
See a RNLI lifeboat like never before
The RNLI 200 exhibition at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham has an exciting new instalment. Generously donated by ArcelorMittal Kent Wire it offers a new perspective to a medal winning lifeboat.
On Tuesday 7 May 2024, the Historic Dockyard in Chatham held a formal opening, after a generous donation in the form of infrastructure to its RNLI 200 exhibit. The donated walkway allows visitors to better access the Spirit of Lowestoft – one of the medal winning lifeboats held at the museum.
RNLB Spirit of Lowestoft arrived at the museum in the autumn of 2019. While in active service she was part of the reserve fleet in Poole. Visitors were unable to access the lifeboat until now.
ArcelorMittal Kent Wire kindly offered to design and install a walkway to help inspire visitors to become future supporters and the next generation of lifeboat crews.
The formal opening of the walkway comes two months after the Historic Dockyard opened its RNLI 200 exhibition to commemorate the charity’s 200th Anniversary. The exhibition opened on 23 March 2024 and will be available for a limited time, closing on 1 September 2024.
The exhibition shares stories of former men and women who have volunteered and risked their lives to save lives at sea. As well as many interactive activities, medal winning lifeboats and the ability to try on kit that past lifeboat crews wore.
Ian Russell one of the volunteer assistant Gallery managers at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham gave the opening speech. He said:
‘One of our most enjoyable and important roles at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard is to inform, educate and inspire future generations of supporters, volunteers and perhaps crew. And there is nothing quite as exciting and inspiring for young people than to be able to touch, feel and experience what being on a lifeboat is like.
The provision of this walkway will enable us to inspire future generations for many years to come by enabling them to have access to this magnificent medal winning lifeboat. This simply would not have happened without the generosity of ArcelorMittal Kent Wire and Byrne Contractors and the continuing support of the new Chief Executive Matt Brooks.
It is already a huge hit with our visitors.’
Matt Brooks, the Chief Executive of ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, attended the opening. He said:
‘We are delighted to have been able to donate the new access ramp and make it possible to allow the museum's visitors the opportunity to see a lifeboat as it looked when she retired from service. Speaking on behalf of everyone involved in the project from ArcelorMittal Kent Wire we are proud of being neighbours to such a wonder museum which celebrates the incredible history of the RNLI and hope the access serves the museum and its visitors for many years to come.’
ArcelorMittal Kent Wire is a division of ArcelorMittal. The company is one of the largest steel makers in the world, fabricating bespoke reinforcement cages for many sectors, including Crossrail and the Thames Tideway project. Byrne Contracting, ArcelorMittal’s civil engineering partner worked closely with the company, kindly donating concrete plinths for the design.
ArcelorMittal’s division in Kent specialises in manufacturing and supplying the UK construction industry with concrete reinforcement products. With their expertise being in the fabrication part of the business they were able to design the access ramp using their specialist 3D CAD team and software. This detailed design allowed fabricators to successfully assemble the ramp in their workshop before transporting it to the RNLI museum for final installation.
To find out more about RNLI 200: The Exhibition and how you can visit, you can find a link here: RNLI 200: The Exhibition - Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (thedockyard.co.uk)
RNLI media contacts
For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 144,000 lives.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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, Twitter 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.