THE visits team in Minehead’s newly refurbished and extended Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) boathouse have been ramping up for action ahead of the season’s first trip to the town by the paddle steamer Waverley.

The lifeboat station’s refurbishment included a much-improved visitor experience which has seen more people wanting to know about its history and how the modern station equipment and boats contribute to the volunteer crews’ lifesaving record.

The eight members of the visits team have therefore been kept extra busy in recent weeks.

The RNLI’s Saving Lives at Sea publicity campaign has contributed hugely to public awareness of the work of the charity and more visitors than ever want to go and see the equipment, and to learn about the work of the volunteers.

Visiting women's institute members are shown around the Minehead RNLI Station by visits officer Eric Atkins.
Visiting Mothers’ Union members are shown around the Minehead RNLI Station by visits officer Eric Atkins. PHOTO: Ray Ventura. ( )

Ad hoc free tours are given all year round on Saturdays and Tuesdays between 12 pm and 4 pm, and all guides are fully trained in station protocol and safety, and with extensive knowledge of all aspects of the lifeboat station, equipment, and crew training.

Tour hours are extended from July 18 to early September to include Thursdays between 11am and 4pm, and Sundays from 1.30 pm to 4 pm.

Visitors can also see the crew launch on training exercises on most Sundays at about 9am.

The lifeboat station will also be helping to welcome the Waverley to Minehead with extended availability for tours on June 2, 4 and 20, and the station shop is open daily during the summer between 10.30 am and 4 pm.

Minehead RNLI visits officer Eric Atkins explains some of the lifeboat crew's equipment to a visiting women's institute group.
Minehead RNLI visits officer Eric Atkins explains some of the lifeboat crew's equipment to a visiting Mothers’ Union group. PHOTO: Ray Ventura. ( )

Ray Ventura, from the station’s visits team, said: “We have an exciting summer ahead, and are really looking forward to telling people about Minehead RNLI’s 125-year story.

“We are eagerly anticipating Waverley’s visit and hope to welcome many visitors to the town.”

The RNLI visits team also goes out into the community to give group talks.

Anybody interested in hosting a talk should contact RNLI visits officer Eric Atkins by calling 07929 072299 or 01398 323634.

Visitors can also find out information about station events, and contact the team, via Minehead RNLI’s Facebook page.