Members who visited the RNLI College in Poole last year, expressed a strong wish to visit the All-weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) on the adjacent site. 

The RNLI pledged to provide every all-weather lifeboat crew with a 25-knot lifeboat by 2019. Achievement of this objective meant building six Shannon class lifeboats each year, as well as maintaining the existing fleet.

The All-weather Lifeboat Centre, which officially opened on 21st August 2015, was established to make this happen. Bringing construction under one roof has also enabled greater control of costs and quality.

The All-weather Lifeboat Centre Tour will take members behind the scenes at this world-class lifeboat-building factory.

The tour will commence at 10.30am on Saturday 21st March.

Members should assemble in the RNLI College Reception Area from 10.00am. There will be a charge of £5.00 per person, payable in Reception.

Members may take lunch in the Training Centre restaurant overlooking Poole Harbour.

Limited parking is available at the Centre, so car sharing and early arrival is recommended.

The maximum number of people who can be accomodated is 25, so booking will be on a "first come, first served" basis.

Consideration will be given to arranging a second visit if the numbers justify this.