Poole volunteers attend service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey
Poole volunteers reflect on a special visit to Westminster Abbey to mark the RNLI's 200th birthday
As we arrived at the Abbey, the sky above, was a perfect blue, spring sunshine, blending with the swarm of blue RNLI guernseys assembled on mass, that was quite a sight, representatives from every realm, every station and lifeguarded beach, and from the lifeboat College, support centres and from all elements of our RNLI story.
We made our way into the Abbey, chatting to people in the queue, we always say, if you are
near a lifeboat station, you are close to home, we felt at home, all of us brought together in a magnificent building. As we entered, we were totally transcended, struck by the rich history, and overwhelmed to think of who is honoured and buried there, the royal weddings, funerals, coronations, whose footsteps you followed in and there we were, representing Poole lifeboat station.
We sat in awe, there was much warmth when our president for 52 years, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent arrived and made his way up the aisle, a life of service. Most of the lifeboat stations around the coast have had the honour of welcoming him, as he has visited most if not all of them, we remember when he came to Poole, a true advocate and ambassador for the RNLI.
The service began with the words of our founder Sir William Hillary his ‘Appeal to the Nation’, it resonated with us all, reigniting our passion and desire to be ‘in constant readiness’ to help others ‘whom they have never known or seen’, his values, his valour passed on and not diminished through the years.
We beamed with pride as Max along with other volunteers carried the 200th pledge scroll to the high halter.
Inevitably there would be a wave in a congregation full of lifeboat crew, a wave of raw emotion as ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’ reverberated around the gothic ceilings and with an extra verse added for this special day, it hit the heart and the brine crept out of a few eyes.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby shared his thoughts and lightened the mood, he ended his sermon with ‘200 years is something extraordinary to celebrate. A common purpose for 200 years is almost unknown. Saving life is the most precious gift of all, and the basis of these gifts in the life and self-giving of God is a model for everyone. So, as it shows that model, may God continue to bless and protect those who serve in the RNLI’.
Eleanor Hooker a poet and Helm from RNLI Lough Derg recited her 200th anniversary poem, ‘Float to Live’ evocative, haunting, palpable. It took us to a place, deep in the water, a place we all recognised.
Our CEO Mark Dowie gave a vote of thanks, a rapturous round of applause was our response.
As the service ended, we spilled out onto the Abbey steps, coxswains, and helms white topped hats glistening in the sunlight and the bells rang, as they were in St James’ in Poole, ringing out for the RNLI and for Suzie’s birthday.
A day we felt very blessed to share and to be a part of and one we shall never forget, a day of meeting old friends and making new. A day of history, a day of reverence, a day of renewed determination and day of immense pride.
Then we tried to get home by train...
It was an evening of perseverance, resilience, of community spirit, squished in the corridor by the toilet, literally like sardines, serenaded by a fellow traveller’s boom box, it was standing room only and not much breathing room, we were determined to make it back to our home port, as we had another important engagement.
A quick dash by taxi to the Guildhall where The Worshipful Mayor of Poole, Councillor Jo Clements, The Sheriff of Poole, Councillor Pete Miles, held a reception to commemorate the 200th anniversary for the Poole lifeboat crew, representatives from the fundraisers, visits team, our lifeboat rector Lucy and water safety team, it was lovely gesture and a fitting end to a spectacular day.
Thank you to all that continue to support us, that weather our storms, that share our rides on the tides. Here’s to the start of 201 years of saving lives at sea.
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.