Tribute to Weymouth Lifeboat adorns Hope Square beach huts

Outside of Red Lion in Hope Square is an outdoor seating area designed to look like four beach huts in a row – and now the huts have been brought to life with a fantastic mural dedicated to the RNLI.

Brian McLaughlin, owner of the Red Lion approached the team at the Weymouth Lifeboat Station with the vision to have a tribute to the lifesaving charity painted onto the huts.

Thanks to artist Joe Coleman, of Coleman Sign and Designs, the concept became a reality.

Mr Coleman said: “Brian approached me and said I have got this space at the back of the huts, and we want to use it to celebrate such a good local charity.

“It’s brilliant and I am proud to have worked on something for a charity that is close to every Weymouth local’s heart. It’s a real privilege.”

In true community spirit, all of the paints used in the tribute were donated by the Weymouth branch of Brewers on Dorchester Road.

Andy Sargeant, Coxswain at Weymouth Lifeboat Station has been a volunteer at the RNLI for 35 years.

He described the artwork as ‘brilliant,’ adding that ‘it keeps the charity in the forefront of people’s minds.’

Mr Sargeant grew up around the RNLI and described the charity as ‘something close to his heart.’

RNLI beach hut outside Red Lion (Image: Hollie Carr)

He explained that this is particularly poignant due to the RNLI celebrating his 200th anniversary this year and that it also ‘pays tribute to those who have been a part of the team over the last 200 years.’

The Red Lion are huge supporters of Weymouth Lifeboat Station and for every pint sold, 10 pence is donated to the charity.

Kiz Peck, Manager of the Red Lion said: “The beach huts come out between October and March, and we even have one named Ernest and Mabel after the Weymouth Lifeboat.

“I think that the work is incredible, Joe has done a fantastic job – it really stands out and prompts people to ask questions about the RNLI. I just want to say a big thank you to our volunteers. They are incredible.”