
‘RNLI 200’ Scroll reaches Lerwick Lifeboat Station
Representatives from RNLI Lerwick today signed the ‘RNLI 200’ scroll on its journey around the UK and Ireland.
The scroll began its journey on Monday 4 March 2024, at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to mark the charity’s official 200th anniversary. It will end its journey on 26th October in the Isle of Man, birthplace of the RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary.
The orange protective case for the scroll has been crafted by skilled apprentices at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre on the Isle of Wight, while the spindle attached to the scroll was made by the team at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset. The spindle ends have been made using a flagpole dating back to the 1890s from Ramsey Lifeboat Station in the Isle of Man.
The scroll was signed this afternoon on behalf of RNLI Lerwick by John Webster, Branch Chairman; Rhoda Watt, Treasurer of the Fundraising Committee; Stephen Manson, Coxswain; and Hewitt Clark MBE, former Coxswain – being the 905th, 906th, 907th and 908th signatures added to the scroll.
The scroll was also signed this morning by representatives from RNLI Aith, Britain’s most northerly lifeboat station.
The RNLI ‘One Crew’ Pledge on the scroll reads:
“Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save every one we can. It's what makes every one of us a lifesaver.”
Malcolm Craigie, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Lerwick said:
“We’re delighted to see the RNLI 200 Scroll in Lerwick today on its incredible journey around the RNLI communities of the British Isles and Ireland. It’s a privilege to have our signatures on the scroll which will become part of the charity’s history and a significant snapshot of the charity in its 200th year.”
For further information about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, 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.
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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.