Withernsea RNLI will be marking two special anniversaries – as well as the launch of its new shop – at a garden party at the town’s lighthouse.
At the event on Saturday, June 15, from 10am to 3pm, visitors to Withernsea Lighthouse will have the chance to meet the crew, learn about the station’s history and view its D-class lifeboat, the Mary Beal.
The RNLI is 200 years old this year, while the Withernsea station is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Although a lifeboat had operated out of the town since the mid-Victorian era, the station was closed in 1913 and it was not until 1974 that it was re-established at its current side on South Promenade.
There will be a range of other stalls at the garden party, including the Coastguard, plus the Pavilion Pierrots, who have donated their time free of charge to support the charity and entertain visitors. There will also be some water safety-based activities.
Withernsea mayor Ian Blackburn will be performing the grand opening of the shop at 10.30am. Based at the lighthouse, it will offer a range of RNLI souvenirs with proceeds going towards the charity.
Admission to the garden party is free, but charges apply to visit the lighthouse museum, which features photos documenting the history of Withernsea’s RNLI and Coastguard, exhibits charting the town’s wartime past, artwork from the children of Withernsea Primary School, and more.