Why does the RNLI fundraise in rural Mid Witshire?
At our June meeting, Ben and Mary Bentley, respectively Chair and Secretary of Mid Wilts Fundraising, gave us an enthralling overview of this vital service. They became involved through direct experience of danger at sea.
In the Navy, Ben survived on a badly damaged ship in a severe storm, seeing another ship almost founder. Mary was rescued from a riptide by RNLI Beach Lifeguards. We watched a short video illustrating the range of rescues undertaken, and then Mary explained the historical background.
The RNLI was founded in 1824, the need inspired by shipwrecks around Isle of Man, and the rescue efforts by local people. The first crews were all fishermen. One founding resolution was to rescue all, regardless of peace, war or nationality. Another principle was that it should be funded by public donation and the first street collection was in Manchester in 1891.
Ben explained the current situation. 97% of crewmembers are volunteers, funds being spent on training, and equipment, including state-of-the-art building of lifeboats. The first woman Commander was in 1969, and recently a female crew made their first rescue. Last year 44,000 were assisted and 389 lives saved. Dogs are also rescued, to discourage owners from trying to save pets and putting themselves into danger. We saw a map of the UK mainland, the coast entirely surrounded by a vast number of red dots representing RNLI rescues. Inland, were a similar number of blue dots, representing where those rescued live. If you go for a seaside holiday, you might be totally unaware of how dangerous the sea can be. That is why the RNLI fundraises in Mid Wiltshire!
Next month we will meet in Suzanne Wickham’s garden for our annual summer party.