VOLUNTEERS from Burnham-on-Sea's RNLI crew have signed a 200th anniversary pledge which is making its way around the UK.

On Sunday, April 21, at 10:00 am representatives from Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat station and fundraising branch welcomed the RNLI200 Scroll as part of its ‘Connecting our Communities’ relay-style event.

The scroll is being passed around stations across the nation, as part of the charity's 200th anniversary celebrations.

Volunteers at the lifeboat stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches have been signing the scroll, which bears the RNLI pledge, before sending it on the next leg of its journey.

It was delivered to Burnham-on-Sea by Chris Smith from the RNLI Bi-century team, with Burnham marking the 54th station in the journey of the scroll so far.

Lifeboat station and lifeboat volunteers as well as designated volunteers who signed the scroll included Launch Authority/Helm - Scott Rundle, Fundraising Chair - Denise Gocher, RNLI shop Manager - Maureen Philp, Water Safety Officer/DLA - Nigel Morton, Lifeguard - Megan Rundle, and Launch Authority - Phil Counsell.

Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Davies said: "It is great to see the journey of the scroll, which is an honour for us, and I wish the scroll team every success in their travels."

The RNLI pledge which the scroll bears, reads: ‘Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save every one we can. It's what makes every one of us a lifesaver.’

Beneath the pledge, printed in seven languages (English, Irish Gaelic, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Ulster Scots, Manx, and Cornish), it says: ‘Signed in 2024 by representatives of the RNLI’s lifesaving communities, on behalf of all who strive to save every one.’

The scroll began its journey on Monday 4 March 2024, at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to mark the charity’s official 200th anniversary, where it was signed by RNLI President, HRH The Duke of Kent, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Dean of Westminster, the RNLI’s Chair and the RNLI’s Chief Executive.