Penlee RNLI are given the keys to their new lifeboat station
Penlee RNLI lifeboat crew have been handed the keys to their new lifeboat station. After nine months of construction, which saw the former one storey building in Newlyn Harbour knocked to the ground and a new, modern, two storey lifeboat facility built in its place
Patch Harvey, Penlee RNLI Coxswain says;
‘Its been incredible to see the new station become a reality. There are still a few technical bits to finish off before we can officially move across from the temporary portacabins but we’re starting to use the building and its great.
Its hard to remember the cramped conditions we were operating from this time last year. The space we now have is going to take us a little time to get used to but we’re so pleased.
We now have a large crew room where the volunteers can gather and rest after a shout, a separate training room which can also be used by the local community, changing facilities with room for each of the volunteer crew to store their gear and a shower so they can warm up after a shout. Tony, our mechanic has a separate workshop and I also have my own office space, which allows some privacy to complete all the paperwork and admin involved at the station. It’s a state of the art facility and we are very excited to move in and use it.’
The visitor engagement area is still under development, due for completion in time for the official opening in October. This will be a stand alone part of the building where Penlee’s proud heritage and sea safety information will be displayed for visitors.
The cost of the new lifeboat station has been funded by a number of generous donations, as well as a local community appeal which raised over £200,000.
Eric Taylor, Volunteer Chairman of Penlee RNLI Fundraising Committee says;
‘We launched the Penlee Fundraising Appeal in January 2015 when the concept of a new lifeboat station seemed a long way off. Despite this, the local community really got behind the challenge and through Lifeboat Balls, coffee mornings, open water swimming challenges and even donations from children who had saved up their pocket money, we raised an incredible amount in a short space of time. Everyone involved should be very proud of what we have achieved and extremely proud to step foot inside this new station that they have made a reality for the volunteer crew who give up much of their own time to ensure people’s safety at sea.’
An official station opening ceremony is planned for October 2019 when some of the other generous donors will be invited along.
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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 146,000 lives.
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