THE MOVE of the depot from Boreham Wood to Poole was completed on October 1, 1976. Last to come was the machinery; within a fortnight of removal day it was in full operation on the new site.

The RNLI's first storeyard was established at Poplar in the late 1870s, opening on to the bank of the Limehouse cut canal in which new lifeboats were submitted to harbour trials before being sent to station. A machinery workshop for minor repairs was opened after the first world war, and, as the scope of the work undertaken increased, a move was made to larger premises at Boreham Wood in 1939.

The depot has a long, cherishedtradition of unstinted service. To all those unable to make the move to Poole the Institution sends its deep thanks and good wishes; to those who have joined to take their place, welcome..