Isle of Wight RNLI crews mark charity's 200th anniversary

Last Sunday, the Island’s Slipshod Singers visited the RNLI headquarters in Poole and performed two concerts.

They performed several sea-related songs, including ‘Saving Lives at Sea’, which was written by Martin Bruce and dedicated to the 200 years of the RNLI.

The Slipshod Singers, who rehearse in Yarmouth Sailing Club, also performed at the East Cowes RNLI factory at the weekend.

Slipshod Singers in Poole (Image: Contributed)

Members of the crew and the Guild represented Bembridge RNLI at a garden party at Buckingham Palace last Thursday (May 23).

Representatives were invited depending on certain criteria, with three members having received long-service medals in 2023 and 2024 and another a recipient of an excellence in volunteering award. 

Also invited was the chair and secretary of the Bembridge Guild and the chair of Bembridge Lifeboat.

A spokesperson said representatives had a ‘superb time’ at the garden party and were joined by members of Cowes and Yarmouth lifeboat.

RNLI representatives at Buckingham Palace (Image: Bembridge RNLI)

A mural was completed last Friday (May 24) by artist Daev Walsh in recognition of the 200th anniversary.

It is to celebrate the lifeboat building history of the town and its contribution to lifesaving.
The mural can be found on Clarence Road in East Cowes, along the GKN factory wall.

Read more: Mural proudly adorns East Cowes wall in honour of RNLI

The RNLI mural in East Cowes (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Bembridge RNLI’s Yellow Welly Week has been taking place this week, providing fun and educational opportunities during half-term.

On Monday, visitors enjoyed the annual Bembridge Street Fair, with youngsters donning RNLI uniforms to pose for photos in a D class inshore lifeboat.

The 'sausage sizzle' followed the all-weather lifeboat launch on Tuesday, with drinks and hot dogs served at the inshore boathouse.

Tomorrow (Thursday), the much-loved Welly Wanging competition is scheduled to take place on Bembridge beach.

Yellow Welly Week ends on Sunday, June 2. 

Adam, nine, and Timmy, seven. in the D class inshore lifeboat at the Bembridge Street Fair (Image: Ken Orchard/Bembridge RNLI)The all-weather lifeboat being prepared for launch, viewed by the public (Image: Ken Orchard/Bembridge RNLI)The public enjoy the 'sausage sizzle' following the lifeboat launch (Image: Ken Orchard/Bembridge RNLI)