Lochinver lifeboat volunteers attend Westminster Abbey service to mark 200th anniversary of RNLI
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Two leading crew members from Lochinver lifeboat were among RNLI volunteers from across the UK and Ireland who attended a service of thanksgiving in London on Monday to mark the organisation’s 200th anniversary.
Coxswain David MacAskill and deputy coxswain Joe Mackay were part of the 1800 strong congregation at the service at Westminster Abbey, which was attended by RNLI president the Duke of Kent.
The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, gave the Address. It took place at the same time the RNLI founding papers were created 200 years ago.
Since its foundation in 1824, the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
At Monday’s service the charity commemorated its history, reflected on the lifesaving service it provides today, and looked to the future to inspire future generations of lifesavers and supporters.
The past two centuries have seen huge developments in the lifeboats and equipment used – from the early oar-powered vessels to today’s technology-packed boats, which are now built in-house by the charity; and from the rudimentary cork life jackets of the 1850s to the full protective gear issued to every crew member today.
Three RNLI lifeboats were brought to the Abbey. These included the historic William Riley, an oar-powered boat built in 1909, which remained in active service until 1931; a modern Shannon class boat, the RNLI's most agile and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat; and a D class lifeboat - first introduced into the RNLI fleet in 1963, the design of the inflatable D class lifeboat has continued to evolve
While much has changed in 200 years, two things have remained the same – the charity’s reliance on volunteers, who give their time and commitment to save others, and the voluntary contributions from the public that have funded the service for the past two centuries.
RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to be at the helm of the RNLI for the past five years, and to see the charity reach its bicentenary.
"For a charity to survive for 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public who donate to fund it, is truly remarkable.
"It is through the courage and dedication of its incredible people that the RNLI has survived the tests of time, including tragic losses, funding challenges, two world wars and, more recently, a global pandemic.
"Today, we mark the bicentenary of the RNLI. We remember the achievements and commitment of all those who have been part of the RNLI family over the past two centuries.
"We celebrate the world-class lifesaving service we provide today, based on our 200 years of learning, expertise and innovation, and we hope to inspire future generations of lifesavers and supporters to take the RNLI into its next century and beyond.
"I am immensely grateful to everyone who is involved in the charity – our volunteers, supporters and staff. This is our watch and it is our role to keep our charity safe and secure so it can continue to save lives into the future, as we strive in our vision to save every one."
Throughout its bicentenary year, the charity is running events and activities to remember its important history and celebrate the modern lifesaving service it is today, while hoping to inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters.
For further information about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, visit RNLI.org/200.
