WITH the 150th anniversary of Port Isaac RNLI fast approaching, and in early celebration of this landmark event, a record number of visitors and locals alike, joined together with the RNLI crew and committee for the annual Summer Service conducted by the station chaplain the Rev Elizabeth Wild on the harbour platt.

As usual, the service started off with the traditional RNLI Hymn ‘Will your anchor hold’ which was led by the rousing music of the St Minver Silver Band and further enhanced by the excellent singing of the Port Isaac Chorale.

The event was opened by chairman Bob Bulgin, who extended on behalf of the crew and committee a warm welcome to all attending.

He drew attention to the fact that saving lives at sea at Port Isaac had first been recorded 157 years ago.

Back in 1859 when William Mitchell gained distinction by leading a daring rescue for which he was awarded the Institution Silver Medal, there and then he settled down the very foundation of Port Isaac`s life saving service.

Rev Wild then blessed the volunteer crew and the lifeboat in their continuing dedication to saving lives at sea and their families who provide support when away at sea on rescue operations.

Three readings were given by the Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Bolton, Senior Helmsman, Damien Bolton and Chairman Bob Bulgin before the service concluded with three rousing hurrah`s marking the Queens’ 90th birthday and the national anthem.

All attending were then invited by the committee and crew to join them for cream teas and refreshments in the lifeboat station to mark the event.