Oldest RNLI station 'not getting quieter soon'

Sunderland RNLI is 225 this year, predating the RNLI itself

The country's oldest RNLI station is not getting "quieter any time soon", its manager has said.

Sunderland RNLI is celebrating its 225th anniversary this year, making it the oldest operational lifeboat station in the UK.

Lifeboat operations manager Gemma Blakey said it was also one of the busiest with about 100 call-outs a year and she could not see that changing.

"The RNLI actually celebrated their 200th anniversary last year, so we predate the RNLI and we're very, very proud of that," she said.

"We hope to carry on as a crew for the next 225 years," the former aid worker added.

Gemma Blakey joined the RNLI about a year ago

"As a station I can't see us getting any quieter any time soon.

"It's a busy beach area, we've seen a lot of increase in water sports like paddle boarding, which is fantastic and we love to see people using the sea but it does come up with a bit of a challenge around doing that responsibly and making sure people are going out with the right equipment and support that they need."

There are currently 24 crew members

The Sunderland station was established in 1800 and was adopted by the RNLI in 1865.

Since then, there have been several stations because of difficulties getting a suitable site.

Between 1873 and 1887 there were four stations at the same time in the city. The motor lifeboat station, established in 1912, is now the only one.

There are currently 24 crew members, aged from 21 to about 50.

Ms Blakey said recruiting new volunteers could be a challenge but she was "fairly confident" it would be overcome as the crew's "constant dedication" inspired people.

The Sunderland station is one of the busiest

Mechanic and navigator Lee Stothard said the station's "impressive" history was a "conversation starter".

The 31-year-old joined in 2018 and said he had wanted to do so since he was a kid when he watched the RNLI vessel from his dad's fishing boat.

"It came steaming out past us over the top of the waves and it was really impressive and since then I've always really wanted to do it," he said.

Lee Stothard had wanted to join the RNLI since he was a boy

Mr Stothard added he wanted to continue volunteering at the station "all the way to the end".

"It's something I'm really proud of doing," he said.

"You've got a lot of stories to tell, a lot of experiences and knowledge to pass on to the next generation as well."

Sonia Boydell hopes to see RNLI volunteer roles turned into jobs

Sonia Boydell, 42, joined the inshore crew in March.

The former special constable said she decided to volunteer after losing her husband two years ago.

"I think that we can't do without it, " she said of the RNLI.

"They're a very important part of everyone's lives, especially if you live by the sea."

Mrs Boydell said she would like to see it move from volunteer-based to actual employment, similar to the emergency services.

"It's a very selfless act and I think for the future it just needs to be more secured," she added.

There are plans to light up Sunderland landmarks in blue and orange on 28 October to mark the station's anniversary.