In pictures: 200 years of the RNLI at one of the country’s oldest Lifeboat stations
By Izzi Vaughan
Published 6th Mar 2024, 14:40 BST
Updated 6th Mar 2024, 15:53 BST
Newhaven Lifeboat was established in May 1803, predating the 1824 founding of the RNLI, making it one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the country.
The RNLI took operational responsibility of the station in 1854, and is now celebrating its 200th Anniversary which fell on March 4.
The crews have been awarded 19 medals for gallantry in it’s 221 year history. Most recently, Coxswain Ian Johns was awarded the MBE for services to Maritime Safety in the New Years honours in 2012.
On Saturday March 9, the volunteers of Newhaven Lifeboat are inviting the public to join them in their celebrations.
Hosted at The Marine Workshops, Newhaven, tickets are £25 per person and include a welcome drink, food by Sussex's very own Humble Pie and music by local live band Double Tap.
Tickets to the ‘RNLI Newhaven 200th Anniversary Party’ are available on Eventbrite. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the crew, both past and present, and discover the history of the RNLI.
On Saturday March 9, the volunteers of Newhaven Lifeboat are inviting the public to join them in their celebrations.
17. The great storm of 1987
On the morning of 16 October in the wake of the great storm of 1987, telephone lines and radio ariels were down, so when the Mayday from French fishing vessel ‘La Françoise’ was relayed by Solent Coastguard to Newhaven Coastguard, news of the vessel’s predicament was shouted across the river to Newhaven RNLI's 'Keith Anderson' (featured), busy helping the marina recover boats and pontoons that had been swept across the harbour by the storm. A Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman of the Institution was awarded to Coxswain Len Patten in recognition of his perseverance and expert boat handling, rescuing ‘La Françoise’ and her crew of five. A Letter of Commendation from the Director was sent to the crew for their very considerable part in the rescue. A Letter of Appreciation from the Chief of Operations was sent to Mike Tubb for his help as interpreter. Crew on 16 October 1987: Len Patten (Coxswain), Paddy Boyle (Second Coxswain), Mike Beach (Mechanic), Chris Bird, Phill Corsi, Nick Gentry, Ian Johns. Photo: Newhaven RNLI
18. Crew, 1986
Crew of the ‘Keith Anderson’ on 27 May 1986. Back row, left to right: Paul Legendre, Mark Cottenham, Steve Kent, Len Patten (Coxswain), Mike Beach, Derek Payne, Chris Bird, Ian Johns. Front row, left to right: Lol Deakin, Phill Corsi, Chris Delaney, Nick Gentry and Rob Patten. Photo: Newhaven RNLI
19. 1911
The SS Newhaven, 1911. Photo: Newhaven RNLI
20. Landing crew, 1908
Landing crew of SS Game Cock in breeches buoy, 1 September 1908, attended by Newhaven’s ‘Michael Henry IV’. Photo: Newhaven RNLI