By Isle of Wight Observer
By Linda Bird
The Cowes RNLI Guild is 100 years old, and will celebrate with a number of special events including a Centenary Ball in October at the Island Sailing Club.
Founded in 1923, the historic guild has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help the RNLI save lives at sea, on the Solent coastline, and is the only lifeboat guild in the UK.
Their inaugural event was a Lifeboat Dance which raised more than £33, equivalent to over £2,500 today, although it is believed that the first lifeboat collection on the Island started as far back as 1897.
Local celebrities, including Alan Titchmarsh and actress, Celia Imrie, former president of the guild, have lent their time and names to boost fund-raising efforts.
In 2008, the RNLI agreed to take over the town’s lifeboat provision; however £1 million was needed to convert the old Customs House into a modern station with a launching slipway suitable for a B class Atlantic 85. Dedicated changing and training facilities were also needed for the volunteer crew.
An appeal was launched in 2011 by Celia Imrie and a year of fund-raising events raised £850,000.
In July 2012, the late HM The Queen opened the new station on the last day of her Diamond Jubilee tour.
If you would like to support the local RNLI and attend any of the Guild events, contact Margaret Peall, on 295590, to join.
Membership is £10 per person or £15 for a couple. A programme of forthcoming events will be forwarded to you.