Volunteers from Workington RNLI have thanked the people of the town for helping them celebrate the charity’s 200th anniversary.
Crew and fundraisers from Workington Lifeboat took over the town centre yesterday, Saturday, May 4, supported by the Carnegie Singers and Nobody’s Friends sea shanty group.
They entertained with music, while people could meet the crew, pick up some water safety tips and buy merchandise to support the RNLI’s work.
Volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help save lives at sea.
The event raised almost £1,000.
The charity has also got a display in the former Akitts shop in Washington Square, where donations can be left via card.
Workington Lifeboat Station costs around £120,000 and the fundraisers bring in around £30,000 a year from local events and donations.
Tim Chittenden, Workington RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the people of Workington for digging deep, as always. We couldn’t operate without their support.
“It was a brilliant day, despite the rain, and our thanks also go to the Carnegie Singers and Nobody’s Friends, who entertained with sea shanties and sea-related songs.
“It was a lovely way to help celebrate the RNLI’s 200th birthday.
“This year our objective is to celebrate, commemorate and inspire. Workington has always given huge support to its lifeboats and crews, we look forward to
continuing to serve the community of seafarers and people who use the coast for recreation for many years to come.”
The county has been part of the RNLI from the very start.
In 1866 the charity, known as the Royal National Lifeboat Institute since 1854, took over the Whitehaven Lifeboat and started a continuous series of RNLI all weather
lifeboats on this coast which has lasted to the present day.
The duty has passed between Whitehaven – total 59 years – Maryport – total 83 years – and Workington – total 95 years and still counting.
In 2023, Workington’s volunteer crew responded to 21 callouts off the west coast.
