The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the largest of the lifeboat services operating around the coasts of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, as well as on some inland waterways.

Founded in 1824 as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, it soon afterwards became the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck because of the patronage of King George IV. Royal patronage has continued up to the present day with King Charles III. The organisation changed its name to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution on 5 October 1854 and was granted a royal charter in 1860.

The RNLI is a charity based in Poole, Dorset. It is principally funded by legacies (65%) and donations (30%). Most of its lifeboat crews are unpaid volunteers. They operate more than 400 lifeboats from 238 stations. Paid lifeguards provide services at nearly 250 beaches. The RNLI also provides free safety advice to many different groups of people, and has been involved in international cooperation since 1924.

Thanks to Wikipedia (C)

Post Meeting Update

Paul Gillions provided a thank you for the very generous donations and purchases you all made raising £462 on the day

Well done everyone and thank you for your continued support.

In addition LEWIS COCKING MP will be joining us.

Lewis will be in the Dinant Room between 9.30am and 10.30am, and members are invited to speak with him personally if they have any issues to raise.

At 10.30am he will move to the Auditorium and will speak to our meeting for approximately 10 minutes about local issues and his role as our MP.

You will recall that he supported our 25th Anniversary meeting last year, following which members asked that we arrange a return visit.

Do take advantage of this opportunity.

Post Meeting Update

Letter from Lewis Cocking.