THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Mohammed Saddiq led civic guests from across the county for a celebration on Tuesday (March 3) of the 125th anniversary of Minehead Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Mr Saddiq, accompanied by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff, attended as guests of honour, representing King Charles III.

He paid tribute to the ‘One Crew’ at Minehead Lifeboat Station, the silent army of volunteers both aboard the boat and behind the scenes, fund-raising, and supporting the crew, including staff from RNLI headquarters in Poole, who ensured the volunteers were safe, supported, and equipped with the latest lifesaving technology.

Guests heard helm Richard Gay talk about his long service with the charity, including a number of significant rescues and lives saved along the treacherous Bristol Channel coast, as well as personal anecdotes from the lighter side of RNLI life.

Other speakers included Minehead RNLI chairman Richard Newton, who paid tribute to the power of ‘something greater than yourself’ and the vocation of service found within the RNLI, as well as the ‘unwavering support’ from the team at Poole, including Dave Nicholl, the fund-raising and partnerships lead.

The Minehead station was founded in 1901, following the famous overland launch of the lifeboat Louisa in January, 1899.

The Lynmouth Lifeboat crew had been unable to launch in challenging sea conditions to the stricken vessel Forrest Hall, which was in difficulty off Porlock Weir.

So, villagers and teams of horses undertook a backbreaking and exhausting 13-mile tow over Exmoor of the hefty lifeboat, climbing Countisbury Hill and descending Porlock Hill, before launching from Porlock Weir, enabling them to save all hands on board.

Today, Minehead boasts two rigid inflatable boats (RIB) rescue craft, an Atlantic 85 and a D-Class, and plays host to a thriving community of crew, fund-raisers, and shop volunteers selling a wide range of RNLI goods.

The boathouse has undergone several refurbishments since its opening, and most recently saw £1 million spent in 2023 on transforming the historic building into one fit for the 21st century with greatly improved crew changing facilities, a large open plan meeting and training space, and, most importantly, a redesigned hall for the D-Class lifeboat, enabling far quicker launches.

The recently expanded visits team are on hand whenever the shop is open, to show off the station and to explain all about how the volunteer crew saves lives at sea.

The 125th anniversary celebration featured attendees from all stages of service, from 50-year RNLI veteran Barry Cockrem to some of the newest team members, including Harrison Webber, son of helm Raji Webber, who continues a proud tradition of multi-generational RNLI families at the station.

Harrison demonstrated the full crew kit to attendees, who were also able to walk around the station and craft, and interact with many serving crew members.

The event was pulled together by Alison Mills, a visits volunteer at Minehead Lifeboat Station, who shows visitors behind the scenes of the historic boathouse.

Ms Mills said: “This really was a big team effort and I am so grateful for all of the attendees who have come to celebrate with us, as well as our fantastic station musicians and bakers.”

Guests also received a ‘first peek’ of a new promotional video about the station created by Reuben Jelley, featuring archive footage, live footage from the boat, and drone footage shot by Jim Winzer.

They left the station feeling a little better informed about the work of Minehead’s RNLI volunteers, and looking forward to the next 125 years of lifesaving on the Exmoor coast.

The 125 years celebrations will continue throughout the year, with further events planned.

RNLI volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the UK and Republic of Ireland coasts through its 238 lifeboat stations and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches.

The charity is independent of HM Coastguard and the Government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,700 lives.