A DAY of special events was held in Penarth on Monday, 4th March, as part of national celebrations to mark 200 years since the founding of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Volunteer crew from Penarth lifeboat station began the day by visiting local schools with their D-class Connie Dains lifeboat and, later in the morning, one of the Penarth helms, Jen Payne, took part in the national thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey where she carried the RNLI’s official founding documents that were signed at 11:30am on 4 March, 1824.
The RNLI says the day was partly about commemorating the volunteers who have given their time and commitment over the years, partly about celebrating the service and how far they have come during the last 200 years, and partly to inspire others by looking to the future.
In 1861, 37 years after the RNLI was founded, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Station was established. Over the years it has launched 1,858 times and has saved 200 lives. It currently operates a B-class lifeboat Maureen Lilian alongside the D-class Connie Dains.
During the afternoon, crowds gathered in Penarth town centre to enjoy a parade where both lifeboats were on display. Businesses in the town centre joined in by decorating their windows with the classic yellow boot, bunting and posters.
The All Saints Knitting Group made bollard covers and letterbox toppings in honour of the RNLI, which were on display around the town.
Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager for Penarth said: “Having a lifeboat based in Penarth for the last 43 years has been a huge success, and we have plans to mark this important occasion during 2024. We are very much a community station, and we are grateful to everyone who supports the work we do.”
The day concluded with a celebratory presentation ceremony on Penarth Pier for crew with long service awards. Other highlights of the evening included an auction of sought-after RNLI memorabilia, which was followed by a talk to inspire future supporters.
Jo Partner, RNLI Head of Region for Wales said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those who play a part in making the RNLI the proud organisation it is today, which really is a cause for celebration.”
- Porthcawl RNLI rescue sailor from doomed yacht
- Lifeguard Connie’s special offer – order one rescue, get two more free!
- Tidal dangers on coast are highlighted
- RNLI stalwart is awarded BEM
- Barry RNLI race to rescue a good friend
- RNLI volunteers have private viewing of Christmas TV show
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
First Minister accused of ‘letting victims down’ over grooming gangs inquiry
What does my ‘Sentinel Apiary’ actually do?
Trio are sentenced over ‘drugs in prison’ plot
The bells, the bells – bringing a Time and Tide Bell to Barry
Penalty shoot out leads to Cup exit for Airport
Ring rusty Barry RFC make a promising start
