
A moment in history for Silloth RNLI
On Saturday (28 September 2024), volunteers from Silloth RNLI gathered along with friends, family and the general public to wave off the Coast to Cobbles times capsule.
Silloth RNLI Lifeboat Station was the starting point for the historic event that is Coast to Cobbles. The event was kicked off with sea shanties sang by the Allonby Ukes. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Elaine and Don Wilkinson launched at 10am and gave a great demonstration to those watching from along the shoreline.
Three 'future crew' members (children of current crew) were asked to carry the capsule down the slipway and hand it over to the lifeboat crew. Once the capsule was handed over, one of the volunteer lifeboat crew members gave the youngest future crew member a high five, it was a very special moment.
This action sums up the RNLI's 'One Crew' ethos perfectly, as the little boy is the son of Chris Clark, Helm for Silloth RNLI and Rebecca Clark, Press Officer for Silloth RNLI. The volunteer lifeboat crew at Silloth RNLI all work together to support the station and save lives at sea.
The lifeboat then made its way to Maryport Harbour where it met up with Workington RNLI. Both boats moored up and Silloth lifeboat crew passed the time capsule over to the crew of Workington RNLI.
The time capsule is being transported to RNLI stations along the North West via lifeboats before heading to Salford Quays where it will then be transferred to the Lifeboat Museum at Lytham St Annes where it will be displayed for 50 years.
It will then be opened in 50 years time when the charity celebrates the 250th year of RNLI. In the time capsule is a navigational chart which is being signed by the boat crew who transport it along its special journey. Stations are able to contribute to the capsule, adding items of importance to them. Silloth added a 'Crew Brew List' and a photo of the crew when they joined together for the 'One Moment One Crew' back in August 2024.
The time capsule’s journey will take 11 days from 28 September until 9 October when it will arrive in the Greater Manchester area in time for the anniversary of the world’s first street collection, which took place in the streets of Manchester on the 10 October 1891.
Lesley Hope, fundraiser and shop volunteer for Silloth RNLI said:
'From the early days of organising this event to the last few days has been a pleasure and to work alongside the crew is just great. To see everyone here at the station for such a special event and enjoying themselves makes this job so rewarding.
'I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to help plan such a memorable event which will forever be in the history books of the RNLI.
'The event has made me think about our volunteers of the past, the current volunteers and the volunteers of the future. I am proud of each and everyone of the volunteer lifeboat crew, fundraisers and shop volunteers - especially the future crew who had the important responsibility of handing over the time capsule.'
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.