RNLI 200

Summary

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been saving lives at sea since it was founded in 1824 and, since then, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have rescued over 144,000 people. 2024 is the 200 year anniversary

Join us for 2024 – see how far we’ve come together and where we’re heading

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the RNLI founded on March 4th 1824 by Sir William Hillary.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been saving lives at sea since it was founded in 1824 and, since then, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have rescued over 144,000 people.

From triumphs to tragedies; from oar-powered vessels to the technology-packed boats used today; from introducing the first lifeboats on the River Thames to rolling-out a UK beach lifeguard service; from running the UK’s biggest ever drowning prevention campaign to working with others to save lives overseas – the RNLI has a remarkable 200-year story.

Today, the charity operates 238 lifeboat stations and has seasonal lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and Ireland. It designs and builds its own lifeboats and runs domestic and international water safety programmes.

While developments over the course of 200 years have changed how the charity saves lives, some things remain the same. Volunteers have given time and commitment over the past two centuries, as they continue to do today. And charitable donations still power the RNLI’s lifesaving.

Russ

RNLI Dursley Branch

The RNLI Dursley Branch started a mere 60 odd years ago and still remains pretty active. This year we have already organised a fund-raising Curry Evening and have the following events planned:

Sunday April 7th. – 5 Peaks Walk, a sponsored local walk. (more info: Johns.williams@talk21.com)
Sunday May 19th. – Cream Tea, Uley Playing field Pavillion
Friday July 19th – Our major fund raiser, an Evening at Swinhay with Dinner, a short Talk, Dancing and a Promises Auction
( for further details contact Russ Holloway : jillandruss9@gmail.com)
Sunday 1st Sept. – Tortworth Lake Walk
Saturday 16th Nov. – Barn Dance, Coaley Village Hall

RHLI Wotton Branch

The RNLI (Wotton-under-Edge & Thornbury District Branch) will be marking this anniversary with a special Guest Speaker Evening on Thursday 14th March.

The illustrated talk will cover the 200-year history of the RNLI and the “guest” speaker will be John Barnett – the Branch Chairman and RNLI Community Presenter. This talk is an expansion of one given previously to a U3A group studying 19th Century history – literally brought up to date.

This year, the talk will be held in a lecture theatre at the Renishaw plc, New Mills site and will start at 8.00pm (doors open
at 7.30pm). Those coming should enter the site directly from the roundabout – not at the front entrance.

As with previous Guest Speaker Evenings, attendance will be by ticket (priced £10) – either purchased in advance or reserved to be paid for on the night. Tickets can be purchased from the Coventy Building Society or from the Cotswold Book Room (both in Long Street, W-u-E).

Alternatively, tickets can be obtained by contacting: