yellow Wellie birthday bashes raise over £1200 for the RNLI

A Huge Thank You to Bobby McMaster from Killyleagh who celebrated his 60th birthday recently and instead of presents he requested donations to go to the Portaferry RNLI.

Bobby McMaster said: ''A BIG BIRTHDAY THANK YOU"

"I just want to say a big birthday thank you to all my family friends and neighbours who attended my charity 60th birthday Hog Roast Bash last week.  Thank you to all for the hard work and planning on making it a success.   Also for my cards, presents and donations.  The ladies from the RNLI came to collect the donations given at the bash.

I am absolutely overwhelmed and delighted at everyone's generosity.  A grand total off £778.60 was handed over to Pat & Joan from Portaferry RNLI.   So once again thank you!''

Bobby - All of us at Portaferry RNLI are very grateful for your generosity.

Pat Browne and Joan Peacock from Portaferry and District Lifeboat Guild receive a donation to the RNLI for £778.60 from Bobby McMaster

AND .......
Irene Boal and Roberta Rolleston raised £455.08 for the RNLI during their joint 70th birthday party.

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Mayor's Charity Quiz Night

In aid of the RNLI, Integrated Education & The Samaritans

Thursday 20 April @ 20:30

Fiddler's Green

10 Church Street, Portaferry BT22 1LS
Tel: 028 427 28393

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Some past events during 2016

Sale of RNLI Christmas Cards
& the Annual Portaferry RNLI Ballot

Saturday, 26 November - 2pm to 4pm - 'Christmas Sale', Church of Ireland, Portaferry

Sunday, 27 November - Noon to 4.30pm - 'Christmas Market', North Down Museum, Bangor

Friday & Saturday, 2/3 December - 5pm to 8pm - 'Carol Ship Market', Market House, Portaferry

Friday, 9 December - 6pm to 9pm - 'Christmas Fair', Integrated Primary School, Portaferry

Saturday, 10 December - 1.30pm to 3.30pm - 'Christmas Craft Fair', Community Centre, Portavogie

An Evening of Music, Song & Dance
Saturday, 5 November
in support of the Mayor's Charities
ief, Samaritans & the RNLI

Station 'Open Days' during 2016
Bring your family to portaferry and visit the only BBC 'Blue Peter' lifeboat station in Ireland on the following dates. We encourage (adult accompanied) children to visit our RNLI Lifeboat Station to learn about the importance of 'Water Safety' and the life-saving work of our Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteers

Sunday 19 June from 12 - 3pm (Sails & Sounds Festival)
Sunday 17 July from 12 - 3pm (Portaferry Gala Week)
Saturday 30 July from 12 - 3pm (Skiffie Worlds rowing races)

Annual RNLI Charity Open Day

The The annual RNLI Charity Open Day at
Kirkistown Castle Golf Club
held on Wednesday, 10 August 2016
that was SPONSORED by
MICHAEL STEWART PRESSURE WASHERS
raised over £3,000 for the RNLI

THANK YOU TO THE COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF KCGC, ALL WHO HELPED & SUPPORTED THE EVENT AND TO OUR SPONSORS

KCGC RNLI OPEN DAY RESULTS

It was great to welcome the RNLI's Stormy Stan to the event

KCGC RNLI Golf day 2016 Prize Winners

Team Prize Edenmore Ladies 89 points: Heather Patterson, Caroline Watson, Debbie McMaster, Gillian Murphy.

Gents: 1st Adam Dowds, Rockmount, 37points, 2nd Tony Lunney 36 points.

Ladies: 1st Gillian Murphy, Edenmore, 39 points, 2nd Margaret McCarthy, KCGC, 37 points.

Putting Competition: Billy Doherty (Captain KCGC).

Walking Stick: Tony Cassidy

With many thanks to our sponsor Michael Stewart of Pressure Washers of Lisburn the Tee Sponsors and all 'The Helpers'

Let us know if you would like to enter next year's competition by emailing mikem4498@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone who supported our 'Mayday' Yellow Rugby Festival at Ards Rugby Club on 21 May

THIS IS A JOINT FUNDRAISING EVENT BY BANGOR, DONAGHADEE, HOLLYWOOD AND PORTAFERRY RNLI FUNDRAISING COMMITTEES/GUILDS IN CONJUNCTION WITH ARDS RUGBY CLUB

Some past events during 2015

The'RNLI Charity Day'
@
THE MERMAID BAR
Kircubbin
on Sunday 30th August 2015
raised

£3,440 for the RNLI

Photo: Portaferry RNLI

Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow, President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, receives a cheque for £3,440.00 from Dawn Smyth of the Mermaid Bar, Kircubbin, being the proceeds of a recent BBQ with musical entertainment held on 30 August 2015.  Included in the photograph are Aiden and Donna Hughes, proprietors of the Mermaid Bar, Dawn's helpers during the fund-raising event and several members of Portaferry Lifeboat crew.  

Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild

Tractor Run
Saturday 22 August 2015

Vintage & modern tractors
(The course is approx 9 miles on open roads and tight lane-ways)

Entry fee £10 in aid of the RNLI

Leaving Exploris car park, Portaferry @ 2pm

INSTRUCTIONS & DIRECTIONS GIVEN BEFORE DEPARTURE

Return afterwards to Lifeboat station for finger food

The 2014 Portaferry RNLI Tractor Run

RESULTS

Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild

RNLI GOLF DAY
Kirkistown Castle G.C., Cloughey Co Down on 5 August 2015

Photo: Pat Browne - RNLI

Photo: Pat Browne - RNLI

A good day was had by all but the numbers were rather depleted and dampened by the poor weather.

Our thanks to Kirkistown Castle Golf Club and staff for their continuing support to the Portaferry Lifeboat.

RESULTS

Men

1st Alan Reid - 36pts
2nd Ivor Cranston - 34pts
3rd Michael Stewart - 33pts

Ladies

1st Tamsin Sturgeon - 33pts
2nd Rosemary Campbell - 30pts

Men's team

Ivor Cranston, Gerry Killin, Michael Donovan & Gerry Reilly - 93pts

Ladies team

Patsy McGoldrick, Margaret McCarthy, Felicity Hingston & Bridie Kearny - 78pts

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED OR SUPPORTED OUR MAYDAY EVENT

(This was a joint event by Bangor, Donaghadee, Hollywood & Portaferry fundraising branches)

Thanks to everyone who supported our 35 years of life-saving at the

Portaferry Lifeboat

'35th Anniversary Ball'

held at the LA MON HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

on Saturday 21 March 2015

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED OUR 2014 SALE OF RNLI CHRISMAS CARDS AND OUR PORTAFERRY RNLI BALLOT.

Our ballot raised a record £990 for the RNLI

PAST EVENTS 2014 SHOWN BELOW

28 August 2014

Ballynahinch collection raises £744.64

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

Susan Brewester from Ballynahinch has been a great supporter of the RNLI and last year requested donations to the RNLI instead of presents for her 80th birthday.  The previous year Susan held a sponsored walk.  This year Susan and her husband, James, raised £744.64 for the RNLI following a street collection in Ballynahinch that was held on 28 August.

Susan and James are pictured above with the President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow.

Wednesday 6 August 2014

OUR THANKS TO THE CAPTAIN AND COUNCIL OF KCGC, ALL WHO TOOK PART IN THIS YEARS KCGC RNLI GOLF DAY AND TO BILLY ROGAN WHO ORGANISED THE EVENT.

RESULTS

Men's Stableford

1st    Gary Watson    39 points
2nd   Sam Quigley    38 points BB6
3rd    Ronnie Girvan  38 points BB3

Ladies Stableford

1st    Gillian Murphy    37 points
2nd   Caroline Revie  34 points BB9
&       Margaret McCarthy  34 points

Men's Team

Michael Stewart, Ken O'Neill, A Stewart & K Baker   111 points

Ladies Team

Heather Patterson, Gillian Murphy, Caroline Watson & Sally Wishnahan   96 points

Mixed Team

Sally McCoy, Ken McKee, Paul Doherty & Johnny Breen   102 points

Gross

Jonny Breen   70 points

Stick donated by Derek Black & Karen Wray

RNLI Golf Day at Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

Over 30 teams already entered

Don't miss this great value annual event

Come celebrate Rory's victory at this 18 hole Stableford Competition

Entry Fee £25 per person

Fee includes morning tea/coffee & afternoon tea/coffee + a lunch between 12 noon and 4pm

20 July 2014

Lifeboat crew enter the Portaferry Gala 'Paper Boat' race

Portaferry Lifeboat crew members Sinead Breen, Fiona Magee and George Toma participated in the 'Portaferry Gala Paper Boat Race'.

They finished 2nd and won 1st price for the 'Most Innovative' vessel.

Pictures below are 'before' and 'after' the race.

Portaferry RNLI 'Tractor Run' a great success

The 1st Portaferry RNLI 'Tractor Run' held on Saturday 14 March 2014 was a great success and was enjoyed by all, both participants and spectators.  Thirty-six tractors, ranging from vintage to modern, took part in the event that raised almost £500 for the RNLI.  It is hoped that this will become an annual event.   

Note - Shortly before the start of the 'Tractor Run' the Portaferry Lifeboat was launched on service and rescued 14 canoeists that were in difficulty near Green Island in Strangford Lough.

Photos: RNLI - Mike Miall

Thank you to all participants and those who donated to the RNLI

Click here to find other RNLI events during 2014 throughout the UK and Ireland

Past events during 2013

Wednesday, 7 August    (This event raised £2,865 for the RNLI)

Annual 'RNLI Golf Day'
by courtesy of Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

One of the best value and fun filled golfing days of the year in support of the RNLI.

Entry fee £25 (KCGC members £15) - entry fee includes morning coffee and lunch or an evening meal

To reserve a starting time please phone
Billy Rogan at 07736 613710

Some of our Fundraising Events during 2012

Thanks to everyone who attended the

'RNLI Golf Day'

on Wednesday 8th August 2012

hosted by KIRKISTOWN CASTLE GOLF CLUB

and sponsored by the 'Progressive Building Society'

The event raised £3,342 for the RNLI

For all the golfing results and photos please click here

'Station Open Days' 2012

2nd & 3rd June 2012 - between 12:00pm and 4:00pm   During the 'Turn O' The Tide' Festival'

15 July 2012 - between 12:00pm and 2:00pm   During 'Portaferry Gala Week'

Thanks for visiting our 'Open Days' during 2012

RNLI Coffee Morning

11 July 2012 @ 10:00 AM

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

Many thanks to everyone who supported this annual event

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED OUR

2012 EASTER Monday & Tuesday

RNLI collection

@

PORTAFERRY & STRANGFORD

that raised

£1,613 for the RNLI

and also to those collectors who braved the Easter weather

The AGM of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild

was held in the Boathouse on Wednesday, 18th April 2012 @ 7:30pm

All retiring officers were re-elected

Tesco RNLI Collection - Newtownards

18th & 19th May 2012

Thank you to all who supported our collection and those who collected

Some of our fund-raising events during 2011

The 'Gig @ the Brig' on 23 July 2011 raised £2,009 for the RNLI

A big THANK YOU to ALL who supported the event at the 'Saltwater Brig', Kircubbin.

The Kirkistown Castle Golf Club's 'Lifeboat Day' on the 10 August 2011 raised £ 3,200 for the RNLI - please click here for the results.