Pumpkin king hands over collection to Shoreham RNLI

SLINDON pumpkin king Robin Upton has visited Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Station to present just over £1,000.
Shoreham lifeboat coxswain Steve Smith, left, accepts the money from Robin Upton, centre, and Mark FordShoreham lifeboat coxswain Steve Smith, left, accepts the money from Robin Upton, centre, and Mark Ford
Shoreham lifeboat coxswain Steve Smith, left, accepts the money from Robin Upton, centre, and Mark Ford

The money was raised by this year’s Sindon Pumpkins display, designed to mark the 150th anniversary of the RNLI in Shoreham.

Mr Upton met with Shoreham lifeboat coxswain Steve Smith on Sunday and handed over the money beside the Enid Collett, the Tamar class lifeboat.

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For nearly 50 years, Mr Upton’s family has created stunning murals made from pumpkins and squashes to wow the crowds. Initially started in 1968 by his father Ralph, Robin carries on the tradition, with each year having a unique theme for the display in Top Road, Slindon.

Many people and organisation took to Twitter to declare the display ‘absolutely marvellous’.

Mark Ford, who put the display together, joined Mr Upton for the presentation.

Mr Upton said: “There has been a lifeboat at Shoreham for 250 years. Just over £1,000 was raised in donations for the RNLI. A huge thank you to all donors.

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“The station is well worth a visit on one of their open days.”

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