By Isle of Wight Observer
Current and past crews, families and friends, and crew from flanking search and rescue services, including Cowes RNLI and Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, attended a centenary party to mark 100 years of life-saving for Yarmouth RNLI at the town’s sailing club last Saturday.
People of all ages and from all walks of life came together to watch station president, Dame Ellen MacArthur, unveil the official acknowledgement from the RNLI, which was signed by the former chief executive, Mark Dowie.
Dame Ellen then presented the framed letter to lifeboat operations manager, Tom Carlstedt-Duke, who accepted, on behalf of Yarmouth Station, in front of its current Severn class RNLI lifeboat, ‘Wanderer’, who for the day was moored opposite the sailing club, decorated in dress flags and golden balloons.
Tom said: “The RNLI refers a lot these days to ‘One Crew’, by which they mean not just the visible crew who man the lifeboat when it goes out on a shout, but also the other volunteers who work to make this possible, and it is good to see some of them here today as they are all part of Yarmouth Lifeboat Station.”
Local historian, Kevin Shaw, gave a talk on the history of the Yarmouth RNLI since 1924, including notable medals and achievements. Guests were treated to a barbecue, which included food donated by several Island businesses, whilst listening local musician, Romy Helen.
Senior station technician, Richard Pimm, had worked tirelessly over the last few months to organise the event, and compiled a large showcase of photos and newspaper clippings from over the years.
Anyone interested in a volunteering opportunity at Yarmouth Lifeboat Station can email Yarmouth@rnli.org.uk.
