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Torbay RNLI’s Annual Service of Dedication marks 160th anniversary of founding
Torbay Lifeboats’ Annual Service of Dedication was an extra special occasion this year, with the service on 27 September in Brixham taking place just days before the 160th anniversary of the first lifeboat being stationed in Torbay on 3 October 1866.
The service reflected on the selfless commitment of volunteer crews past-and-present and gave thanks for their work in saving lives at sea. An address by Helen Lovell-Smith of the Fishermen’s Mission Devon, reflected on the generosity of the City of Exeter and the communities in-and-around Torbay in providing the funds for the first lifeboat and lifeboat station – and for their continued generosity in supporting the station and work of the crews today.
The service, attended by Torbay’s Civic Mayor, Councillor Hazel Foster, took place as Torbay’s Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was away responding to the lifeboat station’s fourth shout in the preceding 24-hour period. Volunteer crew members attended on the station's Severn class All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB), Alec and Christina Dykes, moored up at Brixham’s Old Fish Quay to take part in the service.
Readings from Torbay RNLI Coxswain, Richard Fowler, and John Jeffrey, President of the Torbay Lifeboat Fundraisers were followed by hymns sung by the assembled crowd to the accompaniment of the Brixham Town Band. Local group Harbour Buoys performed a number of sea shanties as daylight faded before a collection, coordinated by Brixham Sea Rangers in aid of Torbay Lifeboats, rounded off the evening.
To bring the special anniversary week to a close, a new episode of Saving Lives At Sea will be broadcast on BBC Two on Wednesday 7th October showing the volunteer crews on a shout going to the aid of a stricken trimaran off the coast of south Devon.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Klaus Goddard, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]
Kyle Reed, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]
Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [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
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.