
Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew members assist with landmark exhibition
Volunteer crew members from Little and Broad Haven RNLI have recently helped the curators of the ‘Courage and Community’ Exhibition at Oriel Y Parc in St.Davids, by providing images, artefacts and stories to help celebrate the bicentenary of the RNLI.
One of two exhibitions in Wales to celebrate this special year, the collaboration between Amgueddfa Cymru, the RNLI and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) also sees displays at the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
Rhowan Alleyne, Interpretation Officer for PCNPA worked closely with volunteer crew members and supporters from Little and Broad Haven RNLI, to gather insights into the history of the station and some of the rescues that have taken place over the years, which form part of several displays in the exhibition.
One notable operation that features prominently was the night-time rescue of two divers off Martins Haven in November 2020. This was a successful collaboration between several RNLI stations and Coastguard teams and for their display of determination and teamwork in deteriorating weather conditions, Framed Letters of Thanks from the RNLI Chairman were awarded to the lifeboat crews involved.
A private view took place at Oriel Y Parc on Friday 28 June before the grand opening the next day, with crew members, friends and family from the station in attendance.
Rhowan said of the collaboration:
'Courage and Community celebrates all the RNLI communities along the Pembrokeshire Coast. We really wanted to tell the human story of the RNLI and include the voices of those who volunteer for the RNLI today.
'Dozens of RNLI volunteers, crews, shore helpers and fundraisers, got involved and shared their stories. Thanks to them, the exhibition really sings.'
'This exhibition is a fantastic way to help celebrate the RNLI’s 200 years of saving lives at sea. This 200th anniversary year, the charity is remembering those lifesavers who have come before us, celebrating today’s volunteers and inspiring the next generations of fundraisers, supporters and lifeboat crew, and this exhibition plays a key part in doing that here in Pembrokeshire.
'It was an absolute pleasure to work with Rhowan from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and we are very proud to see stories of our lifesaving operations on display. If you are in the St.Davids area definitely check it out, it’s well worth a look'.
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.
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