For 200 years they have been saving lives at sea and now the heroics of the lifeboat crew at Wells is to be celebrated from next month.
The Wells RNLI station is to hold a series of celebratory events from Friday, March 1 to mark its double centenary this year.
Wells Maltings is hosting several events, including an exhibition and a chance to enjoy a brew with the lifeboat crew.
March 1 will see the opening of ‘The 200th Anniversary’ exhibition, at the Wells Maltings.
Simon Daykin, director of the Wells Maltings, said: “The role that the RNLI plays in Wells – and around the country – is more than vital.
"Aside from its rescue role, the lifeboat is embedded and entwined into the fabric of the community and its heritage.
"In our small way at Wells Maltings, we are delighted to be celebrating its first 200 years with this special weekend of events and activities.”
Students from Alderman Peel High School and Wells Primary School will also display their work at the exhibition.
They have been tasked to create 2D and 3D mixed media artwork pieces, alongside submitting their best photography based on the theme of the RNLI and North Norfolk Coastline, as well as lifeboats across the UK.
Wells RNLI press officer, Jess Curtis, added: “It’s been an honour to work alongside Wells Maltings to organise all of these events and to be able to invite local schools to showcase how they view 200 years of lifesaving.
They are the future of Wells RNLI and it's important to inspire them.”
What is on?
200th-anniversary exhibition, March 1 to 9, daily from 10am to 5pm
The Grand ‘Heave-To’ Quiz, March 1, 7.30pm, at The Wells Maltings. £12 per team (up to 4)
The Wells Wet Welly Walk, March 2 and 3.
A self-guided walk around Wells to find the Yellow Wellies. Discovering a few secrets and less known features of our town. Call into Wells Maltings visitor information centre for your map for a small donation to RNLI funds. Prize on return.
Water safety talks, March 2, 10am-4pm, Wells Maltings.
Learn about water safety with Wells RNLIs Water safety officer Mandy
Watery Crafts, March 2, between 10am and 2pm, £6
Seaside Special, March 2, 6pm.
A screening of the German film which launched at Wells Maltings last January, Jens Meurer’s heartfelt love letter to the British Coast.
This is followed by Brew with the Crew. Join coxswain Nicky King and others from the Wells RNLI crew in the Wells Maltings bar for a light-hearted chat, hosted by Maltings director Simon Daykin.
Then Wells RNLI Shannon class lifeboat ‘Duke of Edinburgh’ Will arrive in Quay at about 10am on March 3 for viewing, the crew will demonstrate.
The Blakeney Old Wild Rovers, Wells Maltings bar, March 3, 1pm.
Join the Maltings bar for shanties and banter, courtesy of local shanty men The Old Wild Rovers. Free, with donations welcome.
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