Your guide to what's been going on in the world of the RNLI

Birthday Honours for RNLI three

Three volunteers who have given decades of service to the RNLI were recognised with MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, announced in June. Ron Cannon has been an active RNLI volunteer for 53 years. Following in the family tradition, he was a crew member at Ramsgate for 37 years – and the coxswain for 25 of those. Robin Cardwell has served Portrush RNLI for 27 years in a variety
of roles. After many seagoing positions, Robin volunteered as lifeboat operations manager and also supports the community’s fundraising activities. Paul Metcalfe has been involved with Eastbourne lifeboats since 1980, including as a shore helper, crew member, mechanic, fundraiser and recently the lifeboat operations manager. We send warmest congratulations to Ron, Robin and Paul. Have a wonderful day when you receive your honours.

AGM Update

We held the 2017 RNLI AGM in Glasgow for the first time in June, meaning many supporters were able to attend this special event, hear about the RNLI’s progress and ask questions for the first time. Unfortunately, the number of governors attending fell just short of the required level to pass the day’s business. Despite exploring solutions on the day, we decided to rerun the AGM to ensure all resolutions are passed lawfully. At the time of going to press the rescheduled meeting is due to take place on 13 September at our headquarters in Poole. See RNLI.org/agm2017.

SAVING LIVES AT SEA RETURNS TO OUR SCREENS

As this issue arrives, we’ll be well into the 12-part BBC Two series Saving Lives at Sea – the show airs every Tuesday at 8pm. From the remote and rugged coastline of Aith in the Shetlands, to the packed sands of Woolacombe in Devon, the series gives a unique insight into the lives and work of our volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards. Many of these teams have been carrying special equipment for the past year, to capture dramatic rescues on camera. If you’ve missed some episodes, UK viewers can catch up on the BBC iPlayer, or visit RNLI.org/SavingLives for the inside story behind the programme and our people.

Pulling together for water safety

Tower Crew Member Helen Church helps launch a partnership with Nicholson’s pubs, who will be training staff to use rescue throw bags and share Respect the Water messages.

Thank you for answering our Mayday!

Thousands of you bought badges, donned wellies and more to answer our Mayday appeal this year. We’re thrilled to share that the fundraising total has now reached £607,316.

HOMECOMING FOR CITY’S LIFEBOAT

A retired Tyne class lifeboat has come home to the city that funded her, becoming the first modern lifeboat to be displayed at the National Emergency Services Museum. The City of Sheffield arrived at the museum on 17 June, where she will be on display for at least 5 years. Funded by the people of Sheffield (who raised an incredible £420,000 between 1987 and 1988) and a bequest from Mary Mable Walker, the lifeboat went on to serve at Whitby, Ramsgate, Hartlepool and Sennen Cove. She found her permanent home at Poole Lifeboat Station in 2001. ‘The City of Sheffield was a faithful servant during her 15 years on service here at Poole,’ says volunteer Jonathan Clark. ‘We are one of the busiest coastal stations so she was kept active. I was very proud to be the coxswain at her wheel.’

Your membership

From January 2018, you will notice that rates have increased at your next membership renewal. This is the first rise in 3 years, and ensures that our lifesavers continue to have a stable funding base. Your regular support as a member is incredibly valuable as we plan for the future demands on our rescue and prevention services. If you have any queries please contact our Supporter Care Team using the details on page 2.

Membership New price
Shoreline member £32
Joint Shoreline members £58
Offshore member £76
Joint Offshore members £128
Governor £102
Joint Governors £160