November 21st 2024.
Throughout the history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), women have played a crucial role in saving lives at sea. From its inception in 1824, women have been instrumental in the success of this life-saving organization. Despite not being allowed to serve as part of a lifeboat crew, their bravery and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In fact, just 14 years after its establishment, the first bravery medal was awarded to a woman - Grace Darling. She is now regarded as one of the most celebrated heroines of the Victorian era.
At the young age of 22, Grace risked her life in 1838 to rescue survivors from the wreck of the steamship Forfarshire. Despite not being a part of the lifeboat crew, she joined her father and together they rowed for over a mile through treacherous seas to reach the stranded survivors on Big Harcar Rock. This daring act of heroism earned her the first bravery medal for a woman in the RNLI's history.
Today, 200 years later, the contribution of women in the RNLI is being celebrated in a new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. The exhibition features 42 stunning black and white photographs taken by photographer Jack Lowe, which were recently acquired by the museum. For almost a decade, Jack has been documenting the crews and views of every RNLI lifeboat station. His evocative images, captured using Victorian glass-plate technology, offer a unique perspective on the modern work of the RNLI.
Among the women featured in the exhibition is Rhona Meikle from North Berwick, who has been involved with the RNLI for over 30 years. She began fundraising for her local lifeboat station in 1994 and three years later, started going out on familiarisation trips on the lifeboat. In 1998, she became a qualified volunteer crew member and has since held various positions at her local lifeboat station, including crew member, tractor driver, and helm. Rhona was also the first woman to become a D class helm at North Berwick RNLI Lifeboat Station.
Reflecting on her time as an RNLI volunteer, Rhona recalls attending the Buckingham Palace Garden Party earlier this year to mark the RNLI's 200th anniversary. It was a special moment for her to experience it with her mother, who had also been involved with the RNLI for many years. Rhona emphasizes the family ethos of the RNLI, which is also reflected in the exhibition.
Another woman featured in the exhibition is Yvonne Fairholm, who joined the RNLI in 2014 after moving to North Berwick as a newly qualified nurse. She was keen to get involved in the local community and saw the RNLI as an exciting way to do so. Yvonne now feels like part of a big family and has made friends across the country through her involvement with the RNLI. To other women considering joining the RNLI, Yvonne's advice is to not let your gender limit you. She stresses that the RNLI welcomes women and their contributions are just as valuable as men's.
Sandra Chalmers, a member of the RNLI in Broughty Ferry for 14 years, joined after being rescued herself during a race. She felt it was her turn to give back to the RNLI and has been a dedicated volunteer ever since. Sandra acknowledges that there is not much talk about women in the RNLI, so she believes the recognition from the exhibition is important for other women to see. She encourages women to not be deterred by the fact that the majority of RNLI stations are manned by men, as she feels a sense of pride and fulfillment in being a part of this crew.
The Women of the RNLI exhibition will be on display at the National Maritime Museum until 1 December. It is a tribute to the countless women who have played a vital role in the RNLI's success over the years. Their bravery, dedication, and passion for helping others have made a significant impact on the lives of those in need at sea. Let us celebrate and honor these remarkable women who continue to embody the spirit of the RNLI.
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