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RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre to hold Open Day as charity marks 200 years

Lifeboats News Release

On Sunday 26 May, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre will hold its special bicentenary open day in celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary this year.

RNLI

The Inshore Lifeboat Centre in Cowes, Isle of Wight

Between 10.30am and 3:00pm RNLI volunteers will carry out guided tours of the state-of-the-art factory in Clarence Road, East Cowes, PO32 6HB where most of the lifesaving charity’s inshore lifeboats are built and maintained.

Glyn Ellis, Inshore Lifeboat Centre Business Operations Manager, said:

‘Come along and meet the staff who build the lifeboats and the see how the lifeboats are built during a day of family fun.

‘This year’s ILC Open Day is cause for special celebration as the RNLI marks 200 years of saving lives at sea. It’s a chance to commemorate our brave crews past and present, celebrate the world-class lifesaving organisation we are today and 146,000 lives saved, and inspire the crew, supporters and volunteers of tomorrow.’

The Island’s Lord Lieutenant Mrs Susie Sheldon will officially declare the day open at 10:30am. The public can walk round the site and observe a Lifeboat Naming Ceremony of a new D class Lifeboat D-890 Bill Hall at 1:00pm. Nigel Hall, Trustee of both the Green Hall Foundation and the Robert Hall Foundation will officially name the vessel before the lifeboat gets blessed.

Youngsters will meet RNLI mascot Stormy Stan, learn how to tie marine knots, get their faces painted, have lifejackets checked and watch afloat lifeboat demonstrations in the marina.

A programme of live entertainment includes musical interludes from The Slipshod Singers, the Cowes Concert Band, The ILC’s own Ukulele band and the famous Medina Marching Band.

Slipshod Singers Musical Director Adrian Hudd said:

‘As longstanding members of the marine community, The Slipshod Singers are proud to support the RNLI with a special performance at the ILC Open Day this month.

‘This year crews mark 200 years of launching lifeboats in perilous seas in their mission to save everyone. It’s important to remember the charity relies on volunteers and kind donations to power its 24/7 rescue service. We’re happy to remind open day visitors of this through the power of song.’

Representatives from emergency services on the Island include HM Coastguard and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Visitors can look around the Island’s RNLI heritage and visitors centre, opened by HRH Princess Anne in 2018, have a photo taken in the D class and meet our Face to Face team.

Everybody is welcome. Entry is free.

Media opportunities
  • Filming and interview opportunities will be available for media on the day.
  • Glyn Ellis, Inshore Lifeboat Centre Business Operations Manager, will be available to comment before and after.
  • Additional filming opportunities are available on request for media wanting to gather content in advance at the ILC.

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.

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