Dignity at West Mersea The official opening and dedication of West Mersea's new lifeboat house took place at the same time as the naming ceremony.

Dignity is named after Dignity Caring Funeral Services, whose employees enthusiastically raised the majority of funds for the £81,600 lifeboat by holding fun days, various raffles and events including 'guess the number of balloons'. Dignity Caring Funeral Services generously supported their efforts to ensure the cost of the lifeboat would be fully met.

West Mersea lifeboat station was established in 1963. Since then its volunteer lifeboat crews have launched over 1,500 times, saving more than 460 lives. The volunteer crews at West Mersea have received several awards for skill, seamanship and devotion to duty, the last being presented in 1993. 14/09/01.