ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR A PERFECT EVENINGHost a fundraising Fish Supper and help save lives at sea

Thank you for signing up to host a Fish Supper for the RNLI! We’re excited to have you onboard with this

year’s event as we raise vital funds that will help save more lives.

Join people across the UK and Ireland this October, and host your very own Fish Supper with friends and family. We’ve included some top tips

and activities in this pack to get you started, so your night of delicious food, laughter and games goes swimmingly!

Fish Suppers are being held between 9 and 25 October, but don’t worry if you can’t hold your own event during this time –

just remember to send in your donations by 27 November 2020.

STEP UP TO THE PLATE

LIFEBOAT CREWS

HELP26 people

each day*

LAST YEAR’S FISH SUPPER WAS A GREAT SUCCESS

Host one this year and make 2020 even more rewarding

people rescued or helped by lifeboat crews in

9,379

2019

29,334BEACHGOERS

HELPED BY RNLI LIFEGUARDS

IN 2019

8,941IN 2019

*Average figure based on 2019 rescue statistics.

RIGHT NOW

Invite your guests. Depending on the latest government guidelines, that might be your immediate family, your ‘social bubble’, a group of friends or you could suggest a virtual Fish Supper! We’ve created invites for you to download and print. Visit our downloads section on RNLI.org/FishSupper for invites.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Confirm the final guest list and note any special dietary requirements, particularly relating to fish.

Get inspired with our selection of mouth-watering recipe ideas. If you’re having a virtual Fish Supper, everyone could cook the same dish and eat together on a video call. You’ll find lots of recipes at RNLI.org/FishSupper.

1 WEEK BEFORE

Make a shopping list and cooking schedule.

To prepare for a virtual Fish Supper, make sure everyone is familiar with video calling. We’ve included our online fundraising guide at the end of this guide.

2 DAYS BEFORE

Do your big shop, not forgetting the drinks.

If you’re hosting a virtual Fish Supper, make sure your background is ready for company. Or download a virtual background from the downloads section on RNLI.org/FishSupper.

Call your guests to remind them of your Fish Supper date and time.

1 DAY BEFORE

Prepare any overnight marinades or sauces and refrigerate.

Compile your exclusive Fish Supper playlist. Trawl your music collection for songs inspired by sea – or fish!

Don’t forget to print your place cards from our download section on RNLI.org/FishSupper. Guests can fill in their place setting with their nautical name using the game on the next page.

THE DAY OF YOUR FISH SUPPER

Thaw the fish, if frozen. Put the cat out, if watching. Get cooking!

Lay the table, light the candles, put out the place names and the donation box. Another option is to set up a fundraising page on JustGiving, or simply donate at RNLI.org.

Whether there are people around the table, or joining you for a Fish Supper online, have fun!

THE DAY AFTER

Thank your guests for making your Fish Supper a success and for their kind donations.

Keep an eye out for your paying in reminder and send your donations by 27 November 2020.

Share your favourite pictures with us on social media using the hashtag #RNLIFishSupper.

The RNLI Fish Supper Team are here to support you every step of the way as you plan and host your supper. That’s why we have put together a collection of handy tips

to help you make a big splash when your guests join your supper.

YOUR FISH SUPPER CHECKLIST

Don’t forget to ask about any allergies your guests may have.

Hope it all goes swimmingly!

ENTERTAINING YOUR GUESTS

Take the rank and surname that correspond to your birthday to reveal your Fish Supper p-sea-donym.

LET GUESTS FILL IN THEIR PLACE CARD WITH THEIR NAUTICAL NAME

TIPS ON CHOOSING A TIPPLE FOR YOUR RNLI FISH SUPPER

January .....................Master

February ................Engineer

March ................ Chief Mate

April ....................Boatswain

May ................Able Seaman

June ................. Midshipman

July ....................... Coxswain

August ....... Quartermaster

September .... Petty Officer

October ...................... Helm

November ............. Captain

December ...............Caulker

YOUR BIRTHDAY

1 ................................. Dogger

2 .......................... Beaumaris

3 .....................................Looe

4 ...................................Fisher

5 .......................Queensferry

6 ................................... Oban

7 ....................German Bight

8 ...................... Donaghadee

9 ............................... Fethard

10 ............................ Humber

11 ....................... Withernsea

12 ..........................Cromarty

13 ...................... Ballycotton

14 ..................... Invergordon

15 ................................Biscay

16 ......................Hunstanton

17 ................................ Lundy

18 ............................. Skerries

19 ............................Portrush

20 .............................. Rockall

21 ..........................Ramsgate

22 ..........................Mudeford

23 ........................... Trafalgar

24 ........................ Gravesend

25 ................................Viking

26 ...................Clogher Head

27 ........................Newbiggin

28 .............................. Kinsale

29 .......................... Abersoch

30 ...................... Tobermory

31 ...................Kirkcudbright

You’ll be surprised what goes with fish – whether it’s fried, steamed or fresh off the grill. We’ve picked the best wine pairings for your favourite dishes. Please always drink responsibly.

Mocktails make a perfect match Prepare a pitcher of homemade limeade, or apple, elderflower and mint sparkle, to cleanse the palate between courses like tacos, smoked pâté, sushi and bouillabaisse.

Top chefs never shrimp on the ingredients!

Fizz puts the sizzle in fried fish If you’re frying up a platter of battered cod, halloumi or tofu, serve it with a cold, fresh Champagne, Cava or Prosecco to cut through the oiliness.

Crisp, dry whites for delicate fillets A subtle Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio won’t overwhelm the flavours of lean, flaky fish such as cod, halibut or plaice.

Shrimp love a sherry or two A dry fino Spanish sherry really showcases the sweetness in steamed or sautéed shrimp and adds a citrusy finish.

Big reds for game fish Mackerel, tuna, swordfish and salmon have strong, meaty flavours which love a tussle with a full-bodied Pinot Noir, Grenache or Malbec.

HOW TO ASK FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

BEFORE YOUR SUPPERIf your guests haven’t already heard of RNLI Fish Supper, explain when you invite them

that it’s for a good cause and that you’ll be collecting donations. Maybe even share with them the target you’re hoping to reach for the evening. To show them how the funds

help the RNLI, show them this booklet or point them to RNLI.org/FishSupper.

COLLECTING DONATIONS ON THE NIGHTWhen everyone’s been introduced and has a drink in their hand, say a few words

about your inspiration behind hosting the evening, declare your Fish Supper open, and invite them to make their donations. If they would prefer to donate online,

visit RNLI.org/FishSupper and they can donate there.

SHARE YOUR FISH SUPPERIf you want to share your culinary creations, we’d love to see a slice of

your supper. Share your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag below.

#RNLIFishSupper

We should dolphinitely scale back on the fish puns!

WL1/FS/08/20

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney of West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ

HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR EVENT IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS

• Pick your activity

• Set a date and time to suit

• Decide how you will set up your event online

• Invite people to take part

• Plan a way for your guests to donate

CHOOSE YOUR FUNThere are lots of different activities you can run as part of your online fundraiser. Take your pick, mix and match, or invent one of your own!

• Quiz – Who’s the brains in your crew? Prepare rounds of questions (we recommend 5 rounds of 10 questions) and tot up the scores.

• Treasure Hunt – A fast and frantic version of this old favourite. Prepare a list of 15–20 household objects and ask your guests to find as many as they can, as quickly as they can!

• Fish Supper – Gather friends and family around to all enjoy a meal together, like fish and chips or another themed feast.

• Dress Up – Tired of slouching at home in joggers or your dressing gown? Ask everyone to dress up for your fundraiser to make it special. Something nautical like sailor stripes, or go all out with fancy dress or a black tie event!

• Coffee and Cake – A twist on the classic afternoon tea party. Bunting optional! Get everyone to bake their favourite treat, enjoy a cuppa together and raise money to save lives at sea.

GET YOUR CREW TOGETHER!HOW TO FUNDRAISE ONLINE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Now’s the perfect time for you to get together with family and friends online. Gather your own crew together and save lives at sea – raising funds from your own home. And have fun socialising while social distancing.

Here we’ll guide you through your online fundraiser – with inspirational ideas, tips on getting your crew together online and raising funds.

With so many traditional fundraising events cancelled, RNLI income is down, so we’re relying on committed caring supporters like you to power our lifesaving charity. Thank you.

EASY WAYS TO SET UP YOURONLINE EVENT

Even if you’re new to video calls, it’s easy to organise your own fundraiser on your phone, tablet or computer. Here are some simple options (others are available):

Zoom: Set up a meeting and send your friends and family the link. Free Zoom lasts 40 minutes – perfect for a little break for you and your guests.

WhatsApp: Create a group and click the video call icon to start your event. You can have up to 8 participants on a video call.

Go live on Facebook: Reach a bigger audience by going live on Facebook. In the settings you can choose whether anyone or just your friends are able to watch it. They will be able to interact with you in the comments section. Be careful not to click on links shared by people you don’t know.

REMEMBER TO ASKFOR DONATIONS

When you’re enjoying yourself with your own crew, take a moment to celebrate the lifeboat crews who have saved lives throughout the coronavirus crisis, 24/7. Remind people why you’re fundraising for the RNLI during your event and ask them to give what they can.

The coronavirus has halted many fundraising events, RNLI income is down and our lifesavers are busier than ever. Our charity is independent from government, so we’re counting on the loyal support of caring people – like you and your crew – to power our lifesaving.

To encourage your guests to give generously, you can set up a fundraising page on JustGiving, or simply ask them to donate at RNLI.org. Please remind them to Gift Aid their donation where possible. The RNLI will be able to claim some tax money back for free and it doesn’t cost any extra.

ENJOY!As host, don’t forget to enjoy your fundraising event with your friends and family. Thank you for being there for us. We’re here for you too. With your kind support, we can carry on saving lives at sea – together.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney of West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ