A COLLECTION for the RNLI will take place in Salisbury this month – as part of a national commemoration.

The Salisbury and Wilton branch of the organisation is holding a street collection in the city centre on Saturday, October 12, as part of the charity’s National Street Collection Week.

The event, part of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary celebrations, will commemorate the very first street collection, in Manchester on October 10, 1891 – the first time any UK charity had appealed to the public for support as previously, charities had been funded by wealthy benefactors.

As well as volunteer collectors around the city centre, there will be a day of events in front of the Guildhall, including The Navy Larks and All at Sea shanty choirs, the Shaftesbury Silver Band, children’s activities, the RNLI face-to-face team offering advice on water safety and a stall where you can buy RNLI Christmas cards and other items.

There will be a welcoming ceremony at 11am attended by the Mayors of Salisbury and Wilton and other dignitaries.

“An event of this nature requires a large number of volunteers and the branch is looking for additional people who could give them 1-2 hours of help in the city centre as bucket collectors or other duties,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone who can help should contact Ray Stedman, branch chair, on 07900 493215, or by email to raystedman@btinternet.com.