200th Anniversary:
This is far too important to get wrapped up together with our other important news items so it deserves an “issue” of its own.
Few cannot be aware that 4 March 2024 represents the existence of the R.N.L.I. for 200 years since Sir William Hillary first achieved his dream in 1824.
Branches & Regions throughout the UK have been planning how to celebrate this momentous milestone in our history. Some branches may be really “pushing the boat out”, whilst others will be more “conservative”.
Here we have a “One Crew” group (Crew & Fundraisers) who have been planning how we want to mark this occasion. As you are aware, such is the intensity of our normal Events Fundraising Programme there is, at times, not a great deal of capacity to take on anything more, however this is a process which will continue to evolve, but for now:-
Saturday 2 March – @ Brixham Rugby Club:
The Club have kindly allowed us to do a Bucket collection at half time in their Home match v Lydney. 4 of our Crew will place a flag in the centre circle and do a lap of honour whilst a handful of Fundraisers will carry out a bucket collection in the Stands.
Sunday 3 March – 11am @ the Lifeboat Station:
A real coup, achieved by the Crew. The lifeboats of Exmouth, Teignmouth, Dartmouth and Salcombe will be met at Berry Head by our ALB and “D” Class and will move in formation into the outer Harbour and moor up at the pontoon. The fishing fleet will provide a welcome with their horns!!
Helen Lovell-Smith Devon Area Fisherman’s Mission Officer will meet the Coxswains of the 5 boats and Bless them and the work they do; there will be a short Service led by Helen with some appropriate hymns and music provided by Brixham Town band. Helen’s fisherman husband Sprat has written a wonderful poem which local MP Anthony Mangnall will read. Following the “formal” part of the Service we will adjourn to the Boathouse for refreshments (sandwiches/cakes etc)
Obviously, you are part of the One Crew so please do come down to be part of the Event.
If you can provide home-made scones, that would be really appreciated, drop me a line if you are able to bake some.
BBC Spotlight should be attending so they can get some film footage to show later that day as a “taster” for the following day.
Monday 4 March – 6.45pm @ All Saints Church:
That morning there is a special Service being held in Westminster Abbey to commemorate the Anniversary. I am pleased to say that Torbay will be represented by Crew members and Fundraisers alike in the Abbey.
The Crew were keen to mark the Anniversary locally in a similar manner so we have invited the general public of Torbay (churches/community groups etc) to All Saints Church for a special Service, and of course that invitation includes you!!
The Service will be on similar lines to the Sunday event but also include an “activity” by our local schoolchildren, the Partners of the Crew with a Shanty song and Roger Smith will be singing his song dedicated to the R.N.L.I. “200 Years” (see link below).
Bishop James of Plymouth has agreed to bless us with his presence and one or two dignitaries including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon will be present, however it is our aim to fill All Saints with folks like us. So please join us.
The plan is that, at 6.24pm (1824 hrs) the bells of All Saints and as many of the Torbay churches who can, will play a “sea-related” chime for almost 3 minutes (200 seconds) and then we will start the Service at 6.45pm.
It has the potential to be a landmark memory in Torbay’s maritime history and we would love you to be part of it.
200 Years:
One of our talented Fundraisers, Roger Smith has written a song specifically for the celebrations called simply, “200 Years” you can hear it on https://torbaylifeboat.co.uk/200-years/
There is a Just Giving link there as well. Currently Roger has raised almost £800 of his initial £1,000 target, let’s push him closer to £2,000 !!
Peter
Torbay Lifeboats 