Plans for giant mural on Weymouth harbourside to mark RNLI's 100th anniversary
It would go up on Custom House Cafe
A giant mural could be painted on the side of a Weymouth harbourside property to mark the 100th anniversary of the RNLI.
An application for the mural on the Grade 2 listed Custom House Café, which dates from the 1790s, comes from the Poole-based national lifeboat headquarters.
The mural, showing the Weymouth Severn-class lifeboat, the Ernest and Mabel, bashing through waves, is planned for third-floor level on the side of the building at the Custom House Quay- East Street junction, opposite the E-Bike café.
The site is almost directly opposite the RNLI’s Weymouth Lifeboat Station, one of the busiest on the south coast.
Said the RNLI application to Dorset Council: “The purpose of the proposed mural is to commemorate the RNLI’s significant contribution to the local community of Weymouth and the lives that they’ve saved at sea over the past 200 years. In addition, it will promote awareness of the charity, which will generate donations and interest from residents and visitors in volunteering opportunities.”
Several letters have already been sent to the council supporting the application. Said one, from Barry Stonham from Kempston Road: “This is an exciting proposal, with two very palpable benefits – it will make a vibrant focal point on the North Quay, which will surely be a huge draw for tourists, and it will be a fitting tribute to the RNLI and to Weymouth Lifeboat after 200 and 155 years respectively of selfless service. Fully supported.”
Public comments on the application remain open until June 21st.