Minehead to hold 125th anniversary event
In 2026, Minehead RNLI Lifeboat Station marks its milestone 125th anniversary. In March the station will hold an official launch to promote the anniversary of its lifesaving work covering a 33 mile stretch of the Bristol Channel coast.
Guests of honour will include The Lord-Lieutenant, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Mohammed Saddiq, who will be accompanied by Deputy Lieutenant, Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff CBE DL.
Minehead Lifeboat Station Chairman Richard Newton commented “2026 is all about celebrating the rich heritage of this vital coastal asset and sowing the seeds for another 125 years of lifesaving on the Exmoor coast. We want to create greater awareness of our work and build on our excellent record of community and volunteer engagement”
The station was founded in 1901, following the famous overland launch of lifeboat Louisa in January 1899. The Lynmouth Lifeboat crew found themselves unable to launch in challenging sea conditions to the stricken vessel Forrest Hall in difficulty off Porlock Weir. Villagers and teams of horses undertook a backbreaking and exhausting 13 mile overland tow of the hefty lifeboat, climbing Countisbury Hill and descending Porlock Hill, before launching from Porlock Weir and enabling them to save all hands on board.
Today, the Lifeboat station boasts two RIB rescue craft, the Atlantic 85 and D- Class, and plays host to a thriving community of crew, fundraisers, shop volunteers selling a wide range of RNLI goods. The recently expanded Visits team are on hand whenever the shop is open, to show off the station and to explain all about how the volunteer crew saves lives at sea.
One crew member, Christian Manalo, was selected to represent the station and speak at the event as one of the newer crew members.
Christian has a background in lifesaving as a swimming pool manager and lifeguard, and his potential was recognised by Helm Phil Sanderson, who encouraged him to come on board. Christian says “The RNLI’s values really aligned with mine and I was inspired by the amazing team here. The RNLI is all about teamwork which was a strong part of my career already. Being part of the crew challenges me physically and mentally, and it’s the sense of purpose which inspires me to keep coming back”.
When asked what the 125th anniversary meant to him, Christian reflected “It’s a powerful reminder of the RNLI’s legacy and about pride and responsibility- Pride in being part of something so respected, and the responsibility to uphold this legacy. It makes you realise you’re part of something much bigger than yourself”
The crew look forward to welcoming many more visitors, both young and old, to this historic lifeboat station and to enjoy the events planned to commemorate its anniversary year.
Key facts about the RNLI
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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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.