Hoylake RNLI has defended its title at the annual Boxing Day Tug o’War

Hoylake RNLI has defended its title at the annual Boxing Day Tug o’War, raising more than £2,500 to support the charity’s lifesaving work.

The traditional Slater Trophy Tug o’War took place on a sunny Boxing Day afternoon outside Hoylake Lifeboat Station, with RNLI volunteers taking on members of Hoylake Sailing Club. Around a thousand people gathered to cheer on both teams as they battled it out for the trophy.

After two closely fought pulls, Hoylake RNLI emerged victorious, retaining the title they won last year. The team were later presented with the Slater Trophy at Hoylake Sailing Club by Nicky Merryman, whose father Arthur Slater co-founded the competition in 1972 alongside RNLI coxswain Danny Triggs.

This year’s event carried extra significance following the passing of Terry Slater in October at the age of 101. Terry, Arthur Slater’s wife and Nicky Merryman’s mother, had presented the trophy bearing her family’s name for decades, right up until last year. Tributes were paid during the presentation, with a commitment from both teams to continue the tradition in her memory.

The Boxing Day crowd also showed strong support for the RNLI, donating more than £2,500 to help fund essential training, equipment and kit for volunteer crews.

Hoylake RNLI coxswain Howie Owen said it was the biggest crowd the event had seen, thanking everyone who came along to support the crews and remembering the Slater family’s long-standing connection to the competition.

Hoylake Sailing Club commodore Robin Stratton said the Tug o’War remains a popular fixture in the local calendar, praising the community turnout and the efforts of both teams, and confirming the club will be back next year to continue the friendly rivalry.

RNLI lifeboat crews remain on call throughout the Christmas period, with volunteers across the UK and Ireland launching more than 100 times on average over the festive season. In 2024, Hoylake RNLI crews were called out on Christmas Eve.

More information about supporting the RNLI and its Christmas appeal can be found via the charity’s website.

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