The RNLI celebrates 200 years

Today commemorates the 200-year anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which has been saving lives at sea since March 4 1824.

To honour this significant milestone, lifeboat stations throughout North Devon have united to celebrate the RNLI's remarkable 200th anniversary.

From the length of the North Devon and Torridge coastline and currently represented by Clovelly, Appledore and Ilfracombe, the RNLI has been a pillar of courage and community, and this milestone is a chance to reflect on its incredible legacy. 

There also used to be a RNLI station in Lynmouth, however, it is no longer operational.

Lynmouth Lifeboat Station served as the hub for the RNLI search and rescue operations from 1869 to 1944.

One of its most notable missions occurred in 1899 when the lifeboat was pulled by hand an impressive 15 miles across Exmoor before launching to aid a distressed ship.

Our local stations will be hosting a wide range of events to mark the special anniversary, but national celebrations kicked off on Monday (March 4), with a special Connecting our Communities relay.

This relay, spanning 240 locations across the UK and Ireland, is like a baton race, but instead of runners, it involves passing a special scroll.

Over the course of seven months, the five-metre-long scroll will pass through 240 RNLI

locations around the UK and Ireland before finishing its journey in October at Douglas on

the Isle of Man, which was home to the RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary.

By this time it will carry around 700 signatures.

The scroll holds the RNLI pledge, a promise that no matter who we are or where we're from, we're all in this together to save lives. 

The journey of the relay scroll commenced on Monday at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, where it was signed by dignitaries including the RNLI President and His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent.

Anjie Rook, RNLI Associate Director, who is overseeing the RNLI’s 200th anniversary programme, said: "For 200 years, it is people who have made the RNLI what it is."

“We asked our communities to express interest in participating in this event and we have been overwhelmed by the response – we’re thrilled to have representation from our stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches across the UK and Ireland. Everything about the scroll – from the design and materials, to the wording printed on it and the locations it’s travelling to – reflects the communities we serve."

“By the end of the relay we will have an important document which will become part of the charity’s history and a significant snapshot of the charity as it stands at 200 years old.’ put this speech together.” 

The relay uses a modern Ford electric van for transport, but the scroll itself reflects RNLI history with its special materials. 

Ford will be providing an All-Electric E-Transit van, and after the journey, the scroll will be displayed at the RNLI College in Poole, where crews and lifeguards train.

Throughout North Devon, lifeboat stations are uniting to commemorate this significant anniversary with a series of events tailored to each community. 

Each station will host its own unique gathering, honouring the dedication of the RNLI over the years. 

Clovelly RNLI is gearing up for its role in the RNLI's 200th-anniversary celebrations and on Friday, April 19, representatives from Clovelly lifeboat station will embark on the next stage of the RNLI’s Connecting our Communities relay-style event by physically walking the scroll to Appledore on the day.

Established following a wreck in the bay, Clovelly's lifeboat station has served its community since 1870 when a lifeboat house was constructed at a cost of £175. 

Notably, in 1870, a new 33 foot self righting lifeboat, the Alexander and Matilda Boetefour (ON230), was commissioned.

Moving up the coast to Appledore RNLI, founded in August 1824, the station will also be joining in alongside the RNLI's 200th anniversary celebrations. 

With its first lifeboat, The Volunteer, launched in 1825, the station has since been a stalwart in maritime rescue, tallying an impressive 2,796 launches and saving 673 lives over two centuries.

As part of the nationwide commemorations, three volunteers from Appledore had the honour of attending the Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

Bob Meller, operations manager at Appledore Lifeboat, said: "Founded in a London tavern on March 4, 1824 following an appeal by Sir William Hillary, the RNLI has weathered numerous trials, including tragic disasters and funding challenges, while saving lives at sea. 

“Over two centuries, lifeboats and equipment have evolved significantly, from early oar-powered vessels to today's advanced boats like Mollie Hunt and Glanely. Yet, the charity's reliance on dedicated volunteers and public contributions remains unchanged, sustaining its mission of saving lives."

Appledore RNLI will be celebrating the RNLI's anniversary with events all year long, finishing in December. 

Most notably, Appledore will be receiving the Pledge scroll from Clovelly on April 19, where they will also sign it.

From RNLI SOS Day on Saturday, March 23 to the Charity Race Night on Saturday, April 6, there's plenty of fun for everyone. 

Ilfracombe kicked off their celebrations early, with the words ‘RNLI 200’ mown into the grass on Capstone Hill. 

On Saturday, March 16, at 2pm, the residents of Ilfracombe have been warmly invited to join lifeboat crew members and volunteers in standing within the lettering for a celebratory team photo.

"This presents a wonderful opportunity," remarked Jo Bolton, Chair of the Ilfracombe Lifeboat Management Group, "to express our gratitude to the community that has been at the heart of our lifesaving efforts at sea. We hope for a strong turnout on Capstone Hill and encourage attendees to wear something yellow as a tribute to our dedicated crew members and their families, who contribute immensely."

The town's association with life-saving stretches back to 1828, almost as old as the RNLI itself, with its first lifeboat in the harbour. 

Over the years, the service evolved, becoming part of the RNLI in 1866 and welcoming its first motorised lifeboat in 1936.

Come 1893, a new lifeboat house was constructed and erected at a cost of £360.

The lifeboat house used to be on the pier, where the aquarium is today and the boat would be towed by tractor along the quay to the water, up until a new lifeboat station was built at the harbour.

Today, Ilfracombe boasts a modern Shannon lifeboat, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities vastly different from the rowing boats of the past. 

Ilfracombe will also be hosting events to celebrate the anniversary. One of which will include the Pledge scroll arrival on Saturday, April 20. 

Although a plan for its arrival is not yet in place at the station, the team at RNLI Ilfracombe are sure it’ll make a ‘splash’. 

On Saturday, March 16, in the morning, visitors will have the chance to participate in guided tours of the lifeboat station and explore the interior of the boats.

This event is complimentary, but bookings are necessary to secure a spot.

Additional tours are scheduled for March 20 at 7pm and March 26 at 5pm, where booking is also required.

Sunday, March 17 will see acclaimed author Ann Cleeves launching her latest thriller, inspired by a visit to Ilfracombe's lifeboat station in 2022. 

The book, The Raging Storm, delves into a gripping tale of mystery and rescue, reflecting Ms Cleeves' personal gratitude to the RNLI. 

Joined by real-life crew members on stage, the event promises an insightful evening into both fiction and real-life rescues. 

With a series of events planned throughout the year, RNLI Ilfracombe invites everyone to join in celebrating its rich history and contributions to maritime safety.

Details will be posted on facebook.com/RNLIIlfracombe