Selsey crew celebrating anniversary
The RNLI marked its 200th anniversary on March 4 and Selsey Lifeboat Station will continue the celebrations throughout the year, with many events planned.
Since 1861, the Selsey station has played its part in providing safety to mariners in the waters.
In common with the other 238 RNLI lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland, Selsey Lifeboat Station is operated by brave lifeboat crews, aided by a team of land-based volunteers.
It was established to help crew stranded on the Owers Bank and other shoals in Selsey Bill. A branch was formed at Chichester to help the fishing village to support the station.
A double-banked lifeboat, 35ft long and rowing 12 oars, was forwarded to Chichester, together with a transportingcarriage, on June 5, 1861, and after a public exhibition, she was drawn to her station on her own carriage.
In 2017 a new lifeboat station was built in Selsey to house the ‘revolutionary’ Shannon all-weather lifeboat, which alone costs more than £2.5million.
Last year, more than £188million was spent by the charity in the UK and Ireland, supporting stations, operations, lifeboats and training.
In total, 95 per cent of RNLI income is contributed by donations, so volunteers are essential to help generate the income necessary to support the ongoing work of the charity through various fundraising events.
To celebrate the bicentennial milestone, local RNLI volunteers are aiming to raise £20,000. Aside from fundraising, the volunteers are keen to engage and entertain the local community.
Vaughan Turney, Selsey RNLI chair, said: “We are extraordinarily grateful to the local community for their support and we wish to widen awareness and to give something back.
"This year we plan to offer a wide range of events to include live music, suppers, walks and quizzes. In order to plan, stage and run these events we need more volunteers to help us in a variety of roles.”
Selsey RNLI volunteers will be at Chichester Market Cross on Saturday and there will also be an opportunity to have a photo taken with the mascot, Stormy Stan.