Scarborough RNLI Hosts Moving Remembrance Service: ‘Laying Poppies on the Sea’

The service, conducted by Revd Pam Jennings and Revd Graham Morgan. followed one at Queen Street Central Hall.

Veterans, standard bearers, wreath carriers, volunteer members of the lifeboat crew and Coastguard team, army, air and sea cadets paraded from the church down to the harbour for the lifeboat house service.

Four standard bearers took part including Mark Jenkinson, carrying the Scarborough RNLI standard.

Roger Buxton, Scarborough RNLI lifeboat Operations Manager, made a reading 'Poppies on the tide’ by Tom Fox

The Sea cadets marching band played the national anthem.

Maroons were discharged to signal the start and finish of the two minute silence.

Wreaths were laid out at the lifeboat house before being taken up to the Oliver’s Mount war memorial.

Tom Fox, President of the Royal British Legion Scarborough, shared the origins of the tradition: in 1947, merchant and Royal Navy veterans of the Atlantic and Russian convoys began gathering in Scarborough to honour fallen comrades, travelling from Liverpool, Hull, Newcastle, Sunderland, and beyond.

This year’s gathering also marked a moment of heartfelt appreciation, as the retirement of Revd Pam Jennings and Revd Graham Morgan. was announced. Thanks were extended from all present for their many years of dedicated service, spiritual guidance, and unwavering support to the community and its veterans.

Children with their families were invited to join the Reverends at the water's edge to lay biodegradable poppies on the sea, near the harbour entrance after the service.

Mark Jenkinson, RNLI Scarborough all-weather lifeboat crew and Standard Bearer said: “It was a profound honour to march alongside those who have served our country, both past and present. As Standard Bearer for the RNLI and Scarborough Lifeboat Station, I felt immense pride representing our crew and community on such a meaningful occasion.

Despite limited space on West Pier due to ongoing works, the turnout was exceptional. South Bay Beach and the lifeboat slipway became places of quiet reflection, where people gathered in solidarity to pay their respects.

The atmosphere was deeply moving — a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the gratitude we hold in our hearts. I’m truly thankful to everyone who came to honour those who gave so much for our freedom and safety.”

Notes to editors 

Scarborough lifeboat station has been operating since 1801. The crews have received 35 awards for gallantry and today the station operates a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and a D class inshore lifeboat
To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station

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Nick Gough RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07939025881 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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