Mayor officially opens refurbished lifeboat museum
The mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Carolyn Heaps, has cut the tape and officially reopened the recently refurbished historic RNLI lifeboat Museum on the seafront near the Western Lawns
The William Terriss Memorial Boathouse was first opened in 1898 as a tribute to the famous actor who was murdered outside the Adelphi Theatre in London two years earlier. The building housed operational lifeboats until 1924 and then housed a display lifeboat, the James Stevens No 6, until 1936 when the boat was sold. The building then became the first ever RNLI Museum and will soon celebrate its 75th anniversary. Having undergone many facelifts and refurbishments over its long history, including the addition of a shop selling a wide variety of RNLI souvenirs and clothing, the latest has sought to preserve the original character of the building.
RNLI Chief Executive Paul Boissier praised the dedication and commitment of the volunteers who have worked hard to ensure the building has become one of the most successful in the country. He also took the opportunity of presenting a special certificate of thanks to volunteer Hettie Pittendriech who has been a shop helper for many decades.
Eastbourne’s Mayor, Councillor Carolyn Heaps, expressed her delight at being able to support the town’s RNLI lifeboat service and also praised the dedication commitment and bravery of the volunteer crew.