ANNUAL EVENT

You are invited to the:

The service, which is open to everyone, pays tribute to 35 Worthing fishermen who rescued the cargo vessel Lalla Rookh and its crew at the height of a ferocious storm in November 1850. Out of the 35 fishermen who went out, only 24 returned.

The Brave Eleven drowned victims left behind 48 distraught dependants, affecting families for generations to come.

Eleven heroes gave their lives saving others - and will always be remembered for their courage. And in giving all, their sacrifice revealed a vital need, inspiring the people of Worthing to raise sufficient money to build a self-righting lifeboat as well as a lifeboat house. From tragedy, Worthing's Lifeboat Station was born.

Independently run until 1865, when it was taken under the command of the RNLI.

Shoreham lifeboat personnel will be taking part in the remembrance service, some action video of their all-weather lifeboat will be shown, and they will be pleased to talk to anyone afterwards.

In a moving address at last year's service, Shoreham Lifeboat Operations Manager Andrew Shiner, said, “As we remember the events of November 25th 1850, that terrible storm and the 11 Worthing fishermen who never came home, I stand here not just in remembrance but in gratitude, because their courage, their instinct to help others at any cost, is the same spirit that still drives the RNLI today.”

This year's Lalla Rookh Remembrance will highlight Worthing's proud fishing heritage too, with more descendants of the town's early fishing and lifeboat families present. Some will be addressing the congregation with their family's involvement and experiences.

After the service, please stay and join us for refreshments -- a lovely opportunity to chat with one another.

For more information please contact the organiser: [ scroll or click to reveal ]