Musical light show raises fantastic funds for Hayling RNLI

Hayling lifeboat crew set off into a colourful sunrise on their first shout of the year on Sunday 12 January, following reports of a person falling from the sea wall at Southsea. The lifeboat was stood down before it arrived, as the casualty had been recovered and taken to hospital.

Another recent colourful sight on Hayling were the wonderful Homegarth Christmas lights on Havant Road. Bill Hathaway builds the musical light show on his home every year, which plays in December from 4pm to 8pm. Bill (who is 80 years old this year!) stands outside his house (in all weathers) throughout that time, to welcome his visitors. All money donated goes to Hayling Lifeboat Station, and as well as raising as much as he can, Bill loves seeing the smiling faces of families who come to enjoy the display.

The idea to raise funds for the RNLI came to Bill while he was out fishing some time ago. He is unable to swim, and realised he might need the RNLI one day, so decided from then on he would support the Lifeboats. Bill’s 2024 Christmas Lights raised an impressive total of over £1000 which is a fantastic result, and we can’t thank Bill enough for his generosity and for the incredible effort and time he puts in to help us to continue our mission to save lives at sea.

Image - Bill in front of his wonderful light show