Roses mark capital's RNLI link in anniversary year

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2024

Two specially grown rose bushes to mark the RNLI's 200th anniversary have been donated to Douglas Council by the lifesaving organisation.

The roses have been planted near Michael Sandle's sculpture commemorating the charity's Manx links in the marine gardens.

The two golden orange rose bushes, named With Courage were gifted to the local authority in honour of the island's place in inspiring the founding of the organisation.

Councillor Andrew Bentley, chair of the Regeneration and Community Committee, said the rose "perfectly" commemorated the anniversary.

The rose bushes have been planted in the marine gardens on Douglas Promenade

Sir William Hillary founded the charity after witnessing several shipwrecks off the Manx coast while living in Douglas.

Councillor Bentley said the "rich nautical heritage of the island" could not be "better summed up than the lifesaving and fundraising work the RNLI carries out in Manx seas".

Dedicated lifeboat crews on the island had given "countless hours" of service, he added.

The rose was the result of a partnership between the RNLI and grower Peter Beales, has gifted 250 rose bushes to the organisation.