A ROYAL visitor dropped in on Donaghadee Lifeboat Station this week to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.
The Duke of Gloucester recognised the outstanding bravery and commitment of local staff and volunteers serving at the station during a special visit to the town on Tuesday.
Accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of County Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, and the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alistair Cathcart, the Duke also toured the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat Restoration Project and Donaghadee Moat.
The Duke toured Donaghadee Station with Brian McLawrence, Donaghadee Lifeboat Operations Manager. He also met the lifeboat crew, the local RNLI fundraising team and representatives of the wider RNLI family locally.
A highlight of the afternoon was an opportunity to board the Trent class lifeboat to view the technology and conditions that the crew work under, as well as a short tour on the water.
Mr McLawrence said it was a huge honour to welcome the Duke to the station.
“Donaghadee has a proud seafaring history, and we take great pride in our people and our place here,” he said. “None of the work we do would be possible without the support of the public.”
The Duke then met the Board and volunteers of Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company, who are responsible for the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat conservation project in the town.
Vice–Chair Wesley Martin said Donaghadee Heritage was greatly honoured by this visit.
“This is a project for the whole community,” he said. “We receive visits from primary school children, and we take the story out to care homes. We already have thousands of visitors passing through each year, and we are developing all the time.
“This visit will confirm the standing of the project and help us to take it forward,” said Mr Martin.
The Duke unveiled a plaque in commemoration of those who lost their lives in MV Princess Victoria and of the crew of Sir Samuel Kelly and others who played a part in the rescue.
The visit also included a tour of Donaghadee Moat, which was recently restored by council.
