Cullercoats RNLI captured in film by Northumbria University for 200th year
Cullercoats RNLI has collaborated with Northumbria University students as interviewees to create an inspiring short film. The video celebrates and commemorates the RNLI’s past, present and future.
As this year marks the RNLI's 200th anniversary, Northumbria University students created a two minute, 32 second clip to highlight the work of Cullercoats Lifeboat Station, the crew and the part it plays in the surrounding community. The footage features interviews with Cullercoats volunteers, Water Safety Advisor Geoff Cowan, crew member Alex Bateman, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kay Heslop, and the station’s first female helm, Anna Heslop.
The project offered the students the opportunity to gain practical experience with a professional organisation.
Nicola Burnip, Experimental Clinic Manager from Northumbria University said: ‘It is great for the students to gain first hand experience within the RNLI. It is a brilliant opportunity for students to engage professional practice, enhancing their CV while making an impact to the charity that saves lives at sea.’
Second-year film student Andrew Jamieson said: ‘Throughout our project the community support for the station and support from locals is heavily recognised, as well as the strong heritage and the progression to where they are now.’
Kay Heslop, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cullercoats Station said: ‘It is great to get involved with Northumbria University Students, we are honoured to be featured within their work. The students were a pleasure to work with, they were polite, diligent, and professional. The video shows a great insight into Cullercoats Lifeboat Station and pays tribute to the charity’s 200th anniversary.’
As well as Film TV and Production students, other Northumbria University courses have also worked within the RNLI in their 200th anniversary year. Business students, and HR students participated with their expertise teaming up with the charity.
Anjie Rook, RNLI Associate Director, who is overseeing the RNLI’s 200th anniversary programmes said: ‘It was inspiring meeting the Northumbria students as they reached the end of their research and creative projects in partnership with Cullercoats RNLI.
Although they are at the start of their careers, we were impressed with their talent and their commitment to shining a light on what we do and to build upon our quest for the RNLI to be an inclusive diverse place to volunteer and work. They are the professionals of the future and we thank them for choosing to work with the RNLI at Cullercoats.’
Notes to editors
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, with Cullercoats lifeboat station having been established in 1848. The RNLI runs water safety events to promote safer working practices for those who work at sea.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please telephone Lauren Wright, RNLI Media Engagement - Placement on 07890 402106 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.
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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.