Dungeness RNLI to appear on BBC Countryfile
On Sunday 2 February at 6.10pm, viewers can tune in to BBC One to watch our volunteer crew at Dungeness RNLI in a programme based on the local area.
Presenter, Margherita Taylor, joined the crew for a day on station to discuss our historical lady launchers that assisted with the launch and recovery of the lifeboat right up until the 1970s.
Margherita speaks with Betty Paine, one of our former lady launchers and also speaks with present crew member, Natalie Adams, who explains how the role of females in the RNLI has evolved over the years to present day.
Margherita and Betty then watch the launch of the Shannon class lifeboat
The Morrell in blustery conditions showing just how advanced the launch and recovery of the lifeboat has become.
Natalie Adams, Volunteer Navigator and Trainee Coxswain says: ‘It was great to be able to show Margherita the Shannon class lifeboat and explain the opportunities that are available as a female RNLI volunteer. The lady launchers did an unimaginably difficult job which I have huge admiration for and Betty is a real inspiration.’
Countryfile airs on BBC One at 6.10pm on Sunday 2 February 2020.
If you are local to Dungeness and are interested in becoming a volunteer at our station please contact us on 01797 320317 and ask to speak to either Roger or Stuart.
Notes to editors
· Dungeness lifeboat station has been operating since 1826. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.dungenesslifeboat.org.uk
Dungeness’ Shannon-class lifeboat was the first Shannon lifeboat in the fleet and came to station in 2014.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Sarah Beck, Deputy RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07956 615429 or [email protected] or Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 07785 296252 or RNLI Public Relations 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 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.