Minehead RNLI welcomes guests to commemorate 125 years of lifesaving
On Tuesday 3rd March 2026, invited guests from all areas of Somerset life gathered within Minehead’s historic lifeboat station to celebrate 125 years since its foundation.
Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Mr. Mohammed Saddiq and Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff attended as guests of honour, representing His Majesty the King.
Mr. Saddiq paid tribute to the “One Crew” at Minehead Lifeboat Station, the silent army of volunteers both aboard the boat and behind the scenes, fundraising and supporting the crew, including staff from RNLI Poole who ensure the volunteers are safe, supported and equipped with the latest lifesaving technology.
Guests heard Helm Richard Gay talk about his long service with the RNLI, including a number of significant rescues and lives saved along the treacherous coast, as well as personal anecdotes from the lighter side of RNLI life.
Other speakers included Minehead RNLI Chairman Richard Newton, who paid tribute to the power of “something greater than yourself” and the vocation of service found within the RNLI, as well as the “unwavering support” from the team at Poole, including Dave Nicholl, the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead.
The 125 years celebration featured attendees from all stages of service, from fifty year RNLI veteran Barry Cockrem to some of the newest team members including Harrison Webber, son of Helm Raji Webber, who continues the proud tradition of multi-generational RNLI families at the station. Harrison demonstrated the full crew kit to attendees, who were also able to walk around the station and craft, and interact with many serving crew members.
This fantastic event was pulled together by Alison Mills, a Visits volunteers at Minehead Lifeboat Station, who shows visitors behind the scenes of the historic boathouse. Alison commented “This really was a big team effort and I’m so grateful for all of the attendees who have come to celebrate with us, as well as our fantastic station musicians and bakers”.
Guests also received a “first peek” at a new promotional video about the station created by Reuben Jelley featuring archive footage, live footage from the boat and drone footage kindly shot by Jim Winzer.
All left the station feeling a little better informed about the work of Minehead’s RNLI volunteers, and looking forward to the next 125 years of lifesaving on the Exmoor coast. The 125 celebrations continue throughout the year, with further events planned.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.