Friends of Glossop Station launch latest Poetry Platform honouring 200 years of RNLI

For 200 years the volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) have saved people in desperate need at sea.

Lifeboat crews and lifeguards are known for their courage and, as you read this, the chances are that at least one lifeboat will be out at sea heading to a rescue in their anniversary year. 

In celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary the Friends of Glossop Station (FoGS) have launched their latest Poetry Platform acknowledging the bravery of these valiant volunteers.

Alongside a brief history of the RNLI the display features extracts of verses from two 19th century poets; a tribute to all lifeboat crews from a local Crosshaven man and a poem by a retired lifeboat Coxswain.

Also featured are the lyrics of Phil Coulter’s unofficial anthem of lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland.

It’s all down to kindness. None of their incredible rescues would be possible without the kindness shown by the public. Since 1824 the kit, training, lifeboats and fuel the RNLI needs to carry out their lifesaving work has been funded by kind donations.

Take a moment to have a look at the display as you pass through the station and remember the bravery of all those volunteers involved with saving lives at sea.

FoGS hopes the display will further encourage readers to support this valuable institution. Find out how you can donate by visiting the website at rnli.org. 

The next Poetry Platform is due to be published in June and acknowledges another 200th anniversary, that of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) founded on June 16, 1824. For that display one space will be allocated to a new work.

If you are a local writer and would like to submit a poem to be considered for inclusion on that display please send it to poetry@friendsofglossopstation.co.uk.

Poems should be no more than 20 lines long and be an unpublished work. Please also include your name, address and contact number with your submission.

The winning entry will be included on the FoGS Poetry Platform display, receiving a framed copy of their poem alongside a photograph of the display itself. Submissions should be received by 31 May 2024; any submitted after that date will not be considered.