Port Isaac Celebrates RNLI’s 200 Years with Historic Scroll Signing

On the 7th of April, the coastal community of Port Isaac marked a significant chapter in the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Representatives from Port Isaac RNLI participated in the “Connecting our Communities” event, a relay involving a scroll inscribed with the RNLI’s commitment to lifesaving.

The Scroll’s Journey

The event features a five-metre-long scroll, which began its nationwide journey in March and will conclude in October at Douglas on the Isle of Man, the birthplace of the RNLI. The scroll is being signed by various members of the RNLI community as it travels through 240 lifeboat stations, lifeguard units, and fundraising branches across the UK and Ireland. The historic scroll bears a pledge of unity and dedication to lifesaving efforts in multiple languages, including English, Irish Gaelic, and Welsh.

Signatories of Commitment

At the Port Isaac station, this pivotal document was signed by notable local figures: Kevin, the Lifeboat Operations Manager; Liz, the Assistant Chairman; and David, the Treasurer. Their signatures add to the growing list of around 700 names that the scroll will feature by the end of its journey, symbolising a collective commitment that spans two centuries.

Celebratory Events and Tributes

Megan, Chairman of Port Isaac RNLI, highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for the bicentennial year. “Port Isaac RNLI is excited to present additional activities to commemorate this milestone alongside our regular fundraising events,” she stated. The station plans to host two open days in July and August, followed by “Festival 200,” an evening of music, food, and celebrations in September.

A Legacy of Lifesaving

The scroll itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, involving RNLI craftspeople who have meticulously incorporated materials with significant historical value. The protective casing was created by apprentices at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre on the Isle of Wight, while the wooden handle was crafted from an old flagpole from Ramsey lifeboat station.

The journey began with a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, attended by dignitaries including the RNLI President, HRH The Duke of Kent, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Anjie, the RNLI Associate Director overseeing the anniversary events, expressed pride in the project: “This relay is a profound representation of our shared history and commitment. It’s all about the people – past and present – who embody the spirit of the RNLI.”

The Scroll’s Final Destination

Upon completion of its journey, the scroll will be displayed at the RNLI College in Poole, where new generations of lifesavers are trained. This enduring symbol will stand as a testament to the RNLI’s 200-year legacy of volunteerism and public generosity, which have been pivotal in saving over 146,000 lives since its inception in 1824.

Founded to respond to shipwrecks witnessed by Sir William Hillary, the RNLI has evolved significantly yet remains dependent on its volunteers and public donations. Its operations now include 238 lifeboat stations and over 240 lifeguarded beaches, evidencing its expansive reach and the continual development of lifesaving technology and techniques.

As the RNLI looks forward to another century of service, the bicentenary events not only celebrate the past but also aim to inspire future generations of lifesavers. For more details on the RNLI’s 200th anniversary and related events, visit RNLI.org/200.