RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre held Open Day as charity marks 200 years

Between 10.30am and 3pm RNLI volunteers carried out guided tours of the state-of-the-art factory in Clarence Road, East Cowes, PO32 6HB where most of the lifesaving charity’s inshore lifeboats are built and maintained.

Glyn Ellis MBE, Inshore Lifeboat Centre Business Operations Manager, said:

‘Members of the public were able to meet the staff who build the lifeboats and see how the lifeboats are built during a day of family fun.

'The Island’s Lord Lieutenant Mrs Susie Sheldon officially declared the day open at 10.30am. The public were able to observe a Lifeboat Naming Ceremony of a new D class Lifeboat D-890 Bill Hall at 1pm, which was a rare opportunity as this is usually watched from afar.

'Nigel Hall, Trustee of both the Green Hall Foundation and the Robert Hall Foundation officially named the vessel before the lifeboat was blessed.

‘This year’s ILC Open Day is cause for special celebration as the RNLI marks 200 years of saving lives at sea. It has been a chance to commemorate our brave crews past and present, celebrate the world-class lifesaving organisation we are today and 146,000 lives saved, and inspire the crew, supporters and volunteers of tomorrow.'

Youngsters were able to meet RNLI mascot Stormy Stan, learn how to tie marine knots, get their faces painted and have lifejackets checked.

A programme of live entertainment included musical interludes from The Slipshod Singers, the Cowes Concert Band, The ILC’s own Ukulele band and the famous Medina Marching Band.

Slipshod Singers Musical Director Adrian Hudd said: ‘As longstanding members of the marine community, The Slipshod Singers were proud to support the RNLI with a special performance at the ILC Open Day.

‘This year crews mark 200 years of launching lifeboats in perilous seas in their mission to save everyone. It’s important to remember the charity relies on volunteers and kind donations to power its 24/7 rescue service. We were happy to remind open day visitors of this through the power of song.’

Representatives from emergency services on the Island included HM Coastguard and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Visitors could also have a chance to look around the Island’s RNLI heritage and visitors centre, opened by HRH Princess Anne in 2018, have a photo taken in the D class and meet our Face to Face team.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Ellie Wainwright, National Media Engagement Placement on 07854513319, or email [email protected]

Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202336789.

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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.