Alton became part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s 200th-anniversary celebrations with the signing of the Connecting Communities Scroll on March 20, 2024.

RNLI Alton Branch Chair, Hazel Chapman, Alton Town Mayor, Councillor Annette Eyre, and the Pearly King and Queen of Lambeth were among the dignitaries at the event.

The celebrations commemorated the RNLI’s two-century long lifesaving history.

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The unique scroll has been on a relay-style journey since March 4, 2024, travelling across RNLI communities across the UK and Ireland, lifeboat stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches. Each location signs the scroll - a pledge of commitment to the RNLI’s One Crew.

The RNLI hopes this initiative will inspire the future generation of lifesavers.

The scroll, stored in a bespoke protective case made from material used in lifeboats, will make its final stop in October on the Isle of Man, the birthplace of RNLI founder Sir William Hillary, before being displayed at the RNLI College in Poole.

Alton Town Mayor, Councillor Annette Eyre said: "We are honoured to have the RNLI Connecting Communities Scroll visit Alton today and signed in the Town Hall. This scroll will be a lasting legacy and serve as a reminder to future generations of the dedication and commitment of the charity’s volunteers."