Historic images from across the borough
Showing Lifeboat Saturday on Southport Promenade with the Royal Hotel in the background.
| Location | Southport |
|---|---|
| Photograph ID | NS_P95_80 |
| Keywords | Southport, Lifeboat, horses, Royal Hotel, Promenade, Saturday |
| Comments | In 1886, 27 men from Southport and St Anne’s lifeboat crews had perished while trying to rescue sailors from the stricken vessel Mexico. The tragedy shocked the nation, and a public appeal was launched to support the bereaved widows and their children, Queen Victoria also donated to the fund. The RNLI needed support long term to help the brave volunteer lifeboat crews and their families. In 1891 wealthy industrialist Sir Charles Macara considered the RNLI’s call for help. Charles and his wife Marion organised a committee and planned the first Lifeboat Saturday in Manchester to raise aid however; instead of asking wealthy philanthropists for money, he appealed to everyday people on the street. It was the world’s first street collection ever recorded, and the formula proved popular for decades and spread to other towns and cities including Southport. This idea lead to the organisations voluntary fundraising which is still evident today. |
| Photograph Date | c1891-1900 |
