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Sheerness RNLI thanks artists for lifeboat tribute in Minster mural
The volunteer crew of Sheerness RNLI made a special detour to Minster beach on Sunday to thank two local artists who featured the station’s lifeboat in a new seaside mural.
Among the many familiar sights from around the Isle of Sheppey included in the mural is Sheerness RNLI’s Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat, Judith Copping Joyce.
Speaking to John Nurden, who runs Sheppey Scene, Anna said: 'We thought it would be a good thing to include the lifeboat because the guys give up their time to keep everybody safe.
'They are a big part of the seas surrounding the island, so it was really important to get them in.'
While Julie and Anna were working on the mural, they had a chance encounter with one of the lifeboat’s volunteer coxswains, who stopped to speak to them about the boat.
Julie said: 'By sheer fluke, the coxswain drove past while we were painting the lifeboat, and we had a chat and learned a lot more about the lifeboat and how it works.
'He even gave us its official number, which we were able to include on the mural.'
The finished artwork features the lifeboat’s operational number, 13-38.
On Sunday 27 September, the crew aboard Judith Copping Joyce took the opportunity to head towards Minster beach, bringing the lifeboat as close to shore as conditions safely allowed so they could personally thank Julie and Anna for including the RNLI.
Julie said: 'It was wonderful that they came to say thank you. They brought the boat in as close as possible and we were able to chat to them from the beach.'
Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Alan said: 'The mural is lovely. The lifeboats and our volunteer crew are a big part of life around Sheppey, so it means a lot to see the RNLI included in artwork celebrating the island and its coastline.
'We were really pleased to be able to bring the lifeboat in and thank Julie and Anna in person for including us.'
Julie and Anna spent a week creating the mural during August’s summer heatwave.
Anna said: 'We’d like to give a massive thank-you to all the residents who turned up with ice creams, drinks and sweets while we were working during that incredibly hot week.
'They were also incredibly supportive with their comments and appreciative of our work.
'It was a wonderful experience but also incredibly challenging because of the heat. The paint dried as soon as it touched the wall because it was so hot and the wall itself was full of undulations. But it was really fun to do.'
Alongside the lifeboat, the mural features a mermaid, octopus, seal, Thames sailing barge, cormorants, seaweed, shells and fossils, as well as the Maunsell sea forts and the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery.
The paint used for the mural was donated by Dulux.
Following their visit to Minster, the volunteer crew continued to Queenborough to attend the Blessing of the Waters at Crundalls Wharf.
The special seaside service, organised by Holy Trinity Church Queenborough, brought members of the community together to celebrate the area’s close connection with the water and those who work on it, with a collection held in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission, which supports fishermen and their families.
RNLI Media Contacts
Megan Carr, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]
Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]
Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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
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