May Day at RNLI Faringdon
A once in a lifetime moment unfolded on May Day as a special scroll marking the bi-centenary of the RNLI graced the Old Town Hall in Faringdon, with a gathering of supporters and dignitaries witnessing the event.
Among the guests were Oxfordshire deputy Lord Lieutenant Neil Sutherland, a longstanding branch supporter, Faringdon Town Council Mayor Peter Castle and Kiera Bentley, chair of Vale of White Horse District Council.
Branch chair Dave Thompson said: "It was a super event which will live long in the memory."
Former branch chair Denis Pope did the honours for RNLI Faringdon with the 274th signature.
Mr Pope has been a dedicated supporter for over 40 years, fuelled by his passion for sailing.
Despite being the furthest from the sea, Faringdon branch continues to thrive and a recent collection outside Tesco in Abingdon raised £643, pushing the total so far this year to £3.5K.
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, X, TikTok 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.