On Wednesday 20 March 2024, Alton became part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution history when the Connecting Communities Scroll was signed by Hazel Chapman, Chair of the RNLI Alton Branch, alongside local dignitaries including Alton Town Mayor, Councillor Annette Eyre, the Pearly King and Queen of Lambeth and RNLI Alton Branch representatives.
The RNLI is connecting communities to mark 200 years of lifesaving history. In a relay-style event, they are transporting the special scroll far and wide, bringing RNLI communities together for this extraordinary moment in their lifesaving history.
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, the scroll started on its journey at the Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. Travelling to each of the charity’s communities, lifeboat stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches around the UK and Ireland it is being signed by a representative at each location on its route.
By passing this pledge from one incredible community to the next, they hope to inspire the next generation of lifesavers. On the scroll is the RNLI’s One Crew pledge, in which they promise their commitment to saving every one they can, without judgment, staying true to Sir William Hillary’s vision when he founded the charity in 1824.
During its journey, the scroll will be kept safe in a bespoke case, made from the same materials used to build and maintain lifeboats, lifeguard stations and lifeguard units. The spindle attached to the scroll was made using a 19th century lifeboat station flagpole.
Alton Town Mayor, Councillor Annette Eyre said “We are honoured to have the RNLI Connecting Communities Scroll visit Alton today and signed in the Town Hall. This scroll will be a lasting legacy and serve as a reminder to future generations of the dedication and commitment of the charity’s volunteers.”
The scroll will be taken around all 238 lifeboat stations as well as lifeguard units and fundraising branches, finishing in October at the birthplace of the founder of the RNLI, the Isle of Man. The scroll will then be on display at the RNLI College in Poole. For more information, please visit www.rnli.org
