Hidden Depths - The Role Of Women In The RNLI

A Chiswick Pier talk given by Sue Hennessy

Hidden Depths – The Role of Women in the RNLI
is the subject of a talk by Sue Hennessy on Tuesday 27 November at 7.30pm at Chiswick Pier Trust.

For over 180 years images of strong, selfless males have populated the reports and literature of the lifeboat service. What has not been so well documented or recognised are the roles that, right from the very beginning, women have played in working to save lives at sea.

The stereotypical image is of women waiting in the lifeboat house for their men to return – brewing tea and giving encouragement and solace to each other. Look more deeply and it becomes clear that women have always been at the heart of the lifeboat operation, undertaking a wide range of tasks which draw upon their distinctive skills, talents and physical strength. From Victorian times right through to the twenty-first century, women have always been ‘strong to save

The RNLI is alive with outstanding women working alongside equally exceptional men, ensuring that as many people as possible who find themselves in trouble, either on or by the sea, live rather than drown. The talk will illuminate some of the feats of strength and teamwork these courageous and dedicated women have performed and still do.

Sue Hennessy had a distinguished career with the RNLI which culminated in being the founder Principal of the Lifeboat college, opened in 2004, where crew volunteers are trained. Aware that the contribution made by women had never been documented, she wrote Hidden Depths: Women of the RNLI. Sue has long-standing connection with the RNLI as her great-grandfather, 100 years previously, was a coxswain of the Hythe Lifeboat.

It takes place at Chiswick Pier Trust, The Pier House, Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG. £3 for non-members, free for members. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30 pm

For further information on the Pier and how to get there, contact the Chiswick Pier Trust 020 8742 2713, or check their web site.

November 21, 2018