Courage on our coasts

For nearly a decade, professional Photographer and volunteer lifeboat Crew Member Nigel Millard has been capturing the spirit of the RNLI with stunning images of our lifesavers and volunteers. An open-air exhibition of his photography continues to tour and, if you haven’t been along to one of the exhibitions yet, there’s still time to catch it in two more locations: Edinburgh and London. The images make breathtaking viewing when you see them up close. And see our Work/lifesaving balance feature on page 21 for some of the photos from the accompanying book.

Where and when : 31 January: All across the UK and Republic of Ireland How and who : Contact RNLI on 0845 122 6999 RNLI.org/sos

Hope in the Great War

The RNLI’s Hope in the Great War exhibition opens in February, marking the centenary year since the First World War. Touring RNLI museums, lifeboat stations and partner museums, it honours the courage and determination of those who saved lives during the conflict.

With younger men on active duty, it was often down to the older generation to go to the aid of those in danger around our coasts. From 1914–18 the lifeboat crews launched 1,808 times, rescuing 5,332 people. The exhibition captures the spirit of the time – a time of great hope in the midst of great struggles; a time of communities rallying to serve each other in any way they could. Learn about six heroic rescues: Whitby, Fraserburgh, Port Eynon, Falmouth, Baltimore and Cromer.

Interactive displays, artwork and play areas make it an ideal way for families and young children to learn about the astounding work of RNLI volunteers during the Great War.

Where and when :
Henry Blogg Museum, Norfolk.
Opens 4 February
How and who :
Contact RNLI Henry Blogg Museum:
01263 511294
RNLI.org/hope

Enter the world of search and rescue

Search and Rescue, the blockbuster exhibition at National Maritime Museum Cornwall has been extended until 2015.

The exhibition takes you on an interactive and emotive journey through the roles and histories of the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Royal Navy and more. With a 21m Sea King helicopter and an Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat to explore, it’s the perfect indoor family attraction for a wintery day – especially during February half-term.

Where and when : National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
How and who : Contact the museum on 01326 313388 www.nmmc.co.uk

Slice of sponge anyone?

SOS Day is our yearly fundraising day and always a big date in the RNLI calendar.

From Sponsor Our Stamina rowathons and Slice Of Sponge cake sales, to Solve Our Subjects pub quizzes and Sizzle Our Sausage barbecues, there are a myriad of activities to get involved with. Find a lifeboat station event in your area, or why not host your own fundraising event and send in your photos?

Go online to download sponsorship forms, invitations and posters or order stickers, collection boxes and thank you cards.

Alternatively, call the number below to have them posted out to you.

Where and when : 31 January: All across the UK and Republic of Ireland
How and who : Contact RNLI on 0845 122 6999 RNLI.org/sos