Evensong service at Norwich Cathedral in thanksgiving for RNLI 200th anniversary

The service, on 17th March 2024 takes place from 3.30pm and will pay thanks to the bravery and commitment of past and present volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The service will be led by The Very Revd Dr Andrew Jonathan Braddock, Dean of Norwich Cathedral, and sung by the boys of the Cathedral Choir with the Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars directed by Director of Music Ashley Grote.

Dean Andrew said: ‘It is a privilege to be able to honour the remarkable achievement of the RNLI in saving more than 144,000 people from the risk of drowning over its 200-year history.

‘The charity relies on the commitment of volunteers from 238 stations to crew its world class lifeboats, putting themselves in danger to brave rough seas and bring people home to their families.

‘We hope the community in Norfolk will join us in celebrating all those people across the county who do extraordinary things to keep our coast and rivers safe today and inspire a new generation of lifesavers and supporters for tomorrow.’

The sermon will be delivered by The Right Revd Ian Bishop, Bishop of Thetford and

Prayers will be led by Revd Albert Cadmore, Chaplain and Chairman of Great Yarmouth & Gorlston Lifeboat Station. A vote of thanks will be said by Angela Rook, RNLI Fundraising, Marketing and Media Associate Director.

The event comes as the organisation prepares to celebrate 200 years of saving lives at sea on Monday 4th March 2024 – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations.

Founded in a London tavern on 4 March 1824 following an appeal from Sir William Hillary, who lived on the Isle of Man and witnessed many shipwrecks, the RNLI has continued saving lives at sea throughout the tests of its history, including tragic disasters, funding challenges and two World Wars.

Two centuries have seen vast developments in the lifeboats and kit used by the charity’s lifesavers – from the early oar-powered vessels to today’s technology-packed boats, which are now built in-house by the charity; and from the rudimentary cork lifejackets of the 1850s to the full protective kit each crew member is now issued with.

The RNLI’s lifesaving reach and remit has also developed over the course of 200 years. Today, it operates 238 lifeboat stations, including four on the River Thames, and has seasonal lifeguards on over 240 lifeguarded beaches around the UK and Ireland. It designs and builds its own lifeboats and runs domestic and international water safety programmes.

While much has changed in 200 years, two things have remained the same – the charity’s dependence on volunteers, who give their time and commitment to save others, and the voluntary contributions from the public which have funded the service for the past two centuries.

Notes to Editors:

• On 4th March 2024 the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea. Throughout its 200th year the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information please visit RNLI.org/200.

• Picture captions:

1.Norwich Cathedral. Credit Bill Smith/Norwich Cathedral

2.The Very Revd Dr Andrew Jonathan Braddock, Dean of Norwich. Credit Bill Smith/Norwich Cathedral

• RNLI lifeboat stations in Norfolk are: Cromer, Wells, Hunstanton, Sherringham, Happisburgh and Great Yarmouth & Gorleston.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Beth Robson Regional Communications Manager 07977728294 or email [email protected]

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.