00:00We have an honour to stand with you to celebrate an immense milestone that resonates deep within the heart of
00:07our county, the 125th anniversary of the Mindhead Parham L.I.
00:14We are gathered to honour what is a vital coastal asset that stood watch for over 33 miles over the
00:24Bristol Channel since 1901.
00:27Our history here was forged in the spirit of the Leather Creek 1899 Overland Lodge, where teams of horses and
00:36villagers fought a lifeboat in Louisa, 13 miles across Exmoor, to Paul-Lock Weir in a display of strength and
00:46fortitude that remains one of the most audacious feats in the RNVI's history.
00:55Today, whilst technology has advanced, the high-speed Atlantic 85 and the D-class lifeboat, the core of this station
01:05remains unchanged.
01:08It is the volunteers.
01:12And as the Lola tenant, I wish to personally thank the kingpins of this station.
01:21To the volunteer crew, some of whom have dedicated over 40 years of their life to service here.
01:30To the newest members, who are part of the crew that is about a sense of purpose and being part
01:38of something much bigger than yourself.
01:42To the support teams, which as I've already mentioned earlier, the tireless fundraisers, the shop staff and the visitor team,
01:53whose guys work year-round to share this 125-year history with the next generation.
02:04With this recently refurbished, amazing boat house, we're not maybe looking back for 125 years to save the lives at
02:13sea.
02:14We are, as Chairman Richard Newton has happily put it, sowing the seeds for another 125 years.
02:22Of service to the Expo Coast and the wider community.
02:28So, on behalf of the Crown and the people of Somerset, thank you for your unwavering commitment, your courage, your
02:39teamwork.
02:40You are the very best of us. Thank you.
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