RNLI 200 Scroll Signing Sweeps Through Fowey

In an event that captured the essence of community spirit and history, the Fowey lifeboat station became the stage for a momentous occasion on Saturday, April 6th 2024.

The RNLI 200 Scroll Signing Ceremony, a key highlight in a series of celebrations, saw Fowey’s very own representatives leaving their mark on a document that symbolises two centuries of valiant lifesaving efforts.

A Day to Remember

The heart of the celebrations was the RNLI 200 Connecting our Communities Scroll. This unique document was signed by four distinguished members of the Fowey community. Blossom, a young girl with strong ties to the lifeboat crew through her father, was the first to sign. She was joined by Jonathan, the dedicated Coxswain of Fowey Lifeboat, Rob, the Chair of the Fowey Lifeboat Fundraising Committee, and Di, the manager of Fowey’s RNLI shop. Their signatures, alongside their titles, were also immortalised in a digital record, ensuring their contributions to this historic day are remembered forever.

Connecting Communities Across Time and Sea

Adam, the Chairman of Fowey Lifeboat Management Group, shared the significance of the scroll in the broader context of RNLI’s 200th anniversary. Embarking from Westminster Abbey on March 4, the scroll is on a journey reminiscent of an Olympic Torch relay, touching the hearts of RNLI communities across the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Fowey’s pride in being selected as a host reflects the deep connections and shared history within the lifesaving community.

This year also marks 165 years of the Fowey Lifeboat Station’s commitment to saving lives at sea, a testament to the enduring spirit of volunteerism and bravery. The scroll’s signing in Fowey was not just a celebration of RNLI’s 200th year but also a kick-off for the station’s own 165th-anniversary events.

A Scroll of Unity and Purpose

The scroll itself carries a powerful message, encapsulating the ethos of the RNLI. It bears a pledge of unity and a commitment to save lives, translated into the languages of the RNLI’s diverse communities, including Cornish, Irish Gaelic, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Ulster Scots, and Manx. This pledge underscores the shared mission and values that have been the foundation of RNLI’s lifesaving efforts for two centuries.

Photo Credit:Jonathan Pritchard, Blossom, Di Moris and Rob Collings with the signed RNLI 200 scroll – Fowey RNLI

A Spectacular Display of Skill

Following the ceremony, spectators were treated to a thrilling display of lifeboat manoeuvres in Fowey Harbour, showcasing the skills and readiness of the volunteer crew. The all-weather and inshore lifeboats danced across the waters, a reminder of the bravery and dedication of those who stand ready to face the storm.

The day’s events concluded with the all-weather lifeboat heading to Mevagissey for another signing ceremony, this time on the quay, further weaving the fabric of community and shared purpose that defines the RNLI.

A Journey to Follow

The journey of the RNLI 200 Scroll is one that can be followed by all, with an interactive map available at rnli.org/200relay. This digital platform allows supporters and enthusiasts to track the scroll’s progress, connecting with the story of each community it visits.

As Fowey looks back on this historic day, it stands as a reminder of the courage, commitment, and community that form the lifeblood of the RNLI. A day of celebration, yes, but also a reflection on the legacy and future of a vital service dedicated to saving lives at sea.