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RNLI marks 200 years with a commemorative service at Bangor Cathedral

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI volunteers from across north Wales came together at St Deiniols Cathedral in Bangor on Saturday to commemorate 200 years of the charity’s lifesaving work. A special service took place to mark the charity’s bicentenary.

RNLI/Danielle Rush

RNLI volunteers from across north Wales came together at St Deiniols Cathedral in Bangor on Saturday to commemorate 200 years of the charity’s lifesaving work. A special service took place to mark the charity’s bicentenary.

In 1824 when the RNLI was founded by Sir William Hillary, the majority of the RNLI’s personnel were – and still are volunteers. Some of those volunteers addressed the congregation with stories of courage and kindness during a service complimented by singing led by St Deiniol’s Cathedral Choir.

One of the organisers, Reverend Robert Townsend, who is also an RNLI volunteer at Criccieth Lifeboat Station said:

‘It was lovely to see people from across north Wales and guests from as far afield as the Isle of Man coming together to commemorate the bicentenary of the RNLI. The service enabled us to give thanks to RNLI staff and volunteers who all work tirelessly towards the same goal – saving lives as sea.

‘The Bishop of Bardsey’s address really brought together the readings and experiences which people had shared, and the location and welcome from the staff Bangor Cathedral added to a very worthwhile service. Hopefully this service will inspire other people to become part of the RNLI’s One Crew.’

A number of volunteers and staff from the charity addressed the congregation including RNLI Head of Region Jo Partner. Barrington Taylor-Hamilton from RNLI Moelfre read an extract from Sir William’s appeal for an institution to save lives at sea.

Tracey Kerfoot from Flint RNLI, Mali Parry-Jones from Porthdinllaen RNLI gave their accounts of the pride and satisfaction they get from being volunteers. Bill Rogerson from Trearddur Bay RNLI read the RNLI’s One Crew pledge.

Gaynor Stythe Jones offered a reading from the New Testament and prayers were led by Phillip Barratt of Llandudno RNLI. Olivia Davies Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor for Denbighshire also gave a reading.

Lowri Taylor, lost her brother Ross Ballentine when fishing vessel the Nicola Faith went missing off the coast of Conwy in January 2021. Lowri addressed the congregation and expressed passionately how much the RNLI means to her.

Since the tragic loss of her brother Ross, Lowri and her family have worked alongside the RNLI to raise awareness and to improve fishing safety standards. They have raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI and hope that their efforts will prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. Speaking at the service, Lowri said:

‘Think of all the lives saved in these 200 years. All those lives you have changed. How many people who have lived to carry on their lives with their families, go on to make more families.

‘All I can say to you all is thank you. You do this day in and day out- risking your lives to save others.

You really do make such a difference and in the eyes of our family and so many others you are real heroes.’

Following the service Jo Partner Head of Region said:

‘It was a great privilege to attend the commemorative service at St Deiniols Cathedral. It was a wonderful opportunity to give thanks to those who have given so much in the name of saving lives at sea: their time, their courage, their support and, in some cases, their own lives.

‘Our charity has survived for 200 years due to the commitment of our incredible volunteers and the sheer generosity of the public who provide donations.

‘Since 1824, our volunteers have saved more than 144,000 lives around the coastlines of the UK and Ireland. We will never forget the 624 RNLI crew members tragically lost while providing this service.

‘It was an honour to not only address the congregation, but also to hear the inspiring stories from so many local volunteers. As an organisation, we are united by the vision: to save every one we can.

‘As we thank all those who have gone before, it is our sincere hope that their achievements inspire a new generation of courageous, generous and selfless people who will make our vision, a reality.’

A lot has changed and developed within the charity during its’ 200 years, but many things have stayed the same.

The commitment of our lifesavers is unwavering due to the charity being founded upon the values of selflessness, dependability, courage and trustworthiness. These values have driven and been displayed by generations of our one crew.

Even with all these changes, some things remain the same – the courage and commitment of our lifesavers, fundraisers and shop volunteers, as well as the kindness of those who give, and the determination to do the right thing for those in need.

Ends

Notes to Editors

The service is available to view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ehpd5hm9Sw

A collection of images are available here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/6CD03121-2DA5-4B60-A58D6B3CFA4E8BB7/

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Danielle Rush on 07786 668829 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.


RNLI/Danielle Rush

Lowri Taylor and her family attended the event. Lowri and her mum and husband are pictured with RNLI crew from Rhyl and Pwllheli

RNLI/Danielle Rush

RNLI volunteers from across north Wales came together at St Deiniols Cathedral in Bangor on Saturday to commemorate 200 years of the charity’s lifesaving work. A special service took place to mark the charity’s bicentenary.

RNLI/Danielle Rush

RNLI volunteers from across north Wales came together at St Deiniols Cathedral in Bangor on Saturday to commemorate 200 years of the charity’s lifesaving work. A special service took place to mark the charity’s bicentenary.

RNLI/Danielle Rush

RNLI volunteers from across north Wales came together at St Deiniols Cathedral in Bangor on Saturday to commemorate 200 years of the charity’s lifesaving work. A special service took place to mark the charity’s bicentenary.

RNLI/Danielle Rush

Reverend Robert Townsend, who is also an RNLI volunteer at Criccieth Lifeboat Station

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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