Classic supports Freshwater Independent Lifeboat’s ‘Buy a Brick’ Appeal
In the newsFounded in 1972, Freshwater Independent Lifeboat (FILB) was established by members of the local community based in Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight, to save lives at sea. As the service is not part of the RNLI it does not receive funding from either the RNLI or the government, operations depend entirely on local community funding support via donations, local business sponsorship and local community grants.
Freshwater Independent Lifeboat operates two lifeboats covering an area of up to 30 miles offshore from Hurst Point to St Catherine’s Point. Crew volunteers attend between 20 – 30 shouts a year alongside ground crew volunteers, shop volunteers and fundraisers, all of whom live locally.
In January 2026 work commenced on a much-needed major renovation and expansion of the lifeboat station by local firm Stoneham Construction which will see the creation of an upstairs training area and community space, an extended shop to help fund the charity’s work and improved storage facilities. The ‘Build a Brick’ appeal has been set up to help fund the building project, offering bricks for £50, and a dedicated wall inside the station will feature the names of donors, a lovely way to commemorate a loved one or celebrate family support.
With an office in Seaview on the Island, Classic Cottages are delighted to support the fundraising appeal and have made a donation of £1000, the equivalent of 20 bricks.
Rachel Crutcher, Isle of Wight Area Manager for Classic Cottages, said: “The Freshwater Independent Lifeboat provides a vital service to residents and visitors, being on call to HM Coastguard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are thrilled to be supporting the Buy a Brick campaign and hope our donation encourages other businesses to get involved.”
FILB Station Upgrade Lead Josh Macgregor added: “Every brick brings us closer to a station that will improve how we serve the community, train volunteers, and respond to emergencies. Local support like this helps keep the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat service strong - we’d like to thank Classic Cottages for their commitment to saving lives at sea and we are always happy to hear from potential corporate supporters.”
To Buy a Brick and support the fundraising campaign visit the JustGiving page, or you can email boathouse@freshwaterlifeboat.org.uk
