Volume XLIX Number 487 The Lifeboat Journal of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution Spring 1984 30p

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SHORELINE MAKES If you're not already a member of Shoreline, MARINE LOANS PLAIN SAILING here's your chance to join because Mercantile A new boat5 a refit5 Or just a little help with Credit will pay your first year's membership when annual expenses? your loan is agreed. You can pick up a Shoreline Whatever your requirements, if you're an Sailing loan leaflet containing full written details RNLI supporter you can apply for a loan at an at your local branch of Mercantile Credit (you will attractive rate of interest from Mercantile Credit find the address in your telephone directory). and budget your way home with regular easy No security is required on loans up to £7,500. payments. HELP THE RNLI AND HELP YOURSELF Shoreline Sailing Loans not only help you but also benefit the RNLI. Because for each loan I Mercantile Credit Mercantile Credit Company Limited, granted Mercantile Credit provide a worthwhile P.O. Box No. 75, lUi/abethan House, Great Queen Street, I-ondon \VC2K ?H1' donation to the Institution. Telephoned! 242 1234. •••^^^^OVER100 BRANCHES THROUGHOUT THE U.K. THE LIFEBOAT Spring 1984

Notes of the Quarter 3

Lifeboat Services 5

XT JX Lifeboat Open Days 1984,Poole 12

487 Forest Row Lifeboat Choir 12

The naming at Cowes of RNLB Sir Max Aitken II 13

Chairman- ^a^ Safe—^art 1- caPsizing and righting, by James Paffett, RCNC CEng FRINA THE DUKE OF ATHOLL HonFNi FRSA, chairman of the Technical Consultative Committee 14

Director and Secretary: Stromness: first lifeboat station in Orkney, by Joan Davies 16 REAR ADMIRAL W. J. GRAHAM, CB MNI United States Coast Guard: a glimpse, by Trevor Ramsden, Station Administrative Officer, Padstow 20

Lifeboat People 21

London International Boat Show 22

Editor: Shoreline 23 JOAN DAVIES Books 24

Headquarters: Some Ways of Raising Money 25 Royal National Lifeboat Institution, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 Awards to Coxswains, Crews and Shore Helpers 30 1HZ (Telephone Poole (0202) 671133). Telex: 41328. Lifeboat Services, August, September and October 1983 32 London Offices: Letters 35 Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Leuers •" 202 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7JW . . , (Telephone 01-928 4236). TIndex to Advertisers 36

Editorial: All material submitted for Advertisements: All advertising en- consideration with a view to publication quiries should be addressed to Dyson in the journal should be addressed to Advertising Services, PO Box 9, Gol- the editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal Nation- daming, Surrey (Telephone Godalming al Lifeboat Institution, West Quay (04868) 23675). Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ (Tele- COVER PICTURE phone Poole (0202) 671133). Photo- Subscription: A year's subscription of Some years ago Campbell MacCallum took a graphs intended for return should be four issues costs £3.00, including post- portrait of the people of Wells lifeboat station. accompanied by a stamped and addres- age, but those who are entitled to The cover picture on this journal is a similar sed envelope. receive THE LIFEBOAT free of charge will portrait taken last autumn by Peter J. R. continue to do so. Overseas sub- Stibbons of Hunstanton lifeboat station, scriptions depend on the cost of postage further west along the Norfolk coast. In it can to the country concerned. Write to be seen all the people who make possible the operation of the Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable Next issue: the Summer issue of THE RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset lifeboat stationed at Hunstanton: the crew and LIFEBOAT will appear in July and news BH15 1HZ. shore helpers, the honorary secretary and items should be sent by the end of branch officials, members of the ladies' guild April. News items for the Autumn issue Printers: The Friary Press, Grove Trad- and the local coastguards. should be sent in by the end of July. ing Estate, Dorchester, Dorset. Start here for 20% SPECIAL MOTOR INSURANCE DISCOUNT SCHEME in addition to your No Claim Discount. Complete form below to obtain these benefits

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To AEGIS INSURANCE SERVICES (GROUP) LTD.. FREEPOST. Maidenhead, Berks SL6 5BU. Please send me. without obligation, my personal copy of the complete insurance and investment service brochure. No postage necessary if posted in the U.K. I am particularly interested in the following (tick box required). Q] Family Protection/Life Assurance ^ Finances in Retirement ~ Household Insurance Q Please phone me L~ Review of existing Life Assurance Plans ^ Tax efficient Investment ~ Insurance of Valuables to discuss F] Investment for future House Purchase ~j Car Insurance Qj Yacht and Craft Insurance Please ring for an appointment and see us at any of our principal offices: Belfast 0232 47747 Maidenhead 0628 23484 Bristol 0272 297777 Yeovil 0935 20044 ^B •• •• |^| Whatever your insurance and investment needs, AEGIS will advise you H |H 's 44ft Waveney lifeboat The White Rose of Yorkshire at sea for the Tyne Tees TV current affairs programme 'Briefing' on the amalgamated Tyne Tees Coastguard area. The programme was screened during the first week in December when HRH Prince Charles opened the new NOTES OF Coastguard Marine Rescue Sub Centre at Tyne. photograph by courtesy of Whitby Gazette Thanks and congratulations Tyne, the RNLI's latest class of life- THE QUARTER Everybody in the RNLI is conscious boat, is designed to launch down a of the tremendous efforts made by fund slipway but to have double the speed of raisers throughout Great Britain and present slipway lifeboats; the cost of Ireland to provide the lifeboatmen with building each boat is £430,000. HER MAJESTY Queen Elizabeth The the finest boat and equipment possible. The Tyne is partly funded Queen Mother, Patron of the Institution, The Committee of Management, at by a gift from J. F. and E. A. Measures will be the guest of honour at this year's its meeting in November last year, heard Charity of Birmingham and will be annual presentation of awards meeting a report of fund-raising results and named Ethel Anne Measures. The presi- on May 15. She will address the resolved: dent of the appeal is HM Lieutenant for meeting and present the awards for West Glamorgan, Colonel J. Vaughan gallantry and long, outstanding service. ' That the thanks and congratulations of Williams, and cheques, made payable It will be a particular pleasure to wel- the Committee be extended to voluntary to the The Mumbles Lifeboat Appeal' come the Queen Mother in this the workers and fund raising staff who had should be sent to The Treasurer, The RNLI's 160th anniversary year because been so successful in meeting the fund Mumbles Lifeboat Appeal, Midland she has herself been associated with the raising targets for 1983.' Bank PLC, Castle Square, , lifeboat service for 60 of those memor- West Glamorgan SA1 IDS. able years. Her Majesty's support, al- Carol concert The Cromer boat is partly funded by ways warm and generous, began in the Her Royal Highness Princess Michael a legacy of just over £100,000 and will RNLI's centenary year, 1924; on life- of Kent was guest of honour at a carol be named Ruby and Arthur Reed II; the boat day, May 20, just a little over a concert in Guildford Cathedral given on same benefactor provided the present year after their marriage, Their Royal December 15 by the Guildford Choral Cromer lifeboat. The patron of this Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Society for the RNLI. A programme of appeal is the Lord Lieutenant of Nor- York, later to become King George VI Christmas Music was conducted by folk, Timothy Coleman, and cheques, and Queen Elizabeth, together toured David Gibson and readings from The made payable to 'Cromer Lifeboat the collection depots in Kensington, Wind in the Willows were given by Appeal', should be sent The Trustee Fulham, the City of London and the television personality Tony Hart. Mr Savings Bank, 1 West Street, Cromer, West End. Hart also made an appeal on behalf of Norfolk NR27 9HZ. Since that time the Queen Mother the Institution which raised £1,527. The Fraserburgh Tyne will be funded has given the Institution boundless sup- by the City of Edinburgh Lifeboat port, standing alongside lifeboat people Lifeboat appeals Appeal and she will be named City of both in times of great sorrow and of Appeals have recently been launched Edinburgh. The committee is led by great joy. Over the years, as well as to fund, or help fund, three new 47ft The Lord Provost, The Right Honour- taking part in many other lifeboat Tyne class lifeboats; one to be stationed able Tom Morgan, and cheques, made occasions, Her Majesty has named life- at The Mumbles in West Glamorgan, payable to The City of Edinburgh boats at Montrose, Arbroath, Thurso, one at Cromer in Norfolk, and one at Lifeboat Appeal', should be sent to The St Helier and Dover. Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire. The City of Edinburgh Lifeboat Appeal, RNLI, 26 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2RL. Each of these appeals presents a great challenge. Any help that can be given, perhaps by people particularly interested in these three areas but living at a distance from them, will be most welcome.

Christinas fare The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London, Dame Mary Donald- son, joined the crew of Yarmouth, , lifeboat on December 17 for the annual trip to Light- house with Christmas fare for the men on duty over the festive season. Dame Mary, the first woman to hold the office of Lord Mayor of London, enjoys sailing and is a member of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club which each year organises the collection for the light- housemen from Lymington river users and Yarmouth yachtsmen. Rear Admiral Yarmouth, Isle of Wight: When the 52ft Arun lifeboat Joy and John Wade took Christmas fare to W. J. Graham, director of the Institu- the keepers of The Needles last December, The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor tion, also joined Coxswain Dave of London, Dame Mary Donaldson, was one of those on board. Kennett and his crew on the trip. photograph by courtesy of Joy Warren

'This is Your Life' Coxswain Matthew Lethbridge, BEM, The moment of truth! of St Mary's, , was the Eamonn Andrews waylays subject of a 'This is Your Life' Thames Coxswain Matt Lethbridge in Television programme on January 11. the London Boat Show, Earls Eamonn Andrews surprised Coxswain Court, to say 'This is Your Life'. (Look into the back- Lethbridge at the London International ground, left, and you will also Boat Show and then rushed him across see Emergency Mechanic London to the television studios where John 'Chick' Robilliard of St he met relatives, members of his life- Peter Port lifeboat). boat crew and people he had rescued. A photograph by courtesy of member of St Mary's crew since 1946 Cernis Photographic and coxswain since 1956, Matt Leth- Company bridge has been awarded three silver medals for gallantry. The programme Exercise with hovercraft: // a shipping disaster occurs in the large numbers of was seen by more than 14 million passengers might have to be rescued and it is likely that a cross channel hovercraft will be directed viewers and was number four in the top to the scene to act as a floating casualty station. An exercise to test the possible use of hovercraft in ten programmes for the week. sea rescues took place in Sandwich Bay between Walmer and Dover lifeboats and Hoverspeed's Dover-based hovercraft Princess Margaret. In a moderate to fresh breeze, force 4 to 5, a dozen 'Lifeboat' or so volunteers from Hoverspeed's staff were transferred from the lifeboats to the hovercraft. Each lifeboat moored alongside the hovercraft and one by one the volunteers were helped on to The BBC television series 'Lifeboat', the blown-out skirt and into the craft. One volunteer remarked that the hovercraft skirt was like a shown in January and February, caused mattress and that she felt safe throughout the operation. In the photograph the crews of Dover's a great deal interest in the RNLI. Public 50ft Thames lifeboat Rotary Service and Princess Margaret practise moving a stretcher holding a Relations awards were presented, on dummy patient between the craft (note the hovercraft's lifting door), while Walmer's 37ft 6in February 9, to Paul Berriff, the camera- Rather The Rose stands off. photograph by courtesy of Basil M. Kidd man, and to the crew and families of Humber Station by Lt-Cdr Brian Miles, deputy director of the Institution. The series inspired thousands of children's paintings in a competition run by BBC's 'Saturday Superstore' and a selection of them will be on display in the Royal Festival Hall at the time of the annual presentation of awards on May 15.

Centenary The RNLI sends its congratulations to Marks and Spencer which is celebrat- ing its centenary in 1984. It also extends its thanks for the great support this company has given to the lifeboat ser- vice over a number of years. Since 1978 Marks and Spencer has donated some £37,500 in gifts to 30 stations in differ- ent areas round the coast. In addition, the company has given considerable fund raising support, for instance in staging local fashion shows. surf the only reference was the coast on sumed for Portsmouth, through the radar. Coxswain Grant used this radar Looe Channel. Once in deeper water information and his local knowledge to progress was good and by 0030 on find the passage. Throughout this Saturday September 10 the lifeboat was period the lifeboat was in regular VHP entering Portsmouth Harbour. By 0111 radio contact with the yacht. the sloop had been moored in Camper As the lifeboat worked slowly across and Nicholson's marina. the inner face of Head Rocks, con- After the crew had taken refreshment tinuous heavy and irregular breaking ashore, Charles Henry left Portsmouth seas, up to ten feet high, aggravated the at 0257. She arrived off at 0520, situation and the lifeboat was bottoming by which time the weather had eased, regularly. When close to the yacht it and was rehoused and once again ready could be seen that an anchor warp for service at 0556. streamed from her stern lay well to the In a letter bringing the thanks of the south west and that she had moved crew of Enchantress of Hamble to Cox- South East Division north east, clear of The Streets; she was swain Grant and his crew, and everyone reported to be afloat and sound but in the RNLI, the yacht's skipper said Off dragging her anchor. how impressed he had been both with Coxswain Grant swung the lifeboat to the rescue and with the considerate way A YACHT AGROUND in the Looe Channel starboard to round on to the yacht, but in which he and his crew had been and needing help was reported by So- as he came back hard to port, heading looked after. lent Coastguard to the honorary secret- west, to make his approach a large sea For this service a bar to his silver ary of Selsey lifeboat station at 1910 on struck the lifeboat. Crew members were medal has been awarded to Coxswain Friday September 9, 1983. Maroons just moving from the wheelhouse out to Michael J. Grant. Medal service certifi- were fired and at 1920 the 48ft 6in the deck and the sea passed through the cates have been presented to Second Oakley Charles Henry, at that time doors from port to starboard, filling the Coxswain George E. Woodland, Assis- Selsey's station lifeboat, launched on cockpit to waist height. tant Mechanic Terence A. P. Wood, service under the command of Cox- After confirming by VHP that the six acting motor mechanic, Crew Member swain Michael Grant. people on board the yacht wished to be Donald E. Lawrence, acting assistant A strong breeze to near gale, force 6 to taken off, a first approach was made but mechanic, and Crew Members Martin 7, gusting to gale force 8, was blowing breaking seas knocked the bow to J. Rudwick, David F. Munday, Keith from the south and the seas were very starboard. In the full knowledge of how W. R. Lintott and Nigel L. Osbourn. rough. Visibility was poor. High water close behind him were Hook Sands, Portsmouth had passed at 1401 so that Coxswain Grant moved astern in the South East Division the launch was into shallow water off confined space to prepare for a second Selsey slipway; the lifeboat maintained approach. This time the lifeboat's star- Breaking up two-thirds speed to reduce squat and board bow was brought hard on to the crew members stood on deck forward to sloop's starboard shoulder and pinned SOLENT COASTGUARD informed the hon- lessen the after draught, but even so the there by constant use of the engines. orary secretary of Selsey lifeboat station boat was bottoming in the heavy seas Two women and two men were taken at 2051 on Wednesday October 5, 1983, for the first half mile southward. aboard by the crew standing along the that red flares had been sighted close The exact position of the yacht, the rails and it was then agreed to pass a inshore off Selsey Bill and requested 33ft sloop Enchantress of Hamble, was towline to the two remaining yachts- that the 15ft 6in D class inflatable at first uncertain, but after further VHP men. After the line had been secured lifeboat be launched. When the position communication with the sloop a new forward and the anchor warp cut at the of the casualty was confirmed by Selsey position, some half a mile south west of stern the last two men also came aboard Coastguard mobile it was obvious that Selsey Bill, was confirmed. The lifeboat the lifeboat. It was now 2055. the station's 48ft 6in Oakley lifeboat then headed west, to seaward of The Coxswain Grant steamed ahead and could not get near the shoal area and Mixon and Head Rocks. A second to port to clear Hook Sands and then, at so, although it was dark and the weath- yacht, Spellbinder, which had been in half speed, turned on to an easterly er heavy, the honorary secretary agreed company with Enchantress of Hamble, course; this was the only way of clearing to launch the D class boat, after he had was advised to remain well clear of the the rocks before, half a mile east of The conferred with Helmsman David Mun- area and she later returned to Mixon, he could head south for open day; he himself then went by car to the Portsmouth. water and then turn westwards for scene of the incident and remained Very heavy seas were met west of Portsmouth with his tow. It was known there throughout with Selsey CG Head Rocks. At 1945, when close to the that it was too rough to make Chiches- mobile. The crew for the Oakley life- western end of The Streets, two ledges ter Bar or to re-house the lifeboat at boat also stood by in the boathouse of rock running out south and then Selsey. However, one of the women throughout the service. south west from the shore for about l*/2 crew of the sloop was becoming very ill A strong breeze, force 6, was blowing miles, a light was seen inshore. A from seasickness and so, passing south from the south west and there were parachute flare was fired from the of Kirk Arrow Bank, course was set for heavy confused seas in the area of the lifeboat, by the light of which it was Selsey lifeboathouse and, at 2100, a off-lying shoals and rocks. Although established that the casualty was lying request was made that the station's D there was no moon, visibility was gener- between The Streets, her bows to the class inflatable lifeboat should be ally good. It was about 2Vi hours before north east. launched to land both the women. high water. The whole area was a mass of white The inflatable, manned by Helmsman Manned by a very experienced crew, water. Realising that, on a falling tide, Mark Donald and Crew Member Helmsman Munday together with Crew he could not approach the sloop from Anthony Delahunty, who were already Members Anthony Delahunty and his present position, Coxswain Grant in the boathouse standing by as shore Nigel Osbourn, the D class inflatable turned to starboard and retraced his helpers, rendezvoused with the Oakley lifeboat was launched from her trolley track eastward until he was able to head lifeboat at 2110 in the lee north east of on the east side of the lifeboat causeway through The Hole of The Dries, a the slipway. The two women were taken at 2100. With four to five feet high seas narrow passage between Head Rocks off and landed safely ashore at 2120; it was a hazardous launch, but it was and The Mixon. In daylight, shore both were cared for at a crew member's achieved without flooding the boat. leading marks are used to make this home overnight. Heading south and west round Selsey passage, but at night and in breaking Passage with the tow was now re- Bill, Helmsman Munday drove the in- Hartlepool's 44ft Waveney lifeboat The Scout launched on December lifeboat returned to harbour she was towing Sea Spell, whose engine 4, 1983, under the command of Coxswain Robert Maiden to go to the finally broke down, and two other fishing boats; Lucky Strike, which help of a fishing boat Sea Spell whose engine was giving trouble. There had also broken down, and Sea Cobra, which was unable to make was a fresh to strong breeze blowing from the south west and the sea headway; there were nine people on board the three boats. was choppy; it was about 2*/2 hours before high water. By the time the photograph by courtesy of Mrs K. McNaughton flatable lifeboat at half speed to navi- man Munday came slightly astern and a strong breeze, force 6, blowing from gate the confused seas on the lee side of then quickly full ahead to clear the west north west. St Peter Port lies on Kirk Arrow Bank. The casualty, the casualty to the south west; he was the eastern side of Guernsey and so, 54ft motor cruiser Joan Maureen, was concerned that the flooded inflatable with the wind in that direction, on the sighted at 2115 in the lights of the Selsey boat with six people on board might be lee side of the island, and at the CG mobile stationed on the sea wall. driven on to the groyne and that flotsam entrance to the harbour the swell was The boat, heading south west, was lying from the wrecked boat, which was low and the sea moderate. The tide had close against the seaward end of a breaking up, might foul his propeller. reached low water at 0428. timber groyne, some 40 yards out from The inflatable lifeboat returned to Once the lifeboat had cleared the the wall. station at slow speed. While for the harbour she headed south until, at In the darkness and spray, Helmsman passage the extra weight she was car- about 0502 when six cables south east of Munday had difficulty in locating the rying added to her stability it would St Martin's Point, she turned on to a groyne end. He first tried an approach have increased the risks of beaching in more south-westerly course; here the from the east but had to abandon that the surf. Helmsman Munday therefore full force of the wind, now gale force, because of the waves rebounding from landed the three young men on the east was experienced. Having passed three the ten foot sea wall and the nearness of side of the lifeboat slipway before, at cables south of Gran Grune, Coxswain the groyne. He circled round to star- 2150, beaching the boat. She was refuel- Scales piloted the lifeboat into Petit board and headed south west. Then, led and was once again ready for service Port Bay, the latest assumed position of altering course to the north west, at 2200. the casualty. Sir William Arnold was Helmsman Munday headed parallel to For this service the bronze medal was stopped and a parachute flare fired, but the inner edge of Hook Sands, where awarded to Helmsman David F. Mun- nothing was found. At a speed of 8 irregular seas up to eight feet high were day. Framed letters of thanks signed by knots the Arun first steamed south west met. By now it could be seen that the the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the and then west north west to pass north motor cruiser was breaking up and, as Institution, were presented to Crew of Baleine Rock and, at 0518, the her crew's chances in the water would Members Anthony P. Delahunty and stranded yacht's mast was seen, illumin- be minimal, speed was essential. Nigel L. Osbourn. ated by a Police searchlight from the As the lifeboat was brought in to- shore. wards the port shoulder of the motor Wild Rocket, her bows heading south cruiser, Helmsman Munday saw that South West Division east into a gully, was alongside the cliff she had an anchor cable leading out on the west side of Icart Point. Rocks from her port bow. He was just chang- Aground in gully could be seen near her starboard quar- ing his heading to clear it when a very ter and near her stern in the breaking heavy breaking sea was sighted on the THE DUTY ASSISTANT HARBOUR MASTER at seas. Her port side was almost against lifeboat's port quarter; as the boat lifted St Peter Port, who is a deputy launching the cliff. She was upright on each crest to an alarming angle and filled with authority (DLA) of the lifeboat station, of the swell but falling 3& degrees from water, Crew Member Osbourn threw was informed by the Signal Station at the cliff in each trough, and she was himself aft and across the port sponson 0428 on Tuesday October 11, 1983, that pounding heavily. Her skipper had been to counteract the force of the sea with the French yacht Wild Rocket was able to stow his sails despite the gale, his weight. A capsize to starboard was aground on rocks off St Martin's Point; force 8, which was blowing from west averted and the inflatable lifeboat was she had sent out a MAYDAY distress call north west over the cliffs and down- driven hard against the casualty's port which had been heard by Jersey Radio. draughting on to the yacht. The tide, side. The time was 2120. The crew were assembled immediate- one hour of flood, was setting parallel Crew Member Delahunty, taking the ly and, on arrival, Coxswain Michael to the cliff at an estimated speed of 2 to lifeboat's painter with him, leapt aboard Scales and the DLA discussed the likely 3 knots. the cruiser and told the three young position of the yacht. Police Officers Coxswain Scales ordered the Arun's men on board to jump. Helmsman who had gone to St Martin's Point had Y class inflatable dinghy to be launch- Munday and Crew Member Osbourn not found the yacht; her radio messages ed; she was manned by Second Cox- held the inflatable boat alongside, could be heard by Jersey Radio but not swain Peter Bougourd with Assistant grasping the cruiser's port stanchions, by listeners at St Peter Port. It was Mechanic Alan Martel as helmsman. but these snapped off progressively concluded, therefore, that the casualty The second coxswain, chosen for his under the strain. Crew Member was further to the west of St Martin's. great strength and his ability to speak Osbourn grabbed one of the three men At 0454 St Peter Port's 52ft Arun French, scrambled aboard the casualty and pulled him aboard and the other lifeboat Sir William Arnold slipped her with considerable difficulty, taking with two followed. As Crew Member Dela- moorings and set out on service at full him the end of a veering line. Assistant hunty reboarded the lifeboat, Helms- speed. It was an overcast morning with Mechanic Martel, who had handled the

6 Y boat with great skill during the 100 tow was taken up. Wild Rocket's rudder when her owner tried to start her yards passage from the lifeboat, was had jammed hard to port so that she engines. By the time the D class lifeboat carried under the quarter of the yacht persistently lay on the port beam of the arrived the cruiser was burning fero- but managed to get clear and then stand lifeboat, making it difficult to man- ciously and belching out thick clouds of off; the relative rise and fall of the two oeuvre her. At a speed of 7 knots, black smoke. All three of her crew, two boats was exaggerated because the Coxswain Scales gave Baleine Rock and of whom had been thrown into the yacht only rose about one foot off the St Martin's Point a wide berth. water by the force of two explosions on bottom on each swell crest before The yacht was towed into St Peter board, had been picked up by a nearby crashing down again, whereas the Y Port Harbour at 0657. She was safely speedboat. boat was subjected to the full rise and berthed alongside and her crew were The weather throughout this service fall of the seven to nine foot swell. taken into the care of St John Ambu- was fine and clear. There was only a While Coxswain Scales held the life- lance officers. The lifeboat was refuel- light south-easterly breeze, force 2, and boat in position on her helm and en- led and back on her moorings, once a slight sea, so that the inflatable gines to avoid being swept on to the again ready for service, at 0800. lifeboat was able to cover the quarter of rocks, which were awash, Second Cox- For this service the thanks of the a mile to the casualty at full speed. It swain Bougourd, using the veering line Institution inscribed on vellum were was two hours before high water and as a messenger, hauled a towline across accorded to Coxswain Michael J. the tide was setting south by east at l'/2 and made it fast to the starboard quar- Scales, Second Coxswain Peter N. knots. ter of the yacht. Going astern, Cox- Bougourd and Assistant Mechanic Alan Having quickly established that swain Scales tried to tow the yacht off F. Martel. Vellum service certificates everyone on board the speedboat was in a west-north-westerly direction but, were presented to Motor Mechanic safe and well, the lifeboat returned to after moving a little way, Wild Rocket Robert L. Vowles and Crew Members the Watson lifeboat slipway and came up against a rock and was stop- John Webster, Peter J. Bisson, Michael moored. Dr P. Lloyd Jones, honorary ped, the towline parting. Guille, Nicholas Bougourd and Martin medical adviser and also a crew mem- Coxswain Scales instructed Assistant Seabrook. ber, was on the slipway. He thought Mechanic Martel, aboard the Y boat, to that the three people who had been take everyone off the yacht but, being aboard the burning boat should be told of this decision by VHP radio, South West Division examined and so the inflatable returned Second Coxswain Bougourd said that to the speedboat, taking out the doctor. there would be considerable risk in such Fire Anthony Lewis, a first aider, was at the a manoeuvre; few of the seven people helm, and Huw Mathias was the third on board the yacht were seamen, most A CABIN CRUISER on fire with two men member of the crew. Apart from slight of them were old and one was totally and a boy on board was reported to the singes to the owner's hair and eye- blind. So another towline was passed by honorary secretary of The Mumbles brows, none of the cruiser's people had the assistant mechanic in the inflatable lifeboat station by Swansea Coastguard suffered any ill effects; as no further boat and, with the second coxswain at 1614 on Sunday August 21, 1983. treatment was needed, the D class advising on the direction of the tow, the Maroons were fired and at 1618 The lifeboat returned alongside the Wat- yacht was brought off parallel to the Mumbles 15ft 6in D class inflatable son's slipway and Dr Lloyd Jones was cliff. She grounded on the rock astern of lifeboat, manned by Helmsman Arthur landed. Arthur Eynon returned to the her but on the rising swell and tide was Eynon and Crew Members Michael lifeboat as a crew member, leaving pulled clear into deep water. Jeffries and Huw Mathias, was launch- Anthony Lewis as helmsman. On the lifeboat the towline was trans- ed from her slipway. The lifeboat left the slipway again but ferred from bows to stern, and on Wild The 18ft GRP cabin cruiser was kept a safe distance from the still Rocket from stern to bows; Assistant moored about 40 metres due north of burning craft. It was expected that she Mechanic Martel boarded the yacht and the Watson lifeboat's slipway. It was would burn out at her mooring, but secured the Y boat astern of her as the later learnt that she had caught fire before this could happen the mooring line itself burnt through; with a IVi knot Lyme Regis Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat returning from service on July 24, 1983, at the tide threatening to carry the boat directly start of Lyme's Lifeboat Week. Manned by Helmsman John Hodder and Crew Members Robert to the underside of The Mumbles a Irish, Colin Jones and Brian Miller, she had launched to search for a water-skier who had potentially dangerous situation had thus dropped away from his ski-boat and was missing; the skier, unhurt, was found by Lyme Regis been created. Sailing School safety boat and taken aboard just before the Atlantic arrived on scene. The crew members on board the D photograph by courtesy of Pulman's Weekly News class lifeboat knew that two explosions had already taken place aboard the burning boat, but, fearful of the conse- quences should the drifting boat reach the pier, they decided to try to avert the danger. Anthony Lewis quickly strip- ped off all his outer clothing and en- tered the water. Keeping a careful eye on the burning cruiser he swam the ten metres distance separating the two boats. Despite the choking black smoke and occasional spitting out of molten glass fibre which caused burns to his hands and shoulders, he quickly made fast a heaving line to the only accessible point, the propeller shaft of the out- board engine. Returning on board the lifeboat, Anthony Lewis resumed the helm and, with Arthur Eynon tending the line, he towed the cruiser quietly in an arc, taking advantage of the tide, to a position about 200 metres east of the pier. Here speed was increased in order to sink what was left of the burning boat. The manoeuvre was successful, the surface. Even then he was being throttle back because of severe pound- the boat sinking in deep water well clear pulled under by the weight, but helped ing. Hatdiffe was sighted at about 1350 of anything to which she could have by Coxswain Thomson, Crew Member with Heather Joy trying to pass a tow- caused danger. The lifeboat returned to Hodgson and Second Coxswain Coates line to her. Five minutes later the station at 1645 and by 1715 was once (who had just returned in the Atlantic lifeboat reached the two vessels and again ready for service. with two sub-aqua divers and who stood by while Heather Joy made sever- For this service the thanks of the jumped in when he saw the difficulty), al more attempts to get the towline Institution inscribed on vellum were he managed to swim to the Waveney aboard Hatdiffe, but without success. accorded to Helmsman Anthony D. lifeboat. The weight was pulling all four Hatdiffe was now adrift and her Lewis. Vellum service certificates and men under. A heaving line was passed skipper asked if the lifeboat would try letters of appreciation signed by Rear from the lifeboat and made fast to the to take her in tow. Wavy Line Admiral W. J. Graham, director of the swimmer's tank harness, but the man approached, passed her heavy nylon Institution, were sent to Crew Members slipped from the harness and again sank tow rope at the first attempt, and Arthur G. Eynon and Huw Mathias. to the bottom. learned that the fishing vessel's engine Repeated attempts were made by the starter motor had burnt out; it was now exhausted lifeboatmen and the hoped that the engine could be started sub-aqua divers to find the body again, by engaging ahead gear while under East Division all unsuccessful because of poor visibil- tow, but the propeller shaft would not ity. Police frogmen joined the search turn. Search for swimmer and the body was eventually found at The tide had been ebbing for three 1843 and brought ashore at 2000. hours. The casualty's draught was more FOR WHITBY'S 1983 lifeboat day, Satur- The remainder of the Lifeboat Day than nine feet and, with the heavy swell day August 6, the weather was fine and activities were cancelled. which was building up, it was decided clear with little wind and calm water. For their selfless and courageous that Eyemouth Roadstead would be too Just before 1500 the lifeboat crew were efforts framed letters of thanks signed dangerous to approach. A message assembling aboard the 44ft Waveney by the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the from the St Abbs MFV Favourite said relief lifeboat Wavy Line, on temporary Institution, were presented to Cox- that at that time it might be possible to duty at Whitby, in preparation for a swain/Mechanic Peter N. Thomson, enter St Abbs Harbour, so, after rescue demonstration launch, when a Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic lengthening the tow rope to ease the man wearing sub-aqua gear asked if he Michael R. Coates and Crew Members strain, a course was set for St Abbs. might walk over the stern of the lifeboat Brian W. Hodgson and David Smith. A The lifeboat and her tow were to enter the water to swim to a yacht letter signed by Rear-Admiral W. J. approaching St Abbs, about half an moored nearby. Permission was given Graham, director, was sent to Mr J. C. hour later, when another message was and the man jumped in, surfaced and James, honorary secretary of Staithes received from Favourite to say that the began to swim. It was just after high and Runswick, expressing appreciation conditions at the harbour entrance were water. for the help given by the crew of the now getting very bad and the water was A few minutes later a sudden cry for station's Atlantic 21. ebbing away fast. St Abbs Harbour was help was heard and the man was seen to therefore abandoned, and after some disappear beneath the water; bubbles discussion it was decided not to try to which at first appeared on the surface Scotland South Division enter any harbour until the next tide. ceased. Coxswain Peter Thomson and When the wind is north to north east Crew Member Brian Hodgson im- Long tow Burnmouth, south of Eyemouth, is the mediately stripped to their trousers and safest harbour to enter, but the entr- dived off the lifeboat to try to find the FORTH COASTGUARD informed the honor- ance is very restricted with very limited swimmer. The water was about 25 feet ary secretary of Eyemouth lifeboat sta- room between the rocks at its deep and, with suspended river silt, tion at about 1235 on Friday March 25, approaches for a vessel under tow. visibility was almost nil. After two dives 1983, that MFV Hatdiffe had broken Coxswain Dougal decided, therefore, to Coxswain Thomson put on a pair of down and was anchored 4V2 miles north run down further south for Berwick- goggles passed to him from the lifeboat east of St Abbs Head, seven miles north upon-Tweed, to see what conditions and dived again with his vision now north east of the station. With a fresh were like there. improved to between two to three feet. north-north-westerly breeze, force 5, After a long and arduous tow the Staithes and Runswick Atlantic 21 she was in no immediate danger and lifeboat and Hatdiffe were off Berwick rigid inflatable lifeboat and Whitby's D another motor fishing vessel, Heather at about 1830. It was obvious that the class inflatable lifeboat, both afloat in Joy, was making for her. swell was even worse here; William the harbour for Lifeboat Day, arrived The wind was freshening all the time, Shearer, a senior member of Berwick- on scene at about 1515 and Second however, so Shore Second Coxswain/ upon-Tweed lifeboat crew, reported Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic Michael Mechanic James Tarvit was asked to that the swell was very heavy at the Coates was taken by Staithes Atlantic stand by the telephone at the lifeboat harbour entrance and advised that (with Iain Baxter at her helm) to try to station. At about 1319 Forth Coast- Eyemouth lifeboat should not try to get help from some sub-aqua divers guard told the honorary secretary that enter with her tow. A message came at operating outside the harbour. Crew the skipper of Hatdiffe was now getting about the same time that Eyemouth Member David Smith, from the Whitby very concerned for her safety in the Harbour was now closed because of the D class boat, had dived to help with the worsening weather and asked that the very rough conditions. The weather search. lifeboat should launch. The maroons forecast was for north-north-easterly Coxswain Thomson, with the aid of were fired and the 44ft Waveney relief gales gusting to storm force 10, decreas- the goggles, sighted something on the lifeboat Wavy Line, on temporary duty ing later to force 5 to 6. bottom at a depth of about 25 feet but at Eyemouth, slipped her moorings at There were three options left: to was unable to reach it. He surfaced and 1325 under the command of Coxswain make for Burnmouth, to tow the casual- dived again in the same position; Alexander Dougal. ty all night until the weather improved although he saw what appeared to be an By now the wind had gone round to or to make for the Firth of Forth in the air bottle he was unable to reach it. He north north east and had risen to gale teeth of the gale. All three options were surfaced and indicated the place to force 8, gusting to strong gale, force 9. fully discussed and it was decided to Crew Member Smith, who took a deep The sea was very rough. make for Burnmouth. breath and dived down. David Smith Full speed was maintained until the Darkness now added to the problem. managed to reach the missing man and comparative shelter of St Abbs Head Both boats had to be brought round to with great difficulty swam with him to was lost, when the lifeboat had to head north again, and at times both of them were knocked over on to their For this service a framed letter of the shore search party should extinguish beam ends. Slow progress was made thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, all their lights so that he could identify north through wind and tide, arriving chairman of the Institution, was pre- the lights of the people who were in off Burnmouth at 2035. Then the tow- sented to Coxswain Alexander W. trouble. The searchers' lights were line parted. It took the combined efforts Dougal and his crew: Second Coxswain turned off and from the remaining lights of the lifeboat crew to haul the very John Aitchison, Shore Second Cox- it was possible for the coxswain to long towline aboard and keep her prop- swain/Mechanic James Tarvit, Assistant pinpoint the position of the adventure ellers clear. Once the line had, with Mechanic James Dougal and Crew party; they appeared to be stranded a difficulty, been brought in, the lifeboat, Members Andrew Redden, John considerable distance above sea level, with skilful handling, was brought close Buchan, John Purves and Ian Dougal. on a ledge beneath an overhanging cliff. to the casualty and the towline passed Coxswain Clemence manoeuvred the again. lifeboat within 40 yards of the cliff. A message was then received from South West Division From this position it could be seen that the Coastguard mobile, which had ar- the party had become separated and rived at Burnmouth, that although con- Ten stranded that three were stranded 30 feet above ditions there had improved, no sea level and the remaining seven about approach should be attempted until HARTLAND COASTGUARD informed the 20 feet higher up again. after 2100 because of lack of water. The honorary secretary of life- At Little Hangman the onshore force lifeboat reported that she would not boat station at 2115 on Monday March 3 north-westerly breeze had built up a arrive on the leading lights until after 28, 1983, that an adventure holiday slight to moderate sea which was occa- that time and asked that the Coastguard party, three adult instructors and seven sionally breaking over the boulders and should stand by on Burnmouth Pier end children, had not returned following a rocks at the foot of the cliffs. The night to help, if necessary, to check the day spent exploring cliff caves in the was dark but clear, the spring tide, casualty into harbour. Combe Martin area. At 2120 Hartland falling rapidly, was in the fourth hour of Burnmouth leading lights were in asked that the lifeboat be launched to ebb. Taking into consideration the transit at 2105. Hatcliffe's skipper was provide illumination from the sea to length of time the ten people had been told what manoeuvres would be made help the Coastguard Cliff Rescue Unit exposed to the elements, Coxswain and the crew of the lifeboat, under the in its search. The crew were assembled Clemence decided to take them off leadership of Shore Second Coxswain/ and at 2135 Ilfracombe's 37ft Oakley rather than wait for the tide to recede Mechanic Tarvit, got ready to shorten lifeboat Lloyds II was launched off the far enough for them to climb down and the towline as quickly as possible to beach and, under the command of walk along the shoreline to safety. So, prevent the fishing vessel blowing down Coxswain David Clemence, set out at 2210, the lifeboat stood off in ten feet on to the rocks; the approach to har- eastwards for Combe Martin. of water while her 9ft inflatable dinghy, bour was then begun. Coxswain Dougal It was an overcast evening but clear. manned by Emergency Mechanic kept both boats slightly to the north of A gentle breeze, force 3, was blowing Robert Thompson and Crew Member the lights as the wind tried to drive them from north north west and the sea was John Clemence, was used to ferry south. When about a quarter of a mile slight. The tide was ebbing. everyone out. John Clemence was land- from the entrance, where the sea was The three-mile passage to the search ed ashore to help the stranded people not so rough, Coxswain Dougal ordered area was made close inshore at full down the cliff and into the inflatable the towline to be shortened; as the crew speed. On approaching Little Hang- dinghy. hauled it in, the lifeboat came astern man, on the east of Combe Martin Bay, The operation was not without diffi- and in about 30 seconds she had taken numerous lights could be seen on the culty. On first landing John Clemence the weight of the casualty again and cliff tops. As the lights were misleading was almost washed into the sea by a they were under way once more. This to Coxswain Clemence, he asked that waist-high wave and climbing up and manoeuvre was repeated right at the harbour entrance and the lifeboat man- Torbay: On September 22, 1983, a young man fell 60ft into the sea when rocks crumbled beneath aged without assistance to bring the his feet on cliffs at Babbacombe. Two friends pulled the injured man from the sea, raised the fishing vessel into harbour at 2115. alarm and then returned with blankets. Torbay's 18ft 6in McLachlan lifeboat, manned by Hatcliffe immediately grounded in the Helmsman Derek Rundle and Crew Members John Ashford and Brian Counter, went to the outer basin. The towrope was passed to scene but the swell made it unsafe to embark the injured man; the lifeboat stood by, however, the coastguards on the pier who hauled until he had been lifted to safety by helicopter. photograph by courtesy of Torquay Herald Express her to the quayside as the tide filled. The lifeboat was moored in the outer basin. Because of the bad weather it was decided that the lifeboat should remain at Burnmouth overnight and that, be- cause the outer basin is not a good place in which to lie when the swell makes, she should be moved to the inner basin. As she was being manoeuvred a rope caught in her port propeller, so she was moored where the bottom would dry at low water. The crew were then taken back to Eyemouth, arriving at 2230, but Coxswain Dougal, Shore Second Cox- swain/Mechanic Tarvit, Assistant Mechanic James Dougal and Fleet Mechanic Cameron Waugh, who volun- teered to help, returned at 0500 the next morning, when the tide was low, and freed the propeller. Although one blade was slightly damaged, Wavy Line had returned to station by 1140 and was refuelled and once again ready for service at 1145. down the narrow ledge which provided fouled the propeller, and when the Coxswain/Mechanic Marsh took the footing for the children and their anchor was dropped it had started to avoiding action and managed to round instructors was very difficult. Mean- drag. The yacht was in a confined, rock again as the yacht passed on a westerly while, Emergency Mechanic Thompson strewn area and so, when the south- course. With wind against tide, con- displayed great stamina and prowess in westerly wind rose to gale force 8, fused seas of up to eight feet high were holding the dinghy in position to take gusting to storm force 10, her skipper met in the overfall area. After two off the people; he had to choose exactly sent out a MAYDAY distress signal. cautious approaches, Coxswain/Mecha- the right moments to come into the May's 50ft Thames lifeboat Helmut nic Marsh drove the lifeboat hard beach amid the boulders and rocks; the Schroder of Dunlossit slipped her moor- against the yacht's waist, so that Crew surge and backwash of the waves also ings at 2230 under the command of Member Christopher Haw could scram- made it imperative that the timing of Coxswain Donald Boardman. She ble on board over the lifeboat bow. It the orders to those boarding the dinghy found the yacht at 0025 on Monday was now 2135. were clear and concise. Altogether six September 5, manoeuvred alongside, The lifeboat then cleared and stood return trips were made, but by 2320 took off her crew and had returned to by while, during the next ten minutes, everyone was safely aboard the lifeboat. station at Port Askaig by 0405. The Crew Member Haw managed to clear Throughout this time, on the rapidly lifeboat was back on her moorings and the jib halyard, which was jammed, and falling tide, Coxswain Clemence had to once again ready for service at 0530. lower the main and jib. The lifeboat use his considerable local knowledge. For this service a letter of apprecia- was now able to approach more safely Handing over the wheel to Second tion signed by Rear Admiral W. J. and a tow was passed. After making the Coxswain Colin Thadwell, the coxswain Graham, director of the Institution, was line fast, Crew Member Haw indicated was able to take his decisions from the sent to Coxswain Donald W. Boardman to Coxswain/Mechanic Marsh that the best vantage points, ensuring that the and his crew: Motor Mechanic Archi- yacht's crew, husband and wife, were so lifeboat kept a minimum distance from bald Campbell, Emergency Mechanic tired that he did not think it wise to try where the people were embarking Iain N. Spears and Crew Members to transfer them to the lifeboat. under the cliffs and making sure that the Donald J. McPhee, Donald A. McGil- The tow to Poole started at 2145 and, uncovering rocks presented no dangers. livray and Neil McEachern. once clear of the overfalls, was without The crew on board the lifeboat also incident. The lifeboat and yacht berthed maintained a sharp lookout as well as at Poole Quay at 2353, where it was taking care of the people coming aboard South East Division found that- the member of the public and providing them with hot drinks and who had first reported the flare, a blankets. Tidal race holiday visitor, had taken the trouble to At 2320 the lifeboat informed the drive to Swanage Coastguard and then Coastguard of her expected time of DURING THE AFTERNOON Of Sunday Aug- to Poole to meet the two boats. Because arrival at Ilfracombe and also requested ust 28,1983, Swanage lifeboat crew were rehousing at Swanage in the north- an ambulance as several of the children assembled after consultation between easterly breeze would have been diffi- were suffering from severe cold. The the station's deputy launching authority cult, the lifeboat remained at Poole return passage was made at full speed (DLA) and Swanage Coastguard. An overnight, the crew returning home by and the three adults and seven children 18ft yacht had been sighted trying to road. were landed ashore to a waiting ambu- weather the tidal race off Peveril Point For this service a letter of apprecia- lance at 2345; after being treated for in a fresh north-easterly breeze, force 5, tion signed by Rear Admiral Graham, slight hypothermia they were later re- but she appeared to be making no director of the Institution, was sent to leased from hospital. By 0115 on Tuesday headway. After an hour, the yacht Crew Member T. Christopher Haw. March 29 the lifeboat was rehoused. turned south and headed away, Letters of thanks and donations were apparently out of danger, and the crew later received by Ilfracombe lifeboat were stood down. South East Division station from masters at the children's Later that same day, at 2040, Port- school, from parents and from the land Coastguard told the DLA that a Doctor to baby children themselves. member of the public had sighted a red For this service a letter of apprecia- flare east of Durlston Head. Maroons AN URGENT MESSAGE was received by tion signed by Rear Admiral W. J. were fired and at 2051 Swanage life- Niton Radio at 2323 on Sunday August Graham, director of the Institution, was boat, the 37ft 6in Rother /. Reginald 21, 1983, from a yacht in the Solent sent to Coxswain David W. Clemence Corah, launched on service under the reporting that a baby girl aboard, 15 and his crew: Second Coxswain Colin command of Coxswain/Mechanic Victor months old, was desperately ill. Solent D. Thadwell, Motor Mechanic Wayland Marsh. Coastguard advised the yacht, which Smith, Emergency Mechanic Robert The north-easterly breeze was mod- was off Newtown River, to make for W. Thompson and Crew Members John erate to fresh, force 4 to 5, with a Yarmouth and alerted the honorary A. Clemence, John W. Fennell and moderate sea. Visibility was good. It secretary of Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, David P. Clemence. was about two hours before high water. lifeboat station at 2325. By 2334 Yar- The lifeboat headed for a position mouth's 52ft Arun lifeboat Joy and about a mile south west of Durlston John Wade, with Dr N. Reid, the Scotland South Division Head. When she was some IVz miles honorary medical adviser, on board, short of this position she was told by had slipped her moorings under the Six taken off two yachts that they had seen the flare command of Coxswain David Kennett. and that it had been further to the east. The lifeboat came alongside the yacht ON A NIGHT of worsening weather, Clyde At 2120 the lifeboat fired a parachute at 2345 and Dr Reid, boarding the Coastguard informed the honorary flare by the light of which a small yacht yacht, quickly diagnosed the trouble. secretary of Islay lifeboat station at 2213 was sighted under full sail tacking into The little girl and her mother were on Sunday September 4, 1983, that the the heavy head seas caused by tidal immediately transferred to the lifeboat 34ft yacht Hydrovane, on charter, was overfalls. Approaching the yacht, Jaca- which, within minutes, had returned to in trouble in the Sound of Jura. na, at 2125 it was found that her two Yarmouth where an ambulance was The yacht had been trying to reach crew, neither of whom was young, were waiting. It was now 2350. The little girl Loch Sween when her steering gear had unable to reduce sail and the lifeboat recovered and was able to leave hopsital failed; there were six people on board. was involved in a stern chase. Then the a few days later. An attempt had been made to anchor yacht altered course 180 degrees to The lifeboat was back on her moor- off MacCormaig Isle at the entrance to head on a reciprocal course directly ings by 0010 on Monday August 22 and the loch, but a rope had parted and towards the lifeboat. the yacht was brought into Yarmouth 10 Harbour by her owner, who was the boat took the disabled fishing vessel ebbing for about half an hour. The D child's father. under tow and at 0113 set course for class lifeboat launched within two min- For this service a letter expressing the Hartlepool, some 13 miles to the north utes; Second Coxswain/Mechanic John Institution's appreciation and signed by west. Price was at her helm this time, with Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, At first Arctic Solatair was taking Trevor Wilberforce and Michael Lawes was sent to Coxswain David D. Ken- some water through her damaged steer- as crew. About ten minutes later the nett, Dr N. Reid, honorary medical ing gear but her crew managed to stem board sailor was found ashore under the adviser, and the other members of the the flow and, despite the fact that the Hunt Cliff. The lifeboat picked him up, crew: Second Coxswain David J. Lemo- fishing vessel's rudder was jammed to with his board, and landed him at nius, Motor Mechanic Robert R. starboard the lifeboat made easy work Saltburn. By 1555 the inflatable lifeboat Cooke, Assistant Mechanic Brian D. A. of the tow in the freshening southerly was again back on station and rehoused. Miskin, Emergency Mechanic Stuart L. winds and occasional heavy rain. Hart- Half an hour later Tees Coastguard Pimm and Crew Members Martin G. lepool was reached safely at 0408. After reported another board sailor in diffi- Long and Paul G. McKillop. putting the fishing vessel on a mooring, culties off Saltburn. The south-westerly the lifeboat returned to station, arriving gale was still blowing, with the tide on at 0509. She was rehoused and ready for the ebb, as the D class inflatable life- East Division service at 0545. boat launched for the third time, at Later that day, at 1255, the boat- 1632; manned by Helmsman Trevor Five calls house keeper reported to the honorary Wilberforce and Crew Member Michael secretary that a small motor boat with Lawes, she drove the 4V2 miles back WHEN, ON THE, AFTERNOON of Saturday two adults and two children on board to Saltburn. After a short search the September 17, 1983, the 35ft MFV Arctic was being blown out to sea. The moder- board sailor was found at 1650 and put Solatair picked up a floating rope ate to fresh breeze had by this time ashore. The inflatable lifeboat was then around her propeller and went ashore at gone round to the south west and the asked by Tees Coastguard to remain Skinningrove, about six miles south of sea was choppy; it was two hours before in the Saltburn area on stand by until Redcar, Tees Coastguard telelphoned high water. Redcar's D class inflatable all the board sailors at sea were safely the honorary secretary of Redcar sta- lifeboat, manned by Helmsman Trevor ashore. tion branch to request that the lifeboat Wilberforce and Crew Member Michael While eventually returning from Salt- should stand by the fishing vessel during Lawes, launched at 1258. Coming burn, under the lee of the land, the her refloating on the following high alongside a few minutes later she found inflatable lifeboat was asked by the tide, predicted at 0157 on Sunday that the motor boat's engine had failed. Coastguard to investigate a small boat September 18. The lifeboat took the casualty in tow blowing away IVi miles east of the Redcar's 37ft Oakley lifeboat Sir and landed her and her four occupants lifeboat station. The wind was increas- James Knott launched at 2248 under the at Redcar at 1318. By 1323 the D class ing all the time so, while the inflatable command of Coxswain David Buck- boat was rehoused and ready for lifeboat stood by, at 1730 Redcar's 37ft worth and about half an hour later she service. Oakley lifeboat Sir James Knott was was standing clear off Skinningrove. A Two hours passed and then, at 1514, also launched; Coxswain Buckworth moderate to fresh breeze, force 4 to 5, the honorary secretary received another was in command. Within minutes, a was blowing from the south and the sea telephone call to say that a board sailor squall, blowing up to strong gale, force was slight; the night was generally fair was in difficulties between Saltburn and 9, with heavy rain and flying spray, had but with heavy rain at times. There Hunt Cliff, 4l/2 miles south east by south whipped up the sea. By 1740 Sir James was, however, a moderate swell on the of the lifeboat station. By now the Knott was alongside the 17ft open boat, shore and, although Arctic Solatair re- south-westerly wind had risen to gale the engine of which had failed. The four floated and came clear at 0114, her force 8 with a moderate sea and a two to steering gear was damaged. The life- three foot swell; the tide had been continued on page 32

Brighton and Shoreham Harbour: Early in the evening of September Young and Crew Members Roy Peters and Anthony Dowd, and 15, 1983, when a force 8 gale, gusting to strong gale, force 9, was Shoreham's 37ft 6in Rother The Davys Family (below), under the blowing from the south west and the sea was very rough, a swimmer command of Second Coxswain John Landale, both launched. The was reported in difficulties between Brighton's two . Brighton's Atlantic searched close inshore, the Rother further off, but no one was Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat, manned by Helmsman Alan found. photograph by courtesy of Brighton Evening Argus

~2ti«..*

11 Lifeboat Open Days 1984 Poole Headquarters and Depot

Thursday July 19 10 am—6 pm Friday July 20 10 am—6 pm Saturday July 21 10 am—6 pm

FOR ITS 160th anniversary year, the RNLFs head office and depot will once again be open to the public and there will be an opportunity to see the offices, works and stores which provide the support and essential back-up to the 200 lifeboat stations throughout Great Britain and Ireland. There will also be lifeboats to see, lifeboatmen to meet and special demon- strations and displays. Souvenirs and refreshments will be on sale, and admission will be free. A limited amount of free car parking will also be available, with council, fee-paying, car parks nearby if required. For people entering Poole on the Hamworthy, Wimborne or Parkstone and Bournemouth roads, the map indicates how to reach RNLI headquarters. A A road signs will mark the routes from the Poole boundary roads. For visitors arriving by train, it is just a five-minute walk to RNLI HQ and for those arriving by coach at Poole bus station it is a ten-minute walk, starting through the Arndale Centre. Please contact the Public Relations Department for further details. RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ. Telephone (0202) 671133 Ext 239.

In the summer of 1975 the choir made Forest Row Lifeboat Choir a Christmas carol LP with three genera- tions of one family taking part; an THIRTY-NINE Christmases ago in Forest It was a great honour to be asked by original soprano, Mrs Lily Card, her Row, a little Sussex village nearly 30 George to join the choir which grew in daughter and husband and their son miles from its nearest lifeboat, the size and reputation. In time it was John, who was the youngest member of village postman, Billy Mills, joined two invited to sing at many local house the choir and also the recording en- local church choirs together to go carol parties Christmas after Christmas. It gineer. The record has since sold about singing to raise money for the RNLI. became necessary to drive the many 2,800 copies and has been sent to many Billy led the carollers around Forest miles covered each night in and around friends and relations all over the world. Row on foot and remained the choir's Forest Row. In December 1970 the The rich baritone voice of David Jupp mascot long after George Ralph took choir sang with Semprini at Arundel can be heard singing the Boar's Head over as organiser and conductor. Both Castle and in 1976 entertained a group carol. The choir usually sings unaccom- Billy and George were honoured with of Americans at the Mansion House for panied but for the record a church the RNLI gold badge and in 1974 the American British Lifeboat Appeal. organ added depth to the singing. George represented the choir at the The repertoire of carols had expanded Copies can still be obtained from Mrs Royal Garden Party to mark the 150th to include many lovely old English Dorothy Rumens, 9 Upper Close, anniversary of the Institution. songs for such occasions. Forest Row, Sussex, at £3.50 including p and p, cheques payable to RNLI, to Forest Row Lifeboat Choir out carol singing last Christmas, conducted by Myfanwy Townsend. which all profits are given. photograph by courtesy of Geoffrey Harfield Sadly George Ralph died in October 1982 after a long illness and 33 years as 'gaffer'. However, the enthusiasm of the choir remains firm in its aim to raise money for the RNLI and to date more than £10,000 has been raised.—T.M.

CHRISTMAS GIFT EACH CHRISTMAS a gift of White Horse whisky is made by Mr J. P. Young of California to a group of lifeboat stations on different parts of the coast. Last year's generous festive present was given to all the lifeboat stations in Ireland.

NEW ADDRESS SOUTHERN REGIONAL OFFICE moved at the end of March from Poole HQ to: 25 East Street, Wimborne, Dorset. 12 The naming at Cowes Williamson, Parish Priest, Roman Catholic Church, Cowes. The music was by courtesy of R. J. Coleman. On being invited to name the life- boat, by Lord Robens, Princess Alexan- RNLB Sir Max Aitken II dra replied, ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23 7 was delighted to be invited to name this new lifeboat as I have the highest admiration for lifeboatmen everywhere . . . I am sure that this new lifeboat will STORNOWAY'S NEW 52FT ARUN LIFEBOAT serve Stornoway well and I know that everyone at the station must be very grate- ful to Sir Max Aitken and the Beaverbrook WHEN PRINCESS ALEXANDRA named the When he opened the proceedings, Foundation for their generosity. new Stornoway lifeboat on Thursday Lord Robens, a trustee of the Beaver- 'It gives me great pleasure to name this February 23 it was a doubly historic brook Foundation, said it was . . . lifeboat Sir Max Aitken II.' occasion for, almost 30 years before, '... an honour and a great pleasure to After meeting Coxswain MacDonald her mother the Duchess of Kent, Presi- welcome Princess Alexandra.' and other crew members, the Princess dent of the RNLI, had named an earlier and Lady Aitken said that she was . . . went for a short trip in the new boat. Stornoway lifeboat. However, Princess The jaunty Highland music played by Alexandra did not have quite so far to 'Very proud indeed to present the new lifeboat to the RNLI.' Piper I. W. Purkis may have surprised travel because for the second time in passengers on the passing hydrofoil and three years The Prospect, West Cowes, The Duke of Atholl, chairman of the Red Funnel ferry but it did much to harbourside home of Sir Max Aitken on Institution, accepted the lifeboat 'with dispel the cold effects of a stormy winter the Isle of Wight, was the setting for the great gratitude' and handed her over to afternoon. Before returning to the ceremony and it was the second 52ft the care of Stornoway lifeboat station, mainland by helicopter the Princess met Arun class lifeboat to be provided by whereupon the honorary secretary, many guests during an informal tea the Beaverbrook Foundation, of which Captain A. M. Mackenzie said, party. Sir Max is chairman. 'This wonderful new boat will enable A re-dedication ceremony for its new Coxswain Malcolm MacDonald and our crew to carry on their work with even lifeboat will be held at Stornoway later other lifeboatmen from Stornoway were greater efficiency.' in the year.—H.D. aboard the new Arun while representa- The service of dedication which fol- tives from Stornoway's station branch lowed was conducted by the Reverend and ladies' lifeboat guild were among Richard Parker, Vicar of Holy Trinity the guests; it was Mrs K. Hardy, presi- Church, Cowes, and Rector of North- dent of Stornoway ladies' guild, who wood, assisted by the Reverend Brian presented Princess Alexandra with a Day, West Cowes Methodist Church, posy, on her arrival. and also the Reverend Father Timothy

(Above) HRH Princess Alexandra, who named the new Stornoway lifeboat, with Lady Aitken and the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the Institution.

(Left) With Coxswain Malcolm MacDonald at her helm, the 52ft Arun, Sir Max Aitken II demonstrates her handling to Princess Alex- andra and other guests in Cowes Harbour. photographs by Colin Watson

ALDERNEY present 12-month evaluation period. attended by Llandudno's Mayor, Coun- ON SATURDAY, March 10, the RNLI set The Brede class is one of the RNLI's cillor Philip Evans, Aberconwy Mayor, up a lifeboat station at Alderney, in the latest lifeboat designs. She is built of Councillor Algwyn Hopkins, and Lord , for a trial period of 12 glass fibre, has a top speed of 20 knots Mostyn, president of Llandudno station months. and a range of 140 nautical miles and is branch. The opening ceremony was During the morning the local vicar fitted with VHP radio, echo sounder, performed by George Scarth, of Pud- conducted a simple ceremony of bles- radar and VHP direction finding sey, who had made a substantial contri- sing for the new 33ft Brede class life- equipment. bution towards the cost of the extension boat which then, with her crew of four, in memory of his wife, Edith. Mr Scarth took part in an operational exercise LLANDUDNO said that his gift was a gesture of thanks; with St Peter Port's 52ft Arun class AN EXTENSION to Llandudno lifeboat- he and his wife had spent their honey- lifeboat. A full naming ceremony and house, to accommodate the D class moon in Llandudno in 1934 and, since dedication will take place if the lifeboat inflatable lifeboat's towing vehicle was then, had frequently revisited the town, is retained at Alderney, following the opened at a ceremony last June growing to know and love it well. 13 story, too, behind the 'hardware': the boat and her equipment. A hull which Fail Safe will right itself from complete inversion in heaving salt water, machinery and equipment which will go on working PART I: CAPSIZING AND RIGHTING after this treatment, do not happen by accident; they have to be designed, built by James Paffett and tested with care. The Salcombe recovery was made possible, as were the others, by hard work done in the design offices and building yards long ON APRIL 10, 1983, Salcombe's 47ft was lost. Nevertheless, Lady Murphy's before the event. The crews achieved Watson lifeboat The Baltic Exchange, crew were able to bring her back to the feats; the designers made it possible searching for missing divers at the station with no outside help. for them to do so. Let us look further southern end of Start Bay, was hit by Nearly two years later, in the early into the designers' work. mountainous seas in a force 11 storm. hours of November 18, 1979, Barra The first of two tremendous seas, a wall Island's 52ft Barnett lifeboat R. A. of water about 50 feet high and break- Colby Cubbin No. 3, and Islay's 50ft Self righting ing, knocked the lifeboat down to star- Thames lifeboat Helmut Schroder of Consider first the matter of self right- board, washing overboard one of her Dunlossit both launched in winds gust- ing. It is a particular aspect of a craft's crew; the second huge sea capsized the ing up to hurricane force 12 to go to the 'transverse stability'. Self righting is a boat herself. The emergency air bag aid of the Danish cargo vessel Lone quality which has not always been with which she is fitted inflated auto- Dania, whose cargo of marble chips had enjoyed by all lifeboats. It can be matically, bringing the lifeboat upright shifted. Both lifeboats were capsized by designed into the hull, but other fea- again. The crew at once got under way, steep breaking seas up to 30 to 40 feet tures may have to be sacrificed to recovered their comrade from the sea, high. Both boats righted and returned achieve it. and continued with their search. That safely to station, Lone Dania eventually If a vessel floating upright in calm was a significant milestone in lifeboat returning to Barra under the escort of water is forcibly heeled to one side history. another Danish ship. Barra Island's through a small angle and then re- Going back a few years, on Decem- Barnett, like Salcombe's Watson, was leased, she will in general return to the ber 24, 1977, Kilmore's 37ft Oakley righted by an emergency air bag; Islay's upright; she is then said to be stable. If lifeboat Lady Murphy, returning from a Thames is designed to be self righting the angle is increased, a point will search, was capsized twice off Forlorn without auxiliary aids. Although the usually be reached where the vessel no Point in very wild seas about 30 feet Barnett's mast was damaged and her MF longer returns to the upright on release, high whipped up by a strong gale at aerials had been carried away, a six-inch but carries on rolling until she is upside- about high water springs. She righted stub of the VHP aerial remained and down, and there she stays. She is said to each time. One man who went over- radio communication with the Coast- enjoy positive stability up to the critical board during the first capsize was recov- guard was possible. angle, above which stability becomes ered and three of the four men washed Salcombe's The Baltic Exchange, negative. The critical angle, known as into the sea during the second were however, was the first lifeboat to con- the angle of vanishing stability, may be safely picked up; tragically the fourth tinue on service after capsizing and of the order of 60 degrees or so in a man could not be found. The Oakley's righting, albeit for only a comparatively fishing vessel or merchant ship. Heeling self-righting capability comes from wa- short time. Before long she heard that a beyond this angle is usually fatal, as ter automatically flowing from one tank helicopter had taken up the search, and water will enter through hatches and to another. As Lady Murphy went over, as she needed to pump out her own other openings, sinking the ship. Even her mast broke off at its base; that is engine room, she made for the lee of if she remains afloat for a while in the exactly what it was designed to do so the land, maintaining her search on the inverted position, the prospects for the that there should be no possibility, in way. The lifeboat herself suffered only crew are grim and there are few records shallow water, of the masthead hitting minimal damage; her engines, steering of escape from capsized hulls. the seabed and its foot being driven gear, compass and both clocks were all In large ships capsize is a very rare through the lifeboat's superstructure working and she was able to communi- event. It is usually caused by heavy into the compartment below, thus let- cate by radio. weather aggravated by some mishap ting the water into the boat. With the The remarkable story of the Sal- such as hull damage or cargo shifting. In mast, however, the aerials went too and combe crew was told in the Winter fishing vessels and small craft exposed radio communication with the shore 1983/84 issue of THE LIFEBOAT. There is a to waves which are larger in relation to

Salcombe's 47ft Watson lifeboat The Baltic Exchange (below, them a righting capability. The bags are seen here inflated after the two photograph by courtesy of Torbay lifeboat crew), and Barra Island's boats had been capsized on service and had righted successfully, Barra 52ft Barnett R. A. Colby Cubbin No 3 (below right, photograph by Island's Barnett lifeboat in November 1979 and Salcombe's Watson courtesy of HMS Gannett) are fitted with emergency air bags to give lifeboat in April 1983.

14 A 37ft Oakley lifeboat, like Kilmore's Lady Murphy, is hauled over by The 50ft Thames lifeboat, like May's Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit, crane for her righting trial; when she is upside down, the strop will be is designed with a substantial watertight deckhouse to give her a released. The Oakley's righting capability is given by a water righting capability. On her righting trials, once the strop is released she transference system. comes upright, shaking off the water. their size, capsizes are more common, offered for the best model of a lifeboat, To give a righting capability retro- and are sometimes caused by waves one of the entrants was William Would- spectively to some of the Institution's alone. In recent years attention has have, a parish clerk from . Watson and Barnett lifeboats, which been increasingly given to the stability His model was of a pulling boat with were not originally self-righters but of such craft. pronounced sheer and high ends. which still had a number of years station Of all the vessels on the sea, how- Although Wouldhave was only given life ahead of them, a different method ever, lifeboats, from the very nature of half of the contest's two guinea prize, was devised. A large cylindrical their duty, are the ones most likely to his design principles were later incorpo- emergency air bag (deflated and housed meet waves capable of turning them rated in Greathead's Original, the first in a glass fibre cover) is fitted on a over, not only sideways but even end- purpose built lifeboat. lifeboat's after cabin top. If the lifeboat for-end. Lifeboats cannot be advised to Many of the pulling boats of the last rolls beyond about 120 degrees, a run for shelter when the sea rises; that is century were built with a heavy sheer, weighted lever operates and a valve the very time when they have work to with watertight compartments built into discharges compressed air into the bag do, and so often the work is in shoaling the high bow and stern portions. These which is, of course, now in the water water where the seas grow steep and boats rolled heavily and a belief grew up under the boat. This newly-created break. Lifeboats have to be able to face that self-righters were not good sea buoyancy renders the boat positively up to the very worst the sea can do. boats. This may have been true of those stable and she returns quickly to the No one can design a boat which can particular boats, but there is in fact no upright. It was an inflated air bag which never be turned over by a sea. The essential conflict between self-righting righted the Barra Island and Salcombe forces of nature are such that seas will ability and sea-kindliness. With care in lifeboats and almost certainly saved the sometimes arise in which a vessel the design, aided by modern methods and lives of their crews. It was the sound size of a lifeboat will unavoidably run materials, the boat can have both construction and good maintenance of the risk of being turned over on to her qualities. the inflation systems that ensured that back. Let us keep the matter in perspec- The approach used in recent designs the valves worked and the air pressure tive; the risk is very small, but not so has been to fit a substantial deckhouse was there to generate buoyancy the small as to be negligible, as the Kil- and to build it in such a way that it instant it was needed to bring the boats more, Barra Island, Islay and Salcombe remains watertight and buoyant with upright while the crews held their lifeboat crews found. the boat upside down. This feature can breath. While the designer may not be able to be seen in the Waveney, Thames, A similar type of system is used to prevent the boat from turning over, he Arun, Tyne and Brede classes. Of right an Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable can still design the hull so that it will course, if water gets into the wheel- lifeboat. A deflated cylindrical buoyan- come upright again instead of remaining house the valuable self-righting proper- cy bag is housed on a tubular alloy roll upside down. His first act is to push the ty will be lost. A watertight wheelhouse bar, or gantry at the after end of the angle of vanishing stability up until it is not there just to keep the rain off; it is boat; should the boat be capsized, once reaches 180 degrees; that is, he will so an integral part of the hull and needs to the crew have all assembled in the water shape the hull that it will roll back to the remain tight in the face of the worst the at her stern and taken hold of the upright no matter what heel is imposed sea can do. lifeline, they can, by pulling a cord, forcibly, right up to complete inversion. An earlier approach, adopted in the inflate the bag with CO2 gas. When There are several ways of achieving this housed carriage or slipway 37ft and 48ft this is done the boat rights herself with end (see 'Self Righting Explained' by 6in Oakley lifeboats, was to employ a impressive speed. The roll bar itself is Stuart Welford, THE LIFEBOAT, Winter water transference system. A ballast intended to protect the crew from being 1974/5). They all boil down essentially tank, which fills with sea water within crushed beneath the boat, should she be to keeping buoyancy high up in the seconds of the boat launching, is fitted turned over in shoal water or among boat, keeping the centre of gravity low in the bottom of the boat, while a rocks. and preventing water from coming in- righting tank is fitted as high as possible To complete the picture and going board while the boat is inverted. under her port deck. As the boat is down the size scale, equipment has now The principle has been well under- pushed over, passing 110 degrees of been fitted to the 17ft 6in twin-engined stood from the earliest days of lifeboats. heel, a valve opens which allows the Mk IV Zodiac D class inflatable lifeboat Right back in 1789, when a prize was water from the ballast tank to flow into so that should she capsize her crew can, the righting tank. This transfer of using their own weight and the correct J. A. H. Paffett, Esq, RCNC CEng FRINA HOHFNI weight to one side of the boat begins a drill, man-handle her back to the up- FRSA, is chairman of the Institution's Technic- rolling movement which returns her to right. Drills for righting all classes of al Consultative Committee. Before his recent the upright. The system works, but the inflatable lifeboats have been retirement he was deputy director of the tanks and associated valves and piping developed. National Maritime Institute. are troublesome to maintain. continued on page 19

15 The Hudson's Bay Company ships called at Stromness each STROMNESS year. Whether ships were bound for Canada, Greenland, the Davis Strait or the Arctic, the young men of Orkney would have been recruited for them all. At one time line fishing was very good, for tusk, cod, ling FIRST LIFEBOAT STATION IN ORKNEY and halibut. For many years the herring fleet came to Orkney, when perhaps 30 or 40 herring boats might have been found unloading their catch or sheltering in Stromness. by Joan Davies Now deep sea trawlers have largely taken over. There is still line fishing, of course; in fact for six years former Provost William Knight, the lifeboat station's present branch chair- TAKE THE FERRY from Scrabster Harbour to Stromness. Cross man, was credited in The Guinness Book of Records with the the Pentland Firth from the north coast of Caithness to largest halibut caught in this way. Some seine netters and Mainland, Orkney, and already there is a growing feeling of small trawlers work out of Stromness, too, but the most vast distance, of wide horizons. A majestic, ponderous swell prevalent inshore fishing is for lobsters. Modern lobster boats rolls in from across the North Atlantic on to the ferry's port may carry up to 400 creels and the lobsters, kept ashore in beam—and that is on a fine day! The forbidding, dark vertical covered ponds near the harbour, are shipped as far away as cliffs of Western Orkney, rising up as high as 1,000 feet, Norway, France and Southern . It is a thriving increase in grandeur as the ferry approaches, and there, to business. starboard, is the upstanding pillar of rock, The Old Man of The horizons are wide and, for the people of Stromness, Hoy. always have been. It is not surprising, therefore, that it is for Then on to the port of Stromness. Away to the east are the the long distances covered on rescue missions and the very deep, sheltered waters of Scapa Flow, where navies may find long hours sometimes spent at sea that the lifeboats and haven. And not only in modern times. A description of lifeboatmen of Stromness are perhaps most renowned. Orkney published in THE LIFEBOAT of August 1, 1876, goes The station was first established in 1867, following the total back many centuries: wreck on New Year's Day, 1866, on the island of Graemsay 'In the waters of Scapa Flow, which wash the southern coast of just south of Stromness, of Albion, an emigrant ship bound Pomona Island [Orkney Mainland], Rollo, son of the then Earl of for Canada. Although most of the 100 passengers and crew Orkney, and grandfather of our William the Conqueror, assembled were saved by boats which put out from the shore, 11 people his fleet, and for six months recruited his forces, preparatory to his in one boat drowned. descent on Normandy; and the bulk of the men who formed that successful invading army were "Orkney bred or born". . . .' Pulling and sailing lifeboats Look to the west and the north, and this same description At that time Stromness was the most northerly of the speaks of the time when Stromness Harbour would have RNLI's stations. Its first two lifeboats were, of course, pulling been . . . and sailing boats; the 33ft Saltaire, 1867 to 1891, and the 42ft '. . . thronged with whaling, exploring, seal-hunting ships, Good Shepherd, 1891 to 1909. Not only were tremendous privateers and ships of war, outward or homeward bound . . . strength and effort demanded to contend with the strong Here rendezvoused the great Arctic explorers Franklin and Parry, tides, the ferocious winds and the swell and rough seas and from here sailed the great circumnavigator and explorer coming in from the Atlantic on to the rocky coast, but the Captain Cook, bound on his attempt at the Northern mystery.' crews also suffered much from exposure in these early open lifeboats. On one occasion, when a fishing boat was lost in a N. RONALDSAY7Y /r-> gale, Saltaire was out searching all night through a snow ORKNEY „ WESTRAY storm, going right up the coast as far as Birsay. Good Shepherd launched on December 11, 1907, after a farmer from Breck Ness had galloped over the hill to report a .. WESTRAY*&\ ^\ trawler, Shakespeare, wrecked on the Point of Spoil. Only the trawler's masts and funnel could be seen above the water when the lifeboat arrived but, although often herself standing on end in the raging surf, Good Shepherd managed to bring off by line two men clinging to the trawler's foremast and another man hanging on to the funnel. Three men on the mizzen mast were brought to safety by the rocket brigade on shore. For this rescue Coxswain Robert Greig was awarded the silver medal for gallantry. John A. Hay Long years of service are given at Stromness, whether on sea or land, and it is a station where the close bonds between lifeboatmen and the people who back them up on shore are well illustrated. There have only been ten coxswains and seven honorary secretaries in Stromness lifeboat station's 117 years history. One of the most outstanding of the honorary secretaries, deeply concerned in every aspect of the work and needs of the station and spanning the years from the time of sail and oar to twin-engined motor lifeboats, was Mr G. L. Thomson; he served from 1903 to 1944. Mr Thomson had been in office for some six years when John A. Hay came on station in 1909. She was one of the Institution's first boats to be built as a motor lifeboat and of course she had a much greater range than the older boats. Mr Thomson himself went out on her first service. One of the sudden violent gales which can occur in these waters came up from the north east while the coxswain and nearly all the crew were at sea. Mr Thomson and the harbour master mustered a scratch crew and were successful in rescuing a fishing boat with four men on board. 16 It was the first of two occasions when Mr Thomson went out following afternoon she had been out for 17 hours and in that with the lifeboat himself. time she had travelled 85 miles. On January 1, 1922, the Grimsby trawler Freesia, home- ward bound with a large catch of fish, was wrecked in strong J.J.K.S.W. winds and a heavy sea on Costa Head, more than 20 miles By now, a new lifeboat had been laid down for Stromness. north of Stromness. As soon as John A. Hay was launched, She was one of the new Barnett twin-screw boats being built Mr Thomson motored across the island to the headland. He for stations where long distances might have to be travelled. found that the trawler had already sunk and that the only These Barnetts, 60ft overall, were intended to lie afloat but, survivors, two men, were adrift on a small raft. His first at the station's request, the new Stromness boat was built to a concern was to place signalmen round the cliffs to guide the modified, smaller design, 51ft by 13ft 6in, so that she could be lifeboat, and he then appealed for shore boats to put out. housed. Mr Thomson had travelled to London and put a Three boats did put to sea but they could not reach the raft. number of suggestions to the designer, J. R. Barnett, for For John A. Hay it was a long and stormy journey along a lee what was to become the Barnett (Stromness) lifeboat, and the shore. She was continually swept by waves, her crew, soaked designer himself freely acknowledged how much help he had to the skin and very cold, were blinded at times by the rain. received from Mr Thomson and the crew at Stromness. When she arrived she was guided by the signalmen to the raft The new 51ft Barnett lifeboat went on station in 1928; she and rescued the two men minutes before they would have was named J.J.K.S.W. on June 6 by HRH Prince George, been carried to certain death. For this service the bronze who also named a new lifeboat at Longhope on the same day. medal was awarded to Coxswain William Johnston. The range of Stromness lifeboatmen had once again been In these days of advanced electonic aids, it is well to extended. remember the.vital part once played by the shore signalmen. Early on February 14 the next year, at about 0400, three Before the days of radio, making their way across the land to separate messengers arrived at the house of the honorary vantage points where they would take up station, perhaps for secretary to report a trawler, Carmania II of Grimsby, ashore long periods and in positions exposed to the full force of the on Kirk Rocks in Hoy Sound. Half an hour later J.J.K.S.W. weather, they provided the only means of communication was on her way. Arriving off the rocks she found that the with lifeboats at sea, by morse or semaphore, or, in the event trawler was too far off for the team ashore to get a line to her of a recall, Very pistol or small rocket. and too far in for the lifeboat to be able to reach her in the In November 1920, John A. Hay had travelled 70 miles on darkness and across an intervening 100 to 150 yards of one service; in January 1922, as we have seen, she travelled breaking seas. About an hour later a huge wave lifted the 50 miles to rescue the men from Freesia, being at sea for nine stricken trawler 'as if she had been a cork', swung her hours. On September 22, 1922, she travelled 114 miles and completely round and threw her on top of the reef. was at sea 14 hours when nine men were rescued from the When the tide turned and began to make, the seas grew trawler The Cornet of Aberdeen stranded off Sanday, one of heavier and heavier, but two hours later, with the rising tide, the north-easterly islands of Orkney. All long distances for an Coxswain William Johnston manoeuvred the lifeboat through early motor lifeboat, in which the crew were still exposed to the weather. An interesting point came out in another long service, in 1923. John A. Hay launched to go to ss Cormorant in distress in Eynhallow Sound, about 20 miles away. She carried enough petrol to last 16V2 hours at full speed, but on this occasion her petrol was in fact exhausted in 13 hours. On the way north the boat was under sail and motor, running before a south-easterly gale of exceptional severity, and, as the sails were taking the load, the engine was running a third as fast as its normal speed. It is also interesting to read once again that, when the lifeboat did not arrive back as expected . . . '... at four in the following morning the honorary secretary arranged for a drifter to go in search of her, he himself, with a party of signalmen, searching the coast by motor car. . . .' (Above) John A. Hay, the first motor lifeboat to be stationed at In June 1926, John A. Hay set out at 2330 in thick fog to go Stromness. photograph by courtesy of W. Hourston to the help of a steamer, Hastings County of Bergen, which had gone ashore at Auskerry, an island on the east of Orkney. Thirty-one men were taken off and landed at (Below) The 51ft Barnett (Stromness) lifeboat J.J.K.S.W. on service Kirkwall, and when the lifeboat reached Stromness the to Carmania II, ashore on Kirk Rocks in Hoy Sound.

17 The 52ft Barnett lifeboat Archibald and Alexander M. Paterson, which has been on station at Strom- ness since 1955, launching down her slipway. Archibald and Alex- ander M. Paterson was the gift of Miss Margaret M. Paterson of St Petersburg, Florida, in memory of her brothers, her uncle and her grandfather. She was named on ^a+- August 25, 1955, by Miss Chris McKinnon, a cousin of the donor. the breakers and dropped anchor. On the second attempt a Mr J. G. Sinclair, who later was to follow Mr Thomson as line was successfully fired across and secured aboard the honorary secretary, John Rae had been acting as a signalman trawler, so that a lifebuoy could be sent to her. The lifeboat since the end of the First World War, travelling round the was veered in through the surf, nearer and nearer as the tide coast to guide the lifeboats and to keep them informed as far rose. She herself was being thrown high by every sea and then as possible. It was the start of a lifetime of service for Mr Rae. disappearing in the following trough. Watching for the right He became a member of the branch committee in 1924 and moments, however, five trawlermen were brought off. Then a served as chairman from 1944 to 1982. From that time until tremendous wave caught the lifeboat nearly broadside on; her his death early this year, he continued to serve as president of anchor cable snapped and she was driven to leeward. the branch. John Rae was awarded the silver badge in 1957, Coxswain Johnston took the boat quickly ahead among the the gold badge in 1968 and honorary life governorship of the reefs and breakers until she was under the lee of the wreck, to Institution in 1982. During the 58 years of his active service which he still had lines. He shouted to the men on board to on Stromness station branch committee, he had worked with get into the trawler's own small boat, swept overboard and 13 of the Institution's divisional inspectors of lifeboats. floating under her lee, so that he could haul them to the Mr G. L. Thomson, who continued as honorary secretary lifeboat. Five more men were thus rescued. Then the painter until the year of his death, 1944, had also given exceptional parted and the small boat was swept away with two men still service to the RNLI; he, too, was made an honorary life in her, but the lifeboat, passing again between the rocks and governer, in 1924, the RNLI's centenary year, and he was the shore, was able to rescue them. For this service Coxswain awarded the MBE in 1941. Johnston was awarded a bar to his bronze medal. Writing in By the early 1950s, J.J.K.S. W. was approaching the end of his Story of the Stromness Lifeboats 1867 to 1967, Ernest W. her station life at Stromness, but two services during her last Marwick records that after this service the coxswain said: years illustrate well the variety of weather conditions in which 'We have a grand boat, and we are afraid of nothing above water lifeboat help may be needed. if we have plenty o' water below us. I like no' when we see the Both Stromness and Thurso lifeboats were launched very redware churning up alongside of us.' early on the morning of March 22, 1953, when the Grimsby It was in 1930, however, that Stromness lifeboat, the 51ft trawler Leicester City, with a complement of 18, went Barnett, J.J.K.S. W., undertook her most extended passages. aground on the island of Hoy in a heavy swell and thick fog. In March and April, within nine days of each other, two The report speaks of Coxswain William Sinclair 'groping his vessels were wrecked off Shetland where, at that time, no way' out of Hoy Sound—no radar then. For a few minutes the lifeboat was stationed. A trawler, Ben Doran, was wrecked fog lifted so that a light from the casualty could be seen, but it on the Vee Skerries, an area of about a square mile of reefs closed down again immediately and the lifeboat's engines had and blind rocks lying to the west of Shetland. Ben Doran had to be stopped so that the crew could listen: reached about the centre of the skerries before she was held 'A few minutes later the coxswain heard faint shouting, and at fast and despite most courageous efforts by a number of 0330 the lifeboat picked up four men from a raft. The mechanic, people to rescue her crew, all were drowned. On that John MacLeod, and the assistant motor mechanic, Edward Wilson, both stood on the bottom of the scrambling net in the sea to occasion Acting Coxswain William Linklater (coxswain from rescue the men, but it needed the help of the whole crew to get the later that year until 1938) took Stromness lifeboat 134 miles exhausted survivors into the boat.' through south to south-easterly gales and very rough seas to Scalloway in Shetland. A very brief stop was made at Searching through the day in treacherous tidal waters and, Scalloway to take on board food, fuel and a pilot before for most of the time, in dense fog, 14 men were picked up passage was resumed for Vee Skerries. Only the gallows of alive, although three of them died later. For this service the Ben Doran were visible when J. J. K. S. W. arrived and despite thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to an extensive search no one could be found. Eventually the Coxswain William Sinclair of Stromness and Coxswain Angus lifeboat returned to Scalloway and then, next morning, to Macintosh of Thurso. Stromness. She had been away from station 55 hours and In January 1955 the hazard was on land, with roads blocked sailed altogether more than 260 miles in the worst of weather. by heavy snow. Over a period of four days, J.J.K.S. W. was Nine days later ss St Sunniva, a mail steamer, went ashore called upon to take food and mail to an area cut off by snow, in fog on Mousa, on the east side of Shetland. Once again take a sick woman on her way to hospital and take a doctor Stromness lifeboat made the round trip; this time 240 miles, and nurse to a very old lady too ill to be moved. the outward passage being made in very thick weather. On Archibald and Alexander M. Paterson arrival at Mousa, she learnt that, happily, everyone on board Stromness's present lifeboat, a 52ft Barnett, went on St Sunniva had got safely ashore. station a few months later, in May 1955; like her predecessor Before these two incidents it had already been decided by Archibald and Alexander M. Paterson is modified so that she the Institution to establish a station in Shetland and a lifeboat can be a housed slipway boat. went on duty at Lerwick soon afterwards. Stromness has a regular and a reserve crew. Last year, The last shore signalman to communicate with Stromness William G. Sinclair, the son of the former Coxswain William lifeboat as she set out for the Vee Skerries was John Rae, Sinclair, took over as coxswain from Alfred Sinclair, while standing on Marwick Head. Together with Mr Thomson and Eoin Sinclair took over as second coxswain from Bob Scott. 18 Both the former boat's officers were retiring after 20 years before Christmas, a sale is held when most welcome home service. bakes are sold as well as RNLI cards and souvenirs. In The present Coxswain William Sinclair first joined the crew addition to that, every single afternoon each July home-made in 1952 (thus serving for a year with his father) and he had teas are served and souvenirs sold at the Mission to Seamen been assistant mechanic for 20 years. His sister, Mrs down by the harbour: a very hospitable gesture to holi- Elizabeth Johnston, is vice-president, and former honorary daymakers. Social occasions are part of the programme, too. secretary, of Stromness ladies' guild; her husband was related There is an annual lifeboat dinner dance and two very to Coxswain Dan Kirkpatrick and other members of the successful musical evenings have been held on board St Ola, Longhope lifeboat lost in the disaster of 1969. Stromness the Stromness/Scrabster ferry. lifeboat was one of the lifeboats which had been out on that But back to sea. The two services which stand out in the tragic day, searching for their missing colleagues. memory of William Sinclair, the present coxswain, both took It can be seen that in Stromness, as in the rest of Orkney, place in the 1960s. On the evening of January 25, 1965, a the lifeboat community is very close knit, both between the MAYDAY call was received from the Hull trawler Kingston different generations and between the different spheres of Turquoise, in distress 14 miles north north west of Hoy Head, activity: operational, administrative and fund raising. Former a Shackleton aircraft, by the light of flares, sighted two rafts Provost William Knight, the present chairman of the branch, with survivors on board and she dropped marker flares for had been a committee member since 1961, a deputy launching the guidance of the lifeboat. By the time the Barnett reached authority since 1972 and he had served as assistant honorary the rafts a strong north-easterly breeze had whipped up a secretary from 1977 to 1982. Both his grandfather and his choppy sea. Nineteen men were picked up, but one was father were crew members and his son Jim is in the present reported missing. As the survivors were very wet and cold, reserve crew.. The present assistant honorary secretary, the lifeboat took them back to Stromness while a fishing William Craigie, is the grandson of former Coxswain William cruiser searched for the missing man. Linklater. Those are just two more examples. On May 28, 1966, the Norwegian motor vessel Kings Star Long service, as has already been seen, is another of the of Allesund went ashore on the North Shoal, a dangerous station's traditions. One former crew member, John W. rock eight miles off Orkney. When the lifeboat reached Kings Folster, served for no less than 51 years. The present Star she found that the motor vessel was badly holed but that honorary secretary, Captain John Allan, has served since most of her crew were in their ship's boats and in no danger. 1962; he was awarded a barometer in 1973 and a gold badge At Coxswain Alfred Sinclair's request, pumps from the fire in 1983. William Halcrow has been honorary treasurer since service were brought out by local fishing boats. When, with 1958, and he was awarded the silver badge in 1975. the rising tide, Kings Star slid off the rocks, the lifeboat, Mrs Johnston's fellow officers on the ladies' guild commit- having picked up the seamen and taken the ship's boats in tee are Mrs F. Kershaw, who is president, Mrs S. M. Walker, tow, escorted the damaged motor vessel to Stromness. honorary secretary, and Mrs J. Tulloch, the honorary In 117 years, Stromness lifeboats have launched 269 times, treasurer. With a membership of about 20, they put enor- rescuing 312 people from the sea. A proud record for a mous energy into raising funds for the station. Every year a station where long years of service, broad vision and distant house-to-house collection is made at the end of August, and, calls are part of the way of life.

of ballast and the heel angle, a quantity value of the heel angle. This inclino- from page 15 Fail Safe known as the metacentric height (M) meter will thus enable stability checks, can be calculated; from this and from to be made throughout the life of a the boat's lines plan the position of the lifeboat more easily and with greater Checking stability centre of gravity (CG) can be calculated. accuracy than in the past. Stability is the property of a vessel Once having located the CG, the stability The measurements given by the in- which returns her to the upright after at any angle of heel can be worked out. clinometer, used in conjunction with an heeling. As already indicated, most The designer of a lifeboat can satisfy Apple computer the Institution has vessels are only stable up to a certain himself that the stability is positive all recently purchased for the design office, angle, beyond which they become un- the way up to 180 degrees; if it is not, means that stability calculations, among stable and turn over. Modern lifeboats the shape of the hull must be altered others, can be made much more quickly are exceptional in that they can self until it is. than before. Thus more alternatives can right from any angle. How does the Although the inclining test is simple be explored in the early stages of a new drawing office know this in advance? in principle, measuring the heel angle design and the stability features of an Without going into too much detail, it can prove tricky in practice on a boat as unbuilt boat can be set out in more will easily be appreciated that to predict small as a lifeboat, with disturbances detail than was previously possible. The a ship's stability an essential starting from wind, waves and the movement of new computer has already proved its point is to know the position of her other nearby boats. The traditional worth in analysing the stability of vari- centre of gravity (CG). The higher the apparatus is a long string carrying a ous alternative designs being considered CG, the less is the stability. The designer weight which hangs in a bucket of water for a new fast carriage lifeboat. can calculate with fair confidence the CG to damp out the swinging motion. The As a final check on all calculations position of a new vessel, provided that angle is shown by the string's movement and predictions, each new lifeboat, 10 she is built exactly to the approved across a foot rule fixed to the boat. This metres and over, is, as for many years, drawings and there are no unauthorised works well in a big ship but the human subjected to an artificial capsize in additions. When the boat has been in operator is hard put to it to judge the harbour as part of her builder's trials. service for a few years, however, the CG average reading of a lively boat. The boat is hauled over by a crane tends to rise; even coats of paint accu- When it comes to measuring quanti- which pulls upwards on a strop wrapped mulating on the upperworks can cause it ties like angles, particularly when those round the hull. The righting is carefully to creep upwards. It is wise to check quantities are changing all the time, a watched and timed. Not only does this from time to time that the precious machine can always do better than a righting trial establish confidence in the stability is not being 'eroded'. man. With this in mind a micro- stability calculations, but it also checks The check is made by a simple processor controlled automatic inclino- the operation of self-closing valves and operation known as an 'inclining experi- meter has been developed for the In- gravity switches, the watertightness of ment', in which a known weight of stitution. This instrument measures heel doors and so on. And it is psychologi- ballast is transferred from one side of angle very accurately, records its value cally very reassuring to see the actual the deck to the other, the steady angle digitally several thousand times each boat go over and come up again, even if of heel which results being measured. minute and then uses its inbuilt compu- in harbour in a flat calm! From the known weight and the spread ter to calculate the mathematical mean (to be continued) 19 mander for the Great Lakes District, United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral Henry H. Bell who had visited Padstow lifeboat station when A GLIMPSE on a UK visit some years ago. The week ended with the parade complete with by Trevor Ramsden bands, floats, majorettes and the be- wildering noisy razzamataz that is so Station Administrative Officer, Padstow American. In an open 1956 Ford Thun- derbird labelled RNLI we processed THE SIGHT AND SMELL of bacon and hash purpose role as condition, fittings and through the happy carnival crowds. We browns at 90 degrees in the shade was a equipment were of superb quality. watched the floats pass from the salut- bit overpowering as a greeting to Grand Inland seas and weather can be just as ing base with a marvellous view of the Haven Coast Guard Station. A sym- treacherous as the open sea and having parade. Up and down so many times to pathetically smiling cook soon corrected regard for the commercial and pleasure honour the Stars and Stripes carried by my mistaken entrance and directed me traffic on the lake it is not surprising every band, then suddenly a lone Union to the operations room from where I that the Coast Guard Rescue Service is Jack being paraded for us: a remarkable was immediately taken aboard a 16ft in daily use. The traffic on radar looked gesture by wonderful hosts. rescue boat and we were off to 'sea'. like the Solent on a busy day with a Later travels found us in Norfolk, 'We can sure talk better out here where round-the-world yacht arriving into the Virginia, where we visited the Coast the action is,' from the coxswain. I think bargain! Guard complex: a vast supply and that is what he said as we were now Grand Haven, a typical station, has a maintenance depot, a boatyard, har- doing 40 knots plus into a westerly force covered boatyard with slips, repair and bour and group HQ for operational SAR 4 to 5 with a moderate sea which smelt service facilities. Adjoining buildings stations on the Virginia and North and tasted flat, being fresh water. I are used for in-service training for the Carolina coast. We toured the yard, saw hadn't felt cooler for days! many skills needed by this comprehen- many types of boat under construction Over 300 miles long and some 60 sive coast watch organisation. The local and refit and had a closer look at a 44ft miles wide, Lake Michigan is the only auxiliary coast guards train and operate 'Waveney' which was being modified Great Lake entirely within US territory, also from the station. Stateswide the with an enclosed wheelhouse. the others being shared with Canada. It auxiliaries number some 47,000, about By AMTRAC to Washington, so far is covered for search and rescue by the same as regular coast guards, and from the sea yet the closest we came in some 20 stations from which are opera- their duties include water safety educa- the USA to our own service as our host ted small fast craft, familiar Waveney tion, public relations and the inspection was Lt-Cdr Russ Smith, USN, who flew type boats of varying sizes from 30ft to and certification of craft to State and the helicopter from RNAS Culdrose in 44ft, up to large cutters such as the Federal standards. They serve part-time such gallant attempts at rescue from Macinaw ice-breaker of 5,000 tons, alongside regulars and, in remote areas, Union Star on the night of the Penlee 290ft long with six engines developing use their own boats for search and disaster. He now flies a desk in the 12,000hp; an impressive vessel essential rescue. When shown the RNLI film Washington Navy with an impatience to in winter to assist in keeping the busy Storm Force 10 they were naturally get operational again. He whirled us shipping lanes open round the 5,600 fascinated by the shots of one of our round the beautiful capital and with miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Waveney lifeboats in heavy seas and Susan and their children gave my wife Out of the haze appeared a Waveney thought it incredible that our Institution and I memorable hospitality in his type lifeboat, painted white with a could be operated by voluntary mem- home. They send greetings to all their coloured slash forward on each side, to bers with no Government funding. lifeboat friends. which I transferred. Radio and good 'Coast Guard City USA' is the title of America can best be described navigation had made this possible in Grand Haven and for a week in August, perhaps in superlatives of size, applic- now indifferent visibility and well out when the annual festival is held, it lives able equally well to their Coast Guard from land. We cruised along comfort- up to this name. We were privileged to service. The sheer size of this essentially ably at 20 knots while I was shown the meet, during the week, the Vice-Com- humanitarian military organisation is boat. Known in the service as a utility mandant USCG, Vice-Admiral Ben- staggering. We were honoured by a boat, utility applies only to her multi- edict L. Stabile, and the Group Com- glimpse of it.

BBC LOCAL RADIO CYCLE RALLY FOR A MONTH, starting last August 27 from Norwich, people from all parts of the country took part in a round England cycle rally organised by the BBC's local radio stations to raise funds for the RNLI. There were some 26 legs and members of the Cyclists Touring Club took part in each. By the time the circle had been completed back to Norwich, some £14,000 had been raised.

USED STAMPS FOR MANY YEARS used stamps, both British and foreign, have been assiduously collected by lifeboat people. While a great many people provide the 'raw material', gathering used stamps from their own letters and from their friends and passing them on, the most active 'clearing house' for a very long time has been the work of Barrie Smale of Okehampton, the RNLI's honorary stamp organiser. By sorting vast quantities of stamps and selling them at the most favourable Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther: at a ceremony on February 17 rates, Barrie Smale has already raised many thousands of five plaques commemorating the Scottish lifeboatmen from Fraserburgh, Arbroath, Broughty Ferry and Longhope who have lost pounds for the lifeboat service. He welcomes any stamps that their lives at sea since the end of World War II were unveiled by Staff can be sent to him at his address, 17 Station Road, Coxswain Tom Beattie. With him are (1) Michael Vlasto, divisional Okehampton, Devon EX20 1DY, or through RNLI HQ, West inspector of lifeboats (Scotland South), and Peter Murray, coxswain of Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. You can be sure that Anstruther lifeboat. photograph by courtesy of D. C. Thomson any stamps sent will be put to very good use. 20 CBE December 1983 Lifeboat David Peter, The Right Honourable Dr Edwyn Brace Barton, aged 95 Baron Mottistone, DL. For Political and years. Dr Barton was elected president Public Service. Captain the Lord Mot- of Silloth station branch at its inaugural tistone, RN (Rtd), is a vice-president of meeting in 1967 and held that office People the Isle of Wight Lifeboat Board. until 1974, when he became vice-presi- QBE dent. Throughout the rest of his life, Dr Among the awards announced in the Mrs Grace Sneddon Agate, chair- Barton continued to take great interest New Year Honours list were: man, Anglo-American Community Re- in the welfare of the station and the Knights Bachelor lations Committee for East Suffolk. Mrs crew. Timothy Hugh Bevan, chairman, Agate was appointed president of the Jeremiah O'Connell, coxswain of Barclays Bank PLC. Sir Timothy has Institution's Aldeburgh guild in 1965 Valentia lifeboat from 1946 to 1958. been honorary treasurer of Balcombe and has been president and chairman January 1984 and Staplefield branch since 1964 and since 1966. She was awarded the silver The Reverend Miles Leith, who had was awarded the Institution's silver badge in 1977. given very active fund-raising service in badge in 1982. John Retter Elliott, company trans- Forres and District for a number of port adviser, Metal Box PLC. Mr years, working as a most successful Elliott has been honorary secretary and honorary box secretary himself and also flag day organiser of the RNLI's Mar- helping to form several local financial low branch since 1979. branches. Mr Leith had been awarded a Captain Oscar Williams James Hen- Scottish statuette, which will be re- derson, DL, chairman, Ulster Sheltered ceived posthumously by Mrs Leith. Employment Ltd. Captain Henderson Humphrey Lestocq, Rye Harbour was chairman of the Institution's Belfast station honorary secretary from 1969 to branch from 1945 to 1968. 1984; he was awarded a statuette in 1979. A fighter pilot himself during the It is with deep regret that we record Second World War, Humphrey Lestocq the following deaths: will be particularly remembered for his portrayal of 'Flying Officer Kite' among Humbert Bryce David Cape, son of Crew March 1983 his other contributions to radio and Member David Cape and his wife Yvonne, William Henderson, coxswain of Am- television. was christened on board Humber lifeboat. ble lifeboat from 1967 to 1972 after Captain Colin C. Lowry, RN, chair- The brass bell upturned in its stand used to be serving as second coxswain from 1962 to man of Appledore station branch from used to call out the crew at Point. 1967 and as bowman from 1961 to 1962; 1970 to 1983 after serving as honorary he first joined the crew in 1939. William secretary from 1968 to 1970. Captain Henderson was awarded the bronze Lowry, who was a member of the medal in 1970. Central Appeals Committee in 1974, November 1983 the RNLI's 150th anniversary year, was Frederick Beardmore, fleet mechanic himself a most active and successful (North West) from 1961 to 1983. fund raiser; he was awarded the silver Gerald Murphy, motor mechanic of badge in 1974 and the gold badge in Newcastle, Co Down, lifeboat from 1983. 1960 to 1982. Gerald Murphy was pre- John S. Rae, chairman of Stromness sented with a testimonial on parchment station branch from 1944 to 1982, be- by the Royal Humane Society in 1966 fore which he had served as a shore for rescuing a boy from drowning and signalman from 1920 and as a commit- he was awarded the RNLI's long service tee member from 1924. John Rae, who Eastbourne: Claire Margaret Hendy, daugh- badge in 1982. ter of Dave and Margaret Hendy, was christ- gave full support to both operational ened on board Eastbourne lifeboat. Her Sidney George Page, last bowman of and fund-raising matters, was awarded father is assistant winchman and her grand- Shoreham Harbour lifeboat; he was the silver badge in 1957, the gold badge father, Frank Tyhurst, is head launcher. bowman from 1947 to 1969 after first in 1968 and honorary life governorship photograph by courtesy of Andrew Huntley joining the crew in 1943. in 1982.

Passing the baton on: George Davidson, DSM BEM (I) has recently Mrs Mary Ruscoe (c) and Mrs Ethel Hampson have between them retired after almost 34 years service as coxswain and coxswain/ given 102 years service to Little Hulton, one of the oldest of the ladies' mechanic of Kirkcudbright lifeboat. With him and his wife Ola are guilds. At a recent dance (which raised £142) a presentation was made Joseph Sassoon (r), who has taken over as coxswain, and Robert Ross, by Derek Hallworth, area organiser (North West), to Mrs Ruscoe, just the youngest member of the crew. passing 50 years with the guild, with flowers for Mrs Hampson, guild photograph by courtesy of Michael J. Bannister president, who reached her golden anniversary two years ago. 21 LONDON BOAT SHOW JANUARY 5 to 15

•MLS COURT

EVERY YEAR at the London International every day of the show. Shoreline had (Above) The 47ft Tyne class lifeboat arriving Boat Show, the RNLI is given a flying another record recruitment drive with to go on display at Earls Court . . . and start by the organisers of the exhibition, 1,179 new members. (below) Chelsea Pensioner, Bert Spurdin, National Boat Shows Ltd, when they There was never a dull moment and who collected well over £1,000 for the RNLI donate the space for the RNLI stand RNLI events seemed often to dominate during the show. free of charge. This year's stand area press and public attention at Earls would normally have cost an exhibitor Court. The BBC launched their Hum- £8,000 and it allowed the Institution in ber lifeboat television series aboard the its 160th anniversary year to bring to Tyne lifeboat, with Superintendent Earls Court a 47ft Tyne class fast Coxswain Brian Bevan being photo- slipway lifeboat, the largest lifeboat graphed by an army of pressmen. Then, seen there since a 52ft Barnett was a few days later, Matt Lethbridge, exhibited in 1961 and certainly the most coxswain of the Isles of Scilly lifeboat, expensive at a cost of £430,000. A arrived to be awarded a vellum for further generous gesture was made by rescuing the survivors of the BA heli- Fairey Allday Marine, the boat's build- copter crash, only to be ambushed by er, who paid transportation costs. Eamonn Andrews with that well-known The public showed great interest in greeting 'This is Your Life'! the lifeboat with queues forming below Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, lifeboat the stairway leading up to her deck. crew paid a welcome visit to help launch There, members of Selsey lifeboat a new film about their station, 'How Do Alderney for the evaluation of a new crew, whose station has the first Tyne You Say Thank You?' and, as usual, Channel Islands station. lifeboat, took their turn patiently to lifeboatmen from all over the country Raymond Baxter, a member of the explain the lifeboat's features and to came to see friends and colleagues at Committee of Management, received a answer questions. The attraction of the the show. cheque for nearly £8,000 resulting from lifeboat paid dividends for the fund The organisers of the exhibition were the National Soap Box Marathon held raisers. Confronting the public as they also kind enough to allow the RNLI to at Blakesley, Northamptonshire. The descended from the lifeboat was an use the jetty on the central pool for cheque was handed over by Tony Hack- irresistible array of souvenirs and gifts presentations. The Ancient Order of ett, chairman of the Marathon commit- and, thanks to the very hard work of Foresters handed over a cheque for tee, Peter Mimms of Frizzells and Tony branches from London and surrounding £60,000 to Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Richardson of the Civil Service Motor- areas, record takings of £11,680 were Compston, a deputy chairman of the ing Association; they had all been achieved through souvenir and lottery Institution. The money was presented involved in this highly successful fund- sales. A further £2,954 was collected in to commemorate the Foresters' 150th raising event. boxes on the RNLI and other stands anniversary year, which falls in 1984; it Students from the City and Guild's with well over £1,000 coming from the will go towards the cost of the 33ft College Union of Imperial College, efforts of Chelsea Pensioner Bert Spur- Brede class lifeboat to be named Fores- London, presented a cheque for £4,000 din, who sat and collected money on ters Future which has been sent to to Lord Gough, a member of the Fund Raising Committee, after they had taken a special Burroughs Windcheetah pedal car non-stop in relay round the entire coast of England, Scotland and in ten days. Raymond Roddie, High Admiral Compston was also pre- Chief Ranger of the Ancient sented with a cheque for £20,000 on the Order of Foresters, presents a RNLI stand by Richard Armitage, cheque for £60,000 to Vice- managing director of Bryant and May, Admiral Sir Peter Compston, after a competition had been run on the a deputy chairman of the back of certain brands of their matches. RNLI. On Mr Roddie's left is Raymond McHale, High As always, the Midland Bank was Sub-Chief Ranger, and on kind enough to entertain many of the Admiral Compston's right is RNLI's guests on its stand, offering , Secretary of them a fine view of the events on the the Order. pool.—E.W-W. 22 position will no longer exist, so that all ing by Shoreline member No 1, Sir Alec your problems will in future be dealt Rose, at Blyth lifeboat station in 1979? with by Mrs Linda Powell, who has What a great occasion that was for all been Shoreline membership supervisor those Shoreline members who were for a number of years. General adminis- able to be present, and for myself. A tration of Shoreline will be the responsi- little over a year ago Shoreline was Shoreline bility of Ian Wallington, until recently moved to Arbroath. Once again, Sir regional organiser for the South East, Alec and a number of other Shoreline who has now come into the Poole HQ as members were present at her re-dedica- Section assistant appeals secretary. I myself am tion. That, too, was a wonderful day. moving on to the new post of fund Another occasion which stands out in LOOKING BACK on this year's London raising projects manager. my memory is that November evening Boat Show, held at Earls Court from Over the years that I have been in 1978 when 300 people attended the January 5 to 15, there is no doubt that, membership secretary it has been my meeting in the Guild Hall, Portsmouth, for Shoreline, it was one of the most pleasure to meet a great many of you at which Shoreline Club No 1 was successful shows we have ever had. We and I should like to take this opportun- inaugurated. From what was indeed a can look back with pride! ity of thanking you all for your support voyage into uncharted waters we now The Shoreline team, most of whom and for the many kindnesses shown to have progressed to a number of have loyally helped us man the RNLI me. In particular I should like to thank Shoreline clubs scattered throughout stand for many years, recruited no less all those members through whose en- the country, including new clubs at than 1,179 new members. This number thusiasm the Shoreline clubs have Broadstairs and at Dover, with the is a new record and in real terms it is sprung up around the country; I wish promise of several more to come; it is worth £21,000 to the RNLI in subscrip- them every success in the future. expected that the inaugural meetings of tions and covenants. Such a magnificent As you know, in the recent past we two new clubs, No 13 at Rochford and result would not have been achieved have all be working very hard to attain No 14 at Sheffield, will be held early in without the unstinted hard work of our the magic membership figure of 1984. Clubs Nos 1 and 2, Portsmouth team of helpers. I thank every one of 100,000. I am delighted to be able to and Southampton, have, I am sorry to you. Your support and enthusiasm is an announce in my final letter that we have say, been disbanded, at least temporari- inspiration to us all. actually achieved this immediate target. ly. Club No 5, at Leeds, on the other It is not only new recruits who come Well done everyone for your tireless hand, has been changed into a fund- to the RNLI stand at the Boat Show; efforts in recruiting new members. The raising branch, to be known as Leeds many established members and next magic figure at which we should Shoreline branch. Shoreline club supporters call on us in aim, and which perhaps I can leave in The honorary secretary of Shoreline passing, perhaps to purchase insignia, your good hands, must be a quarter of a Club No 12, Broadstairs, is Mr V. and it is always a pleasure to welcome million! Wraight of 2 Wings Close, Broadstairs, them and to have the opportunity of Maybe, as this is my last Shoreline Kent (telephone: Thanet 62067). Mr talking with them. letter, I will be forgiven for recalling Wraight will be delighted to hear from some of the events of the past eight any Shoreline members in the area who * * * years. Do you remember those days of would like to join in the club's activities. 'Looking back' is perhaps the right particular endeavour when we were The honorary secretary of Shoreline theme for this letter because it will be working, principally by the enrolment Club No 15, Dover, is Mrs D. Knowler, my last as membership secretary. Due of new members, to raise enough 41 Mayfield Avenue, Dover (telephone: to re-organisation at head office, to money to fund the 37ft 6in Rother Dover 213527). The Dover club is make the best use of available staff, the lifeboat RNLB Shoreline? And her nam- already 24 strong and Mrs Knowler will be very pleased to hear from any other Shoreline members interested in 100,000 joining. We wish both these new clubs many membership happy days. reached Those are just a few of the highlights; there have been many more happy Ewart Myer and Jim Meade, occasions, too numerous to mention. two of Shoreline's voluntary Thank you for your support. I am proud enrolling team, hard at work to have been associated both with you on the RNLI's London Boat and with the staff in the Shoreline Show stand: together with the other members of the team, office. To you, to them and to Ian they signed on a grand total of Wallington, I send my best wishes for 1,179 new members. the future.—PETER HOLNESS, now fund raising project manager, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.

To: The Director, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. I enclose subscription to join Shoreline as an: On the last Shoreline page it was said that Shoreline Club No 4, Milton Annual Member £5.00 (minimum) D Annual Family Membership £7.50 (minimum) D Keynes, entered a model lifeboat in the Annual Member and Governor £15.00 (minimum) D National Soap Box Derby master- Life member and Governor £150.00 (minimum) D minded by Blakesley Village. The Send me details of how I can help with a Legacy. D Blakesley lifeboat, which won the novelty class in 1982, was in fact built Name and raced by Dave Smith. Although not Address a member of the RNLI, after the Soap Box Derby Dave Smith very kindly offered his soap box lifeboat to More than 110,300 people would have been lost without the lifeboat service. Shoreline Club No 4 as a visual aid for fund-raising events. 23 Libby Purves, introduces All Books ... at Sea, during the launching of the book by Fontana and the RNLI at The Marine Soci- • AH At Sea, a catch of true and tall ety on March 5. With her are stories trawled by writer and broadcas- (r) the Duke of Atholl, chair- ter Libby Purves, has been published by man of the Institution, and (I) Fontana to mark the 160th anniversary Ray Kipling, public relations of the RNLI, a milestone reached on officer, with Mrs Belinda March 4 this year. Here can be found all Braithwaite, the member of the delight of a good after dinner Leamington Spa branch who anecdote, with that refreshing chuckle first suggested the idea of the book to the RNLI. at the end which will do you a power of photograph by courtesy of good. Turn one page, and then the Stephen Devane next, and I doubt whether you will be able to resist the temptation to read just • A Day with a Lifeboatman (Way- linear regression methods for statistical one more. . . . land Publishing, £3.95) is the most analysis or a set of observations, or The section entitled 'Run for Your recent in Wayland's successful A Day in compute the meridional parts for a Lifeboat' is, of course, fascinating. Did the Life series, aimed at 5-13 year olds thousand-mile loxodrome—but it is in- you know, for instance, that Aldeburgh and particularly non-readers, young or teresting. The use of the calculator for lifeboat was once nearly airborne on the reluctant readers, as well as children of sight-reduction has certainly come to wing of a Lancaster bomber? Or that average abilities. The 54 black and stay and several methods are presented double gold medallist Dick Evans (who white photographs in strip-cartoon style in this book, but I wonder sometimes if else?) on his first service as coxswain of with a simple caption in large type, as it is necessarily a good idea to do so Moelfre lifeboat rescued a cow which well as a main text, tell the story of a many chart-table problems with the two weeks later gave birth to a calf single working day in the life of Brian calculator, slick and quick though it which a year later was awarded a Brown, fisherman and crew member of may be, rather than by geometry on the champion's prize at the London Smith- Angle lifeboat. The story is interesting chart where one has the inestimable field Show? and informative, carrying complete de- benefit of a visual presentation of the It is not perhaps surprising that life- tails of a lifeboat rescue. The book is problem in which a fatal error is boatmen and members of the Royal and written by Martin Cavaney, a freelance unmistakeable. Merchant services should have a ditty writer and professional photo- There is an equally interesting appen- bag full of good sea stories to tell, but to grapher.—G.P. dix at the end of the book by A. T. their salty tales are added those of Thornton, giving uses of the calculator bishops, members of Parliament of va- • In The Story of the Staithes and in sailing races. These include an alge- rious persuasions, writers, actors and Runswick Lifeboats, the latest of Jeff braic expression three inches long for broadcasters with, for good measure, Morris's books, his meticulous research computing apparent wind speed with- contributions from at least one famous into the histories of the stations and in out which the writer suggests that it musician, one famous vet and one obtaining such a large and varied collec- would be impossible to choose the right famous mountaineer. And so it goes on. tion of photographs is again evident. sail.—K.M. They must be right when they say we Runswick station operated from 1866 to 1978 and Staithes from 1875 to 1922 and • Did I know a boy whose ambition it are a seafaring people! was to become a naval officer I should There is a great temptation to quote again from 1928 to 1938 before the two stations were amalgamated and an give him Eraser of North Cape by from such a collection. Perhaps just one Richard Humble (Routledge and Kegan brief sample? What about this little gem Altantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat was allocated in 1978. In the foreword to the Paul, £14.95) and The Death of the from Dr Ronald Hope, director of The Scharnhorst by John Winton (Anthony Marine Society? book, Mr J. C. James, the station honorary secretary, writes: Bird, £9.95) not so much for the light 'Winston Churchill was an Elder they throw on naval history of the time Brother of . Shortly after 'The present situation represents a new as for their portrayal of Admiral of the the First World War he appeared at dimension and illustrates how the RNLI Fleet Lord Fraser, a man who possessed Versailles wearing the cap and jacket keeps up to date and uses modern technol- which are peculiar to the Elder Brethren ogy to full advantage in the cause of saving the quality of leadership to an unusually when dressed for official occasions. life at sea.' high degree. While Fraser of North Cape is a full Clemenceau asked what uniform he was Certainly Jeff Morris's growing col- wearing and Churchill is said to have biography of Bruce Fraser> The Death replied, in somewhat inadequate French, lection of books will provide history of The Scharnhorst concentrates on the "Je suis un frere nine de la Trinite." students with faithful records of the Battle of North Cape on December 26, "Man Dieu!" exclaimed Clemenceau. changes and trends in the lifeboat ser- 1943, planned by Admiral Fraser and "Quelle influence!" ' vice, generally. The Story of the Staithes executed under his command. In both Libby Purves gave her editorial ser- and Runswick Lifeboats is available books Lord Fraser emerges as a quiet vices free, gleefully acknowledging that from Mrs Peggy Theaker, Cardyff, Fair- man of immense moral stature, profes- she welcomed the chance to help the field Road, Staithes, Near Saltburn, sional wisdom and ability who was also lifeboats without having to rattle a Cleveland TS13 5BA, price 75p plus a man of understanding, consideration collecting box in the rain (a thing she 25p packing and postage. and simple kindness. He was a seaman's and her husband Paul Heiney have both Having now accepted the appoint- seaman, loved and respected by those often done). All the stories were do- ment of honorary archivist of the Life- over whom he had command. There is nated and Mike Peyton and Punch boat Enthusiasms' Society, it is to be much of great value to learn from his cartoonists did their share by providing hoped that Jeff Morris will still find time philosophy of life.—J.D. illustrations free of charge. Thus all to continue with his valuable series of royalties will be given to the RNLI. books.—H.D. All At Sea is available at bookshops • The Calculator Afloat by Captain Dr and Mrs R. Yorke have donated price £1.95, or by mail order from Henry Shufeldt and Kenneth Newcom- the proceeds from their book Britain's RNLI Trading, West Quay Road, er (Adlard Coles, Granada, £8.95) is First Lifeboat Station—Formby, to the Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ, price £1.95 not for lifeboatmen, nor for weekend RNLI widows and dependants fund. It plus 50p packing and postage.—J.D. sailors, who will seldom require to use amounts to a splendid £1,100. 24 Some

Every year Ronald Tail (third from left) conducts seashore nature trails, taking holidaymakers on walks along the beach at Appledore and telling them about some of the numerous creatures that live in the pools, on the rocks and in the sand and mud. The walks are very popular with people of all ages and after each one a collection is taken for the RNLI; last year £120 was raised for the lifeboats in this way. photograph by courtesy of Crew Member Richard Miller

Twickenham and District branch's On Christmas morning the Board twenty-fourth annual ball, held in Janu- Sailing Association in the Republic of ary, was attended by the Mayor and Ireland, together with The Evening Mayoress of Richmond, Councillor and Herald, organised a sponsored event in Mrs Harry Hall, and members of Little- Dun Laoghaire Harbour which it was hampton lifeboat crew, while later in hoped would raise £3,000; the figure, the evening Lionel Jeffries, the branch however, is already approaching president, and his wife arrived after £5,000! That amount includes a ten per completing a matinee and evening per- cent bonus donated by The Evening Birmingham branch had a busy time formance of Call Me Madam at the Herald. The well-known restauranteur last October. In one week an exhibition Prince of Wales Theatre. With 600 Sean Kinsella served hot punch to at the New Street Shopping Centre raised prizes donated by local traders and everyone taking part, in true Christmas a magnificent £2,700. The branch's businesses for the tremendous tombola spirit. And another Irish Christmas annual dinner and dance, held during and raffle, and an auction of RNLI gesture: Galway Bay branch put up the same week at the Botanical Gardens, collectors' items, the final figure for the posters in all the six or seven pubs on and attended by the Lord Mayor, Coun- evening was more than £5,000. Inishmore, one of the Aran islands, cillor Bill Sowton, and RNLI deputy asking everyone to donate the price of a director, Lt Cdr Brian Miles, made a Raffle ticket sales netted £161 at a pint to the lifeboats: £450 was raised. profit of £496.03 with the help of Bill pre-Christmas party organised by Mr Bulpitt's tombola and Mrs Christine and Mrs Manasseh Cannie of Mounds- The sailing club at RAF Lossiemouth Pickstone's raffle. The week before Mr mere Nursing Home, Parkstone, for last July held a sponsored sail across the and Mrs Pickstone had run a coffee staff and friends. The proceeds were Moray and Cromarty Firths and back, a morning at their home which realised a split between Wareham and District total of 62 nautical miles. The voyage, further £153.51. branch and a children's charity. which involved three 15ft Albacore dinghies sailing to Alness one day and Overland 1983: The 1st Lyn (Exmoor) Scouts, with a third size replica of the pulling lifeboat, home again to Lossiemouth the next, Louisa, built by themselves, re-enact the epic journey of the Lynmouth lifeboatmen in January was an arduous one with fog banks and 1899 when they took Louisa up Countisbury Hill, 1,500 feet above sea level, over Exmoor, and choppy seas, but HM Coastguard were down into Porlock Weir before launching to go to the help of the full-rigged ship Forrest Hall. fully informed and there was the prom- The 1983 epic raised about £400 for the lifeboats, photograph by courtesy of Martin R. Loader ise of a watchful eye from an RAF Sea King helicopter. It took 8V2 hours to get to Alness and 9V2 hours to get back, but it was worth it for the experience and for the £275 presented to Lossiemouth ladies' guild.

Distance from home often only seems to encourage some people's support of the RNLI. The British Community Association at Port Harcourt, Nigeria, was inspired to hold a party by two of its members Mr and Mrs A. Smith. They had ordered, through Chorleywood and Rickmansworth branch, a supply of RNLI souvenirs, all of which were sold, and with the help of raffle and tombola a phenomenal £3,315.50 was raised.

Whether it is getting thinner or fatter Mrs Grace Gazely has a way of raising money for the RNLI. She and her daughter both attempted a sponsored slim and her daughter, by losing some tea 22 pounds made £104, half of which 25 Could these two be having a language problem? Scooby, the Great Dane, meets Italian Greyhound Mattie, whose owner doesn't seem to approve of what is being said. These were just More than 20 chartered surveyors and their office colleagues from Blackpool two of the 70 entrants in the dog show organised by Marston chose to raise money for the RNLI and their own benevolent fund by raising Green and District branch which raised £132 for the RNLI. themselves a foot above the ground on stilts and completing a half-mile course The judge, Mrs Hay tor-Harris, who gave her services free and, down the promenade. The stiff sea breeze made staying upright nearly impossible apart from pedigree classes, there were ten fun classes including but David Wilde on his special pair of racing stilts finished the sponsored totter the waggiest tail and the dog most like its owner. first in a time of 9'/2 minutes. Barry Butler and Paul Gilkes, who organised the event, brought up the rear of the field but were nevertheless delighted with the result: £300. photograph by courtesy of Blackpool Gazette and Herald

\ ~

Five pence a bucket of water, lOp a bag of soggy pig food. That was the going rate for tormenting poor Edward Childs, a crew There was a definite air of inter-rescue services co-operation when Tenby lifeboat member of Port Isaac lifeboat in the stocks during the station's crew won the RAF Brawdy 202 Squadron challenge trophy in a darts competition annual Lifeboat Larks. Bob Young (far left), another crew between Pembrokeshire rescue organisations. The £128.31 raised in the raffle was member, also took his turn for punishment. Besides sales stalls nominated by the winning team to benefit the charity of its choice: the RNLI, of there was a tug-of-water contest between Port Isaac crew and course. (I to r) Master Air Electronics Operators Terry Heap and Pete Williams, the visiting lifeboat crew which the home team won Fl-Lt Owen Wright, Fl-Lt Norman Rough, Officer Commanding B Flight, 202 2-1. The afternoon raised more than £120. Squadron, Second Coxswain Johnny John of Tenby lifeboat, David Hodges, photograph by courtesy of Dawson Steeplejacks Bob James, Mike Wilson and Colin McDowell, vice-chairman of Tenby branch committee. photograph by courtesy of RAF Brawdy

Five intrepid members of the Lansdowne Indoor Climbing Club, (7 to r) Paul Ward, Mike Boyce, Ian Burgess, Steve Towill and Colin Ward, ready to set out from their base camp at Richard Gardner brandishes a cheque for £300 raised from his colleagues aboard the Lansdowne public house, Dawlish. These men crawled— the Sealink ferries Horsa, of which he is second officer, and St Christopher and literally on hands and knees—from pub to pub in Dawlish. members of the Dreamland Squash Club after taking part in a mini marathon Treacherous obstacles like double yellow lines were overcome organised by Thanet District Council. Mr Gardner was a guest on board by rope ladder. The equipment was lent by the Royal Marines at Ramsgate's 44ft Waveney lifeboat Ralph and Joy Swann and with him are (I to r) Lympstone, the crawl lasted from Saturday morning until Mr J. G. Lyne, Ramsgate station honorary treasurer, Crew Members Alan Bray Sunday mid-day and £468 was collected on the way round; half and Bill Blay, Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic Derek Pegden and Eric was given to a home for autistic children and half to the RNLI. Burton, the station administrative officer. photograph by courtesy of Adscene photograph by courtesy of Colin Wallace

26 went to the RNLI; Grace herself had much less to lose in the first place but slimmed off £5 worth. Then, every Christmas since 1975 Mrs Gazely has made a fattening cake, decorated with RNLI insignia, which is raffled by Mr and Mrs Bill Attrill and their two sons Richard and Steve, all of the Three Horseshoes, Burton Bradstock. This year the cake made a splendid £50, bringing the grand total up to £207.55.

The second annual Wicklow branch ball was held at the Cullenmore Hotel, Ashford, and the very successful and enjoyable evening raised £1,650.

Coventry ladies' guild was 20 years old last year and appropriately the anniversary luncheon was held in the town's medieyal Guildhall. Colonel // you are going to run a marathon, why not go to Greece and run the original course taken by J. H. Benn, who brought the guild into Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens way back in 490 BC? This is what Bruce Munro did last being back in 1963, proposed a toast October, seen here near the end of his ordeal in the outskirts of Athens. He raised well over and Coxswain Derek Scott of The £1,000, with money still coming in, for Salcombe lifeboat station in sponsorship—no mean Mumbles was the ladies' spell-binding achievement for one competitor—and, he said, he met some tremendous people on the way. guest speaker. It was a memorable Down on the farm in occasion and they had plenty to cele- Cheshire—but off on the milk brate. The annual bazaar the previous round? The son of Hyde Saturday had made a record £530 and in branch's honorary treasurer, the financial year 1982-3 a best ever Mrs Margaret Cheetham, sets £3,717 was sent to headquarters. off with the publicity D class inflatable lifeboat which, parked outside Hyde Town In January and February last year, Hall where the branch was Cavalier Restaurants ran a voucher holding its annual Christmas scheme whereby customers spending fair, helped to encourage visi- over a specified amount on a meal tors to come in and spend so received a reduction on their bill or a much that a handsome voucher for Victoria Wine, while 50p £943.20 was raised. was donated to the RNLI. A splendid £5,359, presented to Flamborough branch, was the ultimate result. Robin Weedon (wearing cap) bicycled an exhausting 200 Sutton Coldfield ladies' guild was miles from his home in Enfield to Hayling Island and back to delighted to receive £400 from the boys raise £400 in sponsorship for of Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, the Hayling branch. He is pic- result of various projects for the RNLI tured here at Hayling with during the autumn term. Last year this Shore Helper Bill Longford, guild sent £5,854 to HQ. Freddy Brookes, branch chairman, Roy Smith, honor- ICS Computing (Ireland) Ltd, a mem- ary secretary, Graham Broad- ber of the Nat West Bank Group, orga- bent, licensee of the Lifeboat nised its third marathon charity relay Inn, Tony Hampton, honor- ary treasurer and Crew Mem- run last October. A total distance of 405 ber Rod James. miles was covered from Fair Head in Country Antrim to Mizen Head in . The RNLI's share of the proceeds, for the part of the course in the Republic of Ireland, was £1,850.

Mrs M. Steinwehe of Epsom and District branch organised a highly suc- cessful sherry morning and sale at her home last December, raising £2,110.

Although, tragically, he lost three of his eight-man crew in the disastrous 1979 , Alan Bartlett, land- lord of The Torrington Arms, North Finchley, is still a keen yachtsman and an even keener supporter of the RNLI. He has raised no less than £300 in the collecting boxes on his bar counters and Finchley and Friern Barnet branch have Surrounded by fellow members, Tom Pearson, Commodore o/Mid Warwickshire Yacht Club, presented him with a special plaque. hands a cheque to Colin Nibbs, chairman of Leamington Spa branch, on his left. Miss Julia The branch raised more than £1,600 Johnstone, branch honorary secretary, holds a specially inscribed sign showing that one team during its last flag week. sailed 57.5 miles in the club's 24-hour sponsored race which raised £483.44 for the RNLI. 27 Eleven student pilots from Wexford Aero Club back home with their Beagle Pup aircraft after a gruelling day's sponsored relay flight round Ray Rushton has been raising money for D class inflatable lifeboats for Ireland, with six crew changes. It was a complicated navigation some years in sponsorship of his veteran car in the London to Brighton exercise to test crew skills with compass, chart and stopwatch and Run. He was also responsible for an RNLI benefit night at Wimbledon incorporated landing at 23 airfields and covering 1,350 miles. The Greyhound Stadium which, together with the 1983 car run, raised students passed the test with flying colours and, helped by Irish Shell more than £2,000. Here Mr Rushton (far right) presents the sponsor's providing free fuel and most military and civil airfields waiving landing prize after a race while his wife (centre) hands over the winning charges, they were able to present £1,000 to Rosslare Harbour branch. owner's trophy. The Texaco Fir Tree Filling Station at For the past 25 years Dick Goodeve Rake, Liss, has started giving away has organised an annual dance at Aires- Premier gold stamps to customers on ford and in that time has raised more sales. Many people are not bothered to than £8,000 for the RNLI. In apprecia- collect them and a box has been put out tion of his loyal support two surprise for unwanted stamps for the benefit of presentations were made to him: from the RNLI; during the first weekend Mrs Dorothy Coombs of Medstead and nearly five books were filled, redeem- District Old Time Dance Club, an able at £1 a book. engraved fruit bowl, and from Wendy Nelson, RO (Southern), an engraved The first ever half-marathon to be drawing of a Waveney lifeboat. organised by Henley-on-Thames, run on Sunday October 9, 1983, was a huge A cheese and wine evening held at Eight years worth of beard was shaved off success with some 950 runners taking The Beaconsfield Arms, Gateshead, by Gordon Peters and Ray Chapman in front of part. The winner was 29-year-old John the Royal Naval Association raised a large crowd at the Country House Hotel in Leversedge who completed the 13.1 £211.37 for the RNLI. A pile of pennies Ellacombe, Torquay, by local hairdresser mile course in one hour 10 minutes and made up £32.45 of this amount and local Steve Siampourou. The reason was that £231 39 seconds. The youngest to complete traders contributed 29 prizes for a had been offered for the RNLI if these two raffle. A lot of hard work brought about men were prepared to lose their whiskers. the course was 10-year-old Sally Hall of Money may not grow on trees but it obviously Camberley and the oldest competitor of a very enjoyable evening. can on chins. all was 72-year-old Tony Pryor of photographs by courtesy of Steven Moore Egham. Perhaps the most satisfied In 1955, the Chestnut Tree Cafe was winner was the RNLI which collected first made available by its owner Mrs more than £5,000 in sponsorship. Marianne Clarke-Davies for the Lake District branch to hold a coffee morn- David Wilkie, the Olympic gold medal- ing. She provided coffee and the free list, has raised £2,703 at Wallingford services of her staff, and continued to with one of his 'swimalongs' for junior do so regularly from that time until, in schools. Another ardent lifeboat sup- 1982, she was forced to retire due to porter, Terry Nicholson, landlord of the illness. The result of her generous Chequers, runs fancy dress evenings support over the years has been a total with such titles as 'St Trinians Reunion'; of £3,568.78 for the RNLI. they have brought in £82 for the RNLI in raffles. The ladies' guild at Broadstairs has recently had great success selling RNLI Southend branch held its annual din- souvenirs. At the town's Water Gala ner for the crews of the town's two they took over £600 and at a Rotary lifeboats at the Kursaal. The branch's function their stall grossed £220. The president, the Mayor of Southend, lifeboat pillar box on the jetty has been Councillor David Garston, was there to earning its keep as well with £155 welcome Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, collected in the course of 1983. RNLI director, and also members of HM Coastguard, helicopter crews from Sodbury and District branch got The Viking conquerors who, invading the RAF Mansion and lifeboatmen from together with Heron Homes to organise Kentish coast last July with their twin-hulled Sheerness. A tombola helped the even- a 15-mile sponsored run. Heron Homes Nor-dick, defeated 42 other rafts in Herne ing towards £1,356 for the RNLI. not only provided prizes but its em- Bay branch's 1983 raft race by being voted ployees' team collected over £1,000 in best raft and crew and by collecting the most Peter Lacey, area organiser (North sponsorship. Altogether 130 people in sponsorship, £603; they narrowly beat East), was handed a cheque for £800 by took part and a sheaf of sponsor forms Herne Bay Police crew who raised £600. The Vikings are all, in fact, prison officers from the ladies of Scalby and District guild at filled by one of the runners, Pam the Isle of Sheppey who, together with their their annual Christmas luncheon. Since Carley, yielded a remarkable £372. The fellow competitors, helped to bring in a it began in 1981 the guild has gone from branch received help from friends, local remarkable £4,064. photograph by strength to strength and 1983 produced businesses and civil authorities and the courtesy of Sheerness Times-Guardian a record total of £1,916. final result was £2,600 for RNLI funds. 28 Every Christmas artist John Lee, a great supporter of Wey- mouth lifeboat, auctions one of his paintings to raise funds for the RNLI; in the past few years £680 has been raised in this way. Last Christmas an oil painting ofWeymouth's 54ft Arun Tony Vandervell fell under the hammer to mine hosts of the Red Lion for £150. It was unveiled by Coxswain Vic Pitman (far right). With him are (I to r) Mrs Sally Glover, landlady of Any more flares? One of the 42 entrants in the annual Outrageous Raft Race the Red Lion, Lt-Cdr Barney Morris, Weymouth station organised by Harrison and Sons sports and social club, the High Wycombe honorary secretary, and Mrs April Lee, the artist's wife. branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club and Marlow Canoe Club. The course was a photograph by courtesy of Focus Press half-mile stretch of the Thames at Marlow and, as can be imagined, the scene was chaotic from start to finish. This 779 bus was particularly difficult to steer as it preferred to go round in circles. The RNLI benefitted from the jollifications to the tune of £1,065. photograph by courtesy of The Maidenhead Advertiser

k\ DBI - Members of Carmarthen Boat Club present a £400 cheque to Mrs Gwynne Rees, vice-chairman of Carmarthen and Ferryside ladies' guild, following a sponsored parachute jump by 13 club members. George Jones, who broke a leg in the jump, is holding the cheque with jumpers Ray Smith, Michael Jones, A cheque for £350 for Walton and Hersham branch is presented by Richard Henry Jones, William Jones, Michael Heath and Clive McCall Holley (centre left) to Sydney Gillingham, deputy regional organiser (South looking on. Other ladies of the guild in the picture are: Mrs Gill East). Around them are the members of the 1st Walton Viking Sea Scouts who Rees, Mrs Elizabeth Maliphant and Mrs Stella Walters. had raised the money with a sponsored canoe paddle round the Isle of Wight: Jumpers not at the presentation were Alan Griffiths, Steven (I to r) Andrew Holley, Kevin Harris, Colin Grimshaw, Richard Barber, Alan Rees, Steven Thomas, Steven Davies, Roland Morgan and Legg, Peter Brownsell, Martin Stubbenhagen, Michael Ford and David Cook. Gulio Barest. photograph by courtesy of Ralph Carpenter photograph by courtesy of John Eagle Coxswain Donald McKay of Wick In the winter journal it was reported Jack Cadamy, chairman of Wells lifeboat received a giant cheque for that two members of the crew of Duet, station branch, Norfolk, was delighted £1,500 from Margaret Urquhart, which was sponsored for the RNLI in to be handed a cheque for £2,000 by Helmsdale branch's beauty queen. The the 1983 Three Peaks Yacht Race, Dorothy MacDonald, chairman of cheque represents the branch's fund presented £1,255 to The Mumbles life- Wells ladies' guild, following a very raising result for the year, collected in boat station. Now news has come that successful year of fund-raising. and around Helmsdale. the remaining three members of Duet's crew, John Ayrton, Charles Higgins There can be no better place to have Mrs Jo Bolton, with other members and Tom Chitty, presented their spon- a Lancashire hot-pot than at a special of Ventnor branch, organised a fashion sorship money, £2,100, to life- hot-pot supper organised by Mrs Elsie show which raised an impressive £505. boat station. Carefoot, honorary secretary of Long- As well as the show, there were stands ridge and District branch, Lancashire. displaying fashion jewellery, shoes, Not content with one good-as-new Held, by kind permission of Mrs Janet Christmas decorations and cosmetics. shop each year, Wishaw ladies' guild and Miss Margaret Simpson, at the The event was staged, free of charge, by now organises two, each of which brings Gibbon Bridge Hotel, a capacity crowd Ladies Realm and Salon 442 of Vent- in over £1,000. Their overall total last paid £2 a head to sample the traditional nor, and Fiona Brothers, the speed- year was £5,113. dish followed by apple pie and cream. boat champion and fastest woman on Entertainment was provided by Flange water, opened the show. The annual bridge afternoon orga- and Sprocket of Ribchester while a nised by Bournemouth ladies' guild grand draw and souvenirs helped raise A draw for a US gallon of Martell brought in no less than £428. In addition £734.43. With a spring folk dance ball, a brandy was organised throughout the a very generous donation of £1,000 was house-to-house collection, and a com- summer by the ladies of the Isles of made by Miss Cooper-Dean. The petition in the Darts League, this coun- Scilly guild. The proceeds came to an guild's president, the Marchioness of try district once again exceeded £2,000 impressive £472. Salisbury, presented the prizes. in its fund raising for the year. 29 Burry Port Awards J. M. Williams Crew Member* 10 years. Cloughey-Portavogie to Coxswains, Crews and Shore Helpers W. H. Keenan Second Coxswain 9'/2 years Crew Member 7 years.

The following coxswains, members of lifeboat crews and shore helpers n M Hd Second Coxswain/Mechanic 6V2 years were awarded certificates of service on their retirement and, in addition, Motor Mechanic HVi years those entitled to them by the Institution's regulations, were awarded an Assistant Motor Mechanic 13 years annuity, gratuity or pension. Bowman 4 months Crew Member 10 years.

Aberdeen Eastbourne F. Cruickshank Emergency Motor Mechanic 2'/2 years J. Buckland Shore Second Coxswain/Second Assistant Crew Member 20 years. Mechanic l'/2 years Second Assistant Mechanic 9'/2 years Angle Crew Member 9 years W. J. R. Holmes Coxswain/Mechanic 17 years Crew Member* 17 years. Motor Mechanic 5 years Crew Member 6 years F. Tyhurst Head Launcher 11 years Bronzel medal 1973. Shore Helper 22 years. Exmouth Aith Crew Member 16 years. F. L. Johnston Emergency Motor Mechanic 10 years R. G. Mogridge Crew Member 3 years. E. R. R. Richards Crew Member 16 years.

Arklow Fishguard J. Lambert Emergency Motor Mechanic 4 years H. Kersting Crew Member 11 years. Crew Member 6 years. Galway Bay Arranmore J. Joyce Crew Member 18 years. C. J. Boyle Motor Mechanic 22V4 years Girvan Second Coxswain 1V4 years 1 W. Coull Coxswain 23 years Bowman 9 A years. Second Coxswain 4 years Bowman 6 months Barry Dock Crew Member 1 year. G. D. Thomas Second Coxswain 71A years Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic 1 year A. M. Ingram Second Coxswain/Mechanic 5l/2 years Second Assistant Mechanic IVi years Motor Mechanic 15 years Crew Member 10 years. Bowman 2Vi years Crew Member 5 years. A. J. Prestly Assistant Motor Mechanic 20'/2 years Crew Member 6 years. R. T. Brown Emergency Motor Mechanic 61A years Just Out! Crew Member 11 years. Complete guide for fundraisers Helensburgh J. G. Hunt Crew Member* 18 years. Hoylake Send now for J. T. Capper Crew Member 19 years. your FREE copy Kinghorn - contains all you need J. Murphy Crew Member* 12 years. to make money. Kirkcudbright G. C. Davidson Coxswain/Mechanic 14 years • The biggest and best 3 range Coxswain 19 A years. • The widest profit margins Little and Broad Haven - £2 to £2,978 J. F. Davies Crew Member* 16 years. • The most competitive prices, and Lyme Regis • Express return delivery D. Clark Shore Helper 10 years (posthumous) Crew Member* 5 years. New full colour, B. R. Miller Crew Member* 16V2 years. 20 page, A4 book gives full details of 7the most successful and popular fundraisers in the country today — Mallaig everything from tear-open tickets to W. S. McMinn Emergency Motor Mechanic 7 years bingo blowers, raffle drums and other Crew Member 5 years. equipment. WMoney-Makers J. Milligan with every order Mail the coupon for a free catalogue Crew Member 13 years. — makes and Special Deal details. you up to W. Robertson Crew Member 17 years. r,Name Moelfre Club/Organisatioru R. K. Roberts Emergency Motor Mechanic 8 years Address Crew Member 3 years Crew Member* 7 years. Morris Shelras & Sons Ltd, 27 Vicarage Road, Croydon, Surrey CR94AO New Brighton Tel 01-681 2921. Telex: 8812193 LPLEAS: E USE BLOCK CAPITALS; I. M. Campbell Crew Member 3 years Crew Member* 9 years. 30 Newquay Sunderland J. Bawden Crew Member* 15'/2 years. R. A. Leithes Emergency Motor Mechanic 11 years C. Moffat Crew Member* 18'/2 years. Crew Member 12 years. K. O'Neill Crew Member 20 years North Berwick Crew Member* 16 years. J. E. Hooton Crew Member* 10 years. T. Todd Crew Member 14 years.

Padstow T**ntfci cnoyv S. Thomas Shore Helper 11 years. J. W. Richards Coxswain 10 years Second Coxswain 4 years Plymouth Bowman 2 years M. Foster Assistant Motor Mechanic 3'/z years Crew Member 13 years Crew Member lOVi years. Bronze medal 1966 Bar to his bronze medal 1981. Portrush J. Stewart Coxswain 8 years Thurso Second Coxswain 10 years A. M. Reid Motor Mechanic 15 years Bowman 5 years Assistant Motor Mechanic 22 years. Crew Member 10 years. W aimer B. Bailey Coxswain 4Vi years H. Butler Crew Member* 16% years. Crew Member 16% years.

Redcar Walton and Frinton C. Picknett Crew Member 20% years. F. Bloom Coxswain 19 years ni._.| Second Coxswain 12 years Knyl Bowman 4 years I. Armstrong Crew Member 29 years. Crew Member 2 years Silver medal 1975 St Ives Bronze medal 1966. J. B. Thomas Motor Mechanic 1 % years Crew Member 15 years. A. H. Cole Crew Member 15 years.

Shoreham Harbour West Mersea C. E. Fox Crew Member 1 1 years D. Stoker Crew Member* 20 years. Shore Helper 1 year. Workington Stromness W. W. Smith Motor Mechanic 33 Vi years R. Scott Second Coxswain 12% years Assistant Motor Mechanic IVi years. Bowman 4'/2 years Crew Member 11 years. * Lifeboats under 10 metres.

RNLI national lottery £250: Mr Martin Watts, London W4. Model competition £100: Mr Richard Elliott, Malmesbury, BILLY BURDEN, who lives near Poole and Wiltshire; Miss M. Brown, Bourne- TO COMMEMORATE the RNLI's 160th who is well known for his amusing mouth, Dorset; Mr T. Woods, Bris- anniversary, the Isle of Wight Lifeboat 'yokel' stage character, came to RNLI tol, Avon; Miss S. P. Green, Mar- Board is launching a model lifeboat HQ on January 31 to draw the Institu- low, Buckinghamshire; Mr B. G. competition for all age groups. It is an tion's twenty-fourth national lottery. Dawkins, Chichester, ; original idea and, if successful, could For this and future lotteries, the first Mrs B. Owen, Besselsleigh, Oxford- become an annual event. shire; Mr H. S. Taylor, London The competition will run from March prize has been increased to £2,000 with SE3. seven additional £100 prizes and, the this year until May, 1985, and competi- amount raised on this occasion was a £50: Mrs C. Carpenter, Lydd, Kent; Mr tions are invited to build Arun, Solent record £48,312. The draw was super- G. H. Dracup, Whittlesey, Cam- or Waveney class lifeboat models. vised by Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Comp- bridgeshire; Pat Luck, Maldon, Junior competitors may use commercial ston, a deputy chairman of the RNLI, Essex; Mr Charles Dignan, Heath- kits if they wish. field, East Sussex; Mr C. Brown, More than 300 lifeboats are main- with Anthony Oliver, appeals secretary, Newquay, Cornwall; Mr S. Turn- and the prize winners were: bull, Oakham, Leicestershire; Ivan tained by the RNLI in its station and and Betty Bryant, Keynsham, relief fleets throughout Great Britain £2,000: Mr and Mrs G. J. Robertson, Liver- and Ireland. Two of the three classes pool, Merseyside. Somerset; Mr T. D. Thomas, Wal- lasey, Merseyside; Mr N. Lee, Lich- chosen for the competition represent £500: Mr P. A. McCracken, Lancing, field, Staffordshire; Mr J. J. Duns, modern fast afloat lifeboats, the 52ft/ West Sussex. Southport, Merseyside. 54ft Arun and the 44ft Waveney, while The draw for the twenty- the third is the 48ft 6in Solent, a fifth RNLI lottery will be conventional slipway launched lifeboat made at Poole on Monday first built in 1969. April 30. The organisers particularly hope for a good response from the younger age groups to encourage interest in the lifeboat service and entries from schools will be welcomed. Billy Burden (c) passes a All entries will be put on display on winning ticket to Anthony the Isle of Wight, where judging will Oliver, appeals secretary. For take place on May 4, 1985. Prize- this draw the drum was spun by Ian Wallington, who re- winners in each class will receive cently moved to Poole HQ trophies and certificates. Entry forms from the South East Region and full details are available from: Mr to become assistant appeals J. S. K. Chesterton, 36 Union Street, secretary. Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 2NJ. 31 Arbroath, Angus Clovelly, North Devon Lifeboat Services 37ft 6in Rather: August 21 70ft Clyde: August 12, 28, September 9 and from page 11 Arklow, Co Wicklow October 28 42ft Watson: August 8, September 4 and 7 70ft Clyde's inflatable tender: August 28 Arran (Lamlash), Buteshire (twice), September 6 and October 17 D class inflatable: September 16, 21, October Conwy, Gwynedd people on board were transferred to the 8 and 16 D class inflatable: August 1,10 and 29 Oakley lifeboat; then, taking the casual- Arranmore, Co Donegal Craster, Northumberland ty in tow, Sir James Knott also escorted 52ft Burnett: August 3, 21, 22 (twice), D class inflatable: August 6 and 30 the inflatable lifeboat, which had sus- September 7, 8,13, 21, October 2 and 10 Criccieth, Gwynedd tained some damage to her port bow Atlantic College (St Donat's Castle), South Relief D class inflatable: August 1 and 5 bag, back to Redcar. Arriving at 1755, Glamorgan (twice) the casualty was beached, her people Atlantic 21: August 1 D class inflatable: August 11 (twice), 14,15, landed and then both lifeboats were , Co Cork 19, September 12 and 21 52ft Barnett: August 10, September 4 and 24 Cromer, Norfolk housed for the last time that day; they Relief D class inflatable: August 2 were both once again ready for service Baltimore, Co Cork 47ft Watson: September 25 D class inflatable: August 10 at 1835. Bangor, Co Down Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear Relief D class inflatable: August 2, D class inflatable: August 14 East Division September 8 and October 28 Donaghadee, Co Down Barmouth, Gwynedd 44ft Waveney: September 2, 15, 21 and D class inflatable: August 8,9,14,19 (three October 25 Open boat swamped times), 28 and September 3 Douglas, Isle of Man Barra Island, Inverness-shire 46ft 9in Watson: August 1,11 and September TYNE COASTGUARD reported to the hon- 52ft Barnett: August 3 and October 21 25 orary secretary of Sunderland lifeboat Barrow, Cumbria Dover, Kent station at 1659 on Saturday September 46ft 9in Watson: August 18 50ft Thames: August 23, 28, September 8,10 10, 1983, that a small boat was in D class inflatable: August 1 and October 15 (twice), 13 (twice) and October 4 difficulties a quarter of a mile inside the Barry Dock, South Glamorgan Dunbar, East Lothian south pier. It was a squally afternoon 52ft Arun: August 8, 12, 21, 24, 28, 47ft Watson: August 15 with a strong breeze, force 6, blowing September 2,6,18 and October 11 D class inflatable: August 15 and 25 from north north east. The sea was Beaumaris, Gwynedd Dungeness, Kent 46ft 9in Watson: August 14 37ft6in Rather: August 13,15, 31, rough with a seven foot swell. Atlantic21: August 7,13 (twice), 28,29, September 2 and October 15 The crew were alerted and at 1712 September 1,20, October 7 and 30 Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin Sunderland's 47ft Watson lifeboat Wil- Bembridge, Isle of Wight Relief 44ft Waveney: September 4,18, liam Myers and Sarah Jane Myers 48ft 6in Solent: August 1 and September 8 October 4 (twice), 16 and 18 launched under the command of Cox- D class inflatable: August 6, 27 (twice), 28, Dunmore East, Co Waterford swain Anthony Lee. The casualty, an September 7, 8, 9 and 10 44ft Waveney: August 10, September 4 and open motor boat which had been Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland 29 swamped, was sighted within two mi- Atlantic21: September 6 Eastbourne, East Sussex nutes and by 1719 the lifeboat had Blackpool, Lancashire Relief 42ft Beach: August 27, September 8, D class inflatable: August 5, 11, 13, 24 reached her and taken off the two boys October 9 and 19 (twice) (twice), 30 and September 14 (twice) D class inflatable: August 1, 7 (twice), 9, 10, who were on board. Blyth, Northumberland The motor boat was towed into port 13,19, 25 (twice), 27 (twice), Septembers, 44ft Waveney: August 6 and September 24 20, Octobers, 19,25 and 30 and made fast at West Wall. The D class inflatable: August 11 Exmouth, South Devon lifeboat was rehoused and once again Borth, Dyfed 33ft Brede: August 7, 14, 26 and 29 (twice) ready for service at 1749. D class inflatable: August 4,14 (twice), 15, D class inflatable: August 1,4 (twice), 9, 16, 17,19, 24,25, September 23 and October 28 25, September 10 (twice), 23 and October 2 Bridlington, Humberside Eyemouth, Berwickshire 37ft Oakley: September 2, 3, October 12 and 44ft Waveney: August 13 and 21 15 Falmouth, Cornwall Lifeboat Services, D class inflatable: August 2,5,1,15 (five 52ft Arun: August 2,21, September 2, August, September and times), 21, 24 (twice), September 4 and 25 October 10,15,17 and 26 Brighton, East Sussex 18ft 6in McLachlan: August 6, 21 and October, 1983 Atlantic21: August 1 (twice), 9,12 (twice), September 11 16, 22, 28 (three times), September 15, Filey, North Yorkshire Aberdovery, Gwynedd October 9 and 24 D class inflatable: August 12,28, September Atlantic21: August 3,10,15,18,19 (twice), Broughty Ferry, Angus 3,4 and 25 28 and September 20 D class inflatable: September 19 Abersoch, Gwynedd Buckie, Banffshire Atlantic21: August 11, 14, 15, 16, 26, 27, Relief 48ft 6in Solent: September 1 September 1 (twice), 4,7,11,19 and 28 Bude, Cornwall ON STATION Aberystwyth, Dyfed D class inflatable: August 8 (twice), 25 and D class inflatable: August 3, 6, 7, 13,19, 21 September 30 THE FOLLOWING lifeboats have taken and October 22 Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex up station or relief fleet duties: Relief D class inflatable: August 23 D class inflatable: August 2, 8, 24, Aldeburgh, Suffolk September 2 and October 22 37ft 6in Rather: August 26 Burry Port, Dyfed Relief: 52ft Arun class lifeboat ON 1086 D class inflatable: August 26, 28 and D class inflatable: August 30, September 27 (52-25), A. J. R. and L. G. Uridge, September 17 and October 30 September 15, 1983. Amble, Northumberland Calshot, Hampshire 37ft 6in Rather: August 19 and October 31 40ft Keith Nelson: August 20, 21, October 12 Walton and Frinton: 48ft 6in Solent Relief D class inflatable: August 1 and 14 and 16 class lifeboat ON 1012 (48-009), City Angle, Dyfed Cardigan, Dyfed of Birmingham, January 15, 1984. 46ft 9in Watson: August 29 and September 3 D class inflatable: August 9,19, 28, Appledore, North Devon September 7 (twice), 8 and October 28 Relief 46ft 9in Watson: August 9, September Clacton-on-Sea, Essex The 18ft MacLachlan lifeboat at Ply- 25 and October 28 Relief 42ft Watson: August 25 mouth was withdrawn from service at Atlantic 21: August 8, 9 (four times), 10, 13, D class inflatable: August 6 (three times), 7 the end of October 1983. Operational 14,18 (twice), 19,22, 26, 29 (four times), (twice), 9 (three times), 10,13,16, 21, 24, 28 cover is now provided solely by the September 2, 6,7, October 1, 3 and 28 (twice), 29, September 3 (twice), 6,24 and station's 44ft Waveney lifeboat. (twice) October 20 32 Fishguard, Dyfed Kilmore, Co Wexford 52ft Arun: September 20,21, October 25 and 37ft Oakley: August 13 LONG SERVICE AWARDS 28 Kinghorn, Fife Flam borough, Humberside D class inflatable: August 13 (twice), THE LONG SERVICE BADGE for crew mem- 37ft Oakley: October 15 (twice) and 16 September 11 and 17 bers and shore helpers who have given Fleet wood, Lancashire Kippford, Kirkcudbrightshire active service for 20 years or more has 44ft Waveney: August 12 and September 10 D class inflatable: August 1, 7,12 (three been awarded to: D class inflatable: August 7,14, 28, times) and 13 September 4, 15 and 29 Kirkcudbright, Kirkcudbrightshire Filey Coxswain F. C. Jenkinson Flint, Clwyd 37ft Oakley: August 7 and September 29 Second Coxswain/Mechanic G. V. Taylor D class inflatable: August 9 and 10 Kirkwall, Orkney Fowey, Cornwall 70ft Clyde inflatable tender: September 18 Mudeford 33ft Brede: September 2,17,29 and October Crew Member J. M. Batchelor 21 Largs, Ayrshire Swanage Galway Bay, Co Gal way Atlantic 21: August 7 (twice), September 5 Second Coxswain P. J. Dorey (twice), October 2 and 16 52ft Burnett: August 1, 3, 7, 8,24 and West Mersea Lerwick, Shetland October 13 Crew Member J. A. Clarke 52ft Arun: August 21 Girvan, Ayrshire Crew Member P. B. Clarke 33ft Brede: August 12 (twice), 28, September Little and Broad Haven, Dyfed Relief D class inflatable: August 5, 9 (twice), 16 and 26 D class inflatable: August 16,18,21 and Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk 14,19 (twice) and 21 (twice) Littlehampton, West Sussex September 5 44ft Waveney: August 9 (twice), September Relief D class inflatable: September 22, 4,6 and 12 Relief Atlantic 21: August 5, 6, 7, 8,9 (seven times), 10 (five times), 11,14, 20, 24 (three October 9 and 30 Atlantic21: August 6, 11 (twice), 14, 26 Newbiggin, Northumberland (twice), times), 28 (seven times), 29, September 8, 11,18,22, 26 (twice), October 1 and 8 Atlantic 21: August 6 (twice), 7, 20, September 2,3, 5, 6 (twice), 11 and October September 24 and October 31 29 Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent Atlantic21: August 3 (twice), 6 (twice), 11 New Brighton, Merseyside Happisburgh, Norfolk Atlantic 21: August 27 and September 11 D class inflatable: August 7, 15, 16, 20 and (twice), 16 (twice), 26,28 and September 5 The Lizard-Cadgwith, Cornwall (twice) September 1 Newcastle, Co Down Hartlepool, Cleveland 52ft Barnett: August 6, September 2 and 3 Llandudno (Orme's Head), Gwynedd 37ft Oakley: August 27 44ft Waveney: September 10,18,24,25, Newhaven, East Sussex October 18,21 and 30 37ft Oakley: August 12, 28, September 2 and October 24 44ft Waveney: August 4 (twice), 5, 7 (twice), Relief Atlantic21: August 8,19, September 9, 11 (twice), 13,15,17,19,25, 28 (three 6,25 and 26 (three times) Relief D class inflatable: August 10, 15, 17, 28 and September 2 times), 30, September 8 (twice), 14,19,22, Atlantic 21: October 29 D class inflatable: October 4 24, 25, 26, October 3,4,14,19, 22 and 29 , Essex Newquay, Cornwall Atlantic21: August 1, 5,21, September 4, 5, Lochinver, Sutherland 52ft Barnett: September 3 Relief D class inflatable: August 5,6,7, 8,10, October 1,19 and 23 Lowestoft, Suffolk 14 (twice), 15, 20,22 (twice) and 24 Hastings, East Sussex 47ft Watson: September 24, October 14, 20 D class inflatable: September 4, 7 (twice), 14, 37ft Oakley: August 27 and 28 (twice) 19 and 20 D class inflatable: August 3, 10, 14, 15, 16, and 30 Lyme Regis, Dorset New Quay, Dyfed 23,24,25, 28 (four times), September 24,28 D class inflatable: August 1, 6, 13 and 19 and October 26 Atlantic21: August 2 (twice), 7,10,15, 26, 29, September 4 (twice) 19 and 25 North Berwick, East Lothian Hayling Island, Hampshire Lymington, Hampshire D class inflatable: August 3, October 23 and Atlantic21: August 4,6,19,21 (three times), 31 24, 27, September 2 (three times), 8 (four Atlantic21: August 13,16 (twice), September 9, October 1,10 and 17 North Sunderland, Northumberland times), 10, October 2, 8 (twice) and 16 Lytham-St Anne's, Lancashire Relief D class inflatable: August 14,18, 28, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire 46ft 9in Watson: August 5 and October 4 30 and October 2 Atlantic21: August 7, 13, September 18 Oban, Argyllshire (twice), October 16 (twice), 25 and 30 D class inflatable: August 24, September 10, 18 and October 31 33ft Brede: August 12, September 4,21 and (twice) October 6 Holyhead, Gwynedd Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire Padstow, Cornwall 52ft Arun: August 11,14,28,29 and D class inflatable: August 1, 3, 4 (three 48ft 6in Oakley: August 3 and 26 (twice) September 5 times), 12,13,14,15 (twice), 19 (twice), 20 Relief 46ft 9in Watson: September 16 and 30 Relief 52ft Arun: October 23 and 29 (three times) and 26 Peel, Isle of Man D class inflatable: August 1, 3 (twice), 8 and Mallaig, Inverness-shire Atlantic 21: September 13 September 25 52ft Arun: August 11 Penarth, South Glamorgan Horton and Port Eynon, West Glamorgan Margate, Kent Relief D class inflatable: August 10, D class inflatable: August 5 and 12 37ft 6in Rather: August 2, 13, 21, September September 4 and 11 (three times) Howth, Co Dublin 9,13, October 9, 14 and 28 D class inflatable: October 8 47ft Watson: August 8, 15, 28 (twice), D class inflatable: August 2, 6,16 and 21 Penlee, Cornwall September 10, 18 and October 5 Minehead, Somerset 52ft Arun: September 10, 18 and 25 (twice) D class inflatable: August 3, 20, 31, Atlantic21: August 4 (twice), 20,22 (three Peterhead, Aberdeenshire September 4,5,17 and October 8 times), 28, September 1 and 4 48ft 6in Solent: September 1 Hoylake, Merseyside D class inflatable: August 7, 12, 18 (twice), Plymouth, South Devon 37ft 6in Rather: August 15 21, 22 and 29 44ft Waveney: August 1, 17 (twice), 28, Humber, Humberside Moelfre, Gwynedd September 23, October 15 and 26 54ft Arun: August 4 (twice), 7,11,14,15,22, 37ft 6in Rather: August 27 18ft 6in McLachlan: September 7 September 2,10, 11 (twice), 16,19 D class inflatable: August 3,12,13,15 and Poole, Dorset Relief 44ft Waveney: September 22,24 and September 17 Relief 44ft Waveney: August 2, 9,10, 20, 27 Montrose, Angus September 1 and October 3 54ft Arun: October 12, 15, 22, 27 and 31 48ft 6in Solent: August 29 33ft Brede: October 16 Hunstanton, Norfolk Morecambe, Lancashire Dell Quay Dory: August 13,14,15,19, 20 Relief Atlantic 21: August 2, 11, 12,14 and 21 D class inflatable: August 13 (four times), 28 (twice), 22, 29 (twice), September 2 (four Atlantic21: September 15, 27, 30, October 8 (twice), September 15 and October 2 times), 3, 17 (twice), 19, October 1 and 16 and 28 Mudeford, Dorset Porthcawl, Mid Glamorgan Ilfracombe, North Devon D class inflatable: August 1 (three times), 7, D class inflatable: August 3, 5 (twice), 7 37ft Oakley: September 9 9 (three times), 10,14,17,20, 21,28, (twice), 8,12, 27, 28 (twice), October 1 and Invergordon, Ross-shire September 2, 7, 25 (twice), October 4, 8 and 28 52ft Barnett: August 17 18 Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd Islay, Argyllshire The Mumbles, West Glamorgan 47ft Watson: August 13,15, 27, September 2, 50ft Thames: August 8, September 4,13 Relief 46ft 9in Watson: August 20 and 23 and October 5 (twice) and October 23 October 28 Port Isaac, Cornwall 33 D class inflatable: August 3, 15,17 (twice), St Peter Port, Channel Islands 47ft Watson: September 17 and 25 26 (twice), September 16,20 and October 6 Relief 52ft Arun: August 9, 18, 24 (twice), Tenby, Dyfed Portpatrick, Wigtownshire September 10,12 and 13 46ft 9in Watson: August 20,28, September 47ft Watson: August 11, 24 and September 52ft Arun: October 1 and 11 25 (twice) and October 27 24 Salcombe, South Devon D class inflatable: August 1, 6,10 (twice), 15 Port rush, Co Antrim Relief 52ft Barnett: August 2, 8 and 16 (twice), 30, September 1, 6,11,25 and 52ft Arun: August 13 Scarborough, North Yorkshire October 9 Portsmouth (Langstone Harbour), Relief 37ft Oakley: September 10, 29 (twice), Thurso, Caithness Hampshire October 15 (twice), 25 and 30 48ft 6in Solent: August 20 D class inflatable: August 1,7, September 11 D class inflatable: August 10 (twice), 18, 26 Tighnabruaich, Argyllshire and 25 and October 4 D class inflatable: September 11 and 19 Atlantic21: August 19, 21 (twice), 22, 28, Selsey, West Sussex Torbay, South Devon September 4, 8,11,16,18 (twice), 25, 48ft 6in Oakley: August 25, 29 and 54ft Arun: August 2,9,26, October 9,15 and October 2 (three times) and 16 September 9 29 Port St Mary, Isle of Man Relief D class inflatable: August 14 (twice) 18ft 6in McLachlan: August 30, September 54ft Arun: August 27, September 4 and 5 D class inflatable: August 21, September 9, 22, October 8 and 26 Pwllheli, Gwynedd 11 and October 5 Tramore, Co Waterford Relief 37ft Oakley: September 2 and 14 Sheerness, Kent D class inflatable: August 9 (twice) D class inflatable: October 15 (twice) 44ft Waveney: August 4,6,9, 24, 28, Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd Queensferry, West Lothian September 11 (twice), 19 (twice), October 8 D class inflatable: August 14, 20 and Atlantic 21: August 29 (twice), 15 (three times) and 31 September 17 Ramsey, Isle of Man Relief D class inflatable: August 1 and 12 Troon, Ayrshire 37ft Oakley: August 2, 6, 14, September 13 D class inflatable: August 19 (twice), 28, 44ft Waveney: August 16, September 23, 28, and 29 September 10, October 4, 5,10 and 15 October 12 and 15 Ramsgate, Kent (twice) , Tyne and Wear 44ft Waveney: August 7,10 and 28 Sheringham, Norfolk 52ft Arun: August 15 (twice) Relief 44ft Waveney: October 9,10,28 and 29 37ft Oakley: August 9 D class inflatable: October 16 18ft 6in McLachlan: August 7,21, Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex Valentia, Co Kerry September 6,14 and 22 37ft 6in Rather: September 15 (twice) 52ft Arun: September 10,28 and October 6 Red Bay, Co Antrim D class inflatable: August 3, 7, 9 (twice), 10, VV aimer, Kent D class inflatable: August 1 and 4 13, 28 (eight times), October 8 and 9 37ft 6in Rather: September 1 Redcar, Cleveland Silloth, Cumbria D class inflatable: August 23, September 4 37ft Oakley: August 1, September 17 and 18 Relief Atlantic 21: August 9 and 13 and October 27 D class inflatable: August 7,13,14,17, Atlantic 21: October 7 Walton and Frinton, Essex September 4 and 18 (four times) Skegness, Lincolnshire Relief 47ft Watson: August 4, 24, 28 and Relief D class inflatable: October 4 Relief 37ft Oakley: September 4 and 27 September 2 Rhyl, Clwyd D class inflatable: August 1 (twice), 3,15 Wells, Norfolk 37ft Oakley: August 9,13, 14 (three times), (seven times), 16, 21, 22, 25, 26, September 37ft Oakley: August 4 and September 10 18 and October 7 1,4 (twice) and 17 D class inflatable: September 6 and 11 D class inflatable: August 3 (twice), 8, 9, 11 Skerries, Co Dublin West Kirby, Merseyside (twice), 13 (twice), 14,19,20, 24,26,27, 28, D class inflatable: August 3, 10, 15 and D class inflatable: August 7,15 (three times) 29, September 2 and 28 September 2 and October 22 Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford Southend-on-Sea, Essex West Mersea, Essex 48ft 6in Solent: August 7,21 and September Atlantic21: August 4, 6 (twice), 8 (five Atlantic21: August 6,15,16,24 (twice), 28, 7 times), September 11, October 8, 9,15 and September 2 (three times), 6, 8, 10, 11 (three Rye Harbour, East Sussex 27 times), October 4 and 15 (four times) D class inflatable: August 4,10 (three times), Relief Atlantic21: August 14, 24 (twice), 28 Weston-super-Mare, Avon 25 (eight times), 28 (six times) and 30 (four times) and September 2 (twice) Atlantic21: August 6, 21, September 17 and St Abbs, Berwickshire Relief D class inflatable: August 8 (three October 22 D class inflatable: August 4 times), 19, 23 and 24 D class inflatable: August 6, September 17, St Agnes, Cornwall Southwold, Suffolk October 8 and 22 D class inflatable: August 17, 21, 24, 28, 29, Atlantic21: August 7 (twice), 10,13 (three Weymouth, Dorset 31, September 4 and October 23 times), 16, September 6 and 11 (twice) 54ft Arun: August 10, 23, 28, 29, 30, St Bees, Cumbria Staithes and Runswick, North Yorkshire September 1, 9, 17, 19, October 8 and 10 D class inflatable: September 4 Atlantic21: August 1, 3, 6, 12 and 22 Whitby, North Yorkshire St Catherines, Channel Islands Relief Atlantic 21: October 11 and 30 Relief 44ft Waveney: August 15, 28 and 31 D class inflatable: September 26 and October Stornoway (Lewis), Ross-shire 44ft Waveney: September 12,13, 28 (twice), 16 48ft 6in Solent: August 29 and October 4 October 10 and 18 St David's, Dyfed Stranraer, Wigtownshire D class inflatable: August 13 and 14 (twice) 47ft Watson: August 26 D class inflatable: August 17, 30 and October Relief D class inflatable: August 28, St Helier, Channel Islands 1 September 9, 18, October 9 and 23 44ft Waveney: August 6, 7, 20, 28,31 and Sunderland, Tyne and Wear Whitstable, Kent September 3 47ft Watson: August 9, September 6, 10, 27 Atlantic21: August 1 (twice), 4, 5, 8,19,21 Relief 44ft Waveney: September 25, October and October 27 (four times), September 3,11, 28 and 11, 24 and 29 D class inflatable: August 7, 9 and 14 (four October 4 St Ives, Cornwall times) Wick, Caithness Relief 37ft Oakley: September 26 and 27 Relief D class inflatable: September 4,6,18 48ft 6in Oakley: August 13 and 17 D class inflatable: August 1, 2 (twice), 7, 14, and October 30 Wicklow, Co Wicklow 24, September 11,28, October 2 and 8 Swanage, Dorset 42ft Watson: August 27 St Mary's, Isles of Scilly 37ft 6in Rather: August 7, 9, 14, 25, 28 Withernsea, Humberside Relief 52ft Arun: August 1, 5 and 6 (twice), 29 (twice), September 2,5,7 and D class inflatable: August 2 52ft Arun: August 24, September 2,16,19, October 9 Relief D class inflatable: August 24 and 27 October 16 and 28 Teesmouth, Cleveland Workington, Cumbria 47ft Watson: September 23 SERVICES AND LIVES RESCUED BY THE RNLI'S LIFEBOATS Yarmouth, Isle of Wight January 1, 1983, to December 31, 1983: Services 3,654; lives rescued 1 324 52ft Arun: August 3,21, September 2 (twice) and 8 THE STATION FLEET Youghal, Co Cork (as at 31/12/83) 35ft 6in Liverpool: September 14 257 lifeboats, of which two 18ft 6in McLachlan and On Passage 63 D class inflatable lifeboats operate in summer only 47ft Tyne ON 1075: August 30 and LIVES RESCUED 110,395 September 14 from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to 31/12/83, including shoreboat services 33ft Brede ON 1089: September 8 44ft Waveney ON 1003: October 19

34 at sea, and fog-bound, was the St collection. After some banter, it turned Mawes to Falmouth ferry. She had to be out that the band leader's next move located and escorted to the Prince of was to present the collection to Fyfe as Letters... Wales Pier. At one stage a large ship everbody's thanks for his part in the was leaving harbour and she crept past show. like a gigantic wall at what seemed an After a moment's reflection, Fyfe Thank you, Kinghorn arm's length separation. decided it was too big a sum to accept I am writing to express my thanks to But the piskies were not finished even so lightly and that the money should go the Kinghorn D class inflatable lifeboat when everyone had got back to land. to the RNLI instead. The announce- crew and the RNLI who over the years The cars were naturally still at Malpas, ment was warmly applauded. So, here have made it possible for me to sail my ten miles away. And what if the house is Fyfe's £10.40. If that little routine was sailboard off Kinghorn secure in the keys were in the car? more widely known . . . —B. H. knowledge that if I do have a problem, Would we like to do it again? Well, CRAWSHAW, Carnoustie, Angus. all is not lost. As you know, today I we'll see when the time comes, but we misjudged the conditions in a strong will keep close to our keys!—R. MCFAR- Sir, is this a record? offshore wind and found that I needed LANE, Falmouth, Cornwall. In the winter issue of THE LIFEBOAT help. I was quickly picked up, dropped the King's Head, Roehampton, asked if off at Pettycur and not even given a Hong Kong the £115.50 collected from its lifeboat sermon! A marvel of tact and efficien- Being a Shoreline member and also box is a record. cy.—CURLY MILLS, Kinghorn, Fife. an honorary committee member of the On January 24 this year the lifeboat box at the Swan, Pangbourne, produced The afternoon of Sunday September 11, RNLI/RFA Sir Galahad fund, I was very 1983, was blustery with the wind near gale interested in the report about the Hong £121.30; this large amount was not due force. Kinghorn duty crew were keeping Kong branch given in the autumn 1983 to the fact that the box had been left for an eye on a lone board sailor about a mile issue of THE LIFEBOAT. I therefore wrote a long time because it had been emptied away when they saw him drop and roll his to Mrs J. B. Wilson, stating that RFA of £48.22 a month before, on December sail. The D class inflatable lifeboat was Regent, upon which there are many 24. launched and found Mr Mills sitting staunch supporters of the RNLI, would In September last year the Leather astride his sailboard, having tried to fire be visiting Hong Kong during February Bottle at Goring yielded £139, after not pocket flares which failed to ignite. He 1984. having been cleared since May.—w. R. and his sailboard were picked up and FLETCHER, honorary box secretary, landed safely ashore. The letter from Mr While alongside HMS Tamar on Sun- Mills, addressed to Dr R. M. L. Weir, day, I received a telephone call from Pangbourne branch, Berkshire. Kinghorn station honorary secretary, was John and Paddy Wilson, inviting me for accompanied by a donation.—EDITOR. a drink and a chat that lunchtime. This Message from the sea . . . resulted in a very rewarding day all While antifouling my ex-lifeboat one Another evening cruise round, as several other committee of the RNLI souvenir plastic model It is not only on the East Coast that members of the HK branch, together lifeboats, which originally contained a gremlins can spoil an evening cruise with John and Paddy, visited RFA Regent bottle-shaped bar of soap, was washed (THE LIFEBOAT, autumn 1983). We in the that evening. up alongside. My first thought was that West Country have piskies that are Having met some of the ship's com- I wished my boat was only that size every bit as efficient in making trouble. pany and toured the ship, an exchange when it comes to antifouling, and then I The Chacewater and District Male of RNLI 'goodies' was made. I am now realised there was a bottle in the boat. Voice Choir decided for their annual selling RNLI umbrellas, previously only Alas, it was empty except for a piece of outing to have an evening cruise on the available from the Hong Kong branch, paper. With quaking heart and tremb- River Fal to St Mawes. With families at £3.50 each and RNLI/RFA Sir Gala- ling fingers I unscrewed the top to read and friends the complement was 112 had T-shirts at £5.50 each, several of the message. Just one word: 'Hie!' and the point of embarcation the village which were passed to the branch. A. G. MERRIMAN, Liss, Hampshire. of Malpas. The down-river trip was On a lighter note, one of the HK delightful and much interest was shown branch normally reads the morning in the huge ships laid up in the river at news over the radio. He was challenged FUND RAISERS King Harry Ferry. An hour ashore was to wear his T-shirt the following morn- A Best Seller Your Profit £19.20 allowed at St Mawes and at 2130 it was ing or risk paying a forfeit for not doing par minimum order time to re-embark for the homeward so. Unfortunately, for the fund that is, BUY NOW - journey. the shirt was worn. i\ PAY LATER It was not long afterwards that things Should any other Shoreline member Free delivery began to go wrong. Fog descended, be visiting Hong Kong at any time, I to your door getting thicker as a slow progress up can truly recommend them to contact Details from river was continued. Unofficial practis- the RNLI branch, where a very warm LANE & PARTNERS LTD.59 South Audley Street, London Wl ing of some of the choir's pieces helped welcome is guaranteed. Thank you, Telephone: 01-629 7800 to keep spirits from flagging unduly, Hong Kong.—PETER R. GEORGE, NAAFI among them an appropriate rendering Manager, RFA Regent. of 'For Those in Peril on the Sea'. The HK telephone number of Mr and Mrs The NEW Among the friends aboard were two Wilson is 5-469766.—EDITOR. Exciting giving rise to some concern, a diabetic and a dialysis machine patient for both Wedding gift 1A Ticket of whom medical services were becom- Here is a money raiser I have not Iv/pGame ing overdue. There was no radio tele- heard of before. At a recent wedding, phone aboard but happily a yacht my son Fyfe, aged 14, being the moored up river had that equipment. A youngest of the guests, was recruited by FUNNY call to Falmouth Coastguard, and soon the band leader to help with the enter- BUNNY Elizabeth Ann, Falmouth's 52ft Arun tainment. During the show the guests rYofit£55perset lifeboat, was alerted and set off to the were invited by the band leader to take Send for details of this and all our Fund Raising Games Now rescue with the station honorary medic- out a lOp piece, or other coin, to tap on all available in Mini Sets for al adviser on board. the table in time to the dance tune. , Smaller events The lifeboat's arrival, greatly assisted Later, trays were carried round to of Bournemouth Ltd by her radar equipment, was a welcome collect the coins, nobody knew what sight to the fog-bound passengers. Also for. Fyfe was left holding the combined 35 Index to Advertisers Page DORSET. Close to Poole Harbour with THE OLD RECTORY, RHOSCOLYN, Nr Aegis Insurance Services (Group) Ltd 2 sandy beaches, dunes and cliffs. Excellent Holyhead, Anglesey. Family-run Guest Birds Eye Foods Ltd Back Cover centre for country/seaside pleasures. Golf House in secluded one acre grounds, close to Chemring PLC Inside Front Cover 250 yards. Ride, walk or relax in licensed a beautiful south facing sandy bay. Ideal for James Cocker and Sons.. Inside Back Cover Private Hotel with open fireside comfort and sailing, surfing, golfing and with lovely coas- Jersey Post Office Inside Back Cover fresh food cuisine. Resident Chef/Prop- tal walks. High standard of accommodation, Lane and Partners Ltd (Nestles) 35 rietors. Fully heated with en-suite facilities with good food and excellent service. Write Mercantile Credit Inside Front Cover available. Open all year; special weekend or phone for brochure. Edna and Dudley rates. Fairlight Hotel, Golf Links Road, Aldred, Trearddur Bay (0407) 860214. Morris Shefras 30 Broadstone BH18 8BE. Tel: 0202 694316. Peeks of Bournemouth Ltd 35 SMALL SHIPS REGISTER FLUSHING, CORNWALL. Comfortably ENGRAVED PLASTIC PLATES. Black Classified Advertisements furnished quayside holiday cottage, sleeping on white PVC, weather, fuel, water and scuff Wordage: £5.50 per single column centimetre six in three bedrooms, situated in the centre resistant. Sized 390mm x 75mm, complying (minimum charge £16.50. NB: The minimum of this quiet village on beautiful Falmouth with the regulations. Complete with screw of 3cm takes about 45 words at 15 words per harbour. Views across the water to Green- holes ready for fixing. Send cheque for £4.95 cm). With illustration: £12 per single column bank and the Royal Cornwall YC. Phone (including p&p) and your S.S.R. Number to centimetre (minimum charge £36). Mr. A. Bromley, Ringwood (04254) 6660 or Court Enterprises, 14 Court Road, Spark- write, 22 Gravel Lane, Ringwood, Hants hill, Birmingham Bll 4LX. Your order will ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PRE-PAID BH24 1LN. give work to Youngsters Handicapped with Spina Bifida. LIZ AND JOHN RANKIN welcome you to THE OLD HALL HOTEL, RUSWARP, MINIATURE MODELS OF INVESTMENT WHITBY. This comfortable licensed Jaco- LIFEBOATS, SAILING VESSELS, ARE YOU SATISFIED with the perform- bean Hall which is 'Travellers' Britain' re- YACHTS, AND OTHER MARITIME CRAFT ance of your Stocks, Shares and Unit Trusts? commended, borders the glorious North Commissioned by maritime museums, col- Could your investments be more profitable? Yorks Moors and coastline. Special summer lectors, owners, skippers, RNLI stations and Do they worry you at times? You are invited terms for RNLI and Shoreliners. Also 'Off- crews. Each subject individually created, by to write for free booklet. No obligation Season' weekends. Brochure: 0947 602801. one of the world's leading ship modellers, to (nothing to do with insurance). (NASDIM) provide exceptionally accurate and detailed City & Industrial Securities Ltd, (Ref: EBS), FOUR STAR LUXURY CAMPING holi- replicas. 'Exquisite perfection in minia- 48 Grafton Way, London W1P 5LB. days in France. Normandy, Brittany, Ven- ture'—a client. The work includes many dee and Dordogne. Ready erected fully- RNLI lifeboats for naming ceremonies, re- PROPERTY equipped tents. Prices include wide choice of tirements and collections. RIVER BLACKWATER, ESSEX. Fully- ferry crossings, personal insurance, gas for BRIAN WILLIAMS furnished Norwegian timber holiday home. cooking/lighting. No hidden extras. Discount West Rock, The Cleave, Accommodation: 2 beds, lounge, glazed for Shoreline/RNLI members. Brochures Kingsand, Torpoint, Cornwall PL10 INF verandah/dining area, pine kitchen (ceramic from Sandpiper Continental Travel, 19b (Tel: 0752 822638) top cooker, fridge, etc.). Bathroom (col- Kingsway, Cleethorpes, South Humberside oured shower unit). All mains services ex- DN35 SQL. Tel: 0472 692188. RNLI WALL PLAQUES—a new high quality cept gas. Plot size about 50ft x 45ft. Lease handcrafted item with full coloured RNLI approx 24 years. Modest outgoings of about ISLE OF ANGLESEY. Enjoy the beauty of houseflag, in relief, on a varnished shield £300 per year for ground rent, rates, insur- rural Wales; make your base at the King's 7"x8"—£9.50 (P&P £2.25). Many supplied to ance, lighting. £8000.00 ONO. Tel: 0621 Head, Llanerchymedd in the centre of the Crews, Branches and Ladies Guilds for 892977 to view. island. Enjoy the pleasant family atmosphere presentations with engraved plates and own of our small private hotel. Good home wording £2.50 extra. cooking; large grounds. Associated with MARINE CRAFTS, West Rock, The HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Moelfre Lifeboat. Brochure from Mrs Mary Cleave, Kingsand, Nr. Torpoint, Cornwall BOURNEMOUTH. The Parkfield is a com- Owens. Telephone (024876) 482. PL10 INF (0752-822638). fortable, licensed, family run hotel. Fore- court parking. Gardens opposite include THE NORGAN FAMILY, Mount Lodge BOAT REPAIRS Public Tennis Courts, Putting/Bowling Hotel, once again offer comfortable accom- Greens. We are close to sea, station and modation, some bedrooms en suite, bar, shops. Also Bargain Mini-Breaks and Christ- spacious dining room. The hotel is situated mas programme. Phone Pauline and Craig between Bournemouth and Poole and pro- BOAT REPAIRS Yk Macfarlane for brochure (0202 290059) or vides freshly prepared food, courteous write 56 Frances Road, BH1 3SA. BRIXHAM \ friendly service. NO INCREASE ON 1983 1 Marine & Electrical Engineering TARIFF. 19 Beaulieu Road, Bournemouth. • Private & Commercial BRIXHAM, SOUTH DEVON. Comfort- Tel: (0202) 761173. Also specialist boat refits ably-furnished and fully-equipped self-cater- 4 Slipways (up to 65ft l.o.a.) ing HOLIDAY APARTMENTS, each with ISLES OF SCILLY. Mincarlo Guest House. • Lifting up to 10 tons colour TV. Superb level position beside Superb position overlooking the harbour - • Superior Quality • Glass Fibre repairing outer harbour, panoramic views of Torbay adjacent the Lifeboat Station. Run by the and the ceaseless harbour activities. Near Brokerages Insurance same local family since 1945. All rooms h&c UPHAM • BRIXHAM • DEVON beach, boats and pool. Children over 4 years and heating. Open March to November. TEL: (08045) 2365 welcome. Regret no pets. Resident prop- Terms from £12.50 (plus VAT) daily rietors ensure really clean, well cared for BB&EM. Telephone 0720 22513, or write to accommodation. Stamp please for Colin Duncan. UPHAM brochures. G. A. Smith, 'Harbour Lights', 69 Berry Head Road. Tel: 08045 4816. SEA VIEW, ISLE OF WIGHT, two seaside flats available to rent from now onwards. CARNATIONS BY AIR Ground floor sleeps 4; Upper flat 6. Book- FLYING FLOWERS, which for £5.50 ings from Thursdays. Lovely beach, safe per box sends carnations anywhere in A HOLIDAY bathing. Walking distance of shops, on bus the UK direct from its nursery in — THAT'S DIFFERENT. route. Send s.a.e. Rees, Kenilworth Court, Jersey, makes a donation to the Insti- ECONOMICAL AND FUN!! London SW15. tution for every order received on a COME CRUISING WITH ASTON BOATS POLPERRO, CORNWALL. Comfortably special RNLI order form. Here is an The Broads offer you 250 miles of furnished holiday cottage. Situated by har- ideal gift for any occasion which will waterways, something new at every bour and adjacent to N.T. Coastal Footpath. also help the lifeboats. Order forms stop. Our cruisers are modern, comfort- Sleeps 4/5. Price £55-£105 p.w. Personally from: Appeals Office, RNLI, West able and easy to handle. supervised. For details s.a.e. E. Stephens, Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 For free colour brochure please phone: Sundene, The Coombes, Polperro or phone 1HZ. 0508 20353 or 0502 713960. 0503 72720.

36 Don't forget Poole Open Days: July 19, 20 and 21, 1984

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE LIFEBOATMEN

JOIN your local branch or guild JOIN Shoreline, the membership scheme HELP on flag days BUY RNLI gifts and souvenirs JERSEY SELL lottery tickets GIVE a coffee morning C.OLLECT used British or foreign stamps and foreign coins SPONSOR YOUR FRIENDS who are running in marathons, CENTEMRY walking, swimming or perhaps knitting or rowing for the RNLI — OR BUY a rose bush . . . For farther information write to: Appeals Secretary, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BUI5 1HZ.

Six famous rescues are immortalised by Launch the 160th anniversary of the RNLI Jersey Artist Gerald Palmer by introducing in this dramatic set of stamps commemorating THE COXSWAIN the R.N.L.I. Jersey Lifeboat Station Centenary. to your garden ISSUE DATE 1st JUNE 1984 Produced by rose specialists James Cocker and Sons, Aberdeen, in limited quantity for RNLI friends and supporters, this peach pink, The Jersey Post Office. P O Bo» 304. Postal Headquarters. JERSEY Channel Islands sweetly scented hybrid tea rose will be available for autumn planting 1984 ; should autumn stocks become exhausted, orders will be carried over to Jersey Lifeboat Quantity Cash the 1985 season). With targe full blooms, the growth is vigorous, bushy and of medium height. Parentage: (Super Star x Ballet) x Jubilee. 'The Mint i«t it 83 p Coxswain' has been awarded the RN'RS trial ground certificate. Prewntition Pick it 98 p Price: £3 each bush, plus p and p Handling Charge 2Sp For every order placed using this coupon a donation of £1 per bush will be given to the RNLI. Further forms available from: RNLI, 26 Rutland Total Cash Square, Edinburgh EH1 2RL, or RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.

To: James Cocker and Sons, Whitemyres, Lang Stracht, Aberdeen AB9 2XH. Standing Orders can be serviced without handling charge Postage and Packing: 1 or 2 bushes £1.40; 3 or more bushes £2.00. tick box for further details. Please supply COXSWAIN Rose Bushes to:

Mr Mrs/Miss ... Address.

Postcode Nearest Railway Station 1 enclose Postal Order Cheque for £ incl. p and p Signed Date LB3 takes his hat off totheRNLL