nal of the al National Lifeboat Institution ime 52 Number 518 Tie

Lifeboainter 1991/92 Profile of the Tyne class lifeboat t Construction of the Atlantic 21 A message from the Director

I Drinking Tea Saves Lives!

BOAT] BOAT TEA

TEA BAGS

No, this is not a new medical discovery. But it is true, bcc.uise every time an 80-tea bag packet of Lifeboat Tea is sold, four pence is contributed to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. And evervtime a 125g packet of loose tea is sold, two pence is donated. As for the life-reviving effects of Lifeboat Tea on the drinker, that tact was never in question.

Warnford Tea Unit Bl, Tmvnscnd Estate,

7 Portland Close, Moughton Regis, Beds.

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Available in larger Sainsbury's and RNLI shops, please telephone for direct delivery from our factory. The Winter 1991/92 Lifeboat

RNLI News 146 'oyal National ^^^3X What's happening in and around the Institution A Message From the Director 149 Lifeboat The RNLI's Director Brian Miles looks back on a successful 1991 tistitution Ceremonies ISO Contents Naming and dedication ceremonies around the country Built To Order, Built To Last 153 /blume 52 The construction of the RNLI's Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable dumber 518 Lifeboat Services 157 Notable launches around the coast hairman: ICHAEL VERNON Membership News 162 irector and Secretary: How the RNLI can make your subscription go further f CDR BRIAN MILES RD FNI RNR Your Letters 163 On all aspects of lifeboats and related subjects Bookshelf 164 litor: MIKE FLOYD Books of RNLI and maritime interest reviewed distant Editor: CLAIRE JUDD litorial Assistant: MARY GYOPARI The Fund Raisers 165 Ivertisement Manager: Some ways of raising money for the Institution \RBARA TROUSDELL assified Advertisements: Past and Present 169 ARION BARDSLEY From THE LIFEBOAT of May 1916, and one of today's lifeboatmen Looking at Lifeboats - the Tyne class 17O :adquarters: Continuing our series of lifeboat profiles >yal National Lifeboat Institution, est Quay Road, ole, People and Places 173 >rsetBH15 1HZ. Around and about the RNLI lephone Poole (0202) 671 133 lex 4 1328. Lifeboat Services 174 List of services for June and July 1991

Next Issue: The Spring issue of THE Subscription: A year's subscription for COVER PICTURE LIFEBOAT will appear in April 1992, and four issues costs £5.00, including postage, news items should be received by Monday, but those who are entitled to receive THE by Frank Austin 2 March 1992, but earlier if possible. LIFEBOAT free of charge will continue to Penlee's Arun class Mabel Alice at All material submitted for consideration do so. speed during an exercise off the with a view to publication should be ad- Overseas subscriptions depend on the cost Cornish coast. The Tater-Dhu dressed to The Editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal of postage to the country concerned. Write to National Lifeboat Institution, West Quay the RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset lighthouse is visible in the back- Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. BH15 1HZ. ground. Photographs intended for return should be accompanied by a stamped, addressed enve- Printed by the Friary Press, Bridport Road, lope. Dorchester, Dorset

145 NEWS NEWS

Foreign visitors Twelve crew members of the Ice- Part of the training was to cap- Public service! heard his local had ordered new landic Lifeboat Service and two size the lifeboat and crew, who Former coxswain of the old pub signs - until he discovered he crew members of the MoD Range carried out the necessary drills, Walmer lifeboats Bruce Brown was the subject! Safety boat at Benbecula took leaving the underside of the life- thought nothing of it when he The new sign outside 'The Life- part in an intensive four-day boat before righting her by means boat' Pub on The Strand, training course - to provide of an air bag on the stern. Walmer depicts Bruce on one training and experience in a va- The crew also took part in a side and Walmer's relief At- riety of drills and procedures on night exercise, winching practices lantic 21 lifeboat on the the Atlantic 21 inshore lifeboat - with an SAR helicopter and other. at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre, emergency beaching and The signs were painted by Cowes from 22-25 October. relaunching procedures. local artist Wally Hardman, Crew members of Atlantic 21 s The Icelandic Lifeboat Service, who also happens to be are trained at Cowes and crew a voluntary service supported by Bruce's brother-in-law. The from foreign lifeboat societies state funds, was founded on the first Bruce knew of the hon- operating the same or similar craft lines of the RNLI in 1928 and our was when pub licensees often receive specialist training operates 24 rigid inflatable boats Frank and Margaret Renihan, at the centre. and 82 other inflatables. who secretly commissioned the paintings, asked him to unveil the new signs! Cromer's pride Royal Naval Air Station, Great Photo Basil M. Kidd, 18 August saw the handover of Yarmouth, during World War I. East Kent Mercury Cramer's famous wartime life- In May, she returned to Cramer ftoafHFBailey byPeterCadbury promenade for restoration, a task to the town's lifeboat museum. willingly undertaken by former Missing medal! luncheon at the Hilton Hotel in Once commanded by legendary- lifeboat mechanic Dontiv Abbs, A slip of the pen in the last cen- London, organised by the Royal coxswain Henry Blogg, HF Bai- his wife Jenny, former crewman tury has condemned a medal Association for Disability and ley served at Cramer from 1935- Lewis 'Tuner'Harrison and uni- service to decades of 'unfeted Rehabilitation, chaired by the Rt 1945, saving 518 lives. versity student Rob Webster. exile' from RNLI record books. Hon Norman Tebbit MP on 6 She left the RNLI fleet in 1974 The dav was memorable for an- The forgotten rescue took place November 1991. and was on display in a Surrey other reason, too, as Cramer on 8 February 1856 when the Sponsored by Leeds Building theme park until 1989 when she RNLI welcomed several survivors French lugger Bon Levie capsized Society, the Men of the Year was sold to a London survevor. rescued by HF Bailey during the near Porthcawl, Glamorgan, luncheon has been organised by In April 1991, Peter Cadhury, war from SS Meriones, SS Eng- throwing her four-man crew into RADAR for over 30 years. grandson of the founder of the lish Trader and Convoy 559. the sea in very bad weather. chocolate empire, bought the boat It was an emotional moment as With six other men, Captain And briefly... at auction/or Cramer as a memo- the visitors met up with the three Charles Taw, master of the • 'We will be there' by Dene schooner Devonport, waded into Michael, advertised in the autumn rial to his late father Major Egbert surviving crew members from 50 issue of THE LIKEBOAT, is available the sea and saved two of the Cadbury, who commanded the years ago. from Mr David Schofield, Holme Frenchmen. Valley Fire Protection Engineers at For his actions Captain Taw was Unit 4, Thongsbridge Mills, Miry awarded the RNLI's Silver Medal, Lane, Thongsbridge. Huddersfield, tel but for some unknown reason the 0484 686900. award was not recorded. 0 The advertisement in the autumn Now that the 'missing medal' issue for the Grace Darling Mug by has been rediscovered by the Peter Jones China appears to have Rescue Records section at RNLI caused some distress to readers who purchased the limited edition mug Headquarters steps are being after a previous advertisement. taken to rectify the mistake... The company stresses the mug has not been re-issued and the latest Man of the Year advertisement refers to unsold mugs Recipient of the 1990 Maud Smith from the original limited series of award, James Dougal, assistant 2,500, first advertised in the spring second coxswain and assistant 1990 issue of THE LIFEBOAT. mechanic of Eyemouth lifeboat, The RNLI has recently been has been named one of the 'Men looking at commercial concerns of the Year' after the rescue of with which it could profitably co- two skin divers during a hurri- operate. These include Frizzell Mother-and-daughter lifeboat crew members Anna Hubbard (right) and Sian cane in October last year, a serv- Financial Services, an RNLI sup- Hubbard (left) of Borth station, Dyfed out on exercise in the station's D class ice reported in the summer issue porter for some time. Full details inflatable. Having enrolled in October 1978, Anna is now the longest serving of THE LIFEBOAT. of a new scheme whereby the female lifeboat crew member, while Sian joined the RNLI in April 1991. Mr Dougal, who was also RNLI will receive commission The Institution can also boast another mother-and-daughterteam within its ranks awarded the RNLI's Silver Medal on a range of Frizzell services - Melanie and Emma Hunt are both members of the Marazion crew. will appear in the spring issue. for his courage, attended a special 146 NEWS NEWS

Sheringham's new boat 1992 AGM D class training A new 30-knot Atlantic 21 life- The Institution's 1992 annual Following the success of two pi- engine and gain experience in boat is to be stationed at general meeting of governors and lot courses, the Institution plans boathandling, seamanship and Sheringham, replacing the 8-knot the annual presentation of awards to introduce a training course for navigation, taking partin capsize Oakley class lifeboat as part of the will take place on Tuesday 19 crew members operating the 16ft trials and a helicopter exercise. RNLI's plan to introduce fast May at the South Bank, London. D class inshore lifeboat. Those who took part considered lifeboats to every station by the The governors' annual general A pilot training course was held this to be an effective way of pro- end of 1993. The new lifeboat is meeting is to be held in the Queen at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre, viding instruction for crew mem- expected to enter service in spring Elizabeth Hall, and the annual Cowes in June for deputy divi- bers in the basic operation and 1992 when the Oakley Lloyds II, presentation of awards to sional inspectors. A second maintenance ofD class lifeboats. built in 1966 and on temporary lifeboatmen and honorary work- course in September, involved 12 Twelve D class training courses station duty, is withdrawn. ers will be conducted in the main experienced helmsmen from dif- are being planned for 1992, the MrGraham Newman, chairman auditorium of the adjacent Royal ferent stations around the UK. number of courses increasing in of the search and rescue commit- Festival Hall. The proposed three-day course following years. tee said, 'Lifeboat cover on the All governors of the RNLI includes instruction on the con- In the longer term, it is intended north Norfolk coast will be con- should find an application form struction, capabilities and limi- that at least 50% of currently siderably improved when the At- for both meetings enclosed with tations of the lifeboat. The crew enrolled D class crew members lantic 21 comes to Sheringham. this issue of THE LIFEBOAT. are shown how to cany out rou- at each station will have attended 'We already have excellent all- Should any governor who tine maintenance on the hull and a course during the ne.xtflveyears. weather cover for the area pro- wishes to attend the meetings not vided by the Mersey class at Wells receive a form, please write to and the Tyne class at Cromer. The Director, RNLI, West Quay Colourful parade 'The Atlantic 21 is nearly four Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. Three Kirkwall lifeboatmen pa- the crew in March this year. times as fast as her predecessor. There is no need to return the raded the colour of the RNLI at The Annual National Service This additional speed, coupled form if you will not be attending the Annual National Service for for Seafarers has been held at St with her ability to work in shal- the meeting or if you do not wish Seafarers at St Paul's Cathedral, Paul's Cathedral since October low inshore waters, will fully to receive the annual report and London on 9 October, represent- 1905, the centenary of Nelson's complement the capabilities of accounts. ing their 5,000 volunteer crew death at Trafalgar. It is attended her neighbouring stations.' Branches and guilds will receive member colleagues at 209 stations by members of the Royal Navy, details of how to apply for tickets around the British Isles. Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Merchant Newspoint to the presentation of awards from Dupre Strutt, appointed boat Navy, sea training schools and The RNLI must always be looking their regional offices, and other mechanic at Kirkwall in 1967, representatives from commercial to the future to ensure that it will be supporters who wish to attend the carried the colour, escorted by shipping and fishing companies in the best position to cope with presentation should write to the second coxswain Geoffrey Gar- and organisations concerned with changing circumstances around dens, and Ian Scatter, who joined safety and rescue at sea. our coasts. Director at the above address. In addition to the development of new classes of lifeboat there has already been a thorough review of 40 years as patron (1965), St Peter Port (1978) and Ler- a garden party was held at Bucking- likely casualty patterns in years to 1992 marks the 40th anniversary of wick (1981): and attending naming ham Palace for the Institution's 150th come, but even this does not the accession of Queen Elizabeth II ceremonies at Henley (of The Royal anniversary. In 1977, Her Majesty present the complete picture of to the Throne and 40 years as patron British Legion Jubilee in 1972) and at conducted a Silver Jubilee review of the future. of the Royal National Lifeboat In- Hartlepool (of The Scout in 1977, the the fleet in the Solent, involving As a result the RNLI commis- stitution. first naming of a lifeboat at a station three lifeboats, and a Jubilee tour, sioned a survey into the number of Following confirmation that June, by a reigning monarch). In July 1974, where she met lifeboat crews. THE LIFEBOAT Journal of July 1952 coastal water-related deaths over Her Majesty inspects the Lerwick lifeboat crew during her visit to the Shetlands the past ten years, using its own states that 'Her Majesty the Queen in August 1960. Photo Evening News, London statistics, together with those of has been graciously , the Royal Life Saving Society and pleased to give her patron- HM Coastguard, to discover age to the Institution. Her whether it would be possible to Majesty Queen Elizabeth, reduce the number of lives lost at the Queen Mother, who has sea each year. The survey re- been a patron since 1937. vealed that despite the efforts of and Her Majesty Queen the RNLI and other water safety Mary, who has been a pa- organisations an average of 160 tron since 1911, continue people still lost their lives at sea to be patrons.' each year, and identified the risk The Queen's first links areas. with the RNLI date back to The results of this survey have December 1947 in the persuaded the RNLI of the need to years before her accession. monitor water-related deaths in During her many years of more detail, to examine the causes association with the Insti- and to explore ways to reduce tution since, she has at- emergencies - as well as to con- tended a number of RNLI tinue to enhance its own rescue events, among them meet- service. ing the crews at Yarmouth

147 NEWS NEWS

Gone adrift Lifeboat supporter Alan Morriss, Scottish cover review 87, discovered he had steered a A review of nine Scottish lifeboat wrong course when he turned up stations has been carried out by for the North Sunderland naming an RNLI delegation to ensure that ceremony of the Mersey class appropriate life-saving cover is Grace Darling, which was provided by each. christened by The Duchess of Cover was reviewed from 16- Kent on Tuesday 24 September. 19 October at Wick, Thurso, Instead of stepping off the train Invergordon, Buckie, Macduff, at North Sunderland in Northum- Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Aber- berland, Mr Morriss made the deen and Arbroath in accordance unfortunate mistake of disem- with RNLI policy. barking at Sunderland station, The delegation was led by Mr thinking it was the same town as Graham Newman, chairman of that hosting the ceremony some the RNLI's search and rescue Above (left to right): Mr Ankers, Mr Hurst, Mr Lamden, Mrs Lamden, Mrs 50 miles away. committee, accompanied by Holloway and Mrs Ankers aboard The Four Boys. Mr Morriss, a retired engineer, committee of management mem- Four Boys had travelled from his home in bers the Duke of Atholl and Mr Parents of the four boys who Sennen Cove, is named in Kent specially to be at the cer- Wallace Clark, with RNLI chief drowned on a school trip when memory of Nicholas Hurst. emony at Seahouses having re- of operations Commodore George they were swept from the rocks Robert Ankers. Ricci Lamden ceived an official invitation fol- Cooper and RNLI divisional in- at Lands End in May 1985 vis- and Jamie Holloway. lowing his substantial donation spector for Scotland (North) Mr ited RNLI Headquarters in During their visit, the proud towards the cost of the Mersey. Leslie Vipond. November to see the new life- parents took a trip out on the BR officials contacted the local Results of the review are ex- boat named in memory of their new lifeboat and presented to newspaper who whisked him off pected early next year. sons and to hand over a cheque Mr Anthony Oliver, deputy head to the correct destination, where from their fund raising efforts of fund raising and marketing, a he arrived three hours late, to the vited by the Institution to attend since the tragedy. cheque for £7.600, the balance astonishment of RNLI officials. the future naming of Margate's The new Mersey class The of their appeal which has raised Mr Morriss has now been in- Mersey Leonard Kent. Four Bovs, now stationed at £97.700.

Hoist away... Lifeboat Saturdays The main construction work on the new gantry launching system at 700 Years ago on 10 October Saturdav'. featuring a grand Workington has now been completed and Sir John Fisher, the Tyne 1891, the first ever street collec- cavalcade, to make the public at class lifeboat allocated to the station, is pictured during lifting trials. tion for a national charitY was large aware of the service pro- Further evaluation trials and some modifications are continuing and held in Manchester on behalf of vided b\ the brave volunteer it is hoped that the launching system will become operational in late the RNLI. lifeboatmen and of the need for spring 1992. Meanwhile the Solent class Douglas Carrie remains on This important historical land- widespread financial support. service as the station lifeboat. mark was celebrated by a gather- Soon similar Lifeboat Satur- ing on 8 October in Albert Square. da\s were being held in other Manchester when a modern in- towns and cities throughout the shore lifeboat was drawn by- British Isles. Webster's Brewery shire horses, Macara's wife Charlotte echoing the original lifeboat pa- formed the 'Ladies Ancillaries' rade all those Years ago. who helped with the collections A special lifeboat day collection and began to hold other fund took place in Manchester on Sat- raising events and to collect urday 12 October, and a five-day from houses. It heralded the exhibition highlighting the anni- growth of the RNLI local branch YersarY was displaYed at two s\'stem and house-to-house col- branches of the National West- lections which remain a basis minster Bank. for the Institution's raised in- The first Lifeboat Saturday fol- come today. lowed the worst lifeboat disaster In 1990. RNLI flag days and in RNLI history when 27 house-to-house collections ex- lifeboatnten from the St Annes ceeded £2 mi/lion. and Southport stations perished The debt which the RNLI - and attempting to rescue the crew of indeed all charities - owe to the German barque Mexico. Charles Macara is considerable As well as setting up a disaster for. as his biographer W. fund for the widows and orphans, Haslam Mills declared. Manchester businessman Charles 'He brought charity into the Macara introduced 'Lifeboat streets and streets into charitY'. 148 A message from the RNLI in Ireland and of its ability to draw together the talents and enthusiasms of per- sons from every sector of the community. The President's most generous comments can the Director so easily be applied to the RNLI as a whole. Timeless qualities Twelve months ago we predicted another including the RNLI's Arun class Duke ofAtho/l busy, challenging year for the RNLI. and our and Mersey class Marine Engineer. The crews In June, I was invited formally to re-open predictions have certainly proved correct. represented lifeboat stations in England, Ire- the boathouse at Teignmouth lifeboat station. The launchings of the prototype FABs 3 land, Scotland and Wales and, as ever, proved It was an occasion which illustrated perfectly and 4 were keenly anticipated as so many of marvellous ambassadors for the Institution. the timeless qualities of the RNLI. our future hopes rest with the successful in- Other highlights in 1991 included the nu- The boathouse was in use when the troduction of these boats into our fleet. merous engagements undertaken on the Teignmouth lifeboat station was closed in Both prototypes are now undergoing tech- RNLI's behalf by both our President HRH 1940 and the pulling and sailing lifeboat with- nical trials until later this year when they The Duke of Kent and by HRH The Duchess drawn. Thanks to the considerable efforts of commence a comprehensive programme of ofKent. In 1991, they carried out five lifeboat the chairman of the station branch committee operational trials and coast evaluation. naming ceremonies between them, in addi- and others concerned locally this striking and Although early problems with the hull tion to other engagements. The President also historic old boathouse has been re-acquired construction of FAB 3 delayed the progress of attended the Annual Presentation of Awards by the RNLI and refurbished and modernised the technical trials by several weeks, they meeting at the Royal Festival Hall and, for the to accommodate the new Atlantic 21 lifeboat. were soon overcome and we remain confident first time ever, a regional fund raising con- That was just one practical link with the that these two boats will meet all our expec- ference held, on this occasion, in York. past. Even more poignant was the presence as tations, including the most vital one of win- The close interest and active participation guests of honour at the opening ceremony of ning the confidence of coxswains and crew by Their Royal Highnesses in RNLI affairs is. the surviving relatives of the crew of the who must depend on them in the future. I know, a tremendous encouragement to us all pulling and sailing lifeboat withdrawn from Last year, I made reference to the detailed and they are always warmly welcomed wher- Teignmouth 50 years ago. It was such a review in 1990 of the RNLl's Search and ever they go. pleasure to meet them and to share their pride Rescue policy to assess casualty potential At Ballyglass, County Mayo in May, the in the past and in the rebirth of their station. around the coasts of the British Isles. It proved President of Ireland, Mrs Mary Robinson, Finally, in expressing thanks for the help of considerable benefit in helping us to de- named the Arun class lifeboat recently allo- and practical support we receive at all times, termine more effectively what level of lifeboat cated to this new station. As is usual in I would emphasise that it is particularly en- cover will be needed in the future and what Ireland, the ceremony was attended by life- couraging when our supporters show they are types of lifeboat will be best able to provide it. boat people representing virtually every sta- prepared to accept change, provided the rea- We carried this process a further step for- tion in the country. The President spoke with sons for that change are fully explained and ward in 1991 when we commissioned re- great feeling of the proud role carried out by our supporters are satisfied it is to the overall search into the reasons why lives continue to benefit of the RNLI. be lost in water-related incidents despite the I believe the Institution must constantly efforts of the RNLI and of other organisations Lt Cdr Brian Miles, look for new ways to be more efficient or concerned with the safety of life at sea. This effective, whether it be in operations, technical research has given us much food for thought. Director of the development, in the introduction of new means It has also given us the welcome opportu- RNLI, reviews a of fund raising or in administrative efficiency nity to discuss problems of mutual interest generally. We must always work and plan with other organisations and to establish successful year hard to ensure the Institution's high standards whether any action can be taken, either on our are maintained and, even more impor- own account or jointly, to reduce the number tantly, improved in the future. of persons at risk and hopefully the number One practical example in 1991 was the who lose their lives. introduction of a new system of station The RNLI's role as defined in our Charter branch accounting, allowing returns to be is to preserve life from disaster at sea, and our made to Headquarters on a monthly basis. contribution to this humanitarian task is the Among other benefits, the Institution can provision and operation of lifeboats at over now invest the substantial sums concerned 200 locations. But we can also put our expe- centrally, thus earning more interest than rience and knowledge to good use by co- if the funds remained dispersed. Our head operating with organisations with similar aims of finance and his colleagues visited as and, together, help to preserve life at sea. many areas of the country as possible to explain directly to those concerned why Exchange of ideas this change was felt necessary. At the end An event which more than met our expec- of last year, it was tremendously encour- tations during 1991 was the 16th International aging to learn that over 90% of our life- Lifeboat Conference in Oslo in June. It was boat station branches were already com- arranged by the Norwegian Society for Sea plying with the new procedures. Rescue, and the RNLI. as the Permanent Sec- Thank you all again for all that you do retariat for the International Lifeboat Federa- for the RNLI in so many different ways. tion, was pleased to give practical assistance. On behalf of all the staff at Headquarters, Representatives from 27 countries at- I wish you and your families good health tended, and there was the usual useful ex- and happiness in the New Year, and I look change of information and ideas. Lifeboats forward to meeting as many of you as from various European countries were present, possible in the future. 149 Filey - Mersey Class Keep Fit Association The stirring strains of music by the Cleve- land Constabulary Band drew people to the cliff bank above Filey Promenade. It proved a natural grandstand for over 1 .(XX) members of the Keep Fit Association who, together with over6(X) guests, witnessed the naming of the new Mersey class lifeboat after the Association on Saturday 31 August 1991. After a welcome to all by Ron Wilson, chairman of the Filey station branch and a special presentation by councillor David Murton, mayor of Filey, Mrs Brenda Simmons, chairman of the Keep Fit Associa- tion, told the assembled company of meth- ods used to raise their donation. Mr Gilbert HRH The Duchess of Kent takes a trip round the Gray QC. member of the RNLI's committee North Sunderland harbour in the company of coxswain Robert Doug- las. Photo Tweeddale Press Group of management, in thanking the Association, Mersey class Grace Darling paid tribute to the local appeal that had raised Despite forecasts of heavy rain, the morning Darling so many years ago and to the tradi- the remaining 50 per cent of funds required. of Tuesday 24 September dawned bright. tion of rescue at sea on the Northumberland Mr Ian Ross, station honorary secretary, However, there was also a Force 8/9 gale coast, highlighting the part ladies play in the receiving the lifeboat on behalf of Filey which caused the naming ceremony site at RNLI by fund raising and increasingly by station, made reference to the big difference North Sunderland Harbour. Seahouses to be operational service in lifeboats. between the Oakley and the Mersey class moved to a more sheltered area where seats It was not possible to go to sea but coxswain lifeboat and advised of the pleasure and were just blown down and not blown away! Robert Douglas guided the Duchess around pride the crew already had for their new boat. The confined nature of the site nevertheless the harbour, manoeuvring the lifeboat among A moving service of dedication led by the led to a wonderful atmosphere. HRH The the fishing craft taking shelter. On her return vicar of Filey, the Reverend Chris Humphries. Duchess of Kent received a warm Northum- to shore, the Duchess was greeted by guild assisted by local clergy and supported by brian welcome from the chairman of the members and the public. Chatting with many Filey Fishermen's Choir, was followed by a North Sunderland branch Mr Bill Weeks. of the crowd on her walk to the new lifeboat vote of thanks proposed by Mrs Eileen Mr Maldwin Drummond. vice president of house, she joined donors and special guests Hodgson, chairman of Filey ladies' lifeboat the RNL1 and member of the committee of gathered to witness the official opening. guild. The naming of the lifeboat was per- management, expressed thanks to the sup- The £250,000 boathouse was completed formed by Mrs Brenda Bond, vice president porters of the Grace Darling Appeal. It had earlier in 1991 to accommodate Grace of the Keep Fit Association, who stood in for been launched in 1988. the 150th anniver- Darling, an inshore lifeboat and to provide (he president Baroness Phillips, who was sary of Grace Darling's rescue, and had improved facilities for the crew. sadly indisposed. substantially funded the new Mersey class The official opening was followed by an Following the launching, the Keep Fit As- lifeboat. Donors included members of afternoon tea reception where Her Royal MK inlinn showed her manoeuvring ability at Warwick ladies' lifeboat guild who raised Highness met the crew and their families, sea. while members of the Keep Fit Asso- £16,616 to meet the cost of providing vital station, guild and museum committees and ciation ashore showed their agility in a dem- radar, radio and navigation equipment. those who have given long service to the onstration of exercises. Handing the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI locally. The Duchess also enjoyed a The new lifeboat became operational at the North Sunderland station. Mr Drummond grand view of the Fame Islands where 153 station on 2 June 1991. paid tribute to station and crew. Honorary years ago the first Grace Darling performed secretary Mr Bob Reay then accepted the her epic rescue. Crowds gather for the naming ceremony of Keep Fit Association. Photo Jetf Morris lifeboat on behalf of the North Sunderland station, complimenting the technical staff of the RNLI on designing such a fine lifeboat. The service of dedication was led by Rev- erend David Rogerson, chaplain to the sta- tion, assisted by local clergy, and hymn singing was led by Seahouses Fishermen's Choir. A vote of thanks to all who had helped with the organisat ion of the ceremony was proposed by Mrs Brenda Calderwood, chairman of the North Sunderland ladies' lifeboat guild. In naming the lifeboat. Her Royal High- ness paid tribute to the heroism of Grace 150 Peel - foundation stone laid The foundation stone of Peel's new lifeboat house was laid on Saturday 12 October by Hughie Dow, the 87-year-old former me- chanic of Helena Harris, the last traditional lifeboat to be stationed at Peel. Since 1972, Peel has operated first McLachlan and then Atlantic 21 lifeboats. Now a 12m all-weather Mersey class lifeboat is being built for Peel, funded from the legacy of Ruby Clery, great great grand-daughter of Sir William Hillary, founder of the RNLI. The lifeboat will also be named after her. A large crowd gathered for the foundation stone ceremony on the sunny Saturday after- noon. John Hall, vice chairman of Peel branch committee, spoke of the station's history and the reason why the new boathouse was nec- essary: the original boathouse was too low and too narrow to house the new Mersey, expected on station next spring. HRH The Duke of Kent at Ramsey paid tribute to Ramsey - Mersey class lifeboat crew, their wives and iamilies. Mr Hall then invited Mr Dow to lay the Photo Island Photographic Co stone, and Mr Dow, almost totally blind and Ann and James Ritchie now confined to a wheelchair, performed his Monday 14 October dawned with sunshine said the Reverend Dr Ewan Corlett, chairman task to loud cheers from the crowd. and blue skies, and a cold wind did not deter of the branch, as he opened the proceedings. Before the stone was put into position, Mr a large crowd from gathering on the shore at Reverend Corlett was referring to the new Hall's grandson, Alexander, helped him place Ramsey for the naming ceremony of the new tractor and trailer and the recently opened a time capsule in a cavity beneath the foun- lifeboat. new boathouse, as well as the lifeboat. He dation stone. The capsule contained a brass The Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI, went on to say that everyone was proud and key which once opened the original boat- received a warm welcome when he arrived delighted at this new phase in the station's house, a ladies guild badge, a copy of the book and was introduced to the crew and official history - 'but one thing that would not change 'The Lifeboats of Peel', a set of present day guests. James, son of second coxswain was the service and dedication provided by coins, a set of postage stamps depicting the Raymond Stanfield, presented the Duke with crew members and all the other people in- island's lifeboats, and the local daily newspa- a newly published book 'The Ramsey Life- volved with the lifeboat'. per. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a boats' by Captain W. Seybold and then the The full cost of the £455,000 lifeboat was delicious buffet, prepared by the ladies guild two national anthems were played and sung. met from the legacy of Mrs Ann Ritchie, at the Sailing Club. 'We are all brand new and squeaky clean,' president of the Ramsey ladies lifeboat guild. During her lifetime, Mrs Ritchie provided three other lifeboats, including Ramsey's Relief Fleet D class Relief Fleet D class previous \ifeboalJamesBallRitchie. Mr Neil F airlands Lady Douglas Hurndall Crowe, executor and trustee to the estate of Fairland Lakes, Stevenage was the setting for the Royalties from the sale of the lOth-anniversary Mrs Ritchie, handed over the new lifeboat to naming ceremony on 2 June 1991 of a D class edition of the Macmillan and Silk Cut Almanac Mr Michael Vernon, Chairman of the RNLI. lifeboat funded by Stevenage Sailing and Canoeing funded the purchase of a 16ft D class lifeboat forthe He, in turn, passed it into the care of captain Association and Stevenage Model Boat Club. RNLI which was named and dedicated at a special Michael Brew, honorary secretary of Ramsey The lakes form a small sailing facility opened by ceremony held at the Southampton Boat Show on the late Sir Alec Rose towards the end of the 1970s, Friday 20 September. The lifeboat will now take its station. A service of dedication followed, led and the funds were raised by both groups over a place in the relief fleet. by the Right Reverend Noel Jones, Lord number of years from 24-hour sponsored marathon Proceedings were opened by Peter Holness, RNLI Bishop of Sodor and Man with music by the sails held at the site, one of which was actually corporate fund raising manager. Emma Pownall, Ramsey Town Band conducted by Reverend completed on the day of the ceremony! Silk Cut assistant board manager, then handed the Raymond Gillis. Against the backdrop of the lake, Mr George lifeboat into the care of the Institution, represented Reverend Corlett then invited the Duke of Gibson, chairman of the recently re-formed by head of fund raising and marketing Ian Ventham. Kent to name the lifeboat. In a short address, Stevenage and District branch, welcomed all those Staff officer Richard Perks described the lifeboat's the Duke paid tribute to the lifeboat crew and in attendance to the ceremony. Councillor Bob future role and a service of dedication was led by the Fowler, mayor of Stevenage, then presented the Reverend Richard Wheeler, rector of Southamp- to their wives and families. prizes for this year's marathon. ton. Mrs Sarah Hurndall was then invited to name He referred to Sir William Hillary, founder On behalf of the 24-hour marathon committee, Mr the new D class Douglas Hurndall after her late of the RNLI, who lived at Douglas and said it Peter Flint handed the lifeboat over to Richard husband, formerly director of the Royal Yachting was appropriate that Ramsey was now pre- Mann, regions manager forthe RNLI. Tim Harrison, Association Seamanship Foundation and Silk Cut pared forthe nineties with a modern boathouse deputy divisional inspector of lifeboats (East), de- representative on the Nautical Awards Committee. and lifeboat. The Duke of Kent then named scribed the craft and its future role. the lifeboat Ann and James Ritchie and as he A service of dedication was conducted by Father 0 On page 124 of the autumn issue of THE LIFEBOAT, pressed the button, the bottle of champagne Tony Convery, Reverend David Curran and Rev- it was stated that the naming ceremony of the new erend Alistair Stewart-Sykes. Mrs Mary Wood, Kirkcudbright lifeboat Peter and Grace Ewing was broke across her bows. wife of local MP Mr Tim Wood, then named the performed by Lady McGrigor. In fact, due to the Before leaving to meet the crew's families lifeboat F airlands Lady. A remarkable day for the indisposition of Lady McGrigor at short notice, the and other guests at the Grand Island Hotel, the people of Stevenage ended with light refreshments naming ceremony was performed by Lady Duke took a short trip on the new lifeboat, at the local Sea Cadet Headquarters. Henderson, president of the Stewartry ladies guild. with coxswain James Kinnin at the helm.

151 Hoylake - Mersey class Lady of Hilbre Relief fleet - Mersey class November is rather late in the season for a Margaret Jean naming ceremony, but in order to fit into the The new Mersey class relief lifeboat Margare? Duke of Kent's busy schedule, it had to be. Jean was named in a quiet ceremony at FBM Everything had been meticulously planned Marine, Cowes on Tuesday 12 November. for months, except the weather. Tentatively Funds for the Margaret Jean have been do- described as 'blustery', the wind was icy and nated by Mr Peter Bath and his late wife, after gusting to Gale force, bringing squalls of rain whom the lifeboat is named and who was and white-topped waves to the Mersey. president of Huntingdon guild at the time of The ceremony took place in Liverpool Ma- her death. rina, Coburg Dock rather than in Hoylake Anthony Oliver, the RNLI's deputy head of itself. The reason was that the new Mersey fund raising and marketing, opened the pro- class lifeboat had been funded by a special ceedings, and Tony and Andrew Bath handed appeal which ran throughout Merseyside. over the boat to the care of the Institution. In a little over 12 months, over half a million It was accepted by vice admiral 'Tubby' pounds was raised, with £100,000 collected Squires, member of the RNLI's committee of in the Hoylake area alone and a substantial management. legacy coming from former West Kirby The future role of the lifeboat was described resident Mrs Barbara Dixon. by staff officer Richard Perks, and the lifeboat Mersey class lifeboat Margaret Jean enters the water Liverpool Marina proved the perfect thea- was then dedicated by the Reverend Stuart for the first time after her official naming ceremony. tre, the lifeboat laying afloat. Those assem- Cleaver. Photo Gilbert Hampton Photography bled sat doggedly beneath umbrellas, their Elizabeth Grant, sister of the late Mrs Jean emony was attended only by close family, spirits lifted, perhaps, by the police band who Bath, named the lifeboat Margaret Jean. representatives from FBM Marine and Royal played 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head". At the express wish of the donor, the cer- National Lifeboat Institution officials. Captain Tony Wood, Hoylake branch chair- man, welcomed all on this very special day. In brisk but dignified fashion, Sir Kenneth of Merseyside on responding so generously to Oxford, chairman of the Mersey Appeal the appeal, especially during a time of eco- Portsmouth new boathouse committee, spoke of his delight and pride in nomic difficulties. He expressed his delight Rear admiral Wilfred Graham, former captain of presenting the lifeboat to Mr Raymond Cory, that 'Mersey' had been chosen as the class HMS Ark Royal and past director of the RNLI, a deputy chairman of the RNLI. name for lifeboats of the latest design, now officially opened the new boathouse for Portsmouth lifeboats in a special ceremony and service of Accepting the lifeboat from Mr Cory, the .taking up station throughout the British Isles. dedication which took place at the boathouse in Hoylake branch treasurer, Mr Stanley Frith, Paying tribute to the personal sacrifices made Ferry Road, Eastney on Sunday 27 October. referred to the long tradition of service to by crews, station personnel, fund raisers and The new boathouse, which cost over £90,000 to Hoylake lifeboat by local families, beginning their families in maintaining the lifeboat tra- build and equip and which has been financed fol- in 1803 when the Mersey Docks and Harbour dition, the Duke declared 'technology may lowing a local appeal and from RNLI general funds, will house the station's 16ft D class lifeboat and the Board ran the station. That tradition contin- have changed, but the spirit has not'. Without Atlantic 21 lifeboat Q'ry of Portsmouth. ues and he asserted, 'this wonderful boat is in further ado, champagne was broken over the Welcoming all those present to the ceremony, good hands'. The service of dedication was bow and the lifeboat named Lady of Hilbre. station chairman Owen Pearce invited station treas- led by station chaplain the Reverend Peris The inclement conditions could not detract urer Lt Cdr Alan Jackson to say a few words about Williams. The familiar lines of the hymn from the excitement and pleasure of the day. the appeal. Rear admiral Graham then passed the boathouse into the care of station president honorary 'Eternal Father Strong To Save' seemed even In fact, it merely served to underline just why Alderman Wyn Sutcliffe who accepted it on behalf more poignant in the prevailing conditions. lifeboats are needed and just how special of the Portsmouth branch. Admiral Graham un- The Duke of Kent congratulated the people those who volunteer to crew them are. veiled a commemorative plaque, and a service of dedication was conducted by Father John Shielding themselves from the cold and wet, determined and enthusiastic RNLI supporters assemble for the Humphreys. naming ceremony of the Lady of Hilbre by HRH The Duke of Kent. Photo Jeff Morris Facilities and conditions for the crew and shore helpers have been much improved with this new boathouse. Lymington - extension to boathouse That same day, 27 October, the extension of the lifeboat house at Lymington was officially opened by Mrs Mary Atkinson at a short ceremony held at the lifeboat house. The new storey, which cost £45,000 to build, will provide much needed facilities for the crew. It has been funded by Mr Frank Atkinson, who has also donated two lifeboats to the RNLI, one of which is the Atlantic 21 currently stationed at Lymington and bearing the name Frank and Mary Atkinson. Following an address by station honorary secre- tary Mr Graham Webb, captain Michael Joint, vicar of Lymington, led the prayers and gave the bless- ing. Mrs Atkinson, who celebrated her birthday on that same day, then unveiled a commemorative plaque. A special birthday tea followed. Built to order, Built to last The Atlantic 21 has to be tough and reliable - the lives of survivors and crew depend on it. Claire Judd, Assistant Editor, visited the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre, Cowes, to investigate the work that goes into the construction of these rigid inflatables.

Within five minutes of the 'shout', the crew crew members stationed in her bow to re- Above: Attaching the inflatable tubes to the Atlantic of Hunstanton lifeboat were on their way. A duce the draft, the Atlantic 21 was driven 21 hull. Surprisingly perhaps, the service life of boardsailor. known to have been at sea for at forward with every sea, only to ground again tubes tends to be greater than that of the hull. Below: least an hour-and-a-half. was in difficulties in each trough, gradually filling with water. The Atlantic 21 in action - Southend-on-Sea's Percy Garon II. Photo A. McDougall, Evening Standard close to a wreck off Brancaster eight miles As the lifeboat cleared to deeper water, away and in need of urgent assistance. the survivor was sighted close to starboard, successful service in extremely difficult cir- As they raced to the rescue, the crew of clinging face down to his board. The wind cumstances. the Atlantic 21 Spirit of America had to check was a westerly near-gale, Force 7, and the Before and many times since, the Atlan- their speed to prevent the rigid inflatable tide was running east at one knot, creating tic 21 class has proved itself to be both flying as they overtook the waves in the very rough, short seas 8ft high which broke effective and efficient in fulfilling its in- rough following seas. heavily on the sandbanks. Visibility was tended purpose of offering a speedy rescue Before long, the boardsailor was spotted still almost nil. capability close to shore. And it is thanks to close to the wreck off Brancaster by the Positioning the lifeboat just downwind the designers and those who construct the auxiliary coastguard, but to reach him the of the boardsailor, the crew fought to hoist Atlantic 21 that crews can depend on their lifeboat would have to negotiate shallow him and his sailboard into the lifeboat as he craft to be reliable in life-threatening situa- water and breaking seas over the surround- drifted alongside. He was taken straight to tions, without fail or fuss. ing sandbanks. Conditions were particularly the beach at Brancaster and put ashore to Because an Atlantic 21 will be subjected difficult around the wreck itself and in the receive immediate medi- to a considerable batter- approach channel to Brancaster, and the cal attention. ing during its lifetime echosounder was of no use because the water For this service, Some would argue that the from beach recoveries was too shallow. helmsman Alan Clarke Atlantic 21 is currently the and dumping surf, each Helmsman Alan Clarke brought the At- received a Bronze medal. Institution's most efficient boat must be extremely lantic 21 in slowly, the engines tilted to Bronze medal certificates tough and constructed to reduce draft. Seas to the south of the wreck were awarded to crew and cost-effective craft rigorously high stand- were breaking heavily and despite the gener- members Gerald Wase, ards to ensure the safety ally fine conditions, visibility was almost Victor Dade and Michael of crew and survivors zero in the spray. Wallace. Another life had been saved. aboard in the worst of conditions. Turning north following a report that the It is clear that the crew acted with great Buying suitable craft off the shelf from boardsailor was now drifting to seaward, the courage during this rescue, displaying their external manufacturers has been tried in the Atlantic suddenly grounded and stuck fast considerable skills as boathandlers. But past. However, it is considered that by just 20ft NNE of the wreck. A helicopter credit is also due to those who designed and having its own staff fitting out boats the would take an hour to reach the casualty, and constructed a class of lifeboat tough enough Institution is able to exercise control over helmsman Clarke knew the boardsailor could and manoeuvrable enough standards. Few other operators need craft not survive that long. They would to be capable of built to the same level of sophistication and have to continue the search. carrying out toughness as does the RNLI. With the three such a Equipping rigid

153 Built to order, Built to last There's a real sense of dedication to the Continued task to be found at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre, as I discovered when I visited Cowes to investigate just what goes into construct- ing an Atlantic 21 class lifeboat. As I was shown around the workshops and was ex- plained the many individual processes, I was struck by the sense of pride that those at Cowes take in their work. One thing that is very clear is that demar- cation lines between the different roles and workshops have to be flexible. Generally, the boatbuilder is responsible for structural work on the hull and the fitter for the metal- work and fittings, but it's probably more realistic to look at the whole process as a combined effort, involving the skills of elec- tricians, engineers and those in the rubber shop as well. The hull of the Atlantic 21 is one of the few elements of the lifeboat that are 'im- ported' from an external supplier. Halmatic, experts in hull moulding, produce the glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP) hull from a mould designed by Institution staff. It comes supplied to the Inshore Lifeboat Centre with inflatables with the standard fittings of an constructed and fitted out to an extremely the permanent sections of the side deck al- Atlantic 21 does not make commercial sense high standard, and some might even say they ready fitted, although the temporary middle for manufacturers. But these fittings are are over-engineered, because of risk factors deck, fitted for transport only, is removed on essential features aboard lifeboats, working involved in our work compared with normal arrival, ready for the in-hull fittings. as they do in conditions that beckon every commercial requirements.' Already built into the hull are the six less well-equipped boat to safe harbour. A definite sense of team spirit exists at watertight longitudinal compartments with To ensure craft reach the high standards the Inshore Lifeboat Centre, and those in- their respective bow drains and drain plugs. necessary for them to cope with the tough volved in construction of the Atlantic 21s During the production process, this hull work ahead, Atlantic 21s are currently de- have many years of experience between them, is passed between boat shop, fitting shop and signed, constructed and surveyed in-house as well as a great deal of enthusiasm and rubber shop as each section completes its at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre, Cowes, where interest for the work. Efforts are not con- work ready for the next stage. When it leaves highly skilled men and women work to- fined to boat production alone, but also to the boat shop for the last time, the new gether as a team to produce rigid inflatables surveying craft and to lifeboat will be ready for that conform exactly to the Institution's needs. making modifications and trials and, if these are Those working on the Atlantic 21 are improvements in response completed successfully, well aware of what is expected of them in to feedback from stations The whole process of fit for service. terms of quality of workmanship. Alan Tate, on the coast, from divi- construction is a combined Underthe authority of superintendent of the Inshore Lifeboat sional inspectors and after effort and there's a defi- Dave Butler, overseer of Centre, says, 'Boats built at the ILC are discussing and imple- nite sense of team spirit rigid inflatables in the menting their own ideas. boat shop, and Tony Alan Tate says, 'The Pollard, chargehand in staff at Cowes are a team the adjacent fitting shop, of perfectionists and you'd be pushed to find a team of one boatbuilder and one fitter see a better situation than we have here where the construction and fitting out of the craft the workers believe in what they are doing right through from the initial stages to the and are keen to see the right answers all the moment it is deemed fit for the station. time. That applies right down to the most It's a process that takes anything from junior level.' four to five months, depending on the amount of emergency repair work or survey work that inevitably has to take priority on occa- sions. Each team is responsible for organis- ing their own schedule and making the most efficient use of their time. The first task - that of preparing the area under the deck of the hull - falls to the boatbuilder. Once the portable deck has been removed, the fuel tank bulkheads are Top: Tubes on. the below-deck area is prepared to receive the console. Far left: Meanwhile, boatbuilder, finer, electrician and rubber shop adapt the basic console to RNLI requirements. Photo Bob Kennovin Left: Alan Tate, superintendent of the Inshore Life- boat Centre, Cowes

154 The evolution of the Atlantic 21 fitted. The two 18-gallon stainless steel fuel Observations while sailing in the Bristol shape. It became obvious very early on that a tanks are installed and then surrounded with Channel in the 1960s first suggested to Rear new seating arrangement would have to be foam, after being precisely positioned to Admiral Desmond Hoare, headmaster of At- developed because of problems that arose as maintain the correct longitudinal centre of lantic College in South Wales and member of crew strained to see where they were going in the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, the rough seas. The T-shape has proved so popular gravity. Two-part foam is used and then need for a fast safety craft that could be launched that most commercially available RIBs today coated with waterproof paint to ensure that quickly from a beach. incorporate this arrangement in their consoles, no water is absorbed. Six deck beams are Admiral Hoare also recognised that such a providing improved all-round visibility for the laid in, in readiness for the console fixings. craft would have to be efficient, reliable and crew and a better view of instruments. Also laid in the hull at this stage are the fuel above all tough to withstand the added abra- - The Atlantic 21 is capable of running for sive effects of the shore and the surf. However, three hours at full speed. The individual ca- take-offs and the breather pipes. at the time, such a craft was unavailable. pacities of the two stainless steel petrol fuel Then the 3/8in marine plywood deck is With the help of his students at the College, tanks have been increased from twelve to replaced, access holes (for fixing of the 'roll Admiral Hoare set out to construct an inflatable eighteen gallons because of the increase in boat bar' and engine bracket to the hull) are cut boat to meet his requirements. As the craft displacement and thus fuel consumption. out, and the deck is prepared for the tubes. developed, it became clear that extra measures - The capacity of the inflatable righting bag were needed to strengthen the hull. Marine ply has increased since its introduction in 1973 to Because of the pounding that the rigid was attached to the underside of the hull to cater for the greater displacement. Although inflatable will inevitably take during its life- reduce abrasion and deck boards were inserted originally only one bottle was fitted as standard time, it is absolutely essential that the inflat- inside the craft to stiffen the hull. and only one is needed to inflate the bag during able tubes are fastened as securely as possi- Before long, a 17ft 'rigid inflatable' craft capsize, since 1985 two CO2 bottles have been ble to the hull, as this could be an area of evolved, incorporating a rubber tube attached fitted for safety. After righting, the bag is to a hollow, plywood hull with a single out- deflated and re-stored, and the second bottle is weakness in the craft. board engine at the stern. Early trials suggested then available in the unlikely event of a second In a first step, the boatbuilder roughens a that the design worked well. capsize. Thereafter, the bag is left inflated... five-inch strip around the edge of the deck to A member of the RNLI's Committee of - Over the years, there has been only slight encourage maximum adhesion of the glue to Management, Admiral Hoare subsequently modification to the sponson tube. The overhang tubes. The boat is then passed to the rubber offered his new craft to the Institution. It was at the stern has been varied and the handles accepted, the design was developed and im- have changed from hand-laminated ones to shop next door, where chargehand Chris proved and it was not long before the first those moulded by Avon Inflatables. Avon also Clark and her team of five women workers Atlantic 21 was under construction. B500 manufacture the Hypalon tubes, which are prepare the tubes for fixing. completed her trials in 1971 and came into subdivided into nine compartments. If one Ready-constructed by Avon Inflatables operation at Hartlepool in 1972... compartment is damaged, the internal baffles of tough, grey Hypalon material, the tubes Moving On expand as the pressure decreases into the In response to feedback from crews on the damaged area to retain buoyancy. It is often are laid out and marked up for glueing. coast and from those who work on the con- thought the inflatable sponson tubes will need Hypalon is an immensely strong sandwich struction of the craft, the Atlantic 21 has seen replacing after a few years' wear and tear. In of nylon between two layers of neoprene and many modifications and improvements since fact, the tubes often outlast the life of the hull. is especially suited to its purpose. The des- the early years. Most notable amongst the In the past, slide-on tubes using a female ignated adhesion areas are scuffed up with changes are the following: aluminium extrusion have been tried, but these - Over the last 20 years, the Atlantic 21 has proved difficult to fit and slide into position, so emery paper and two thin coats of Bostik increased in weight from about 2,0001b (900kg) the glued-on tube is now favoured. adhesive are applied to the hull 24 hours to about 3,000lb (1,360kg). Despite this, the - Although the boat lines for the shape of apart. On the third day, two thicker coats of longitudinal centre of gravity (the LCG) has the hull remain unchanged, the two spray rails, glue are applied to the hull and two coats to remained in the same place, approximately which are clearly visible when looking onto the the tube, which is then firmly rolled onto the 69in from the transom. side of the boat, now follow the waterline rather - The hulls of the first eight Atlantic 21s, than the buttock lines, as they did in the earlier deck in a semi-deflated state and left to set constructed at William Osborne of craft. for two days. After a further two days, Littlehampton, were built of marine doubler strips are attached, one each side of plywood. But it wasn't long before the tube, to strengthen the bond still further this material proved to be inadequate and give added flexibility. for the working conditions. The hull has since been constructed of GRP, This arrangement is strong and extremely although the original plywood reliable, having lasted in some cases over longitudinals remain the same. In- twenty years. But if ever the inflatable tubes ternal hull framing has also been are in need of repair, they can simply be increased over the years and frames now stand at eight-inch pitch. Below: By the time an engine has been water- - The first consoles, seating three proofed, it will have cost the RNLI twice its original crew, were designed in-line, but they price. Photo Bob Kennovin. Right: One man takes are now constructed in a delta or T one week to inversion-proof one engine.

155 removed, cleaned up, patched and re-glued tion the inversion-proofing unit, ex- to the deck for further service. plains, 'We were able to redesign The Hypalon tubes are strong enough not things so that water is allowed inside to require an inner tube and it takes a very the hood, but we sealed elements like sharp object indeed to snag them. the carburettor air intake instead. This Chris Clark and her staff also design and makes the waterproofing more reli- manufacture Hypalon fittings like stabilisers able, in that there is no need to make for roll bars, spare prop fittings, rope sure the hood is 100% sealed or that stowages, first aid bags, foot holds and cleat the control cables and electrical ca- covers, to name but a few. Once again, most bles are sealed in. We can treat it as of these fittings cannot be bought in off the an ordinary engine, work on it as an shelf from external sources to the correct ordinary engine, but after capsize it specifications needed by the lifeboat serv- will still work. It makes servicing ice. All are produced to a very high standard. much easier.' While the process of attaching the tubes One man takes one week to inver- is taking place in the rubber shop, the team of sion-proof one engine. Four men boatbuilder, fitter and electrician are busy work full-time in the unit and engines working together on the console. are usually worked on in batches of The basic console is bought in as a six. By the time the engine has been moulded GRP shell, into which access aper- waterproofed, it will have cost the tures are cut. Then the battery shelf is glassed Institution twice its original price. in and wooden reinforcing pads are added. The process has been developed The isolating box, as well as the control panel and After the helmsman's and crew's seats, in-house over the years by trial and error. the batteries, are made watertight and tested before together with the knee pads and other rubber Chris Powell says, '99% of it is down to the being fitted into the console by the electricians. work, have been added in chaps on the shop floor Photo Bob Kennovin. the rubber shop, the con- who have looked at the four were built in 1991, and there are plans sole returns to the fitting Since 1972, the Atlantic problems, designed and for another five in 1992. By 1996, the fleet shop to be equipped with 21 has been launched on made up possible solu- is expected to include 77 of this class. radio, flares, capsize 13,015 services, saving tions, tried them at sea Development work on the Atlantics con- lights and so on. Most of 4090 lives. and amended them again tinues and Alan Tate expects that production the fittings are manufac- till the perfect solution is of a new Atlantic 22 class will begin towards tured by the fitters while ~~ found. the end of 1992. the boat is being worked on in the rubber 'Hopefully, our latest system will remain 'We have learned so much from the At- shop. virtually unchanged for the manufacturer's lantic 21 class and have now bolted on so The isolating box and control panel are model changes for 1992 and 1993. many extras that it was time to re-design the tested for watertightness before being fitted 'We're very satisfied with the way the boat, particularly the console. The new into the console by the electricians, together • engines are currently performing, although, lifeboat will be basically the same but a little with the sealed batteries. At this stage, the of course, we are always looking to refine the larger and giving the crew more protection. hydraulic steering is also installed. engine in the light of problems on the coast.' 'We see this boat as the way forward. Back again in the boat shop, the finished Once fully kitted-out, every Atlantic 21 The Atlantic 21 has been such an exciting, console is screwed down onto the deck, and is weighed (average weight: 2,8001b) and its efficient boat and its correctness for purpose the team's attention turns to the roll bar, longitudinal centre of gravity is tested. Un- is smack on target. Some people argue that which carries the air bag for self-righting. even weight distribution substantially af- we've had this boat for nearly twenty years By this stage, the aluminium bracket for fects the performance of the boat, making its now and it may be time to try something new, the engines has been manufactured by the ride uncomfortable, slowing it down or but as yet there's nothing we have seen that fitter and bolted to the transom. The basic causing it to take longer to accelerate onto can do the job as well. There's no point in aluminium roll bar, made outside the centre, the 'plane', that is, to lift partly out of the change for change's sake,' he says. is fitted out in the fitting shop with port and water to reach high speeds. Alan Tate explains that, as the workload starboard navigation light boards, radar re- Each new inflatable is of the Inshore Lifeboat flector and aerial. also tested for reliability ' ' " "Centre increases with a Just after the roll bar is added, the right- and to prove it is up to the The correctness for purpose greater number of ing bag is attached. It is a delicate piece of standards required for of the Atlantic 21 is smack infl^tables s°ing through equipment and prone to damage, so its at- service. The compass is the system and the intro- tachment is delayed until the latest stage. adjusted, the electronics on target. There's no point duction of D class crew Finally, the boat is equipped with the are all tested and the boat in change for change's sake training, it is possible the deck kit, and the inversion-proofed outboard is run over a measured new Atlantic 22 and fu- engines are bolted on. mile to determine her ture Atlantic 21s will be Both 50hp Evinrude outboard engines speed. Finally, she is subjected to an accept- constructed to the Institution's specifica- have to be stripped down and rebuilt to ance trial and, if all is well, accepted for tions by an outside manufacturer. ensure re-starting at the touch of a button active service. Alan Tate says: 'It's a consideration after capsize. Throughout its life, the Atlantic 21 has that's being looked at. Having said that, we In the early days, engines were meticu- developed to the point that some would have tried it before and the commercial ap- lously sealed, and water was prevented from argue it is currently the Institution's most proach has not always been up to the stand- entering the engine by a valve on the engine efficient and cost-effective craft. Since its ards we require. Any such project would cover. All that altered when the engine introduction to the fleet in 1972, it has been have to be discussed and carefully overseen manufacturer made many components in the launched on 13,015 services, saving 4,090 if we went ahead.' ignition system waterproof in themselves. lives. In 1990, there were 45 Atlantic 21s But to date, having our own staff fit out Chris Powell, overseer of the engineer- stationed around the coast. boats to our own standards has proved the ing shop, which includes within its jurisdic- Five Atlantic 21 s were completed in 1990, best solution.

156 Lifeboat S...LIFEBOAT SERVICE

Services J Whitby Scarborough TWO LIFEBOATS STAND BY IN SEVERE CONDITIONS

Whitby Lifeboatman overboard Scarborough during long service to East Division stricken coaster counter, he was thrown into the sea and the tidal stream swept him out from under the Members of the Scarborough lifeboat crew hauled their own Second Cox- counter of the ship and away from her stern. swain, John Trotter, to safety aboard their new Mersey class lifeboat Fanny Prompt actions by crew members Peter Victoria Wilkinson and Frank Stubbs in difficult circumstances after he was Harrington, John Pearson and Colin Lawson thrown overboard while on service to the German coaster Vineta on 29 Sep- saved the situation. A line was thrown and second coxswain Trotter was brought along- tember 1991. side and on board with the aid of the lifting The 1,700-ton Vineta had suffered machin- strop. He was bruised but otherwise un- ery failure and was dragging her anchor five 'I was only in the water harmed. miles NNW of Scarborough Castle, drifting Contact was re-established with the casu- dangerously close to rocks, when coxswain for five or ten minutes but alty and once the tug had arrived both lifeboats Stuart Ogden and his ere w launched at 1129 to it felt like a lifetime...' stood by as the tow lines were passed and relieve Whitby's Tyne class lifeboat, City of Vineta taken to safety. At 1920, the coast- Sheffield. The Tyne had been at the scene for guard stood down the lifeboats several hours, awaiting the arrival of a tug to counter - just as second coxswain Trotter After his ordeal, second coxswain Trotter tow the disabled coaster to safety. threw the radio to the crew of the ship. said: 'I was only in the water five or ten As the Scarborough lifeboat arrived at the Already off-balance as the lifeboat went minutes but it felt like a lifetime. The lads had scene at 1155, Vineta was taking water into astern to avoid being caught under the ship's it all under control, though.' her engine room and a pump was put aboard Scarborough's Mersey class lifeboat Fanny Victoria Wilkinson and Frank Stubbs stands by the 1,700-ton by a helicopter. The Whitby lifeboat returned coaster Vineta. Photo Scarborough Evening News to her station, arriving back at the scene some four-and-a-half hours later, at 1625, to relieve the Scarborough boat as the tug was not ex- pected till 1900. However, no sooner had the Scarborough crew reached their station at 1643, than the coastguard advised them that the tug, Lady Moira, was now expected an hour earlier. With time only to check the fuel, the lifeboat returned to the casualty, taking portable radios for the six crew of the Vineta because of problems with lack of contact with the casu- alty. At 1750, Vineta was told that the lifeboat intended to transfer the radios to the coaster and second coxswain John Trotter positioned Thanks, but no thanks for Barry Dock! himself on the starboard bow ready for the Barry Dock lifeboat crew were faced with an winched aboard a rescue helicopter but the other approach. unusual situation on 12 September this year, when pilot politely declined the lifeboat crew's offer to The wind was now NE Force 6-7, and the one of two survivors they had located refused the board, waiting instead to be lifted into the heli- sea state was rough with seas and swell almost offer of a lift to safety on the lifeboat! copter with his co-pilot. Within 10 minutes of a 'shout' from Swansea In a letter of thanks to Barry station branch, one 20ft high. Any approach would be difficult, coastguard, the crew of the relief Arun Sir Max of the pilots, based at Marham, King's Lynn, but the safest way was to bring the lifeboat's Aitken were on their way to pick up two survivors wrote: starboard bow up to the port side of the from an RAF Tornado that had crashed in the 'It was marvellous to see the lifeboat bearing casualty's stern. Bristol Channel. down on us, particularly as the helicopter had not As the lifeboat made the run in to within 6ft The two pilots had ejected and the crew found appeared at that stage. Personally, I was very them unharmed and awaiting the rescue services sorry to have turned down the chance of you of the casualty Vineta lifted on a big swell and in their inflatable dinghies. One of the airmen was picking me up...' the lifeboat fell off a sea under the coaster's 157 EFEBOAT SERVICES..-LIFEBOAT SERVICES...LIFEBOAT SERV]

ELDERLY MAN RESCUED FROM GROUNDED YACHT Crew member swims through heavy surf and scales cliff to survivor Simon Chadwick, a member of Bude lifeboat crew, has received a letter of thanks from the Chairman of the Institution following his first service call in the station's D class lifeboat. During the service he swam ashore through heavy surf and then scaled a crumbling cliff to a stranded survivor. The service began at 0940 on 30 June this year when Falmouth's honorary secretary heard from the coastguard that the yacht 'The yacht was being Mary E had been reported aground on the Bude • beach at Crackington by the fishing vessel pounded by the surf and Helen Clare. An immediate launch was a person could be seen Bude requested. Just six minutes later, the station's D class 80ft to 100ft up the cliff South West Division inflatable lifeboat was launched. Although the wind was only Force 2. a 10ft westerly ground sea was running and the day was from his ordeal. Chadwick for his actions, Chairman Michael overcast with mist. Crew member Chadwick then returned to Vernon noted that he had 'displayed per- After clearing the surf off Barrel Rock the the yacht and, having recovered the survi- sonal courage and presence of mind on only lifeboat headed south west at best speed to vor's personal effects and valuables, sig- your first service as a member of the lifeboat arrive at the scene at 1000. She found the nalled for the helmsman to pick him up. crew by preventing the remainder of the fishing vessel Helen Clare standing off the Helmsman Woodrow made two attempts crew being exposed to danger and assisting casualty, Mary E, which was hard aground to come in to the beach before signalling in in the safe rescue of the skipper of the yacht'. on rocks on Pencarrow Point, at the north return that he considered it too dangerous. The RNLI's chief of operations Commo- side of Crackington Haven. The yacht was Chadwick then swam through the surf to dore George Cooper has written to helms- being pounded by the surf and a person could board the lifeboat which returned to her man Woodrow to congratulate him on his be seen 80ft to 100ft up the cliff, which was station at 1120. She was refuelled, rehoused 'decision not to take the lifeboat into the surf some 200ft high at this point. and ready for service at 1210. which would thus have endangered the lives Surf In his letter thanking crew member of the remaining crew members.' Lifeboat helmsman Martin Woodrow was wary of trying to land through the surf onto rocks, so crew member Simon Chadwick volunteered to swim ashore to investigate. He was taken as close to the shore as the Tyne to the rescue of helmsman dared go and then swam the re- maining distance through the surf. Having checked the yacht for survivors and finding sinking pilot Ramsgate none aboard he continued to the beach, then South East climbed the cliff to the person who was some 80ft up. boat Division This was the skipper and sole occupant of Ramsgate's relief Tyne class lifeboat Owen the yacht, a 70-year-old man who was ex- andAnnAisherw&s called to the assistance hausted and unable to move up or down the of Ramsgate port control on 1 June 1991 crumbling cliff face. when one of their launches, the pilot boat St

A helicopter had arrived at the scene by Olave, was reported to be sinking 1.75 miles Ramsgate now and was preparing to winch the survivor NNE of the North Foreland. aboard. Crew member Chadwick had the The tide was ebbing and a fresh NE breeze presence of mind to shield the survivor with was making the sea choppy when the lifeboat man Timothy Hurst went aboard, taking the his own body from the flying debris in the left her moorings at 0307 with a salvage pump with them, and had to smash a hatch to down-draught from the helicopter's rotor pump on board. When she reached the gain entry to the forecabin. As pumping blades and then to help him into the strop. casualty, just 13 minutes later, the bow of the began, the lifeboat took the St Olave in tow Once the survivor had been winched up the pilot cutter was almost underwater, the for- to Ramsgate, stern first. helicopter took him to Barnstaple hospital as ward cabin was flooded and water was Already having taken off two survivors his condition had swiftly deteriorated and reaching the engine room. from the casualty, a second pilot cutter took heart failure was suspected. His condition Second coxswain Derek Pegden and crew- the lifeboatmen off when the swell made the was later found to be due to delayed shock

158 .LIFEBOAT SERVICES. . .LIFEBOAT SERVICES. . . LIFEBO7V!

Tyne's inflatable used to Children cut off by tide transfer sick woman SWoth through surf to lifeboat Scotland South Division Two children aged 12 and 5 years who had Commodore George Cooper, the RNLI's Chief of Operations, has written to been cut off by the tide on a sandbank off congratulate Coxswain/mechanic Robert Erskine and his crew for 'a fine Mawbray were rescued on 7 July 1991 by the team effort conducted in a very professional manner' after the evacuation of prompt response of the Silloth lifeboat and John Boyle, a member of the public who an eight months-pregnant woman with severe stomach pains from Morroch swam to the children's assistance. Bay to Portpatrick on 15 August this year. Liverpool coastguard were alerted by a 999 call and requested the immediate launch of It was not possible for an ambulance to the Atlantic 21 lifeboat, which set off at 1711 reach the woman so the coastguard requested with helmsman Colin Akitt and crew members the assistance of Portpatrick's Tyrte class Steven Henderson, Andrew Winter. Richard lifeboat Mary Irene Millar to transfer the Hocking and Malcolm Brown aboard. They woman for medical attention. reached the two children just eight minutes It was just before high water and a fresh later. westerly breeze was making the sea choppy When the lifeboat arrived Mr Boyle was to rough when the lifeboat left her moorings, supporting the children and trying to get to shallower water. The two children were taken reaching the scene at 1526. aboard and given first aid and a crew member Because of a high surf on the beach the escorted Mr Boyle ashore. lifeboat's small inflatable X boat was In a letter of congratulations to honorary launched and the sick woman transferred by secretary Captain C.J. Puxley, the Chief of lifeboat stretcher across the beach and into Operations, Commodore George Cooper, said: the inflatable. Portpatrick '...the helmsman praised the actions of Mr Three crewmen then entered the water to 3ohn Boyle who supported the children in the hold the lifeboat steady while the woman Scotland South Division water. I consider the timely arrival of the lifeboat also contributed to the saving of the was transferred to the Tyne, which had been children's lives and I would like to congratu- placed broadside on to the X boat to provide late the crew members for their performance shelter. By the end of the operation, the men Coxswain Erskine was understandably in this first class service.' who brought out the X boat were up to their relieved that the crew's child delivery skills shoulders in heavy surf. had not been tested on this occasion. And A paramedic also came aboard to accom- under 'Number of lives considered as res- Club safety boat pany the pregnant woman, and on return to cued by the lifeboat' in his service report, harbour the woman was transferred by am- honorary secretary Mr H. Harvie was pleased rescues four bulance to Stranraer hospital. to respond: 'One - and a bit!' An incident which took place in the Ribble Estuary on 13 August this year has earned Mr Richard Blackburn the thanks of the chief of operations after he launched the Ribble Cruising Club rescue boat to save the life of a swimmer in trouble. A speedboat that had been in difficulties earlier in the day had been towed to safety by a yacht and placed on a mooring. The occupants then settled down to do some fishing. At about 1550 that same afternoon, one of the men on board decided to go for a swim and leapt overboard, only to be carried rap- idly seawards in the strong ebb tide. In view of the urgency of the situation, two of the Lytham lifeboat crew, P. Sumner and R. Wignall, asked Mr Blackburn if he would be willing to launch his club's rescue boat. Mr Blackburn agreed and a few minutes later The relief Tyne class lifeboat Owen and Ann Aisher alongside the sinking pilot boat St Olave. had picked up the swimmer, who was already Photo Michael Pett in an exhausted state, and brought him ashore. Concern was felt for the safety of the casualty list to a dangerous angle during the could be brought in to lift it onto the quay. speedboat and the three remaining occupants, tow. The lifeboat then returned to station and and they were brought to shore as the boat The lifeboat continued to pump out the was back on her moorings, ready for service had run out of fuel. The local auxiliary cutter on arrival at Ramsgate until a crane at 0540. coastguard was reported to have spoken to the men later...! 159 CFEBOAT SERVICES. .LIFEBOAT SERVICES...LIFEBOAT SERVI

ARUN MANOEUVRED ON ONE ENGINE ALONGSIDE SHALLOW REEF

but decided to stay aboard the stranded fish- Fishermen plucked to ing vessel when they heard the maroons. Coxswain Murray closed in on Fidelity, firing a white parachute flare to illuminate safety from vessel in the area as the lifeboat approached. It soon became clear that the fishing vessel was lying with a list of about 40° to starboard, danger of capsize lifting to about 25° with the swell. Speed was of the essence, and the lifeboat Coxswain John C. Murray of Buckle lifeboat station has been congratulated crew were ready to launch the inflatable Y on the 'leadership, determination and skill' he displayed during a service to boat which they carried aboard the Arun. the fishing vessel Fidelity, which was reported aground on a dangerous reef However the heavy rise and fall of the casu- near Buckie and in danger of capsize. The praise for the coxswain's actions alty in the swell meant the risk of capsize was is contained in a letter from the RNLI's Chairman, Michael Vernon. too great, and would endanger the lives of both survivors and the Y boat crew if they The first indications of the service came at were to become entangled in the rigging and 0258 on Saturday 17 August 1991, when fishing gear. Aberdeen coastguard reported a Mayday message from the fishing vessel Fidelity saying she had gone aground. 'Their liferaft could be Within seven minutes Buckie's Arun class seen, only partly lifeboat Charles Brown with coxswain Murray at the helm was heading towards the inflated, lying off the casualty at full speed, being informed by the port quarter' coastguard en route that the 'casualty's crew are taking to liferaft'. Flare At 0311, Coxswain Murray made the deci- The sky was overcast with a westerly Force sion to go straight in to the aid of the fishing 3 creating a slight sea of some 3ft to 4ft, with vessel. little swell. Visibility was good. From his experience, he knew that the Once out of the harbour the lifeboat played .Buckle casualty was on the north side of a reef with her searchlights on West Mucks and then Scotland North Division only 5ft of water at that state of the tide. With Middle Mucks, but at that moment a red the starboard engine in neutral in case of parachute flare was fired by the casualty's damage to the propeller, he approached the crew from the direction of East Mucks. However, as the searchlight re-trained on casualty as slowly as he could, using the port Turning the searchlight east, the lifeboat the fishing vessel, a flashing torch on the port engine to counteract the effects of the sea. He crew spotted the fishing vessel, hard aground side of the casualty signalled the presence of succeeded in putting the bow of the lifeboat with her starboard rail well under the water. the three survivors. Their liferaft could be close to the survivors, and at 0313 the life- There was no sign of survivors, who were seen, only partially inflated, lying off the boat crew helped them scramble onto the assumed to be in the liferaft and drifting port quarter. It later emerged that the three bow of the lifeboat. Coxswain Murray then ashore with the westerly wind. survivors had intended to take to the liferaft, went gently astern on his port engine to clear the casualty and the reef- the lifeboat touch- ing bottom three times at her stern before she was clear. Charles Brown then returned to Buckie harbour, securing in her berth at 0325 and landing the three survivors at the station. She was ready for service again at 0330. Divisional inspector for Scotland North Mr Les Vipond noted in his report that, 'It took only 27 minutes from the time of the first alert to landing the three survivors. 'Coxswain John Murray, aware that the survivors were in great danger, chose to approach the casualty without delay while accepting that his lifeboat could suffer some damage. He showed very good seamanship in accomplishing the task on one engine only.'

(Left) The fishing vessel Fidelity lies awash with Buckie's Arun class lifeboat Charles Brown visible behind her. Photo Tom Sankey

160 LIFEBOAT SERVICES...LIFEBOAT SERVICES...LIFEBOAT SEI Seven lifeboat stations involved in 21 hour search for missing anglers

A complex service on 14 April 1991 involved all seven lifeboat stations from became involved at 0955 while on a routine Dover to Newhaven, lasted 21 hours and involved searching of an area of Sunday morning exercise. The lifeboat pro- 3,400 square miles for two missing vessels. As a result three lives were saved ceeded to her allotted area and searched for six hours, investigating numerous pieces of from one casualty, but sadly two bodies were recovered from the second. flotsam before being stood down at 1622 The alarm was first raised at 2310 on 13 when the casualty was located. April, when Dover lifeboat station was asked At 0942, Dover's Rotary Service headed by the coastguard to search for an angling for Boulogne to refuel, returning to mid dinghy seen signalling for help. Channel to search throughout the day until, Ten minutes later, in a NNE Force 7 to 9, at 1623, she was asked to join the Hastings Dover's Thames class Rotary Service with and Newhaven lifeboats to search an area in Coxswain Hawkins at the helm launched which an upturned vessel had been reported. and proceeded to her allocated search area. Newhaven's Arun class lifeboat Keith At 0045 the Dungeness lifeboat Alice Anderson with Coxswain/mechanic Michael Upjohn was launched under the command of Beach in command had just returned from Coxswain William Richardson . The launch another service when Dover coastguard re- was hazardous, with a strong on-shore wind quested that she too join the search for the creating a heavy swell. One crew member missing small boat. At 1100 the Arun had was swept off his feet by the breaking seas proceeded to Greenwich Light Buoy, 22 but no damage or injury was sustained. That miles from her station, and had carried out a the boat was launched at all was due to the Dover, Littlestone, Dungeness, creeping search from 1225 until 1514 when skill and quick reactions of the tractor driver. Rye, Hastings, Eastbourne and she too was asked to rendezvous with the When the lifeboat cleared the beach she Dover and Hastings lifeboats. pitched and rolled violently in the steep Newhaven Deteriorated swell of more than 12ft, heading for the South East Division Finally, Hastings' Mersey class lifeboat search area in winds gusting to Force 11. Sea/ink Endeavour with Coxswain Fred At Littlestone the honorary secretary had All three were taken to Dungeness boat- White in command was launched at 1052 in heard of the search on his radio and offered house, where a helicopter took them to hos- a NNE Force 5 to 6 and moderate seas. She the services of his station's Atlantic 21, the pital. The three men had seen the search too had been asked to join the search close rigid inflatable launching at 0048 in a NE around them but were powerless to indicate inshore and then progress to seaward adja- Force 7 with severe gusts and rough seas. their position. cent to Hastings. Conditions deteriorated By 0100 a full-scale search was under way Only thirty minutes after her return to rapidly and she was at sea for eight hours in difficult conditions with the Dover, station Dungeness lifeboat was put back on with a continuous lookout on deck in NNE Dungeness and Littlestone lifeboats assisted her launching carriage and re-launched at winds of Force 6 to 7. by a rescue helicopter. low water to search for the second missing The capsized vessel was eventually lo- Missing vessel, a 17ft cabin cruiser with two anglers cated by the rescue helicopter, at approxi- As this continued another craft was re- aboard and last seen off Dungeness. mately 1622 some 26 miles from Hastings. ported missing - and the search was now on The Dover lifeboat Rotary Service was also The Hastings lifeboat took the cruiser in tow, for two dinghies with a total of five people. diverted to search for the second casualty but slipped it when the helicopter reported Two hours later, at 0300, the Littlestone and was taken well out into the English two bodies in the water nearby. The bodies lifeboat returned to station to refuel and to Channel where seas were very rough with a were eventually recovered by helicopter, but change crew, who were by now suffering cold north-easterly wind. when the lifeboat returned the cruiser had from tiredness and exposure in the unpro- Changed sunk. Sealink Endeavour returned to her tected high speed inshore lifeboat. At 0740, Dover coastguard requested the station at 1854. As yet there had been no sign of the miss- services of the C class Rye Harbour inshore Letters of thanks have been sent by the ing angling boat, but Coxswain Richardson lifeboat to join the other lifeboats in the Chairman to Coxswain WiHiam Richardson of Dungeness lifeboat suggested that in view search. She put to sea at 0808 and carried out and tractor driver Mr Kenneth Coleman, of of the prevailing wind it would be wise to a zig-zag search from Dungeness Point to Dungeness lifeboat station; from the Direc- shift the search to an area west of Dungeness Fairlight and extending 1.5 miles out to sea. tor to crew, shorehelpers and honorary sec- power station. After completing a sweep of the whole area retary Mr Chistopher Wren of Dungeness The coastguard agreed and once the search the lifeboat returned to station at 0957. station, to Coxswain Tony Hawkins and the of the new area was complete the crew took The crew of the Littlestone lifeboat was crew members of Dover station, to the crew a short rest in the lee of Dungeness. They had changed back to the original members at of Littlestone-on-Sea lifeboat and to Cox- been on the exposed deck of the Rother for 0815 and her search continued until the swain Fred White and the crew of Hastings some hours taking turns in the extreme cold whole of the inshore sector had been thor- lifeboat station; and from the chief of op- to operate the searchlight. Despite the diffi- oughly covered. The lifeboat was stood erations to Coxswain/mechanic David Corke culties it was this crew which located the first down by the coastguard at 0930, because of and Eastbourne crew, to the crew of Rye casualty at 0605 - a small boat with three the bad weather conditions. Harbour, and to Coxswain/mechanic Michael men aboard who were suffering from expo- Eastbourne's Rother class lifeboat Duke of Beach and the crew members of Newhaven sure, exhaustion and hypothermia. Kent with Coxswain Corke in command lifeboat.

161 oer Governors Shoreline Storm Force

Thank you and even more cost-effective to New Year's Resolution your New Year's resolution to As the New Year begins, the administer. New Year is a time of financial do so? number of RNLI members now A fixed direct debit costs hardship. No, not because of Please write to the Member- stands at a record 197,000. We more because when you change the recession, but because of all ship Department at Headquar- would like to say thank you to your category of membership, those Christmas presents we ters for further information and every one of you for supporting the amount you pay or the date bought and. of course, those a covenant form. the RNLI in 1991 - and look you pay, a lot of extra work is charity appeals we all supported! forward to your continued sup- involved in form filling and With this in mind, here's a port in 1992. processing the forms. way to increase your contribu- Vital Attraction With operational coverage A variable direct debit saves tion to the RNLI's work - with- We are constantly experiment- now extended to 50 miles off- money because we can imple- out spending an extra penny. ing with ways of attracting new shore and with FAB 3 on the ment changes in the circum- Do you pay income tax on RNLI members. horizon, your membership is stances of your membership your salary or pension? Nearly In November, with the aim more important than ever. without necessarily having to all of us do pay tax, so there's no of recruiting new Shoreline and Not only does your subscrip- process extra paperwork or ask excuse for not signing a cov- Governor members, we pro- tion provide valuable funds but you to complete more forms. enant! duced a special promotional it also gives great moral support Signing a variable direct Many people are still anx- pack entitled 'These men have to the lifeboatmen and women debit still leaves you in total ious about what signing a cov- one of the most demanding jobs working on the coast. Knowing control, and you will always be enant really means. in Britain.' The pack describes many thousands of people ac- notified of any proposed change A covenant allows the RNLI the work of Tenby's lifeboat crew tively support and have a genu- to your payments at least four to reclaim from the Inland Rev- and was sent to individuals who ine concern for your lifesaving weeks in advance. enue some of the income tax currently do not hold member- activities is a terrific motivator, By encouraging members to that you have paid against your ship of the RNLI. giving crews an ever greater complete variable direct debits, salary, pension or other taxable Everything has been done to sense of pride in their work. the Institution can save a sig- income. ensure that existing members do On their behalf, thank you. nificant amount of money - funds If you covenant your sub- not receive this literature. which can be redirected towards scription, then the RNLI can However, no system is per- Direct debits - our aim of saving lives at sea. claim from the Inland Revenue fect and it is always possible And we handle thousands of approximately one third of the that a small number of members Direct savings personal changes each year, so value of your subscription. have been missed by our checks. Members pay theirsubscriptions you can imagine the benefit to Signing a covenant does not af- If you have received this pack in around a dozen different ways, the Institution. fect you or your tax position in and are a current member, please and the one they choose depends Also, in response to mem- any way. accept our sincere apologies. on their individual needs and bers' views, we plan to increase So, if you have not already Perhaps you would be kind preferences. From cash tocredit subscription rates towards the covenanted your membership enough to pass on the literature card, standing order to CAP end of 1992 (more news in the subscription, why not make it to a friend or colleague who vouchers, the RNLI is pleased Summer issue). Our may wish to consider to handle them all. administration of this joining. Although we intend to con- increase will be very He'll face 30ft. waves, We will carefully tinue offering these different much easier - and monitor the success of methods, it would help us cheaper - for subscrip- blizzards, force 9 gales this venture, which we enormously to streamline ad- tions paid by variable hope will be a very ministration of the membership direct debit. and sub-zero temperatures. good fund raiser for scheme with the aim of cutting If you are currently the RNLI. our costs. And this is where we paying by fixed direct need your help. debit, you will have re- Processing a direct debit cently received a letter costs less than a third of the cost asking you to sign the of processing a cheque. new variable direct So, some years ago the RNLI debit. introduced 'fixed direct debits' Please accept our as commonly operated by the thanks if you have al- major c [earing banks at the time. ready returned the form. One element of the pro- More recently, banks have If you haven't done motional pack These been switching to 'variable di- so yet, please consider men have one of the most rect debits', which are easier our request seriously. demanding jobs in Brit- ain', designed to recruit new Shoreline and Gov- Please address enquiries or comments to Member- ernor members to the ship Department, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, RNLI and which it is hoped Dorset BH15 1HZ, tel (0202) 671133. will prove a great fund All we ask of you is £6. raiser for the Institution.

162 Storm Force Club Towards the end of last year, my Thank you branch started a Storm Force During a cruise around Ireland, we Club. This is not a group shar- suffered a complete fuel failure on ing corporate membership, but passage from the Aran Islands to a club for youngsters who al- Cashla Bay. ready have or who may be inter- Having re-bled the engine six times ested in having their own indi- but being unable to keep it running on load because of air in the fuel vidual Storm Force membership. line, we tried to tack offshore - but Our club met in winter on a the short, steep seas prevented the monthly basis and arranged two boat from going through the wind trips out in the summer. How- (our yacht Final Quest is a 28-ton. ever, there are only so many 55ft motor sailor ketch). With no types of lifeboat to talk about, way of resolving the problem and and I am now looking for people with only two-and-a-half miles of sea room to a very rocky lee shore Arun coming to our assistance. Galway Bay's relief lifeboat tows organising a similar club or Final Quest to safe harbour we had no alternative but to make a The tow was undertaken very ef- group, meeting on a regular ba- Pan Pan call. It was answered im- ficiently and I should be grateful if 7,000 miles of trouble-free service it sis, to exchange ideas and fire mediately by Shannon Radio who you would convey our sincere thanks let us down when conditions and sea our youngsters' interest. decided to launch the Galway Bay to the coxswain and crew for their room gave no opportunity for the It seems that there is no record lifeboat to tow us into Cashla Bay. excellent help. problem to be resolved. Such are the of others running a similar club. Having sailed for 35 years, such a Incidentally, it took five hours the pleasures of yachting! Indeed, apart from the corporate course of events was not one I ever following day to trace the cause of With very grateful thanks for your groups mentioned (which may thought would happen to me. This the problem, which was the failure continuing and excellent service. not necessarily hold meetings), was the one situation everyone fears of an olive unton on the copper fuel Paul J. Williamson and it was very reassuring to see the line at the lift pump entry. After Southport, Merseyside it may well be that our club is unique. I hope not, as the young people of today are our mem- change of ideas, programme Meeting on Manx soil and Peel. One of my lasting bers and helpers of tomorrow building and, if distance does The Fire Brigade Society held memories will be of watching and such clubs are a way of not preclude it, the occasional its 1991 AGM away from the the Ramsey lifeboat emerging attracting and retaining their in- joint activity? I should very mainland for the first time since from the boathouse and myself terest. much like to hear from you, its founding in 1963. We were turning round to see 60 people Is there anyone involved in the P.R. Threlfall invited to visit the Isle of Man. taking photos of the event, all in organisation of a Storm Force Branch Honorary Secretary After two years of planning, the pouring rain. group or club which meets regu- Wellington & Dst branch, the AGM weekend took place To name names would be larly - or indeed anyone else - 10 Clifford Terrace, with members from Germany wrong. All the crews we met who would care to drop me a Wellington, Somerset, and many parts of Britain proved a great credit to their line so we can start up an ex- TA21 8PQ meeting on Manx soil. own stations and to the service Part of our weekend is always in general. I hope, with the high taken up with visits to other level of feeling towards the Safety point extinguisher - was stored in the cabin emergency services. We visited RNLI from within our society, This summer, both Redcar lifeboats and couldn't be accessed readily with three lifeboat stations on the is- were launched to an incident which the fire amidships in the engine. we can do something in return. brought to light an important safety The skipper had to jump through land, with time to take photo- With many thanks, point. the fire area to grab the extinguisher graphs at the other two. Nigel Crompton The vessel concerned had a wheel- which, on this occasion, he man- Our party was greeted with AGM '91 Organiser house fire and when the lifeboats aged to do. However, he was unable warmth and hospitality at the The Fire Brigade Society arrived at the scene within five min- to use his VHP to call for assistance, three stations - Douglas, Ramsey Reading, Berks utes, they found the fire out but the use his flares or get out his lifejacket. 26ft fishing boat totally disabled and On another day, out of sight of UK drive support enormous amount of sandwiches without power. land, this relatively minor incident I would like to express my sin- After the battery had been discon- could have ended in tragedy. In this for us on our v isit (unfortunately, nected and the fuel supply isolated, instance, if the fire extinguisher had cere appreciation to all those at we couldn't stay long as we were she was towed to a safe mooring not been able to cope with the out- the RNLI for the assistance, running so far behind sched- where the cause of the fire was es- break, then the skipper would have support and welcome we re- ule); the ladies' guild and crew tablished. A hydraulic pipe within been left with no other means of ceived at each and every stop of at Kippford who organised soup the engine box had burst, spraying tackling the fire, calling for assist- our recent fund raising drive to and rolls for us - and that de- oil onto the manifold, resulting in ance or reaching the lifejackets. every lifeboat station around the scription does not do justice to almost instant ignition with plenty I feel this incident may serve as a coast of Britain and northern the amount of food they made of heavy smoke, flame and heat. good illustration to many small boat Several safety points came to light. owners in the importance of not only Ireland. for us; Jimmy McPhee and the The vessel had a forward cabin but having the right equipment - but of Countless numbers of crews crew of the Campbeltown life- was steered from aft with a tiller. having it in the right place. made us feel so very welcome boat where we had the privilege All of the safety equipment - VHP Mike Picknett during our drive: the crew in of sailing on the Arun in radios, flares, lifejackets and fire Helmsman, Redcar lifeboat Calshot who had prepared an continued overleaf...

163 o © k a h some recent publications reviewed

EDWARDIAN WORTHING Available from the author at night, as could be found. Grace Darling documents Eventful Era in a Lifeboat Town 349 Tarring Road, Worthing, The author traces the whole Grace's most famous exploit, written and published by Rob West Sussex BN11 5JL (add £ 1 incident in chronological order, supplemented by imagined con- Blann at £12.95 for P&P). Part of sales proceeds making use of the radio log as a versations and events. ISBN 09516277 1 6 to be donated to the RNLI. skeleton and fleshing it out with Written as though related by Foreword by RaymondBaxter, RNLl additional information. Charts Grace herself, the story vividly vice president and member of the and photographs bring home the and perhaps controversially re- committee of management PENLEE - THE LOSS OF A horror of conditions which bat- counts the effect of the rescue Edwardian Worthing presents a LIFEBOAT tered the Cornish coast. The re- on local people. It also illustrates history of the town between 1901 by Michael Sagar-Fenton sult is a vivid, sobering account. the intense interest that the res- and 1914, focusing on civic Published by Bossiney Books The events of 19 December cue aroused throughout the events, town parades and daring at £4.95 1981 are well known, but the country and people's desire to lifeboat rescues. ISBN 0948158 72 7 words of Russell Smith, pilot of visit the scene. Among other events, author It is now ten years since the the Sea King helicopter at the Rob Blann chronicles regattas, tragic loss of the Penlee lifeboat scene, cannot be repeated too THE STORY OF THE the christening of the lifeboat Solomon Browne with her eight- often. A brave, dedicated man FILEY LIFEBOATS Richard Coleman, coronation man crew and eight people from himself, he said of the lifeboat Complete with glossy, full col- parades, King Edward VH's visit the coaster Union Star. crew: 'they were truly the brav- our cover, this latest book from and the pier's destruction by a The memories of that wild est eight men I have ever seen...' Jeff Morris, honorary archivist storm on Easter Saturday 1913. December night in 1981 have of the Lifeboat Enthusiasts So- Packed with over 200 photo- scarcely dimmed and some may GRACE - A NOVEL ciety, is available from Mr Ian graphs, plates and postcards of prefer old wounds to remain by Jill Paton Walsh Ross, 27 Grovehill Road, Filey, local characters and lifeboats, unopened. But Michael Sagar- Published by the Penguin Group N. Yorkshire YO14 9NL priced this book is interesting for its Fenton's account is as sympa- at £8.99 £2.35 (including P&P). insight into the role of a lifeboat thetic a re-telling, with due trib- ISBN 0 670 83820 9 within a community. ute to the bravery shown that This 'factional' book about More book reviews on page 178...

volved with the RNLI over the and struck the notorious Doom they return after a long call-out three-week journey that I am Bar. The rescue was reported on or exercise. In 1977, she was sure I have forgotten to mention the front page of the 'Daily awarded the Silver Statuette and, some of them. Mirror'. in 1990, the Silver Badge. I trust they will forgive this W.H. Baker served a total of I my self have always been very omission and believe that when 41 years, 22 years as a crew proud of my family tradition and I say 'thank you', the words member and 19 years as cox- joined Shoreline in 1980. In seem completely inadequate to swain. He died in 1924. Lives 1990, I was asked to become a express just how much the team saved, unknown. committee member of the Penlee © and I appreciate the amount of My grandfather W.J. Baker of Branch, which I did with pride. support that was given to us. Padstow started in early 1902 as As I contracted polio as a small LETT! It was a privilege meeting all the first signalman on board the child, I have not been able to Continued from connected with the RNLI. RNLI steam tug Helen Peele. He become a crew member, but I do previous page With best wishes became temporary coxswain of all I can on shore. PC I.J. Wylie the lifeboat Arab in 1923, a po- My son James - the fifth gen- Campbeltown Bay, a tremen- Copenacre, Wiltshire sition confirmed in June 1924. eration - became a Storm Force dous experience and the high- He retired as coxswain in Sep- member in 1986. His first trip light of our trip. Fifth generation tember 1948 and became head on a lifeboat was when he was Thanks also to Glynn Har- Looking through our family launcher until 1962. During his only two-and-a-half years old. bour in Atlantic College for per- records, I notice that my family career as coxswain he was Since then, he has always been mitting us to overnight in the is into its fifth generation of awarded the Bronze Medal in ready to help, cleaning the castle; to Roy Williams and the continuous connection with the 1928 for saving the crew of 18 Padstow lifeboat before her crew at Fishguard for allowing lifeboat service. from the vessel SS Taormina of naming ceremony, collecting us to stay at a local hotel free of My greatgrandfatherwas W.H. Oslo after it struck the Doom £75 towards the cost of the new charge (bliss after the floor of a Baker of Padstow. His first Bar. Total years service, 60; 22 Sennen Cove lifeboat, and police station!); to the crew at service was in February 1883. years as crew member, 24 years helping me with collections. New Quay who gave us a trip He became coxswain in 1905 as coxswain and 14 years as My uncle Mr P. Baker was a around the bay in their D class and retired in January 1924. He head launcher. 107 lives saved. crew member and mechanic for boat; to Mrs Joan Good in was awarded the Silver Medal Mrs Mary Taylor ('Lifeboat 28 years. Lives saved, unknown. Brixham for throwing open her for a rescue carried out on 12 Mary') of Padstow, my mother, This makes a total of 108 years home to the team, and for the November 1911 when two ves- collected funds for the RNLI continuous service for the RNLI, welcome from the ladies' guild sels, the schooner Island Maid with my grandmother from 1935 and a total of 203 man years. and crew at the station. and the brigantine Angele, both and still raises funds and supplies Mr E.C. Taylor We met so many people in- ran for shelter towards Padstow the crew with a hot meal when Penzance

164 £ £ £ THE FUND RAISERS £ £ £ Some ways of filling the coffers...

Society pledge In 1990, the Bristol and West Building Soci- ety ran a vendor guarantee scheme whereby £100 was pledged to charity for every case proved where the society failed to meet certain standards. For giving their seal of approval, the RNLI was one of three chari- ties to receive £5,000. Last September, John Stalker, who had agreed to adjudicate in any particular dispute, presented the second instalment of £2,500 to Andrew Young, regional organiser for the south west. Cheers! In the five days leading up to August bank holiday weekend, members of Peterborough branch visited the Campaign for Real Ale Festival and collected £1,208. Not only was this a record for the branch Above: Wokingham branch chairman Michael but a record 12,500 people consumed 28,800 A boxful of dollars Collings receives the latest donation from John Linneman, chairman of John Linneman Associates pints of real ale over the five days. Box collections are an excellent form of of San Francisco. The Peterborough branch of CAMRA has collecting and Wokingham branch has ex- adopted the RNLI as its only charity, raising tended its reach with the latest placement. £2,408 over the last three years. Malcolm John Linneman, chairman of John Save those stamps! Smith, chairman of the branch, says, 'I can't Linneman Associates of San Francisco, has Although the Green Shield stamps think of a much better way of spending my been a governor of Shoreline for many years company has ceased trading, the RNLI free time than enjoying a good pint of real ale and was recently persuaded to have a col- still has a means of redeeming your in very pleasant company, at the same time lecting box in his office. After only a few saved stamps. raising money for the lifeboats!' months, just over $82 had been collected and The Institution will be grateful to a second box has now been requested for the receive any sent to Central Fund Rais- Walk this way company office in Hertford, Connecticut. ing, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset Pensioner Norman Coates of Harrogate cel- Does any other branch or guild claim San BH15 1HZ. ebrated his 79th birthday last September by Francisco or Hertford as theirs? walking the 55-mile Nidderdale Way in three days to raise over £2,500 in sponsorship. Proceeds from the walk have gone to the Jason Logg Memorial Fund, which has been Filthy lucre! much too heavy to be moved. set up in Harrogate to fund a lifeboat in One day last summer, a large van belonging Twocommittee members arrived with their memory of 19-year-old Jason Logg who was to the police diving team drew up at the buckets, which were soon filled with the lost at sea off Flamborough Head in Febru- garden gate of a small house in Leybourne, filthy lucre! Then started the long job of ary 1991. Kent and unloaded a large quantity of dirty, sieving the coins to remove grit and broken wet coins. What was going on? glass and washing them. The money was Mr Coates stops for a well-earned rest and a bite to In the early 1980s, the local Chimneys eat on his 55-mile walk along the Nidderdale Way. then bagged up for the bank, the final sum Steak House had been converted from an old being £734.28. Coins are also thrown into a rectory. Its ancient well, fed by a local stream, man-made waterfall in the restaurant, and was incorporated into one of the bars. since 1986. Chimneys Steak House has do- Money thrown into the well by patrons is nated over £1,290 to the East Mailing and donated to the East Mailing and District District branch. branch, but because of its depth the coins can only be recovered by divers. Children's club Fortunately, the branch can call on the Christ Church Cockfosters held a week-long services of the police diving team, who last holiday club in August for children aged 5- emptied the well in 1986. 11 and the RNLI was adopted as its charity. On this latest occasion, the restaurant was Sue Clifton, area organiser for North Lon- closed for business as the diving team arrived don, provided films and videos for the chil- with all their equipment to clear the well. dren and families to watch, as well as a The operation complete, the money was model lifeboatman and an inshore lifeboat. delivered to branch secretary Miss Gladys About 130 children attended the club and Haynes, her house being the nearest! All the sampled activities like dance, drama, cook- money was tipped into a wheelbarrow, but as ing and artwork. Great fun was had by all the coins soon piled up, the barrow became and £200 was collected for lifeboat funds.

165 £ £ £ THE FUND RAISERS £ £ £

Feline funds Thirty-nine \ears alter his first visit to ()u I harrow when he helped crew the lifeboat on a rescue mission. Orlando - a marmalade cat - has returned to raise funds for the local ladies' guild. 'Owlharrow' is actually Aldeburgh in Suf- folk and is used by Kathleen Hale, creator of the Orlando books, as the fictional seaside town in 'Orlando, a Seaside Holiday'. Last year, publishers Frederick Warne and the Aldeburgh Bookshop re-launched the book with the help of (he Aldeburgh lifeboat crew and a local volunteer whodressed up in a large Orlando cat skin. Afterwards, the bookshop suggested that posters advertising the book be sold in aid of the Aldeburgh lifeboat. Deborah Hooper, publ icily officer for Frederick Warne, agreed. Sub-divisional officer Clive Buckley puts on a brave More than £1(X) has been collected so far face as he prepares for his 160ft daredevil leap! Terror firma and Michael Catierick. joint owner of the Photo The Western Morning News Company The Moat House Hotel. Plymouth was the bookshop, presented Clare Foss. chairman of scene of much excitement on 22 June as 16 Aldeburgh and District ladies' guild, with a A minor miracle! special constables from Solihull. Birming- cheque at the annual street fair held in aid of A 1956 Morris Minor, driven by its owner ham prepared for a 160ft daredevil leap by the RNLI last August. The street fair raised Harry Sharp from South Molton. north Devon, death slide to terra firma. over £2,000. travelled nearly 3.000 miles visiting 115 life- Hotel staff were also 'persuaded' to join in boat stations in eleven days. the fun and. happily, all those participating Young fund raisers The sponsored drive raised a total of £ 1.2(X). survived the jump. Master Alan Clark, aged 7, from Stockport in which Mr Sharp handed over to Mr Tony However, John Adams, a member of the Cheshire, w as so thrilled to attend the naming Bellamy, area organiser for the south west, in hotel's staff, summed it up for many w hen he ceremony of the Storm Force train in Poole a short presentation that took place in front of declared, 'Never again, that's all 1 can say. At last April and the Storm Force Rally in Liver- the Ilfracombe lifeboat. least I now know what 'adrenalin' means!' pool, that he decided to raise funds for the Institution. In brief...In brief...In brief...In brief...In brief...In brief...In brief. A chocolate morning w as held at his home - lots of yummy chocolate cakes, biscuits and FOR THE second year running. Backw ell the lifeboat service to passengers. bars were sold, a chocolate bring-and-buy, a and District branch held its \(,M in CLAPHAM. Battersea & Wandsworth chocolate raffle and a 'guess which lifeboat Cherbourg and raised over £360. Some branch celebrated its tenth birthday last Sep- holds the treasure' competition. According to members sailed across in the branch chair- tember. Ann Wilkins. regional organiser for Alan, everyone enjoyed themselves, 'even man's boat and those that travelled on a Greater London, showed two films on the Mummy who had fun baking lots of cakes and P&O ferry sold Volvo draw tickets to pas- lifeboat service, and the 70 Shoreline mem- licking the bowl afterwards!' £52.30 was sengers and crew. Captain Clarke, master bers present greatly enjoyed a slice of a mag- realised and presented to Bredbury branch. of the ferrv, kindlv described the work of nificent cake in the shape of the RNLI flag. Seven other young RNLI supporters organ- Over £ ISO-worth of souvenirs ised a sale of their old toys and raised a grand was sold and over £60 collected total of £21 for Whitburn ladies' guild. The in donations. Since 1981 the youngsters were Angela and Faye Stephenson. branch annual income has in- aged 6 and 4. Philip and Stuart Lincoln, ageil creased from £2.000 to over 6 and 4. and Ben. Sam and Claire Middleton. £11.(XX). aged 9. 7 and 3. BARKING & Dagenham branch report they have re- Bank holiday fun ceived over £500 in just over12 Five years ago the residents' committee at months from the permanent Burton Constable Caravan Park. Sproatley. collecting box in the local Brit- decided to devote the proceeds of a fund ish Legion Fishing Club. raising August bank holiday tocharity. As the AT A MEETING of the ex- park is near the coast, the RNLI was the ecutive committee of the City of natural choice. London branch, Richard Clarke The amount raised from what has become an handed over cheques to the value annual event of raffles, games, stalls and of £1.847.88, representing the competitions has increased each year, from proceeds of his sponsored Lon- £90 in 1987 to £1.(XX) in 1991. don marathon. Branch chairman The results of the hard-earned efforts were Richard Charvet accepted the donated to the lifeboat station at Spurn Head, donations in a short presentation a popular visiting area for residents and tourers Clapham, Battersea and Wandsworth celebrate ten years of fundraising. outside London's Guildhall. alike from the camp site. 166 £ £ £ THE FUND RAISERS £ £ £

Tonbridge Rotaract members dine in style aboard the Jesse In brief...In brief...In brief. Lumb at Duxford Airfield as part of their meal challenge. DURING the last seven years no less than Cambridge to ask for their £4,407.98 has been donated to Bognor Regis help. Frank Cosby at branch by members of the Pagham Club. Duxford wrote back im- A LIFEBOAT day and barbecue organised mediately, offering din- by Kelsall branch raised over £500. Held in ner for two aboard the the gardens of a committee member's house, Jesse Lumb, former life- the event's attractions included two marquees boat of Bembridge and of stalls, a barbecue and a static display of the relief fleet. boats which included a fire-fighting inflat- Soon afterwards, in able, a steam launch, dinghies and sailboards, candlelight and full all lent by their owners for the occasion. Since evening dress, the eleven its formation in 1989 the branch has raised Making a meal of it Rotaract members took it in turns to eat their over £4,300. One of the tasks set for Rotaract members in three-course meal - in twos and threes be- THE WEATHER was perfect, people their annual 'Rotaractin Action Week' (RAW) cause of the limited space! came by the hundreds and over £2,800 was was to stage a meal in an unusual location, but Amanda Mark, community services com- raised at Cullercoats Harbour Day organ- with a nautical theme. The aim of RAW is to mittee chairman for the Tonbridge club, says, ised by the crew of the lifeboat station and promote club activities, at the same time rais- 'Apart from feeling numb with cold, we all the committee of the Cullercoats & Whitley ing money for charity, this year the RNLI. enjoyed ourselves tremendously.' Bay ladies' guild. Simon Willis from the The Tonbridge branch racked their brains The club expects to raise nearly £210 for the BBC programme 'Look North' opened and came up with the idea of contacting the RNLI from the meal challenge and are won- proceedings and took part in the boat race. Imperial War Museum at Duxford Airfield, dering just what is in store for them next year! THE ERITH AND CRAYFORD branch have good reason to be very grateful to the Christmas cheer Bookings taken licensees and patrons of The Victoria public Christmas morning in 1990, when all good This year, the Southern Model Lifeboat Soci- house in Upper Belvedere, Kent. Licensees children were tucked up in bed dreaming of ety has staged many displays at fund raising Del and Joyce Morgan organised a fun day in Santa, the lifeboat crew at Angle were on their events around the south, amongst them May codenamed 'nonathlon', a series of nine way to the aid of a stranded tanker in a fierce Brentford Dock fun day, Brighton lifeboat individual sporting events undertaken by their south westerly gale. open day, Swanage gala and a number of patrons, which raised a splendid £2,085. The crew battled to save Thuntank model exhibitions. At all these events, the During the day, Mr Eamon Kelly volunteered throughout the early hours of Christmas public has shown a great deal of interest in the to have his head shaved, and in a separate morning, eventually managing to attach a models, especially when the boats are shown event, Mr Martin Botley ran the London towline aboard the grounded tanker and refloat afloat under radio control. Marathon, raising £300. her on that tide. Since the formation of the society in June A CHARITY band concert evening was Their hard work was rewarded recently with 1990, the society has supported the appeal for held by Mr and Mrs Norman Jesty, owners the presentation of a cheque for £25,000. Mr a new Tyne class lifeboat at Shoreham and has of The Old Vicarage Hotel in Highcliffe, Stephen Dennison, UK director and general already donated kitchen equipment for the Dorset. A buffet followed the concert, which manager of Cory Towage, handed over the crew rooms of the Newhaven and Shoreham was given by the Regimental Band of the donation to coxswain Gerald Edwards at the boathouses. Royal Hampshire Regiment, and the en- Merchant Navy Club, Milford Haven. The society is now taking bookings for 1992. joyable evening realised £423 for the It came with the firm order that the crew If you would like them to attend your event or Highcliffe branch. should use a little of the money to enjoy if you would like to join yourself, then contact A LIFEBOAT dance organised by the crew themselves and make up for the Christmas Tony Olliff at 2 Elderfield Close, Emsworth, of Whitby lifeboat raised £4,049 for Whitby they and their families had missed! Hants PO10 7QW. branch. The Glenn Miller Orchestra was booked for the occasion, over 700 tickets Chelmsford reformed were sold and the evening was a huge success. Sarah Halls, area organiser for RAME PENINSULA branch has enjoyed the east, reports that she has another excellent year, passing some £2,000 recently reformed the Chelms- to Headquarters in the last quarter. A fine ford branch after the area has concert given by the Torpoint Lady Sing- been more than four years with- ers raised £88, and a raffle on the Tamar out a proper branch. boat cruise to Weir Head in August resulted This new branch held their flag in another £80. In addition, the Raleigh day on 11 October, raising Sea Angling Club's 'Fish-in" raised the £ 1,207, together with £269 from further magnificent sum of £800. the sale of souvenirs. A CYCLE trip from John O'Groats to Lands House-to-house collections End, covering over 1,000 miles in eleven amounted to £2,575, making a days, raised £707. The man with the sore grand total of over £4,000. derriere is Mike Edwards of Highcliffe, who Not a bad start! completed the journey without back-up and Branch members raising fundsfor the who was welcomed at his destination by the Institution in Chelmsford shopping coxswain of the Sennen Cove lifeboat. precinct. 167 £ £ £ THE FUND RAISERS £ £ £

Swimsafe Shopped! More than £500 was raised for Swimsafe UK Before setting out on their gruelling when RNLI personnel from New Brighton three-week circumnavigation of the lifeboat station, members of Wirral Beach United Kingdom's mainland lifeboat Patrol Service and the local lifesaving club stations, the MoD police team from took part in a sponsored swim. Copenacre Royal Naval Depot in Mike Jones, one of New Brighton's helms- Wiltshire put their Ford Escort car, men, swam seven miles in the River Mersey, provided by local main dealer the equivalent distance of a swim from Hewitt's and news of their exploits Hoylake's to New Brighton's lifeboat station. on show for the day to the public. Safety cover was provided by the beach patrol The venue was Chippenham's Em- service and, of course, HM Coastguard. ery Gate shopping centre and the A further £120 was raised by Year 9 pupils police team sold raffle tickets at Sprowston High School, Norwich who throughout in support of the police participated in a sponsored swim. Keith Home, appeal to fund a Mersey class life- treasurer of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston boat. branch gave a short talk prior to receiving a Supporting their efforts was a sou- cheque from 13-year-old Tim Clarke. venir and gift stall run by Mrs Pam Ellis, Chippenham branch souvenir Cruising club raises £350 secretary and Mrs Angela Virr, to- The Sailing Section of the Middle Nene gether with an exhibition of model Cruising Club, based at the former gravel pits lifeboats provided by Mr Vic Cole at Thrapston, Kettering, has raised £350 for of Faringdon, who regularly sup- the lifeboat service. The money was raised by ports Chippenham flag day. club members who took part in a two-day Right: Mr Vic Cole with his Mersey model sailing regatta earlier this year. and the police team, Sergeant Geoff A cheque for the sum was presented to Mel Thompson and PCs Alan Neasham, lain Smith of Oundle branch on 3 August aboard Wylie and Steve Morse, who all gave up three weeks' leave to make the trip. Photo a traditional gaff-rigged Broads sailing yacht. Steve McClean, Wiltshire Newspapers

1991 Volvo winners Wales and Central England regions raised£35,053 A voyage in our time A grand total of £325,193.64 has been raised so far and £11,567 respectively (total £46,620). Winner: The tragic story of the ill-fated liner RMS from the 1991 promotion in conjunction with Volvo Mr J. Paterson of Norwich. Titanic was re-examined in a special presen- Concessionaires Ltd. South and South East regions raised £63,068 and tation entitled 'RMS Titanic - A Voyage In Five Volvo 460DL cars were offered as prizes in £12,403 respectively (total £75,471), and the win- Our Time' by George Connor at the Royal raffles throughout various fund raising regions. ner was Mr J. Young, of west Sussex. Geographical Society, London SW7 on 19 The prizewinners and amounts raised in the regions Scotland and North West raised £48,851.45 and September. Mr Connor is a Fellow of the £9,518.94 respectively (total £58,370.39). The are as follows: Institute of Marine Engineers, served an ap- South West and Greater London combined to raise winner was Mrs Smith of Troon. prenticeship at Harland and Wolff in Belfast £85,814.75 and £7,990.50 respectively (total Pictured below are Mr Andrew Cubie ws, member £93,805.25). The winner was Mrs C. Keith of of the Institution's fund raising committee, and Mr where the Titanic was built and is acknowl- Plympton, Plymouth. Hugh Reid, Scottish dealer development manager, edged as an expert in his field. North East and East together raised a total of Volvo Concessionaires Ltd, with the winning ticket Following an official reception in the Soci- £50,927; the winner was Mr G. Potter of Wygate in for the Scotland/North West draw which took place ety's Map Room, the 100 guests, including Mr Lincolnshire. on 27 September at the Edinburgh Sheraton Hotel. Michael Vernon, chairman of the RNLI, proceeded to the lecture theatre for the highly visual presentation. Using slides and film, Mr Connor sifted fact from fiction, examining the tales of premoni- tion, coincidence and psychic phenomena which reputedly foretold the vessel's demise. The event was organised by the American branch of the RNLI, which was formed dur- ing bicentennial celebrations of American Independence in 1976 when US citizens in the UK set about raising funds for the RNLI. Approximately £500 was raised.

The Fund Raisers The final date for copy to appear in this section of the Spring 1992 issue of The Lifeboat is 2 March 1992

168 PAST...AND..PRESENT

75 years ago Today's lifeboatmen

From the pages of THE LIFEBOAT Coxswain Michael Grant of Selsey joined the crew May 1916 in 1960 and served as second coxswain from Life-boat crews on the Yorkshire Coast 1972 to 1978, becoming From time immemorial it has been the custom of the the station's full-time Life-boat Service not to maintain fixed crews for Life- coxswain on 1 Novem- boats, but to draw volunteers as required from the ber 1978. seafaring population of the coast towns and villages He was awarded the where Life-boats are stationed. Thanks of the Institution The advantages of such a system over any in which on Vellum after a service men would be engaged permanently to form a Life- on 10/11 December boat's crew are manifold. 1977, and again in rec- Not only is there the obvious economy of such a ognition of his skill and course, but what is more important, there is actually a seamanship during the greater efficiency; as the men, continuing to pursue rescue of a crew of two their avocations as fishermen, boatmen, etc., and from the fishing vessel spending their lives in open boats, are kept in constant New Venture, which was sinking in a strong NE gale with training for the particular class of work which is extremely poor visibility due to heavy snow and a rough sea required in the Life-boat Service, the very nature of in darkness on the night of 30/31 December 1978. which is such that the occasions of use are few and far Eleven days later, in the early morning, the Selsey between; and a crew of men who did no other work lifeboat rescued the 20 crew of the Panamanian cargo vessel would, it is feared, soon degenerate into loafers. Cape Coast in a violent southerly storm, for which Michael Fortunately, the conditions are such that in the earned the Silver Medal. The rescue of a crew of six and great majority of places where it is necessary to keep a yacht Enchantress of Hamble, aground off Selsey Bill in a Life-boat the right sort of men are to be found... southerly gale and very rough sea on 9/10 September 1983 Manning the boats earned Michael his Silver Second-Service Clasp. ...The manning of the Yorkshire Life-boats is an A Freeman of the City of London, Mike is married with a easy enough problem, solving itself by the fact that daughter and two sons, one of whom, Douglas, joined the wherever Life-boats are wanted the men to man them crew in 1986. are at hand. But south of Bridlington. the Life-boat Institution is confronted with a peculiar difficulty. Here and there on the coasts of this kingdom villages are found which formerly supported a population of fishermen, but Facts and Figures where the industry has gradually ceased to exist. Provisional statistics as at 25 November show that during The causes of this decrease are complex, and not 1991: easy to follow: the advent of steam trawling, the rural The RNLI's lifeboats were launched 4.227 times exodus into the great towns, the greater facilities which (an average of 12 launches a day) modern means of travel give the rising generation of More than 1,150 lives were saved (an average of 3 finding work elsewhere, and the advantages which are people rescued each day) to be found in other walks of life, all contribute; and Four per cent of all services carried out by lifeboats that splendid figure, the inshore fisherman, is slowly were in winds of Force 8 and above but surely going the way of the hand-loom weaver and More than 58 per cent of all services were to the driver of stage coaches... pleasure craft ...Yet, the proximity of the mighty Humber. with a There are 268 lifeboats on station, with a further 94 greater actual number of vessels passing up and down in the relief fleet it than any other river in the 122,252 lives have been saved since the RNLI was world, makes it imperative to Some things founded in 1824 guard its approaches, and two never change... Life-boat stations are main- From the title page of THE Costs LIFEBOAT Journal dated 1 tained on this coast. At February 1917: The cost of running the RNLI in 1991 was £44m. The Hornsea. the boat is manned 'Note: The Editor will be approximate current cost of building a lifeboat is: by Bridlington fishermen who, grateful to Hon. Secretar- 16ft D class inflatable £10,000 ies, and other subscribers, on an alarm being given, drive for any really good photo- 21ft Atlantic rigid inflatable £56,000 over in three motor cars, while graphs of wrecks, or Life- 38ft 6in Mersey £650,000 the local men get all ready for boats on service or exer- Fast Afloat Boat 4 £900,000* cise, for publication in the launching and take the boat to Journal.' Fast Afloat Boat 3 £1,200,000* the water's edge. 'Estimate based on prototypes, production costs may differ 169 Tyne Keith Thatcher, RNLI Naval Architect, continues a series of profiles of lifeboat classes

Many people's image of a life- new, faster lifeboats were well cal staff and invited representa- Number designation of '47-' . boat launch is of a boat plummet- established at stations where boats tives of the NMI. Work proceeded smoothly but ing down a slipway into rough lay afloat and the RNLI turned its The chairman of the steering cautiously, and by 1979 models seas, disappearing into a cloud of thoughts to the possibility of a group was Mr P. Denham Christie, of the new design had been tank spray at the foot of the slip to re- faster slipway-launched boat. at that time chairman of the Boat tested and then taken to sea in emerge and forge her way pur- It had long been felt to be a Committee and a past coxswain company with an Arun model of posefully seaward. contradiction in terms, but re- of the Tynemouth lifeboat. The the same scale to test its sea- Although most lifeboats now search into faster, round bilge hull class name 'Tyne' reflects the keeping abilities. make a much less glamorous de- forms by the National Maritime close involvement of Mr Denham parture, slipping their moorings Institute showed it would be fea- Christie in the development of Characteristics and almost inconspicuously pro- sible to produce a boat of similar the boat and his long association The principal characteristics of ceeding to sea, a few stations still speed to the Arun which still with the River Tyne and the hull design include soft, round remain where there is no suitable provided the propeller protection Tynemouth. bilges, a deep, fine bow and fairly sheltered mooring and no alter- needed for slipway operation. Because the new class of life- flat, stern sections. The propellers native to the slipway launch. boat was to take the place of ex- are recessed into shallow tunnels These slipway lifeboat stations Staff Target isting slipway-launched classes and are further protected by deep were almost the last bastion of the By 1977, the RNLI's Search such as the Watson and Barnett, bilge and centreline keels extend- so-called 'traditional' lifeboat, the and Rescue Committee had pre- the weight and size limitations at ing aft to the transom. 8- or 9-knot 'double ender' with pared an outline 'staff target' for individual stations had to be taken Corrosion-resistant steel was twin screws and tunnel hulls the new boat, and a design steer- into account in the design. chosen for the hull plating and which served the RNLI so well ing group was_set up which in- The parameters set at the first internal structure, with aluminium for so long. cluded senior members of the steering group meeting called for alloy for the deck and superstruc- However, by the mid 1970s, RNLI's Operational and Techni- a maximum overall length of 47ft tures. Glass-reinforced plastic Sin and a maximum beam of 15ft (GRP) and timber were consid- Oin. Height from the underside of ered early in the design stages, the keel to the top of the wheel- but were rejected on the grounds house could be at most 13ft and of wear resistance and cost. the weight in service condition It had been decided early in the could not exceed 24 tons. project to order two prototype Although these parameters are boats so that modifications tried quoted in Imperial units, the de- on one could be compared with sign was prepared in metric units. the second, unmodified boat. In The Tyne was the first RNLI March 1980, Fairey Marine (East lifeboat class to use this system of Cowes) was awarded the contract measurement, although it retains to build two boats, ON 1074 and Imperial units in the Operational ON 1075, (later to become 47- 001 and 47-002). The first boat, ON 1074, was delivered in March 1982 after successfully complet- ing self-righting and other prov- Two views illustrating the change in ing trials. ON 1075, followed at sheer between the two prototypes the end of the year. and the later production boats. 47-001 City of London (above) has Both boats were subjected to a the small 'kick1 in the sheer to period of evaluation, and their accomodate the steeper deck performance was compared with camber and false side deck - see text - while the production boats current station lifeboats in in- (right) have less camber and no creasing sea conditions. Modifi- raised section. cations were made to one boat at a time, the two boats then running together to evaluate the effect of the change. The evaluation period proved outstandingly successful and the 170 HISTORY OF THE earl ier boats. A new gearbox from TVNK CLASS Twin Disc has recently become 1977 Stall' target approved by available and steps are in hand to SAR Committee. Steering group replace the ageing Allison boxes set up. with Twin Discs during survey. 1979 Design finalised, produc- tion drawings prepared. Deck Material 1980 Prototype boats 47-001 At the same lime as the change (ON 1074) and 47-002 (ON 1075) of gearboxes was being made, it ordered at Fairey Marine. was decided to change the main 1982 Prototypes delivered 1983 Production boat re-design deck material (excluding the - Mkll revised sheer and engine wheelhouse structure) from alu- change. minium alloy to steel. 1984 First production boat Fitting the aluminium alloy deck (Mkll) delivered - 47-003 (ON to the steel hull was always dif- 1094)Padstow. Prototype boat. 47- ficult and involved a 'riveted 001 (ON 1074). to station at Selsey. connection' at the deck-to-bulk- Dual construction programme set heads and deck-to-hull joints. up. Complete boats from Fairey Marine. Hull, deck and superstruc- This was a potential source of ture for fit-out at other yards from corrosion and had caused a few R. Wright & Son. alignment problems. An all-steel 1986 Mklll boat introduced - deck offered simpler hull con- 47-011 (ON II14) Angle. Steel struction and, although increas- main deck., superstructure attached The need for fully protected propellers and rudders is obvious in this photo- ing the weight, would simplify by Kelocouple. Gearbox change graph of Selsey's Tyne class lifeboat leaving her slipway. Note the deep skeg surveys, especially as the boats from Allison to ZF. just visible on the port side. grew older. 1987 Aft cabin height raised to changes made to the prototypes unnecessary complication and the To facilitate fitting of the su- give increased reserve of self-right- ing ability for the greater displace- were incorporated into the design production boats have a normal perstructures, a new steel-to-alu- ment of Mk III boats. for production boats. continuous sheer and camber. minium alloy transition joint was 1990 Last boat delivered - 47- It was decided to opt for at least To design a boat weighing no used, known as 'Kelocouple' — a 040 (ON 1158)Shoreham. two main construction yards. more than 24 tons in operational strip of material composed of lay- Fairey Marine was a prime con- condition required fine control ers of steel, aluminium and alu- ing survey. tender. Otherwise, there were over the weight of all components. minium alloy, explosively bonded Production continued smoothly few small boatyards capable of. The engine room space is severely together. The steel deck is welded until, in 1989, all the scheduled or willing to, build complete boats limited and the need for engines to the steel side, the aluminium slipway stations had been allo- at an acceptable price. of high power-to-size and power- alloy superstructures are welded cated Tynes. Production ceased It was decided to adopt the 'hull to-weight ratios was apparent from to the aluminium alloy side, with boat number 40 (ON 1158). part-assembly/fit-out yard' con- the outset. The RNLI had some forming a positive mechanical Although originally conceived cept used for the Arun class. experience of the General Motors connection without the use of riv- as a slipway-launched lifeboat, Fairey Marine were contracted to 8V71 engines in the 50ft Thames ets or bolts. the protected propellers of the build the first pan-assembly of class and these were chosen for These modifications resulted in Tyne also make her an ideal life- hull, deck and superstructure for the prototypes as they offered the extra weight so the self-righting boat for shallow waters. fitting out by William Osborne at best power-to-weight ratio. ability of the boat was reviewed. As a result, some stations where Littlehampton. and a search was By the time the production boats It was found that an increase in the lifeboat lies afloat but has to made for a second builder. were being considered, the GM superstructure volume would be operate over sand bars or rocks A steel fabrication firm. R. 8V71 engine had reached the end beneficial. So, from boat number (or has access problems at low Wright and Son at Foston, Derby, of its production 1 i fe and the newer 30 (ON 1039). the aft cabin height tide) have also been allocated a were contracted to build the re- GM 6V92 was adopted. was increased by 125mm. All Tyne. These stations include maining part-assemblies, and The first ten boats, including the Tynes have now had this modifi- Lowestoft and Whitby. various fit-out yards were used. prototypes, are fitted with a cation carried out while undergo- Arranmore and Salcombe. standard GM gearbox, the Allison The underwater shape of the Tyne class hull is well illustrated during a capsize Modifications Type M20. As the class building trial. Note the soft, round bilges, deep, fine bow and the propellers recessed The present Tyne is essentially programme progressed it was seen into shallow tunnels and protected by long skegs. the same as the first prototypes, that there was some although a keen-eyed observer benefit in changing to will detect some changes. a lighter gearbox with The hull shape of all the boats K a slightly improved re- essentially the same, although the duction ratio. The ZF production boats differ from the 160 BW gearbox was prototypes in deck line. Close chosen as the most examination reveals a step in the suitable alternative and sheet-line of ON 1074 and 1075 all boats from and in- (47-001 and 47-002). On these cluding ON 1114(47- two boats, the deck aft of the step 01 Dare so fitted. has a very heavy camber which is The change involved covered by a lightweight false a re-alignment of the side deck. Although entirely sat- engine beds, which isfactory, this was felt to be an could not be done to 171 WORLD CLASS WITH AN EXCLUSIVE NEW INSURANCE SCHEME FOR RNLI SUPPORTERS THAT ALSO BENEFITS THE RNLI.

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Members of the Royal Artillery Band, with Peter Holness and Anthony Oliver Bravery remembered at Headquarters, draw the winning tick- Reuben Cooper, who died trying to save the ets for the 55th National Lottery. lives of the crew of American cargo ship SV Royal Festival Hall in London Sirenia in a storm over 100 years ago, has each May. been remembered with the unveiling of a Supervising the lottery, which commemorative plaque (below) at Brook raised over £87,000, were on the Isle of Wight. deputy director Ray Kipling and Mr Cooper died in the storm alongside deputy head of fund raising two crewmen from neighbouring Anthony Oliver. The prize Brightstone when he was thrown out of his winners were: boat as it was hit by a wave. The bodies of £2,000: G.K. Lamb, Angus, the two Brightstone men, Moses Mum and Scotland. £1,000: F. Brett, Thomas Cotton, were washed up and buried Gravesend, Kent. £500: M. Pole, with full recognition for their bravery. The Swansea, Wales. £250: G. Curtis. body of Mr Cooper was lost. Horsham, west Sussex. £100: Mrs J. Guthrie, Maidstone, Kent; Miss In the dedication ceremony attended by F.I. Matthews, Middx; PJ.F. loca! dignitaries and distant relatives of the Bandsmen dig deep Wingate, Maidenhead, Berks; Miss M.H. Gray, lifeboatman, Reuben Cooper's selfless Three members of the Royal Artillery Band west Sussex; J. Jones, Powys. Wales; Miss C.A. contribution was finally celebrated. dug deep to pull the winning tickets for the Sheeran, Stockport, Cheshire; H. Aulp, Belfast, 55th National Lottery from the drum on northern Ireland; Mr Andrews, Dorset. £50: Mrs Doyle, Warrington, Cheshire; S. Liscoe, Thursday 31 October 1991. Rugby, Warwickshire; Mrs K.E. Leech, Wythall, The band, which was appearing at the Birmingham; J. Comerford, Flitwick, Bedford; In memory ot Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth, attends G.R. Patierson, Seaton Sluice, Tyne & Wear; l8i2-l888.Stoon<> Coxswain of'tU an average of 450 engagements a year. One J.A. Saunders, Chichester, Sussex; D. Cowie Brook lifeboat.WmUm SUmy Uwfc of these is to play at the RNLI's Annual (White Horse Distillers), Clarkston, Glasgow; lewt overboard in rwfa* „** , Presentation of Awards ceremony at the Mr Watson, Southampton, Hants. March 10th 1888. v&i? .bound °m Sin Enncuco to Dunkirk which struck tht AtturflcU Ud<* Obituaries in tWck too. ^

With deep regret we record the following deaths: OCTOBER 1990 JULY 1991 Captain Reg Goodman HEM, president of Penlee Molly and Peter Tabor, donors of the D class branch from 1978. He was chairman from 1957 to lifeboat stationed at Port Isaac. Long Service Awards 1973 and vice chairman until 1975. Captain Miss Betty Davenhill, president of Eccleshall The Long Service Badge for crew members Goodman was awarded a Silver Badge in 1972. branch from 1989 to 1991. She was secretary from JANUARY 1991 1977-1985 when she served as chairman until her and shore helpers who have given active Mrs P. Rogers, chairman of Minehead ladies' guild election as president in 1989. service for 20 years or more has been from 1957 to 1975 and a staunch supporter and AUGUST 1991 awarded to: helper until her death. She was awarded a Statuette Clifton Smith-Cox CBE TD, founder member of Flint - Crew member R.A. Forrester in 1984. Clevedon branch and president from 1974 until his Hastings - Crew member K. Ronchetti MARCH 1991 death. Newhaven - Shore hefper M. Moore SEPTEMBER 1991 Eric Rhoades, joined the Ilminster branch com- Padstow - Head launcher R.J. Norfolk mittee in 1978, was elected vice chairman in 1982 Mrs Marion Winstone, donor of the Ballycotton Plymouth - Second coxswain K.J.R. and was chairman from 1983 until 1990 when he and Fishguard Arun class lifeboatsHyman Winstone was elected president. He was awarded a Silver and Marie Winstone respectively. Rimmer, Crew member F. Parker Badge in 1988. Colonel W.V. Clark, president of Wigan branch Porthcawl - Crew member S. Hughes Dick Burke, chairman of Gloucester branch from from 1975. He was treasurer from 1955 until his Ramsey - Assistant mechanic R.B.H. 1982 to 1987 and memberof the committee until his election as president and was awarded a Silver Crowe death. He was awarded a Statuette in 1989. Badge in 1984. APRIL 1991 OCTOBER 1991 On Station Miss May Ellis, together with her sister, jointly William Hunt, coxswain/mechanic of Rhyl life- organised flag week in Islington and Haytor for 34 boat from 1964 to 1973 when he became mechanic The following lifeboats have taken up years. She was awarded a joint Statuette in 1989. until his retirement in 1977. He first joined the station and relief fleet duties: JUNE 1991 crew in 1937, was appointed second coxswain in ALL-WEATHER Bill Kennedy, honorary secretary of The Lizard 1949 until 1951 when he served as coxswain to Scarborough - Mersey 12-18 (ON 1(75} lifeboat station from 1977 until 1983 when he 1955. From 1955 to 1964 he was the station Fanny Victoria Wilkinson & Frank Stubbs became the branch's public relations officer. He mechanic. on 27 September 1991. was elected vice chairman in 1986 and chairman Edgar Foster, last surviving crew member of the Anstruther - Mersey 12-17 (ON 1174) from 1990 until he retired in May 1991. He was Yealm lifeboat. The station closed in 1927. Kingdom of Fife on 16 October 1991. awarded a Silver Badge in 1987. Mrs Gladys Worth, founder member of Filton Harold Harding, founder member of Horfield ladies' guild in 1963 and committee member from INSHORE branch in 1974 and enthusiastic helper and collec- 1966 to 1984. She was chairman from 1971 until Relief-D 4)9 on 13 August 1991. tor until his death. He was awarded a Certificate of 1979. St Catherine - B587 Jessie Eliza on 28 Thanks in 1986. The guild ceased to function in 1984. September 1991. 173 LIFEBOAT SERVICES

Aberdeen. Grampian Barra Island, Western Isles Clogher Head, Co Louth 54ft Amn ON 1050: July 3 52ft Arun ON 1143: July 31 37ft Oakley ON 978: June 26 and 30 D class: July 5 Barrow, Cumbria Conwy, Gwynedd Aberdovey, Gwynedd 47ft Tyne ON 1117: July 13 and 23 D class: July 8 Atlantic 21: June 17, 18,26, July 7, 15 and 30 D class: June 2 (twice) Courtmacsherry Harbour, Co Cork Abersoch, Gwynedd Barry Dock, South Glamorgan 48ft 6in Solent ON 1011: July 18 Atlantic 21: July 22 Relief 52ft Arun ON 1071: June 29, 30, and 23 Aith, Shetland July 11 (twice), 12 (four times) and 27 Courtown, Co Wexford 52ft Arun ON 1100: July 7 Beaumaris, Gwynedd D class: June 3, July 29 and 31 Aldeburgh, Suffolk Atlantic 21: June 2,15, 27, July 4, 12 and 13 Criccieth, Gwynedd 37ft 6in Rather ON 1068: July 12 Bembridge, Isle of Wight C class: June 2, July 8, 14 and 29 D class: July 12, 13 and 20 Relief 47ft Tyne ON 1075: June 9, 12 and 14 Cromer, Norfolk Alderney, Channel Islands 47ft Tyne ON 1126: July 5 and 31 D class: June 29, July 11,21 (twice) 44ft Waveney ON 1045: June 1 (three D class: June 1,2, 25, July 5, 11, 12, 17 and 30 times), 2, 10, 19, 24, July 5, 6, 18, 26, 27, and 21 Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear 28 (twice) and 30 Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland Atlantic 21: June 19 and July 20 Amble, Northumberland Atlantic 21: June 12 (twice) and July 7 Donaghadee, Co Down 44ft Waveney ON 1004: July 23 Blackpool, Lancashire 52ft Arun ON 1107: June 1. 2, 15 D class: July 31 D class: June 26, July 5 (twice) and 7 (twice) (twice), 30, July 14 and 27 (twice) Angle, Dyfed Blyth, Northumberland Douglas. Isle of Man 47ft Tyne ON 1114: June 13, 29, July 9, 13 44ft Waveney ON 1079: June 8, July 1, 22 47ft Tyne ON 1147: June 14 (twice), 14, 15 and 29 and 27 Dover, Kent Anstruther, Fife D class: June 15 and July 27 50ft Thames ON 1031: June 19 (twice) Relief 37ft 6in Rather ON 1024: June 13, Borth, Dyfed and July 7 15, 25, 30 (twice) and July 7 D class: June 1, July 11, 18 and 27 Dunbar, Lothian Appledore, North Devon Bridlington, Humberside 48ft 6in Solent ON 1020: June 2, 8 and 12 Relief 47ft Tyne ON 1142: June 18, 19, 12m Mersey ON 1124: June 1,18, 29, 30, D class: June 2 (twice) and 12 July5, 6, 12 and 23 July 7 and 28 Dungeness, Kent Atlantic 21: June 7, 9, 18, July 3, 6, 10 D class: June 9, 19, 22 (seven times), July 8, Relief 37ft 6in Rather ON 1047: June 25 (twice), 12, 23. 27 and 28 12, 13 (three times), 17, 18, 27, 29 and 30 and July 30 Arbroath, Tayside Brighton, East Sussex Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin 37ft 6in Rather ON 1054: July 27 Atlantic 21: June 1, 9 (twice), 12, July 5, 6, Relief 44ft Waveney ON 1005: June 1 D class: June 24, July 5 and 10 7, 17, 18 and 29 (twice) and 2 Arklow, Co Wicklow Buckie, Grampian 44ft Waveney ON 1036: July 5 and 16 44ft Waveney ON 1029: June 2 (twice), 52ft Arun ON 1093: June 26, July 8 and 27 D class: June 1 (twice), 7, July July 11 and 14 Bude, Cornwall 16 and 28 Arran (Lamlash), Strathclyde D class: June 30, July 10 and 22 Dunmore East, Co Waterford C class: June 1,10 (twice), July 7 and 19 Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex 44ft Waveney ON 1035: June 8,11, 26, 29, Arranmore, Co Donegal D class: June 9 and July 28 July 13 and 15 47ft Tyne ON 1111: June 3,7,16 and July 9 Burry Port, Dyfed Eastbourne, East Sussex Atlantic College (St Donat's Castle), D class: June 28, July 5 and 10 37ft 6in Rather ON 1055: June 5, 25, July South Glamorgan Calshot, Hampshire 2, 14, 18 and 28 Atlantic 21: June 10, July 5, 11 and 21 33fiBrede ON 1104: June 12, 16, July 10, D class: June 16, 25, 29, July 4. 5. 6, 9, 11, Ballycotton, Co Cork 14 and 25 14 (twice), 21,27, 28 and 29 52ft Ann ON 1067: June 2, 6, 7, 10 and Campbeltown, Strathclyde Exmouth, South Devon July 20 52ft Arun ON 1059: June 5, 8, 10, 24, July 33ft Brede ON 1088: June 5 (twice), 8, 26, Baltimore, Co Cork 6, 14, 20, 23, 25 and 30 28 and July 25 47ft Tyne ON 1137: July 9, 20 and 31 Cardigan, Dyfed D class: June 2, 8, July 6 (five times) and Ballyglass, Co Mayo C class: June 27 29 (twice) 52ft Arun ON 1159: July 10 and 12 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Eyemouth, Borders Bangor, Co Down D class: June 15, 22 and July 29 44ft Waveney ON 1026: July 18 Atlantic 21: June 7, 12, 15, 24, 30, July 5, Atlantic 21: July 4, 14 and 29 Falmouth, Cornwall 17, 18, 24, 25, 27, 28 (three times) and 30 Cleethorpes, Humberside 52ft Arun ON 1058: June 9, July 4, 17, 21 Barmouth, Gwynedd D class: June 9,11, July 7,14,20,23 and 30 and 28 D class: July 4 (twice), 7 (twice), 13 Clifden, Co Galway Atlantic 21: June 6, 8, 9, 15, 26, 27. July 4, (twice), 16, 24, 28, 29 (four times) and 30 C class: July 9 and 14 5 and 30 174 JUNE AND JULY 1991

Filey, North Yorkshire Holyhead, Gwynedd Llandudno (Orme's Head), Gwynedd 12m Mersey ON 1170: June 5, 19 and July 6 47ft Tyne ON 1095: June 16, July 9, 11 12m Mersey ON 1164: June 2, 14. July Relief 12m Mersey ON 1148: July 21 (twice), 16, \9and24 8 and 27 D class: June 3 (twice), July 6 and 14 (twice) D class: June 15 and 16 D class: June 12, 14, 29, July 5, 7 (twice) Fishguard, Dyfed Horton and Port Eynon, West Glamorgan and 8 52ft Arun ON 1076: June 8, 30 and July 2 D class: July 24 Longhope, Orkney Flamborough, Humberside Howth, Co Dublin 47ft Tyne ON 1138: June 23 and July 8 37ft Oakley ON 972: June 30 and July 5 52ft Arun ON 1113: June 8 (four times), Lowestoft, Suffolk Fleetwood, Lancashire 23, 30, July 5, 16 and 22 47ft Tyne ON 1132: June 9 and 13 47ft Tyne ON 1156: June 18, July 2, 16, 20 D class: June 5, 8 (twice), 20, July 13, 17, Lyme Regis, Dorset and 23 22, 27 and 28 Atlantic 21: July 22 and 30 D class: June 2, 12, 18, July 2, 13 and 20 Hoylake, Merseyside Lymington, Hampshire Flint, Clwyd 12m Mersey ON 1163: June 24 and July 8 Atlantic 21: June 15 (twice), 22. July 27, D class: June 5, 7 and 16 (twice) Humber, Humberside 30 and 31 Fowey, Cornwall 52ft Arun ON 1123: June 15 (twice), 21, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire Relief 44ft Waveney ON 1003: June 8 and 29, 30, July 20, 23 and 27 47ft Tyne ON 1155: June 21,26, July 5 July 25 Hunstanton, Norfolk and 13 44ft Waveney ON 1028: July 26 Atlantic 21: June 9, July 10 (twice) and 12 D class: June 23, 26 and July 13 (twice) Fraserburgh, Grampian Hfracombe, North Devon Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire 47ft Tyne ON 1/09: June 26, July 5 and 14 12m Mersey ON 1165: June 16, 21, July 27 D class: June 28, 30, July 7, 21 (twice), 22 Galway Bay, Co Galway and 28 and 29 Relief 52ft Arun ON 1108: June 2 (three D class: June 10, 21, July 11, 22 and 29 Macduff, Grampian times) and 14 Inshore Lifeboat Centre, Cowes Base Atlantic 21: July 7 and 31 Relief 52ft Arun ON 1150: June 27, July Atlantic 21: July 31 Mallaig, Highland 10, 12, 13 and 18 (twice) Invergordon, Highland 52ft Arun ON 1078: June 5, 7 and July 23 Girvan, Strathclyde 44ft Waveney ON 1033: June 8, 14, July Marazion, Cornwall 33ftBrede ON 1105: June 1 and July 5 24, 28 and 30 D class: July 6 Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk Islay, Strathclyde Margate, Kent 44ft Waveney ON 1065: July 18,21 and 31 50ft Thames ON 1032: July 5 and 13 37ft 6m Rother ON 1046: June 13, 15 and Atlantic 21: June 8 (twice), 9, 29, July 4, Kilkeel, Co Down July 10 12,16, 18, 21, 23 and 31 D class: June 18, 20, 22 and July 29 D class: June 16, 27, July 11, 12, 14 Happisburgh, Norfolk Kinghorn, Fife and 15 D class: June 21 and 23 (three times) C class: June 23, 29, July 6, 25 and 28 Minehead, Somerset Hartlepool, Cleveland Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway Atlantic 21: June 16, July 4, 12 and 31 44ft Waveney ON 1044: July 3 (twice) D class: July 28 D class: July 4 and 16 Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway Moelfre, Gwynedd Atlantic 21: July 1 and 10 Atlantic 21: June 16 and July 15 47ft Tyne ON 1116: June 11, 26 and July 12 Harwich, Essex Kirkwall. Orkney D class: June 8, 29 (twice) and July 25 44ft Waveney ON 1060: June 12 and 15 52ft Arun ON 1135: June 2 and 8 Montrose, Tayside Relief 44ft Waveney ON 1002: July 1 Largs, Strathclyde 47ft Tyne ON 1152: July 2 Atlantic 21: June 1,9 (twice), 12, Atlantic 21: June 2, 18, 23, 24, 30, July 1, Morecambe, Lancashire 17,23, 26 (twice), 30, July 13 (twice) 3, 6 (five times) and 29 (three times) D class: July 7. 13 and 29 and 21 Lerwick, Shetland Mudeford, Dorset Hastings, East Sussex 52ft Arun ON 1057: June 23 and 30 Atlantic 21: June 12, 14, 17, 25, July 5 12m Mersey ON 1125: June 9, 13, 17, 19 Little and Broad Haven, Dyfed (twice), 13 and 18 and July 13 D class: June 15, July 8, 9, 18, 19 and The Mumbles, West Glamorgan D class: June 16, July 7 (twice), 11, 12, 29 (twice) 47ft Tyne ON 1096: June 10, 12 and July 25 14 (twice) and 29 Littlehampton, West Sussex D class: June 9, 12, 16 (twice), 23, 26, July Hayling Island, Hampshire Atlantic 21: June 9, July 5, 20 (twice) 4, 5, 9 and 29 Atlantic 21: June 1, 3 (twice), 9, 22, 30, and 26 Newbiggin, Northumberland July 9 (twice), 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 24 Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent Atlantic 21: July 24 (twice) (twice), 27 (twice) and 29 Atlantic 21: July 8, 11, 13 (twice) and New Brighton, Merseyside Helensburgh, Strathclyde 14 (twice) Atlantic 21: June 25, 30, July 4, 7 and 30 Atlantic 21: June 14, 15, 19, 22, 27, July The Lizard, Cornwall Newcastle, Co Down 5,12,15, 16 (three times), 19 47ft Tyne ON 1145: June 10, 21, 24 and 37ft Oakley ON 974: July 7 (three times), (three times) and 27 JulyS 29 and 30 175 LIFEBOAT SERVICES

Newhaven, East Sussex Portree, Western Isles St Helier, Channel Islands 52ft Anin ON 1106: June 3 (twice), 44ft Waveney ON 1042: June 28, July 12 Relief 47ft Tyne ON 1075: July 3, 7 and July 2, 9, 11, 14 and 24 and 27 27 (twice) Newquay, Cornwall Portrush, Co Antrim St Ives, Cornwall C class: June 17, 18, July 3, 15, 16, 26, Relief 52ft Arun ON 1086: June 9,19 and 21 12m Mersey ON 1167: June 9, 29, July 6 27 and 28 (twice) 52ft Arun ON 1070: July 2, 5, 7, 14 (twice) and 20 New Quay, Dyt'ed (twice), 24 and 29 C class: July 6, 22, 23, 28 and 30 37ft Oakley ON 973: July 11 and 23 Portsmouth (Langstone Harbour), St Mary's, Isles of Scilly D class: July 5, 14 and 18 Hampshire 52ft Arun ON 1073: June 5, 8, 14, 19, 27 North Berwick, Lothian Atlantic 21: June 1,13, 14, 15 (twice), 16 (twice), July 9, 13 (twice), 15, 23 and 29 D class: July 7, 13 and 28 (twice), 23, 30 (twice), July 7 (twice), 27 St Peter Port, Channel Islands North Sunderland, Northumberland and 28 52ft Arun ON 1025: June 1 (twice), 2, 6, 37ft Oakley ON 982: June 2,3 and 26 (twice) D class: June 14 and July 27 July 2 and 5 D class: June 2 and 20 Port St Mary, Isle of Man Relief 52ft Arun ON 1108: July 12, 13, 15, Oban, Strathclyde 54ft Arun ON 1051: June 3, 13, 24, 30 and 20, 25 and 26 33ft Brede ON 1102: June 14, 18, 24, 30, July 16 Salcombe, South Devon July 7, 8, 13 (twice), 21 (twice), 24 and 29 Pwllheli, Gwynedd 47ft Tyne ON 1130: June 22, July 15 Padstow, Cornwall /2m Mersey ON 1168: July 5 and 27 47ft Tyne ON 1094: July 10, 19 (twice) D class: June 2, 16 and 30 Scarborough, North Yorkshire and 23 Queensferry, Lothian 37ft Oakley ON 979: July 6 and 28 Peel, Isle of Man Atlantic 21: June 5 (twice), 16, 20, 29 D class: June 25, July 20 and 21 Atlantic 21: June 8, 9, 24, 26, 29, July (twice), July 6, 12, 14, 16 and 25 Selsey, West Sussex 12 and 22 Ramsey, Isle of Man 47ft Tyne ON 1074: June 2 and July 18 Penarth, South Glamorgan 12m Mersey ON 1171: July 23 and 27 D class: June 2, 22, 30, July 17 and 24 D class: June 13 (three times), July 1,11 Ramsgate, Kent Sennen Cove, Cornwall (twice), 12 twice and 29 Relief 47ft Tyne ON 1122: June I, 18,24, Relief '37ft bin Rother ON 1022: July 15 Penlee, Cornwall July 18, 20 and 25 and 20 52ft Anin ON 1085: June 9, 19, 30, July 47ft Tyne ON 1154: July 31 Sheerness, Kent 26 and 28 Atlantic 21: June 4, 18, 21, 28, July 14, Relief 44ft Waveney ON 1002: June 9, (0 Peterhead, Grampian 26, 29 (twice) and 31 and 25 47ft Tyne ON 1127: June 17, July 4 Red Bay, Co Antrim 44ft Waveney ON 1027: July 3, 11 and 29 and 14 C class: June 30, July 5, 14, 24 and 30 D class: June 9, 13, 16, 21, 23, 30, July 8, Plymouth, South Devon Redcar, Cleveland 17,23,25 and 30 (twice) 52ft Arun ON 1136: June 1, July 3 and 10 Atlantic 21: June 21, 30, July 21 and Sheringham, Norfolk Poole, Dorset 27 (twice) 37ft Oakley ON 986: June 4, July 11 and 16 33ft Brede ON 1089: June 11, 15 (three D class: June 29, 30 and July 14 Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex times), 22, July 10, 12, 14, 23, 27 and 28 Rhyl, Clwyd 47ft Tyne ON 1158: June 24, July 7 Boston Whaler: June 9, 11 (twice), 12, 13, 37ft bin Rother ON 1000: June 30 (twice) (twice), 14 and 17 15 (three times), 16, 21, 22, 25, July 5, 7 and July 8 D class: June 9 (twice), 15, 29, July 14 (three times), 9, 10, 12 (twice), 13, 14, 15, D class: June 9 (twice), 30 (twice), July 4, and 23 17, 23, 27, 28 (twice), 30 and 31 5, 6 (four times), 7, 20 (twice), 23 and 28 Silloth, Cumbria Portaferry, Co Down Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford Atlantic 21: July 7 Atlantic 21: June 9, 28, July 2,3, 7,8 and 27 52ft Arun ON 1092: June 27, July 11,28 Skegness, Lincolnshire Port Erin, Isle of Man and 31 12m Mersey ON 1166: July 10, 25 and 29 37ft bin Rother ON 998: June 6 Rye Harbour, East Sussex D class: June 8, 30, July 9 and 29 Porthcawl, Mid Glamorgan C class: June 14, 30 (twice), July 13, 28, Skerries, Co Dublin D class: June 1, 2, 10, 15, 18 (twice), 23, 29 and 31 D class: June 2, 7, July 5, 10, 19 and 28 25, July 10 and 16 St Abbs, Borders Southend-on-Sea, Essex Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd At/antic 21: June 30 and July 31 Atlantic 21: June 5, 7, 9 (five times), 10, 47ft Tyne ON 1120: June 2, 9, 22 and 23 St Agnes, Cornwall 11 (twice), 15, 16, 26, 29, July 13 (four Port Isaac, Cornwall D class: July 27 and 29 times), 14, 18, 21 (twice) and 29 D class: June 16, 27, July 6, 9, 10, 12, 17 St Catherine, Channel Islands D class: June 9, 10, 26, July 4 (three (twice), 19, 26, 28 and 30 Atlantic 21: July 2, 3 (twice), 6 and 7 times), 6, 9 (twice), 10, 12 (twice), 14, 15, Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway St David's, Dyfed 17, 28 (twice), 29 (three times) and 30 47ft Tyne ON 1151: June 2, 29, July 2, 14, 47ft Tyne ON 1139: June 7, 12, 15, 21, South wold, Suffolk 19, 22. 25 and 28 July 6 and 23 (twice) Atlantic 21: July 9 176 JUNE AND JULY 1991

Staithes and Runswick, North Yorkshire Torbay, South Devon Weston-super-Mare, Avon Atlantic 21: June 3, 20, 30, July 10 and 20 54ft Arun ON 1037: June 5, 8, 15, July 13, D class: June 2 (twice), 8 and July 14 Stornoway (Lewis), Western Isles 20 and 24 Atlantic 21: June 8 and 30 Relief 52ft Arun ON 1103: July 23 D class: June 20, 29 and July 16 Weymouth, Dorset Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway Tramore, Co Waterford 54ft Arun ON 1049: June 2, 22, 26 and 28 D class: June 21, July 18 and 30 D class: June 2, 15 and July 4 Whitby, North Yorkshire Stromness, Orkney Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd 47ft Tyne ON 1131: June 3, 8 (twice), 11, 52ft Ann ON 1099: July 24 D class: July 27 and 31 (twice) July 10, 13, 21 and 29 Sunderland, Tyne and Wear Troon, Strathclyde D class: July 13, 27 and 29 44ft Waveney ON 1043: June 19, 30, July 52ftArun ON 1134: June 1,10,13,15 (twice), Whitstable, Kent 13 and 20 16, 23, 24 (twice), 25, July 2, 18, 25, 29 Atlantic 21: June 2, 9 (twice), 20, 29, 30, D class: June 10, 18, 19, 24, July 6 (twice), Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear July 10, 11, 13, 21, 26 and 31 10 and 13 (twice) Relief 52ft Arun ON 1081: June 8, 11, 12, Wick, Highland Swanage, Dorset July 8 and 21 47ft Tyne ON 1121: June 3 (twice), July 7 Relief 37ft bin Rather ON 1064: June 23, D class: June 9, 15, 28, July 3 and 5 and 24 July 2, 5, 21 and 29 Valentia, Co Kerry Wicklow, Co Wicklow Teesmouth, Cleveland 52ft Arun ON 1082: June 6, 12, July 14, 47ft Tyne ON 1153: July 1 and 23 47ft Tyne ON 1110: June 30, July 1,3 (four 17 and 21 Withernsea, Humberside times), 7 (twice), 24 and 28 Walmer, Kent D class: June 22 Teignmouth, South Devon D class: June 9 (twice), July 11 and 14 Workington, Cumbria Atlantic 21: June 4, 27, July 7 and 14 Atlantic 21: July 14, 18, 21 and 31 48ft 6in Solent ON 1021: June 20 and July 29 Tenby, Dyfed Walton and Frinton, Essex 47ft Tyne ON 1141: June 21 and 26 47ft Tyne ON 1112: June 13, 29, July 4, 5 48ft 6in Solent ON 1012: June 1 and July 4 Yarmouth, Isle of Wight (twice), 6 (twice), 22 and 28 Relief 48ft 6in Solent ON 1019: July 28 52ft Arun ON 1053: June 14, 22, 28, July 1. D class: June 2,3,13 (twice), 20,21,29, July Wells, Norfolk 2,7,8, 10, \ \, 21 (three times), 25,27 and 31 4,5,6 (three times), 9,14, 15,18 (three times), J2mMerseyON1161:]\me\5,18andJulyl2 Lifeboats on Passage 23, 25, 28 (three times) and 29 D class: July 3 and 8 Mersey ON 1171: June 30 Thurso, Highland West Kirby, Merseyside Waveney ON 1028: July 25 52ft Arun ON 1149: June 13, July 8 and 22 D class: June 2 (twice), July 18 and 29 (twice) Tighnabruaich, Strathclyde West Mersea, Essex Lifeboat Services D class: June 21 Atlantic 21: June 9, 15, 18 (twice), 21, June and July 1991 Tobermory, Strathclyde 22, 23, 26, July 1 (twice), 2, 7, 10, 13, The services listed are those for which 54ft Arun ON 1052: June 3, July 4, 9, 10 14 (three times), 17, 18 (twice), 20 and returns had been received at Head- (twice), 13, 14 and 31 29 (twice) quarters by 6 November 1991. There may be additional services for which returns had not been received by that date.

The adventures of Captain Calamity and his black and white cat.., Sailor Bob Faversham and his com- feared, for good. panion Little Scilla, who have been But Little Scilla was found two days preparing for a round-the-world trip, laterexploring the hull - and the stores have not been having their share of - of his yacht Scilla. good luck recently. But that wasn't the end of the story. In the past months, Little Scilla. A fortnight later Bob had to call on the Bob's kitten, has fallen overboard from assistance of the Dungeness lifeboat his yacht three times, but has always and a trawler when he was taken ill been saved and returned to lone again with stomach pains. yachtsman Bob. While he was in Rye hospital, his Then Bob fell ill at sea and had to be yacht capsized in the local harbour - attended to by a local doctor on board with fears that Little Scilla was still on the Ramsgate lifeboat. During the board. incident, his little furry friend disap- Luckily, the kitten was found safe peared once more, this time, Bob and given a good home by the RSPCA. And Bob is well on the mend - Sailor Bob Faversham with companion although he has now decided to retire Little Scilla. Photo Michael Pett from the sea! LIFEBOAT SMALL ADS

PLYMOUTH HOE - DEVON SCOTTISH BORDERS Holiday Cabins AA ,V RAC .V J.G.S. WEATHERVANES Activity Holidays in IMPERIAL HOTEL - 22 bedrooms mostly Comfort For Hire and Sale at en-suite-Nautical Cocktail bar-Discount for Adult fn'o^raninu". Shoreline members and friends - Details contact resident proprietor Lt Cdr Alan K. Multi-activity [Churchwood V<ey Jones RNR Retd. Colour brochure and tariff. (including sai/ing/ Comfortable, quality holiday homes. Plymouth (0752) 227311 kayaking), Hillcraft, Walk • Set in coastal preservation area A. the Borders (an historical exploration) • Near the beautiful River Yealm, River Tamar TJ*-*-- Multi-activity /nil/rfm/s for children: and Plymouth Sound MARITIME MODELS Borders and West Coast. 18, Churchwood, .,„,,„ Beautiful setting, good food, smal Any type of ship or boat model Wembury Bay, groups, persona/ attention. I/ Plymouth built to highest standards Quality steel weathervanes to Brochure: Border Adventure, Yarrow, Selkirk TD7 5LJ South Devon Telephone Peter Halliwell your choice of design, finished (Tel: 0750 42223) (0752) 862382 (0733) 237607 in black polyester or life-like colours. Telephone 0525 PENNINE BOAT TRIPS of SKIPTON Renovation and repair of all types of 220360 for colour brochure. Daily Public Trips and Private Charters on meteorological instruments to our 50 seater passenger boat for Clubs, Met. Office standards RNLI Fund Raising etc. • Mercury and aneroid instruments Bar. Galley Snacks. Buffets etc • Approved to service and supply STOP DUMPING - START SAVING - THINK GREEN Ring for details: (0756) 790829/701320 Used toner cartridges from computer laser printers are spares for Ne^rettift Zambra being thrown away in many offices near you' We pay Coach SI. Stopton, N. Yorks BD23 1LH instruments £2 for empty cartridges to you or 10 RNLI or other • Charts, pens, ink chosen charity. We offer remanufactured cartridges for iaser printers • Display barographs available, and personal photocopiers at savings of 60% WAYS produced in the traditional style Free Trial - Full Guarantee - Free Delivery For Brochure, Prices or to Order phone Apr-Ocl on 38ftx12ft houseboat. Gentleman, Tel: Access Lasercall (03061 743435 72. many interests (arts, history etc) seeks W. J. Read CHAMPAGNE DE COURCY (UK.) LTD. companion(s). similar background, couple or 49 Old Vicarage Park. Narborough. singles (m/f) to share trip or part trip, expenses. Kings Lynn. Norfolk PE32 1T11 0233 861202 Own cabin Information, tel 0235 850 438. Phone(0760) 337801 ALMOST AFLOAT... Every bottle sold benefits the K.N.L.I. or close waterfront, Fowey Harbour, South Cornwall. Comfortable holiday cottages, Polruan, sleep 2/8. Superb' WATERSIDE COTTAGE. RESTRONOUET. CORNWALL FALMOUTH, CORNWALL views, exceptionally well-equipped, Comfortable, well-equipped 3 bedrooms, pano- Port Pendennis Harbour Village ramic views across Carrick Roads to Roseland St Mawgan, Newquay, CORNWALL. mooring facilities. (.50/£350 weekly. 1 Luxury waterside apartment in award- Ballaglass . Simon's Walk, Englefield Green, Bungalow in large, secluded Telephone (0726) 870582 winning development. Two bedrooms, Surrey TW20 9SQ. tel 0784 433356 gardens. Sleep 4 +cot. 0753-861482. sleeps 4, also available autumn. Overlooking marina, berth available. ISLES OF SCILLY Telephone (0326) 250339 FALMOUTH BOSANNETH GUEST HOUSE MINCARLO GUEST HOUSE - superb posi- Visit Falmouth this year and stay in comfort at tion overlooking the harbour at St Mary's - ACCURATE AND DETAILED SHIP MODELS Bosanneth overlooking Falmouth Bay. Well adjacent the Lifeboat Station. Run by the BUILT TO ORDER appointed en-suite rooms, most with sea views. same local family since 1945. Alt rooms H&C Full-hull, Waterline or Half-hull in any scale REGIMENTAL TIES Alt with complimentary colour TV and tea/ and heating, some with en-suite facilities. Photos & details £1 Also Club, Company. Promotional Ties coffee makers. Personal service, licenced, Tel. (0720) 22513 or write Colin Duncan RICHARD AOSHEAO MODELS Blazer Badges & Buttons Cuff Links, Hand private car park. Ex-Whitstable lifeboat crew. TEMPLECOMBE, SOMERSET, BA8 OHE Brochure on request. Painted Heraldic Shields/Car Badges. Phone Ann or Eric, 1 Stracey Road. Medal Mounting, also miniatures Gyllyngvase Beach. Falmouth TR11 4DW. RADNOR LTD, 39 Thames Street, Tel (0326) 314649 Windsor, Berks SL4 1PR Tel: (0753) 863982 Est 1919 Personal Callers Welcome Barometers & Barographs Restored by experienced craftsmen inel. Negretti & Zambra and other famous Birthday due? Give someone an original makes. Collection point Central London. newspaper dated the very day they were born Russell Scientific Instrument. Rash's C16 95 (plus tree 1880's Times') Green. Dereham. Norfolk NR19 IJG. Yeslerday's News 43 Dundonald Road. Colwyn Tel. (03621 693481 Bay, Clwyd LL29 7RE Tel 0492 531195

FLORIDA BUNGALOW Cornwall. Tamarside cottage. Idyllic Minutes Disneyworld, pool, restaurant, sleeps surroundings. Sleeps 4. Pets welcome. 6. From £300pw Tel (0262) 671900 •B Barnes (0579) 50284 TOE WORLD'S SMALLEST Restronguet, Nr Falmouth The ultimate in Peaceful, picturesque waters' edge hamlet. ^ MINIATURE Comfortable houses steep 4/8 (two bathrooms) DIGITAL WEATHER STATION Own gardens, quay, slip and beach near Pan- ^2*+ REPLICAS * dora Inn/Restaurant, Open all year. Dogs al- Yachts, lifeboats, traditional sailing vessels Ideal for home use, the lowed, PeterWalson. Restronguet. Falmouth. & from launches to commercial ships Weather Pro microprocessor Telephone (0326) 72722 Commissioned by maritime museums, controlled weather station collectors, owners, skippers, RNLI stations and crews. Each subject individually displays:-wind speed, wind Binocular Repair Specialists created by one of the world's leading ship direction, temperature, time, High quality & realistic prices for repairs modellers to provide exceptionally accurate cleaning/realigning. Also new and S/H sales wind chill, max/min. and detailed replica. 'Exquisite perfection ACTION OPTICS temperature and (optional) in miniature' - a client. The work includes 2 Old Hill, Avening. Nr Tetbury Glos GL8 8NR many RNLI lifeboats for naming rainfall. Tel Nailsworth (045383) 3738 ceremonies, retirements and collections. Included are an LCD Each signed and supplied with certificate of digital read out unit, and a Other models available in this range. ISLE OF MULL authenticity and scale. wind sensor with 20 metres A small guest house and farm in lovely country- BRIAN WILLIAMS of cable. A stainless steel side, a mile from villages and two from coast. West Rock Package multi-activity holidays. Sea sailing The Cleave desk stand, NiCad standby ONLY £189.95 inc. VAT and home cooking. Write to Jenny Matthew, Kingsand, Torpoint batteries and a mains power p + p £6.00 Ardrioch, Dervaig, Isle of Mull, Argyll. Cornwall PL10 INF supply/charger are options. Full one year warranty. Telephone (06884) 264 (Tel: 0752 822638) Everything you need to set up your own weather T1IF SPFiC'IALISTS IN ALL FORMS OF SEA BURIAL station with minimal fuss. I UK BRITANNIA SHIPPING COMPANY SEND FOR FREE FOR BURIAL AT SEA LIMITED WEATHER STATION CATALOGUE NOW Briumnia House • Newton I'opplcford - Nr. Sidmouth - Devon ICS Electronics Lid.. I nil V, Rudford Induslrial Kstair, Ford. Arundel, l-.Xlll 111-:!-',Telephone Coluton Raleigh (1)395) 6X652 — 24 hours. W. Sussex BM8 OBI> Telephone: 0903 731101 Facsimile: 0903 731105 LIFEBOAT SMALL ADS

TOPOTOTS FUND-RAISING ELIZA5FTH HOTEL INSURANCE QUALITY WATERPROOFS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS 37 Eccleston Square, Victoria, AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED London SW1V1PB. Tel: 071-828 6812 Competitive rates for all types Sou'westers, trousers, blousons etc Ideal, central, quie! location overlooking magnificent of yachts and motorboats Optional detachable fleece lining. gardens on fringe of Belgravia Comfortable Single For free brochure send SAE to Double-TwirvFamily Rooms. Brow Cottage, Stoney Lane, Good ENGLISH BREAKFAST MODERATE NewburyRG169HQ. PRICES EGONRONAYRAC SPECIAL RATES FOR | FREE COLOUR BROCHURE AVAILABLE EX RNLI LIFEBOATS Telephone (0635) 40438

IMMEDIATE QUOTATIONS FREE DEUVUn • 30 D/ffi TO tH • EXCLUSIVE PACKAGE • & COVER Details from Contact: Lane & Partners Ltd WEATHER INSTRUMENTS L.R.Sloggdt, 48 Draycott Place, London SW3 Barometers, barographs, raingauges, frost predictors, hygrometers and Houscmans Insurance Consultants Ltd., Tel: 07! 58! 3894 38a West Street, thermometers. Also an inexpensive Serving Fund raisers since 1971 range of remote sensing instruments Marlow, Bucks. SL7 2NB. for wind, rain and temperature. All available by post. Full colour Tel 0628 890888 (24 hrs) THE HOTEL FOR ALL DIVERS' WATCHES SPORT brochure and price list from: Met-Check, Fax 0628 890636 & PROFESSIONAL Dept. R.L., PO Box 284, Bletchley, SEASONS Repairs and services. Tested Milton Keynes, MK17 OQD. Telephone Secluded, romantic and wonderful 0296712354(24 hoars). Housemans hospitality to 20 atm. Most cell exchanges FAST FRIENDLY BROKERS WHO CARE HOLNE CHASE by return. FAMILY NAME KiB Nr. Ashburton, Devon COATS OF ARMS \^ SM McMillan, C.M.B.H.I., 9 f Individually painted by hand Poundsgate(03643)471 Bosvenna View, Bodmin, (from only £19.95) Write and wt- will tell GRISTHORPE NEAR FILEY AA + RAC" Commendation of B.TJL you il a coa! of arms is associated with Oakbeamed country cottage in quiet Cornwall, PL31 1AX. your name free village, comfortably furnished, 3 bed- Tel: 0208 74513. rooms, sleeps 6. 5.5 miles from SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS INVEREWE GARDEN 6 MILES ALL ARMED FORCES, SCHOLASTIC, Scarborough and 2 miles from Filey. Small luxury guesthouse 300 yards from the sea. HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND CIVIC AND PROFESSIONAL Personally supervised by proprietor. Non-smoking. Traditional and vegetarian home INVEREWE GARDEN 6 MILES Ties, blu/er badges and wall plaques Enquiries, SAE to Mrs J.A.Williamson, cooking. Dinner, bed and breakfast £20. S.T.B. 2 Luxury bungalow sleeps 4, with patio windows overlcoking the bay (200 yds). Full heating,available (Over 10.000 designs increasing daily) 10 Welsord Road, Filey WO14 OAE, crown, Highly commended. Mrs P. Cawthra, Cartmel, Aullbea, Wester Ross. Tel 0445 731375. all year. S.T.B. 4 crown Highly commended. SAE tel 0723512020. Birchburn Holidays, Aultbea, Wester Ross. Tel ORIGIN OF YOUR SURNAME 0445731375. We research the name and print in Old English characters on parchment-type SARK - CHANNEL ISLANDS paper a true record of the name embel- lished with heraldic beasts and shields LICENSED SAIL ALYSTRA in six colours measuring 13in by 1 lin. GUESTHOUSE A 38ft ketch, sailing the Hebrides Price only £17.95 Family run. Centrally situated nr. La Seigneurie. Join skipper Tony (ex-MN) and Anya, cook Open all year. B&B or half board. Own produce. and zoologist, aboard 'Alystra'.and help cruise A unique gift AH rooms H & C, heating, hot drinks, some the magnificent waters of the West Coast. en-suite. Contact John and Jenny Marsland for Explore uninhabited isles, enjoy quiet anchor- Please send a stamp lor free colour bro- tariff and brochure. Sark (0481) 832351. ages and good food. Learn the basics of cruis- chure and price list. For orders'phone ing, pilotage, navigation, or just take in the (0202) 63 1 76 1. Visa Access scenery. Sail in sheltered waters idea! for the ACTIVE INVESTORS need looseleaf invest- family. Single sailors welcome. Cruises start House of Arms and Emblems ment ledgers £15 and price monitors £2. Depl L13. 142 Sandy Lane. Poole. from L. Craignish. SAE for details to R.D.C. Passey, The Mill From E229-E259 p.p 6 days Dorset. BH165LY House, Crewe Green Road, Crewe CW1 1NW Members of the A.S.Y. C. RYA Recognised Teaching Establishment FOR YOUR CLUB OR CHARITY GILL YACHT CHARTERS Frimley Phonecards Ardfern, by Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8QN RENT-A-RACE ALMOST AFLOAT ON THE DART The collector's phonecard. Private issue 5 Tel: (08525) 257 unit B.T. phonecard, RNLI limited edition On the quay at Dittisham. A £6.50 each plus £1 p&p. A donation will be comfortable family holiday house. ARGYLL ISLE OF LUING made to the RNLI on all cards sold. FRED'S TIDE GUIDE 1992 Sleeps 7, garden, private quay, idyllic Frimley Phonecards, 62 Orchard Way. Comfortable cottage, sleeps 5/6. which covers all the British Isles, Eire surroundings, wildfowl. Camberley. Surrey GU15 2TF Sorry no pels. Tel: 0602 264209 and Channel Islands. £230-320 pw according to season. Telephone: 0276 24178 1992 TIDE GUIDE complete with Telephone (0844) 237068 clock and Data Pack £7.95 YACHT CREW INTRODUCTION TO YACHTING 1992 DATA PACK (for people who Crewing opportunities available Try yachting on the Solent. already have the clock) £4.50 BROADS NATIONAL PARK Cruising/Racing/Delivery/Charter Skippered cruises all year round on Skippered day-sailing on beautiful Edwardian Make cheque out to 'S.A.A. Sales Office' All experience levels required comfortable 35ft sailing cruiser. Broads yacht. Also B&B accommodation in and send to the Sub-Aqua Association. picturesque village. Tel (069262) 768 Yachts Local and International SAMARA SAILING (0322) 340531 Dept LB. 21 Leybourne Road. Liverpool Send SAE for details L254SW. Telephone 051-428 5451 CREWSEEKERS, HAWTHORN HOUSE, FLUSHING, CORNWALL SIDMOUTH SEAFRONT HAWTHORN LANE, SARISBURY GREEN, Comfortably furnished quayside holiday cot- Friendly family-run seafront hotel, totally SOUTHAMPTON SO3 6BD tage, sleeping six in three bedrooms, situated YACHT AND BOAT INSURANCE refurbished, en-suite rooms, col. TV. Telephone (0489) 578319 in the centre of Ihis quiet village on beautiful Phone Woodbridge (0394) 384749 for teamakers. good food, parking, fully licenced. Ciewseekers - Bringing Yacht Owners and Crew Together Falmouth harbour. Views across the water to advice and insurance quotations for Safe beaches. Special offers and bargain Greenbank and the Royal Cornwall YC. yachts, angling boats, speedboats. breaks. 5% discount cheque payable to RNLI TIME AND TIDE at your fingertips Phone Mr A. Bromley, handed to you when a c settled. Brochures Coopers, Lime Kiln Quay. TIDEMASTER® Ringwood (0425) 476660 or write Marlborough Hotel. Sidmouth EX10 8AR. Woodbridge. Suffolk IP12 1BD PILOT 22 Gravel Lane, Ringwood, Hants BH24 1LN Tel (0395) 513320 • Quartz accuracy • Guaranteed RNLI PRESENTATION working depth 75ft • Clear luminous Unique WATERSIDE HOLIDAYS WALL PLAQUES hands and batons Coloured houseflag in relief on • Automatic 1 IN CORNWALL 6W x 5 /2" varnished shield calendar £15 each ( + £1.75 p&p) • Quick set Engraved plate with your wording date change Peaceful location at water's edge £5 extra • Tide bezel5 monitors tidal state * 5 attractive COTTAGES and FLATS • Radio beacon * Boats for hire identification bezel * Moorings, Jetty and Slipway Alt this for only £29.95 inc VAT Supplied to many crews, stations At the best chandlers or * Also YACHTS for charter and branches for those special add£1 for 1st class recorded despatch from presentations MARINE CRAFTS YACHTING INSTRUMENTS LIMITED BAR CREEK, MALPAS, TRURO West Rock, The Cleave, Kingsand, BOATING DEPARTMENT. MAPPOWDER STURMINSTER NEWTON. DORSET DT10 2EH Nr. Torpoint, Cornwall PL10 1NF (0872) 73919 TR1 1SS Tel: (0258) 817662 Fax (0258) 817829 •S (0752 822638). -Reg design 962765 ' Reg Trade Mark LIFEBOAT SMALL ADS

PLYMOUTH HOE - DEVON J.G.S. WEATHERVANES SCOTTISH BORDERS Holiday Cabins AA ,Y RAC ,V Activity Holidays in IMPERIAL HOTEL - 22 bedrooms mostly Comfort For Hire and Sale at en-suite-Nautical Cocktail bar- Discount for Atiitlt I'n^nuniut". < Shoreline members and friends - Details Multi-activity contact resident proprietor Lt Cdr Alan K. I Churehwood Valley Jones RNR Retd. Colour brochure and tariff (including sailing/ Comfortable, quality holiday homes Plymouth (0752) 227311 kayaking), Hillcraft, Walk • Set in coastal preservation area r the Borders (an historical exploration). • Near the beautiful River Yealm. River Tamar y~ Miilti-actii'itv lioliiitnif far cliitilrcu: and Plymouth Sound MARITIME MODELS Borders and West Coast. 18, Churchwood, p= Beautiful setting, good food, small Any type of ship or boat model Wembury Bay, groups, personal attention. Plymouth built to highest standards Quality steel weathervanes to Brochure: Border Adventure, Yarrow, Selkirk TD7 5LJ South Devon Telephone Peter Halliwell your choice of design, finished (Tel: 0750 42223) (0752) 862382 (0733) 237607 in black polyester or life-like

colours. Telephone 0525 PENNINE BOAT TRIPS of SKIPTON Renovation and repair of all types of 220360 for colour hrochure. Daily Public Trips and Private Charters on meteorological instruments to our 50 sealer passenger boat for Clubs, Met. Office standards RNLI Fund Raising etc. • Mercury and aneroid instruments Bar. Galley Snacks. Buffets etc • Approved to serviee and supply STOP DUMPING - START SAVING - THINK GREEN Ring for details: (0756) 790829/701320 spares for Ne£retti& Zambra Used toner cartridges from computer laser printers are being thrown away in many offices near you1 We pay Coach SI. Skipton, N. Yorks BD23 1LH instruments £2 for empty cartridges to you or to RNLI or other • Charts, pens, ink chosen charity We offer remanufactured cartridges for laser printers • Display barographs available, and personal photocopiers at savings of 60% CRUISING FRENCH WATERWAYS produced in the traditional style Free Trial - Full Guarantee - Free Delivery For Brochure, Prices or to Order phone Apr-Oct on 38(1x12ft houseboat Gentleman. Tel: Access Lasercall (03061 743435 72. many interests (arts, history etcl seeks W. J. Read CHAMPAGNE DE COURCY (U.K.) LTD. companion(s). similar background, couple or 49 Old Vicarage Park. Narborough, singles (m/f) to share trip or part trip, expenses. Kings Lynn. Norfolk PE32 1TH 0233 861202 Phone (0760) 337801 ALMOST AFLOAT... Own cabin. Information, tel 0235 850 438. Every bottle sold benefits the R.N.L.L or close waterfront, Fowey Harbour, South Cornwall. Comfortable holiday cottages, Polruan, sleep 2/8. Superb WATERSIDE COTTAGE. RESTRONQUET, CORNWALL FALMOUTH, CORNWALL views, exceptionally well-equipped, Port Pendennis Harbour Village St Mawgan, Newquay, CORNWALL. mooring facilities. £50/£350 weekly. Luxury waterside apartment in award- Bungalow in large, secluded Telephone (0726) 870582 winning development. Two bedrooms, gardens. Sleep 4 +cot. 0753-861482. sleeps 4. also available autumn. Overlooking marina, berth available. ISLES OF SCILLY Telephone (0326) 250339 FALMOUTH BOSANNETH GUEST HOUSE MINCARLO GUEST HOUSE - superb posi- Visit Falmouth this year and stay in comfort at tion overlooking the harbour at St Mary's - ACCURATE AND DETAILED SHIP MODELS Bosanneth overlooking Falmouth Bay. Well adjacent the Lifeboat Station Run by the BUILT TO ORDER appointed en-suite rooms, most with sea views. same local family since 1945. All rooms H&C Full hull. Waterlme or Half-hull in any scale REGIMENTAL TIES All with complimentary colour TV and tea and heating, some with en-suite facilities. Photos & details £1 Also Club, Company, Promotional Ties coffee makers. Personal service, licenced, Tel. (0720) 22513 or write Colin Duncan RICHARD ADSHEAD MODELS Blazer Badges & Buttons, Cuff Links, Hand private car park. Ex-Whitstable lifeboat crew. TEMPLECOMBE, SOMERSET, BA8 OHE Brochure on request. Painted Heraldic Shields/Car Badges. Phone Ann or Eric. 1 Stracey Road, Medal Mounting, also miniatures Gyllyngvase Beach Falmouth TR11 4DW RADNOR LTD, 39 Thames Street, Tel (0326) 314649 Windsor, Berks SL4 1 PR Tel: (0753) 863982 Est 1919 Personal Callers Welcome Barometers & Barographs Restored by experieneed craftsman incl. NcjJretti & Zambra and other famous Birthday due? Give someone ar original makes. Collection point Central London. newspaper dated the very day they were born Russell Sclent it ic Instruments. Rash's £16.95 (plus free 1880's Times'! Green. Dt-reham, Norfolk NRI9 1JG. Yesterday's News. 43 Dundonaid Road. Colwyn Tel. (0362)693481 Bay. Clwyd LL29 7RE Tel 0492 53:195.

FLORIDA BUNGALOW Cornwall. Tnmarside cottage. Idyllic Minutes Disneyworld. pool, restaurant, sleeps surroundings. Sleeps 4. Pots welcome. 6. From ESOOpw. Tel (0262) 671900 ^ Barnes (0579) 50284 THE WORLD'S SMALLEST Restronguet, Nr Falmouth The ultimate in Peaceful, picturesque waters' edge hamlet _i MINIATURE Comfortable houses sleep 4 8 (two bathrooms) DIGITAL WEATHER STATION Own gardens, quay, slip and beach near Pan- •*^S*+ REPLICAS dora Inn Restaurant. Open all year. Dogs al- Yachts, lifeboats, traditional sailing vessels Ideal for home use, the lowed. Peter Watson, Restronguet, Falmouth. & from launches to commercial ships Weather Pro microprocessor Telephone (0326) 72722 Commissioned by maritime museums, controlled weather station collectors, owners, skippers, RNLI stations and crews. Each subject individually displays:-wind speed, wind Binocular Repair Specialists created by one of the world's leading ship direction, temperature, time, High quality & realistic prices for repairs modellers to provide exceptionally accurate cleaning/realigning. Also new and S/H sales wind chill, max/min. and detailed replica. 'Exquisite perfection ACTION OPTICS temperature and (optional) in miniature' - a client. The work includes 2Old Hill, Avening. Nr Tetbury Glos GL8 8NR many RNLI lifeboats for naming rainfall. Tel Nailsworth (045383) 3738 ceremonies, retirements and collections. Included are an LCD Each signed and supplied with certificate of digital read out unit, and a Other models available in this range ISLE OF MULL authenticity and scale. wind sensor with 20 metres A small guest house and farm in lovely country- ^.sj,- BRIAN WILLIAMS of cable. A stainless steel side, a mile from villages and two from coast. West Rock Package multi-activity holidays. Sea sailing The Cleave desk stand, NiCad standby ONLY £189.95 im VAT and home cooking. Write to Jenny Matthew. Ktngsand, Torpoint batteries and a mains power p + p £6.00 Ardrioch, Dervaig, Isle of Mull. Argyll Cornwall PL101NF supply/charger are options. Full one year warranty. Telephone (06884) 264 (Tel: 0752 822638) Everything you need to set up your own weather THE SPECIALISTS IN ALL FORMS OF SEA BURIAL station with minimal fuss. THK BRITANNIA SHIPPING COMPANY SEND FOR FREE FOR BURIAL AT SKA LIMITED WEATHER STATION CATALOGUE NOW Britannia lloii'-.e • Newton I'oppletord • Nr. Sidmouth - Devon If'S Kiel-Ironies I.Id.. I nil V. Kudfnrd Induslrial Kslale. Ford. Arundel. EX Id DEF.Telephone Colaton Raleigh (03^5) h,Src2 — 24 hours. W. Sussex BMS OBI) Telephone: 090.1 731101 hat-simile: 090.1 7.11105 FISHERMAN'S FRIEND

FBHERMANi FRIEND

ORIGINAL ANISttu EXTRA -^ V FLAVOUR STRONG

PSHERW AM>; FRIEND

FISHERMAN^ FWEND js proud to be associated with the RNLJ MARTELL

The spirit of Tradition Martell & Co. and their U.K. distributor The Michel Martell, the seventh House of Seagram generation of the Martell family to are proud of this head this prestigious company, link and look for- founded in 1715, was in England ward to develop- when the announcement was made ing further their to phase out the traditional Naval long standing MARTEI i rum ration in 1970. This included relationship with the provision of rum to Lifeboats the RNLI "on service". Being a lover of tradition and a keen yachtsman, he spontaneously offered to provide the RNLI with Martell Cognac. MARTELL COGNAC The Lifeboats have carried Martell The House of Seagram, Pinnacle House, 17 Hartfield Road, ever since for use "on service". London SW19 3SE