Whitbys RNLI Lifeboat Museum is officially opened in belated celebration.

Last year the museum underwent a major redevelopment after a generous legacy left by Mrs Cynthia Gray.

The offical opening was orginally scheduled for last year but the event was postponed after the passing of Her Majesty the Queen who was the RNLI's patron for many years.

Mike Major, Whitby RNLI's management group Chairman said: 'I was delighted to see so many supporters and volunteers come together to celebrate a jewel in the crown of the RNLI's nearly 200-year heritage.'

A ribbon was cut to mark the occasion by the Marquis of Normanby and the RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie.

Mr Dowie also presented some of the volunteers who made an outstanding contribution to the redevelopment with a token of thanks from the RNLI.

The first went to Adrian Fusco, commodore at Whitby Yacht Club. The club allowed the team to hold numerous planning meetings and forums, store items, and open the yacht club for networking events. They also helped with the boat pull, all for free and all without hesitation. It made a lot of the logistics so much easier across the whole project and we are indebted to them.

Next up was Ben Gould of Coates Marine, without the space they provided we could not have completed this work, they even helped lift the lifeboat off the carriage over Christmas so that we could work on the underside. We know they are great supporters of the RNLI and offer our sincere thanks.

Stewart Gildroy was presented with a token of thanks for his diligence, care and attention in re-painting the old lifeboat which is the centrepiece of the museum.

An excellence in volunteering certificate was presented to Neil Williamson, Stephen Upright and Richard Willis who worked from start to finish, through the cold of autumn, the Whitby winters and even through Storm Arwen, in a gazebo outdoors through all of this, powered by lots of cups of tea and biscuits and a determination to restore to its former glory.

Neil Williamson, the museums curator was also thanked for his commitment to the project and overseeing every last detail.

For their involvement in the opening event we would also like to thank:

St Mary's bellringers

Whitby Community Choir

North Yorkshire Police

North Yorkshire Council

Coastal & Country buses

Whitby Harbour Authority

William Riley crew

Whitby Yacht Club

Mark Johnson from ReMarkable Events

Paul Wilson Videographer

If you are interested in becoming a shop or museum volunteer for the RNLI please email [email protected]

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]