Appeal to celebrate 200 years of RNLI

Appeal to celebrate 200 years of RNLI

5 March 2025

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has been asked to recognise Newcastle RNLI which in May is celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea.

The lifeboat station was first established in 1825 in Rossglass with the support of the Co Down District Association of the Institution before moving to St John’s Point Coastguard Station where it remained until 1843. 

At this time, there was no lifeboat in Dundrum Bay until the Institution placed one in Newcastle in 1854 following numerous wrecks, including the tragic Newcastle fishing disaster in 1843 and the stranding of the SS Great Britain in 1846.

Mournes councillor Willie Clarke said the “invaluable contribution” Newcastle RNLI has made to the safety and wellbeing of sea farers in South Down should be formally recognised.

At Monday night’s monthly meeting of the local authority he called on the council to officially recognise the significant milestone.

He said the resort’s lifeboat station as been a “cornerstone of maritime safety” in South Down for two centuries and played a pivotal role saving countless lives at sea and supporting the wellbeing of seafarers in the community.

Cllr Clarke said Newcastle RNLI has been a beacon of hope and safety for coastal communities for two centuries, with its dedication to saving lives at sea and unwavering commitment to those who put to sea “truly commendable”.

He said it only fitting that the local authority formally recognises and celebrates Newcastle RNLI’s 200th anniversary milestone and that by expressing gratitude can ensure the organisation’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Politicians agreed on Monday night to refer Cllr Clarke’s proposal to the local authority’s Equality and Good Relations Committee for debate before a formal recommendation on the way forward would come before the full council.

In May, the resort’s Slieve Donard Hotel is hosting a gala ball which is one of several planned events to mark the 200-year milestone, with the RNLI looking for volunteers to help.

Newcastle lifeboat station has been a part of the lives of so many in the resort and surrounding area, with  the 200th organising committee keen to hear people’s stories, view their photos and share their memories.  

Committee members are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been rescued by the lifeboat crew over the years.

Newcastle RNLI 200 committee members say there is such a rich history of saving lives at sea in Newcastle that members would love to hear from people who can reminisce and share their own nostalgic moments from the last 200 years.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has been rescued by the local volunteer crew and are also keen for anyone with old photos or memorabilia relating to Newcastle RNLI to get in touch as they would really like to incorporate these into their celebrations.

Tickets for the anniversary gala ball which is formal dress on May 9 are priced £65. The event begins with at 7pm sharp preceded by a Captain’s drinks reception at 6.30pm.

Tickets are available from Orlaith on 07732 818230 or Trez on 07734 050022.

Anyone who believes they can assist the 200th anniversary committee is asked to get in touch via Newcastle@rnli.org.uk or sending a private message to the station Facebook page.