As part of wider celebrations to commemorate the 200th year anniversary of the RNLI, Teddinton crew will join rowers from all five RNLI represented countries in a rowpast of a historic lifeboat at Henley Royal Regatta.  

The century-old boat will make a rare visit outside of its home in Whitby.  

This will take place on July the 7th at around 12:30pm with six volunteer lifeboat crew from Teddington, Hunstanton, New Quay, Galway, Larne and Kyle of Lochalsh stations rowing a restored boat, the William Riley, originally built in 1909.  

During its time in service, the William Riley took part in notable RNLI rescues, including the Rohilla, in World War One.  

It was in service to the RNLI until 1931, and was only discovered again, derelict, in 2005 in Devon. Since then, it has been restored by the Whitby Historic Lifeboat Trust, and is rarely seen outside of its home in Whitby.  

Tom Lee, a volunteer crew member at RNLI Teddington said: "I am enormously proud to be representing my RNLI region by rowing a historic lifeboat with fellow RNLI crew on a historic world-renowned course.  

"This RNLI rowpast at the Henley Royal Regatta is made even more special on the charity's 200th anniversary."

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives. (Photo: Oliver Monk)

The rowpast is an extension of various other fundraising events to help continue the vital work of the RNLI, and to celebrate its 200 year history.  

For more information, please visit the RNLI website here.