In the early nineteenth century an average of 1,800 shipwrecks a year happened around the coast of Britain. The dangers of shipwreck were an accepted way of life at sea but one man, Sir William Hillary, refused to sit by and allow people to drown.
Horrifically, as a resident of the Isle of Man, Sir William bore witness to mass drownings in the Manx Sea and vowed to do something about it.
On February 28th, 1823, Sir William Hillary made an impassioned appeal to the nation, urging the British Navy, ministers and prominent citizens, to form the National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck. His plea fell on deaf ears.
Unperturbed by the set-back, a year later his dream became reality and the RNLI were formed.
O.K. the idea was ratified, but convincing the large numbers required to man the boats and risk their lives would be a huge undertaking… history tells us this hurdle was easily cleared, with the courageous and committed numbering thousands upon thousands coming forward. Their efforts and in tragic events such as the Penlee Disaster their sacrifice, has saved hundreds of thousands.
Such is the dedication and courage of these volunteers, two hundred years on, we are celebrating the bi-centenary of the amazing RNLI.
Today, I was extremely pleased to be invited to the service of Thanksgiving at Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station. The service, conducted by Rev Canon Philip Masson, the Lifeboat Chaplain. Rev Canon Masson paid tribute to the enormous commitment, courage and bravery of all RNLI Volunteers.
These incredible, selfless people, have and continue to risk all to save those in peril on the sea. They serve under the RNLI Pledge "ready to save lives" and with the belief of RNLI Founder Sir William Hillary that "With courage, nothing is impossible." We are infinitely lucky to have such people prepared to protect us. I know, I sail almost every year and it is unbelievably reassuring to know they are there: 24/7 365 days a year.
The RNLI is at the cutting edge of life-saving technology. Porthcawl has two boats: a D Class D861 "Hugo Missen" and an Atlantic 85 B Class B832 "Rose of the Shires.”
In the last six months alone, the Porthcawl team has saved seven lives! Thank the high Heavens for these supreme servants to humankind.
A wonderful day for wonderful people. Thanks to all the Porthcawl Crew, President Peter Scott, Chairman Ian Stroud, Fundraising Chair Jeff John and Operations Manager Andrew Walmsley. South Wales Police Band and Drums South Wales Police Bridgend County Borough and Porthcawl Town Councils, Mid Glamorgan Lieutenancy. Finally, to one man’s dream and the courage of thousands.
As a totally voluntary organisation, funded purely by public funds - please donate whenever and whatever you can.