RNLI Storm Force Fun Day at Drayton Manor

We had a fabulous day on Sunday at Drayton Manor Theme Park for the RNLI Family Fun Day. The day was organised by the RNLI for members of its children's club, Storm Force. Storm Force members got free entry, as did siblings under 4, and adults were £15 each so it was a very good value day out compared to standard theme park prices.

Storm Force is a great club for any child with an interest in life boats and rescues. For £7.50 you get a membership pack including a bag and lots of other goodies as well as four magazines a year packed with rescue stories, news, activities, competitions and more. Click here for more details.

At the Fun Day there was an inshore lifeboat, crew kit to try on and Stormy Stan, the Storm Force mascot, appeared at regular intervals for photo opportunities. There was also the chance to try out the Stormforce ride which Drayton Manor launched in association with the RNLI. Drayton Manor has supported the RNLI since the ride opened in 1999, raising enough money to fund a lifeboat called the Drayton Manor.

C loved trying on the big yellow wellies but was a little wary of meeting Stormy Stan. She was much happier having her photo taken with this Stormy Stan statue on the bench! 

The highlight of the day for J was being tall enough (1.20m) to go on Stormforce 10 (twice) and getting drenched (twice)! When I say drenched, I mean drenched ... think having a bucket of water tipped over your head and in your lap! We were forewarned so I decided to postpone my ride on it until later in the day so I would not have wet clothes for too long. It was the right decision. Despite wearing my waterproof and covering my legs with a borrowed one, I still ended up with very wet feet and trousers. There is also no escape for people sitting at the back as the lifeboat turns round and does a reverse drop into the water! The ride was great fun though despite the soaking and if you are really fed up about getting wet there are large people dryers to help you dry off.

Apart from the RNLI activities we also enjoyed all the other rides and activities the theme park has to offer. We spent a lot of time in Thomas Land which is great for little ones and well worth a visit. At 7 years old, J still enjoyed some of the rides, such as Cranky the Crane drop tower and the Troublesome Trucks roller coaster, although one or two were a little too tame for him. Instead, he satisfied his daredevil streak with Ben 10 Ultimate Mission.  

All in all, we had a great day out and I would like to thank the RNLI for organising the Family Fun Day. It is an annual event and we will definitely be keeping an eye out for it this time next year.