Minehead celebrates RNLI 200th anniversary
Ilfracombe RNLI delivers commemorative Scroll
To mark the event, a commemorative scroll is making a tour of the UK and Ireland's lifeboat stations.
A series of events were planned for Saturday, including poetry readings and a book signing of local journalist Chris Rundle's new book For those in Peril, charting the history of Minehead RNLI lifeboat station since its 1901 inception.
Visitors were treated to the sight of a harbourside bedecked in colourful bunting, showcasing entries from the station's recent creative competition. Winners were selected from the hundreds of fantastic entries.
At 3.30pm a special delivery arrived- The RNLI scroll, brought over sea from neighbouring station Ilfracombe in their all-weather Shannon class lifeboat. This was signed by representatives from the fundraising team, operations, shop and Chairperson Richard Newton.
Richard commented "It's great to see so many people enjoying the sun today and coming together to mark this special event. We really are One Crew, and every part of the lifesaving team has signed the Scroll today".
The event closed with an impromptu performance by the DZ Buoys, Minehead's shanty band. Recently their singing challenge to local lifeboat stations has reached as far as Bude, and hopes to span the entire South West region.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.