THE JOURNAL OF THE RNLI

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Spring 1978

/^/•Yfi + zifi'f-o Notes of the Quarter, by Patrick Howarth Ill Lifeboat Services...... 113 Postscript. . .: extracts from an article by Captain Basil Hall, an inspector XLV of lifeboats at the turn of the century 119 Ajfo'2 Northerly Storm—Spring Tides: a log of the night of January 11 and 12, ^ ^ 1978, by Michael Pennell 120

THE RNLI in Ireland, by Lieut.-Colonel Brian Clark, MC, GM .. .. 122 Chairman: Letters 123 MAJOR-GENERAL R. H. FARRANT, CB The Lucky Dip, by Joyce Dunford ...... 125 International Boat Show, by Heather Deane 126 Here and There 128 Painting 'The Lynmouth Lifeboat Service, 1899', by Mark R. Myers, RSMA 129 Managing Editor: Shoreline 130 PATRICK HOWARTH Building a Rother Class Lifeboat: Part VII—Building up 131 Editor: JOANDAVIES Lifeboat People 132 Some Ways of Raising Money 133 Headquarters: Book Reviews 139 Royal National Life-boat Institution, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 Awards to Coxswains, Crews and Shore Helpers 140 1HZ (Telephone Poole 71133). Offshore Lifeboat Services, September, October and November 1977 .. 141 London Office: Royal National Life-boat Institution, 21 Inshore Lifeboat Services, September, October and November 1977 .. 142 Ebury Street, London SW1W OLD (Telephone 01-730 0031). Index to Advertisers 144

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 the Advertising Services, PO Box 9, Godal- COVER PICTURE editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal National ming, Surrey (Telephone Godalmiag Life-boat Institution, West Quay Road, (04868) 23675). One of Weston-super-Mare's two inshore Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ (Telephone lifeboats is an 18' 6" McLachlan. Designed Poole 71133). Photographs intended for byJ.A. McLachlan ofG. L. Watson and Co., return should be accompanied by a Glasgow, she is built of glass reinforced stamped and addressed envelope. plastic and has a ragged chine. With twin inboard petrol engines, her top speed is in Subscription: A year's subscription of excess of 20 knots. Since going on station in four issues costs £1.40, including May 1970 she has launched on service 113 Next issues: The summer issue of THE postage, but those who are entitled to times and rescued 58 lives. The photograph LIFEBOAT will appear in July and receive THE LIFEBOAT free of charge will was taken by the station honorary treasurer, news items should be sent by the end of continue to do so. Overseas subscrip- April. News Items for the autumn issue tions depend on the cost of postage to John White, West Air Photography, Weston- 1 super-Mare. should be sent in by the end of July. the country concerned. 109 Glanvill Enthoven INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE BROKERS

In our 75th anniversary year, we send greetings to all our clients including the Royal National Life-boat Institution. Glanvills marine service covers both hull and cargo insurance as well as their attendant liabilities for shipowners and users of shipping throughout the world. For more information please phone 01-283 4622 or write to Glanvill Enthoven & Co. Limited, 144 Leadenhall Street, London EC3P 3BJ.

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Lord Killanin, a vice-president of the RNLl Storm damage in north west of England in Ireland, with (r.) Coxswain Thomas Walsh and (I.) Acting Motor Mechanic John Earlier last quarter, during the night Devereux of Kilmore Quay. For his leader- of November 12 and 13, lifeboat ship, determination and exceptional courage stations in the north west of England when Kilmore Quay's 37' Oakley lifeboat were particularly badly affected by gales capsized and righted herself twice on service and flooding. The inshore lifeboat house on Christmas Eve, Coxswain Walsh has been at Fleetwood was destroyed, and awarded the silver medal for gallantry; the although the ILB herself was recovered bronze medal has been awarded to John the launching tractor was found buried Devereux. in the beach. The ILB house at Lytham- St-Anne's was also flooded when the Good wishes from the American Ambassador windows were stove in by the sea; as a IN HIS NEW YEAR message to American At this time of the year, when giving is result of the quick action and hard work of the crew members and supporters, citizens living in Great Britain published one of the real joys of the festive season, in The American, Dr Kingland Brewster, the American community is actively however, the station was operational the United States Ambassador, gave organising help for people and institutions again within hours. his wholehearted support to the bicenten- in need. Among the many worthwhile For very good practical reasons the projects deserving support, I want to RNLI carries its own insurance, and nial American/British lifeboat appeal: commend in particular the appeal of the damage of the kind suffered during the Association for Rescue at Sea for a winter months must mean a substantial The turn of the year marks the com- Wzveney type lifeboat to be given as a expenditure running into some thous- pletion of the first seven months of my bicentennial gift to the Royal National Ambassadorship in London—one of the Life-boat Institution. ands of pounds. most interesting and rewarding periods of A good start has been made toward the my life. During that time I have met a provision of this practical gift to mark the variety of Americans in Britain. I have beginning of the United States third A well-merited award learned about various aspects of American century as an independent nation, but a The editorial notes in this number activity here. good deal more money is needed. Those consist almost exclusively of accounts of I am most impressed by what I have interested can send their contributions to loss and destruction. These are of seen. Americans in Britain have gained an RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset. course, at times, an inevitable part of enviable reputation in several areas—as As we welcome 1978,1 am very pleased the lifeboat service. I am however glad business and professional associates, as to have this opportunity, in the columns to end these notes in a more cheerful neighbours and as friends. They have o/The American, to wish a very Happy vein. All national awards made to those helped to strengthen further the bonds New Year to all the members of the connected with the lifeboat service are between our two countries. American community in Britain. well merited but I hope I may be for- 111 given for singling out the award of the MBE to David Stogdon as one giving me particular delight. Having enjoyed his friendship for a quarter of a century, since he joined the RNLI about the same time as I did, I know how richly merited his award is. When the next official history of the RNLI is written I feel sure that appreciable space will be accorded to the work which David Stogdon has done in bringing the inshore lifeboat into service and in developing it into a lifesaving instru- ment of enormous value. His modesty and charm in executing his duties serve to make the award all the more welcome.

Right Way Up AN EXHIBITION depicting the story of the self-righting lifeboat is to be staged at the Science Museum, Kensington, from Old... Thursday July 6 until the end of August. It will trace the history of this aspect of (Above) Denmark: When lifeboat design from the early days of the old lifeboat from Lukin and Greathead, at the end of the Nymindegab, Jutland, re- eighteenth century, through the develop- turned home to be the ments of Palmer, Beeching, Peake and principal exhibit in the old Rubie to the modern Oakley offshore lifeboat house, now con- lifeboats and on to the Waveney, Arun verted into a museum, her and the inshore Atlantic 21. The case crew were there to meet her. against self righting, strongly felt at the end of the last century, will also be . . . and new . . , reviewed. As the exhibition will run through the end of term and summer holiday period, it will not only be of great interest to lifeboat people but it will (Right) The Netherlands: An Atlantic 21 launches on exercise at the South Holland Institution also make a first class expedition for station ofCadzand. Launched down a gutter, her crew paddle until there is enough depth to children. It will be open to the public lower her outboard engines. For a service call the sluice gates would be opened, giving the ILB from 1000 to 1800 Mondays to Fridays the water she would need for a fast launch. and from 1430 to 1800 on Sundays. day, October 17. All lifeboat people, these beautiful gardens will be open and particularly Shoreline members, to the public from April 16 to June 4. New member of C of M welcome. Details from RNLI district A souvenir stand will be manned by office, 2 Calthorpe Road, Birmingham Southborough branch throughout. JULIAN WATHEN, vice-chairman of B15 1QJ (Tel. 021-454 3009). Barclays Bank International, has been Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week, July 22 elected to the Committee of Manage- Holden House, Holden Road, South- to 30. Once again a spectacular pro- ment. Mr Wathen, who is a fellow of borough, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent: gramme is being prepared. the Institute of Bankers, was born in Cromer, Norfolk, the home of Britain's most famous and highly decorated life- boatman, Henry Blogg. AGM Royal Festival Hall Coming Events Tuesday, May 16 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and Presenta- tion of Awards, Royal Festival Hall, London, Tuesday, May 16. The main guest speaker will be Miss Clare Four of the programme sellers at Francis, MBE. the Lifeboat and Mermaid Ball held by the Central London The RNLI will be associated with the Committee at the Dorchester Bournemouth International Lawn Hotel last November: (I. to r.) Tennis Championships to be held next Julia Kerr, Lula Wellard, Vanessa September. The RNLI will receive 20 Bellamy and Jasmine Taylor. Such was the advertising support given per cent of the proceeds and season by associations, shipping lines, oil ticket books will be available to branches companies and both the marine and guilds to sell at discount prices. and non-marine commercial world Full details in the summer LIFEBOAT. that over £12,000 was raised from this programme alone. In all, Birmingham branch annual lifeboat nearly £'20,000 was raised for the dinner and dance will be held at the lifeboat service by an evening very Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, on Tues- much enjoyed by all who attended. 112 hour's time. He then turned south east On righting, there were only Thomas for Kilmore Quay keeping at just under Walsh, John Devereux and Eugene half speed, at which the lifeboat rode Kehoe left on board. John Devereux easily to the beam swell. immediately started both engines and As the lifeboat neared the shore again they started without trouble. The Coxswain Walsh noticed the sea con- lifeboat was still heading towards the ditions had worsened. Tidal streams oft" harbour but was being rapidly set down Forlorn Point are strongest at high eastward towards St Patrick's Bridge. water when a race occurs which can run David Culleton was in the water some three knots at springs. It was close by the stern and Coxswain Walsh spring tides and high water at Kilmore and John Devereux pulled him aboard Quay was at 0450. The stream runs to first and then went forward to pull in the east from about three hours flood to Dermot Culleton, who was hanging on three hours ebb. It was later reported to a grab line on the starboard bow. by the keeper of Tuskar Rock Light- Joe Maddock could be seen just to the Irish Division house and the watchman on Coningbeg west and Coxswain Walsh told David Lightvessel that the seas were the worst Culleton to man the searchlight while Capsize they had seen for some years. Wave he turned the lifeboat back towards him. height was estimated at 30 feet at John Devereux then went up to man the WEXFORD GARDA informed the honorary Coningbeg and also at Kilmore Quay, searchlight to allow Dermot and David secretary of Kilmore Quay lifeboat where waves were breaking over the Culleton to go forward to pull Joe Maddock aboard. Coxswain Walsh and station at 0115 on Saturday, December harbour wall. 24, 1977, that four red flares had been At about 0430, when about one mile, John Devereux also went to help. sighted off Bannow Bay towards the south south west from Forlorn Point, The lifeboat was now setting down Saltees. At 0130 maroons were fired a very high breaking sea hit the lifeboat towards the broken water of St Patrick's by the honorary secretary and Coxswain just abaft the starboard beam capsizing Bridge and Coxswain Walsh called for Thomas Walsh, and ten minutes later her to port. When the lifeboat righted the other three to hold on to Joe Kilmore Quay lifeboat, the 37' Oakley Coxswain Walsh discovered that Acting Maddock and went back and started Lady Murphy, started for the new launch Second Coxswain Joseph Maddock was heading the lifeboat slowly west to site to the east of the harbour. At about missing. Acting Mechanic John clear the breakers. The three men had 0150 the lifeboat launched on service. Devereux restarted both engines without difficulty in holding Joe Maddock along- Although the sea was rough at the any trouble and Coxswain Walsh then side as the lifeboat got under way, but launch site, there was no trouble launch- turned to starboard back to the south managed to keep their grip and a few ing. The wind was west south west gale west, asking Crew Members Dermot minutes later he was brought aboard to strong gale, force 8 to 9, the sea Culleton and his brother David to and again placed in the forward well. rough. The tide was half flood with the uncover and man the searchlight. Two He was now suffering badly from shock stream turning to the east. It was cloudy or three minutes later Joe Maddock was and exposure. but there was a moon and visibility heard shouting to starboard and picked Coxswain Walsh then continued to was moderate. up in the light of the searchlight. search the area, looking for Finton Once clear of the beach Coxswain Coxswain Walsh then manoeuvred the Sinnott, until he was back abeam the Walsh headed south west for about one lifeboat alongside the man in the water harbour. There was no sign of Finton mile to clear Forlorn Point, and eased and he was pulled aboard over the Sinnott in the water and, as Coxswain back to about half speed because of the starboard shoulder by Dermot Culleton, Walsh was now concerned about the breaking seas. On clearing the point Finton Sinnott, John Devereux and the state of the rest of his crew, he decided he headed west for about two miles and coxswain, who himself came up to help. to go back into Kilmore Quay. Rather posted lookouts. He then altered course The port section of the windscreen than turn across the weather he stemmed to the north west towards Keragh was found to be missing, the centre of the seas and tide and allowed the life- Rocks. Out in the open sea, although the windscreen shattered and the mast boat to crab towards the harbour there was a very heavy west south west broken where it entered the tabernacle. entrance before turning in. swell, there were no breaking seas. Ropes, fenders and other loose gear At 0515 Coxswain Walsh put the Nevertheless, speed was still kept at just had been lost overboard and the drogue lifeboat alongside the quay wall well over half because of the swell; the con- had streamed itself. Rather than attempt up in the harbour and the crew were tinuous spray made lookout difficult. to recover the drogue Coxswain Walsh helped ashore by those waiting. The Coxswain Walsh maintained this speed had the drogue ropes made fast. John crew members were seen by Dr for the rest of the outward journey. Devereux tried the MF radio but was McCarthy who treated them all for At first there was difficulty in estab- unable to contact anybody. Joe shock. Dermot Culleton and Joe lishing radio contact but at about 0215 Maddock was brought aboard and Maddock were taken by ambulance to MF contact was established on 2182 with placed in the forward well and Dermot Wexford County Hospital. Coningbeg Lightvessel which then acted Culleton and Finton Sinnott stayed with Second Coxswain John Connick and as a relay throughout. The lightvessel him. Finton Sinnott, who had been Motor Mechanic William Culleton, who had been asked by Fishguard Coast- under the aft shelter at the time of the had not been aboard for the service, guard to act as a radio link. capsize, was seen to have a badly cut volunteered to take the boat out at As he approached the shore, Coxswain head. daylight with a new crew to search for Walsh altered course to the north to Coxswain Walsh then turned back the missing man. John Connick had not close Keragh Rocks and at about 0350 to the east to return to harbour. He was heard the maroons because of the arrived off these rocks and searched unsure of his position as harbour and weather, and by the time someone had down towards Bannow Bay and then street lights were not working and he fetched him he had arrived too late to back. There was no sign of anything. found it difficult to judge the distance go out in the lifeboat. Liam Culleton At about 0400 the honorary secretary off. He therefore continued to the south was on weekend leave. He had, in fact, asked Coningbeg Lightvessel to pass a east, at slow speed, for a while and then arrived down in time to help launch the message to the lifeboat saying that if the turned north to enter harbour. The life- lifeboat but had not gone out as coxswain was satisfied there was nothing boat had just turned north when a Assistant Mechanic John Devereux, his he was to return. Coxswain Walsh second exceptionally heavy breaking sea relief, was already aboard. replied that he would continue searching hit the lifeboat on her port beam cap- At this time it was thought that the on his way back, ETA 45 minutes to one sizing her to starboard. VHF was still working and communica-

113 tions would be possible with Dunmore Padstow: Service to Pilots. The honorary secretary and Calcutta Princess, divisional inspector therefore agreed July 17, 1977. >&• to this further search. The honorary secretary had also requested an Army helicopter and, after consultation with the divisional inspector, for Rosslare Harbour lifeboat to go out also to search from the east. Kilmore Quay lifeboat left harbour at 0810 to search for the missing man. The weather had moderated, with the wind westerly, strong breeze to near gale, force 6 to 7, but there was still a heavy southerly swell. It was cloudy and there was moderate visibility. The tide was now setting to the west. Second Coxswain John Connick went out over St Patrick's Bridge and searched eastward along the shoreline. Shortly after sailing the port shaft became fouled and the crew were unable to free the propeller. The search was therefore continued on one engine. When the lifeboat returned it was found board, and also a dog. The Coastguard was secured and jamming the little that a rope had fouled the port pro- had advised the yacht to try to anchor finger of Crew Member Chris Hughes peller. The search continued for two- and had told the Cliff Rescue Team between the heaving line and a guard- and-a-half hours. Sadly, however, it was that she might come ashore before the rail stanchion, severing the top third of unsuccessful and the body of Finton lifeboat could reach her. his finger. At about the same moment Sinnott was found by a local farmer at James and Catherine Macfarlane, the end of the tow rope came clear of about 1010, on the shore at Meanstown. Padstow's 48' 6" Oakley lifeboat, was the lifeboat's propeller. At about 1040 the helicopter lowered a launched at 1734 with Coxswain Antony With the yacht drifting clear of man to the lifeboat to inform them that Warnock in command. The wind was Dinas Head but now moving rapidly they should return to station. The life- west south west strong to near gale, towards Bull Rock, there was no time to boat returned to harbour at 1130 and force 6 to 7, visibility was about one lose. From his vantage point on deck, was eventually recovered that afternoon. mile with driving rain, and the tide was Second Coxswain England could see The recarriaging was organised by the in the fourth hour of flood. that there was not enough sea room to district engineer and district surveyor of The lifeboat rounded Trevose Head turn to port, so he advised Coxswain lifeboats who had arrived at the station and, about 11 minutes after launching, Warnock to make a 360 degree turn to at 0930 that morning. her crew sighted the casualty about 60 starboard to approach the yacht again. For this service the silver medal for yards from the rocks of Dinas Head. By the time this was completed the gallantry has been awarded to Coxswain She was lying with bows east south east casualty was no more than 25 feet from Thomas F. Walsh and the bronze medal into the flood tide which sweeps around Bull Rock. Nevertheless, Coxswain to Acting Mechanic John J. Devereux. this northern end of Constantine Bay at Warnock took the lifeboat between the The thanks of the Institution inscribed 2 to 3 knots. Against the strong west- rock and the yacht, holding her clear on vellum have been accorded to south-west wind the stream was creating while Second Coxswain England Acting Second Coxswain Joseph V. a heavy confused sea with waves of 15 dropped the nylon tow rope on to her Maddock, Acting Assistant Mechanic to 20 feet. deck. With both boats ranging up to Dermot Culleton and Crew Members Coxswain Tony Warnock took the 20 feet the successful passing of the tow David Culleton and Eugene Kehoe. A lifeboat down the yacht's port side, rope was a difficult feat. vellum has been accorded posthumously between the casualty and Dinas Head, Chris Hughes had been obliged to to the late Crew Member Finton M. and the crew threw a heaving line to the sit in the wheelhouse because of faint- Sinnott. Letters of thanks signed by man on board. He appeared exhausted, ness after the loss of the portion of his Major-General Ralph Farrant, chair- however, and was not able to pull the finger. Nevertheless, during this danger- man of the Institution, have been tow rope aboard fast enough, so that it ous phase, he not only declined help sent to Second Coxswain John Connick, became fouled in the lifeboat's star- so that operations on deck should not be Motor Mechanic William Culleton and board screw. The crew now saw that the jeopardised, but also manned the VHP Crew Members Michael Culleton, yacht's anchor was down but it was so that Coxswain Warnock could con- Richard Barry and John Kehoe. doubtful whether it would hold. centrate completely upon manoeuvring Second Coxswain Trevor England the lifeboat. then secured the free bight of the tow The face of The Bull is sheer, and it South Western Division rope to the guardrail forward of the has smaller submerged rocks on its screw and cut the tow rope free from south-west and north-east sides. The Snatched from rocks the after bollard, while the lifeboat sea here was highly confused and it is came round to starboard, bow to bow thought that it was only the backwash A MAYDAY CALL received from the 17' with the yacht. With Crew Members of the 20 foot waves which kept the bermudan sloop Calcutta Princess was Chris Hughes and Peter Poole, he lifeboat a boathook's length from the reported by Trevose Head Coastguard took down the slack in the heaving line, rock face. It was, of course, impossible to the honorary secretary of Padstow which the casualty's owner had secured to board the yacht, but the owner lifeboat station at 1709 on Sunday July to a cleat on his deck, while Coxswain eventually managed to secure the tow 17, 1977. The yacht, a quarter of a mile Warnock put his remaining engine slow rope around his mast. south west of Dinas Head, was losing astern, in order to pull the yacht clear Coxswain Warnock then went astern her sails, had a rope around the pro- of danger as quickly as possible. and towed the sloop to safety and peller of her outboard engine and was About 30 yards had been gained when calmer water about a quarter of a mile drifting towards the Head in rough a large wave struck the yacht, pulling to the south west, where the occupants seas. She had a man and a woman on out the cleat to which the heaving line were taken on board the lifeboat. It 114 was now 1810 and the lifeboat set where a cabin cruiser had been sighted Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic course for her station with Calcutta aground. An accurate fix was obtained Cyril Williams and Crew Member Princess in tow, while First Aider Alf from the Coastguard radar and the Patrick Hardman were placed aboard Prosser rendered emergency treatment honorary secretary of Walmer was the casualty and a towline secured to the injured Chris Hughes and First requested to launch the lifeboat. around her windlass. The boat refloated Aider Arthur May treated the yacht's Maroons were fired and the relief 41' at 1230 and towing began for Ramsgate, crew for hypothermia and shock. Beach lifeboat Beryl Tollemache, on passing East and North East Goodwin A helicopter from HMS Hermes now temporary service at Walmer, launched Buoys before altering course for Gull approached with the intention of lifting at 0938. Stream Buoy. During this time Second off the survivors and the injured lifeboat- The weather was foggy, visibility Coxswain Williams had started Shark's man for medical treatment aboard the being generally a quarter of a mile, engine and, although water was being carrier. However, it was thought best to with a south-west wind, force 2. The taken into the hull, pumping appeared defer the transfer until after the sur- sea was calm. High water Dover was to be effective. vivors had been landed at the slipway, predicted at 1515. At 1420, when some 1J miles east of at 1900. The casualties were then Coxswain/Mechanic Bruce Brown set Ramsgate, the after lookout reported immediately air-lifted to Hermes, thus course eastward, passing close to Deal that the tow was beginning to sheer reaching hospital facilities much more Bank and Goodwin Fork Buoys to heavily and appeared to be settling rapidly than they would have done by position the lifeboat for entering the forward, so Coxswain Brown closed the alternative of ambulance to Truro. Kellett Gut passage; without radar, the casualty to take off his two crew. The lifeboat then towed the yacht this channel was navigated on echo As he came alongside he called to Crew into Padstow harbour and secured her sounder and compass at reduced speed Member Hardman to jump aboard, but alongside the quay at 1950. Permission with confirmatory radar fixes from Patrick Hardman indicated that he was obtained to land the dog in care of Dover Straits Coastguard. East Good- could not leave because Second Crew Member Richard Tummon and win Buoy was sighted at a range of one Coxswain Williams was in difficulties; the lifeboat then returned to her station, cable at 1105 and course was altered to on going below to fasten the forehatch, rehousing by 2045. the south, keeping close to the sand which had sprung due to strain on the For this service the silver medal for edge where the echo trace confirmed adjacent windlass mounting, he had gallantry has been awarded to Coxswain positions. been washed forward and one of his Antony W. Warnock and Second/ At 1130 the 47' cabin cruiser Shark legs was jammed by floating debris Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic Trevor R. was sighted south west of South East beneath the sink unit. Patrick Hardman England. The thanks of the Institution Goodwin Buoy about one cable inside could not get Cyril Williams out of the inscribed on vellum have been accorded the drying line, aground but moving cabin—he was too large to be able to to Crew Members Christopher Hughes, on the rising tide. The lifeboat was help him—and the second coxswain had Arthur May, Alfred Prosser, Peter driven easily on to the sand and the four ordered him out of the cabin. Poole and Richard Tummon. occupants, two adults and two small Coxswain Brown took off his life- children, transferred to the lifeboat jacket and jumped aboard the casualty without difficulty at 1155. The owner with Emergency Mechanic Richard Eastern Division did not want to abandon his boat, but Ebden while other crew members when Coxswain Brown pointed out the helped the distressed Patrick Hardman Trapped below chances of her taking water before on to the lifeboat. While Richard floating upright and the likelihood of Ebden remained on deck helping to THE RAMSGATE/CALAIS HOVERCRAFT the elderly craft having sprung, he secure the shortened towline and a stern advised HM Coastguard Dover Straits agreed to take passage in the lifeboat, line to pin the casualty alongside, Bruce at 0925 on Thursday August 4, 1977, with the request that a tow be attempted. Brown went below and found Cyril that distress flares had been seen on the In the prevailing calm conditions the Williams lying in thigh-deep water, eastern edge of the Goodwin Sands, coxswain considered this a practicable his lifejacket inflated and right leg near the East Goodwin Lightvessel proposition. trapped. He crouched beside him, deflated his lifejacket and made a Lowestoft: On September 17, 1977, Lowestoft's 47' Watson lifeboat Frederick Edward Crick supreme effort to drag him clear. The went to the help of Chycaron; the motor cruiser's engines were out of action and her anchor first attempt failed and although Cyril fouled. Two crew members were put aboard and the lifeboat took her in tow back to Lowestoft. Williams was in great pain and very photograph by courtesy of Michael Richford firmly telling Bruce Brown to abandon him, the coxswain exerted all his strength, to the point of blacking out briefly, and both men found themselves free in the after end of the cabin by the cockpit hatch. Cyril Williams had been dragged out of his right sea- boot and had temporarily lost con- sciousness. Richard Ebden and Bruce Brown quickly passed Cyril Williams on to the lifeboat, followed themselves, and all ropes were cleared. Within two minutes the casualty settled to deck level and drifted northward. At 1450 Coxswain Brown asked for an ambulance to meet the lifeboat at Ramsgate and requested the Coastguard to broadcast an im- mediate navigation warning in respect of the drifting hulk. The lifeboat berthed at 1510, the survivors were taken ashore and Second Coxswain Williams was taken to Mar- gate Hospital for X-ray of his bruised 115 dnd sprained leg. The lifeboat left Visibility was down to only half a mile. line forward and then transferred to the Ramsgate at 1610. A second request The search area was reached at about lifeboat. At about 1520 the lifeboat to take part in a search in Pegwell Bay 1035. Two vessels were sighted; one began to tow Gika at about 5 knots was abandoned when it was known that was Frank M, a small timber-laden towards Holyhead. The helicopter re- Walmer ILB was attending and the life- coaster, and the other a large merchant- turned to base at this time with engine boat was beached for recovery; she man on passage. Frank M told the trouble. was refuelled and ready for service at lifeboat that she was searching for the The tow was carried out in extremely 1805. The casualty was recovered by casualty and had picked up a small echo arduous conditions, with Gika fre- fishing boats and taken to Ramsgate. on radar which she was about to quently surfing in the heavy breaking For this service the bronze medal investigate. A positive echo on the seas. At about 1747, when one mile off has been awarded to Coxswain/ lifeboat's radar indicated the presence North Stack, the tow rope became Mechanic Bruce G. Brown. Medal of a third vessel that was thought too fouled by the casualty's rudder and she service certificates have been presented large to be Gika. With three ships in the was towed stern first for about 20 to Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic vicinity and no sighting of the casualty, minutes until it cleared itself. At 1835 Cyril Williams, Emergency Mechanics Coxswain Jones thought she might, in the lifeboat and her tow entered Holy- Denis Brophy and Richard G. Ebden fact, have sighted the Skerries and now head Harbour and Gika was safely and Crew Members Brian Clark, Patrick be well to the north. secured to a mooring in the outer Hardman and David R. Steytler. The lifeboat was brought round to harbour. The lifeboat was rehoused and run before the storm on a north-north- ready for service by 2015. easterly heading. At 1115 Frank M For this service a bar to his bronze reported having lost contact with the medal for gallantry has been awarded North West Division small radar echo. By now visibility was to Coxswain William J. Jones. Medal down to about a quarter of a mile and service certificates have been presented Search and rescue the wind, still from the south west, was to Second Coxswain Francis Ward, gusting force 11. At 1130, when the Acting Assistant Mechanic Robert A YACHT IN DISTRESS somewhere to the lifeboat was almost abeam of the F. Williams, Emergency Mechanic south west of South Stack Light was Skerries, the Coastguard reported that Malcolm Burnell and Crew Members reported to the honorary secretary of nothing more was known about the David T. Barry, Thomas B. Thomson Holyhead lifeboat station by HM Coast- casualty's position and suggested that and Robert T. Jones. guard at 0908 on Sunday September 4, the lifeboat should now search to the 1977; her exact position was not known. north east of the Skerries. The yacht, Gika, on passage from Cork Eastern Division to Holyhead, had reported her last On hearing from the Coastguard, at known position to Angelsey Radio as 1200, that an RAF helicopter had being 210°M 20 miles from South Stack located the casualty 13 miles to the Lifeboat and ILB at 0739. She was experiencing heavy south west of South Stack, and that AT 0813 ON WEDNESDAY August 17, weather and sailing under bare poles. one person had been lifted off but the 1977, HM Coastguard Aldeburgh re- A fractured fuel pipe had put the skipper was remaining with the yacht, quested the launch of Aldeburgh lifeboat engine out of action and the wind was Coxswain Jones altered course to 230°M to a yacht firing red flares about half a too strong to hoist sail. Porthdinllaen and set out at full speed to intercept mile east of the lookout. Because of the lifeboat had launched at 0808, but at Gika. At about 1315 the helicopter was difficulties of launching at low water 0856 Gika had reported to Angelsey sighted ahead and a message passed to (high water Aldeburgh was predicted Radio that her position was reckoned the lifeboat to steer 250°M. The seas at 1421) the honorary secretary con- to be farther to the north. Her skipper were estimated to be 35 feet high, the sulted the coxswain and it was con- thought he had sighted Skerries Light- lifeboat was taking solid water con- sidered that a launch was possible even house to the north east. However, as tinuously over the deck and wheelhouse, though the wind was easterly strong he could not communicate directly with and pounding heavily. VHP radio com- force 6 gusting to near gale force 7 Holyhead Coastguard on VHP it was munications were becoming intermittent with heavy breaking seas on the beach thought more likely that he had sighted and it was found necessary to transfer and offshore shoal area. Visibility was South Stack Lighthouse and that Gika to MF radio. The helicopter returned to moderate. was suffering from the radio screening the lifeboat at 1400 and gave a cor- Maroons were fired at 0818 and Aide- effect of Holyhead Mountain. rected course of 260°M. This course was burgh's 42' Beach lifeboat The Alfred Maroons were fired and at 0937 the maintained for one hour with the heli- and Patience Gottwald launched but 52' Barnett relief lifeboat Thomas copter visible from time to time. did not clear the beach and broached Forehead and Mary Rowse, on tempor- At 1500, hearing from the Coastguard to the south in the heavy onshore seas. ary duty at Holyhead, launched on that the helicopter had lost contact with While recovery operations were begun, service and set out at full speed to the casualty, Coxswain Jones stopped HM Coastguard requested the launch of search five miles to the south west of the boat's engines and instructed his Harwich lifeboat and a rescue helicopter South Stack. Porthdinllaen lifeboat was crew to carry out an all-round search. from RAF Coltishall. recalled. After about five minutes Gika's mast Further red flares were sighted from The sky was overcast with continuous was sighted a quarter of a mile to the the yacht, which was seen to be drifting heavy rain reducing visibility to moder- south east. A message was passed to towards the shoals off Orfordness, and ate to poor. A force 8 gale was blowing the Coastguard and the helicopter was the Coastguard Rescue Equipment team from the south west and the sea was seen to arrive over the yacht. was mustered at Orfordness. Among very rough with a heavy swell. It was As the lifeboat slowly closed with the those helping with the recovery of just after low water and the flood tide casualty, the yacht was seen to be Aldeburgh lifeboat were several crew was setting north east at about one knot. heading north west sailing under bare members of the newly established in- Course was set to pass half a mile off poles, her skipper in the cockpit. shore lifeboat and, after consultation North Stack and on reaching this Coxswain Jones approached Gika from with the honorary secretary on the position, at 1002, Coxswain William astern and attempted to get alongside beach, it was agreed that an attempt Jones had to reduce speed to meet on her port side, but, because of the should be made to launch the ILB storm force 10 conditions. Once clear violent movement of both boats in the although conditions were known to be in of Holy Island, course was altered to heavy seas, without success. The lifeboat excess of normal limitation. 225°M and the lifeboat continued at was brought round again and on a At 0845 the D class ILB was carried moderate speed into the very rough second attempt a tow line was passed down the beach and the two most breaking seas, taking solid water overall. successfully. Gika's skipper secured the experienced crew members, Helmsman 116 ,.

Aldeburgh: When, at low water on August 17, 1977, the 42' Beach lifeboat The Alfred and Patience Gottwald could not clear the beach on launching, Aldeburgh''s D class ILB was launched in an easterly near gale to go to the help of the yacht Spreety.

John Marjoram and Crew Member Douglas Cook, boarded. Three ILB and a number of lifeboat shore helpers held the boat until a break in the seas allowed the crew to launch, the first few yards being made under oars. The engine started at the first attempt but a sea filled the boat before a clear line could be found through the surf. The boat drained quickly and by driving along the surf line, riding the seas, and edging eastwards, the ILB cleared the inner shoal area and headed south. At 0903 she came up with the 24' yacht Spreety, which was manned by •».j- I' the owner and his young son and was without auxiliary power. By this time the wind was a steady force 7, causing severe conditions; in the shoaling waters the seas were irregular and breaking heavily. thence up river to Slaughden Quay, 11, 1977, from HM Coastguard Needles The helicopter arrived at 0904 and Aldeburgh, where she was recovered into after the young boy had been taken saying that the 42' Belgian sloop the town at 1105 by the shore party. Colombe had called on her RT to say safely into the ILB he was winched into The lifeboat secured the yacht at 1110 the helicopter and flown ashore to that she was aground on the east bank and returned seaward to station, being of Lymington River and to ask for help. Aldeburgh, into the care of the branch safely beached and ready for service at chairman. The wind was westerly gale to strong 1407. gale, force 8 to 9, and the seas were high, The ILB agreed to stand by the For this service the bronze medal has casualty until she could rendezvous but visibility was good. It was one been awarded to Helmsman John hour before high water. In these with Harwich lifeboat or the Felixstowe Marjoram and framed letters of thanks Ferry shoreboat since the River Ore conditions the DLA and Senior Helms- signed by Major-General Ralph Farrant, man Christopher Carrington agreed entrance was unfit for the single- the chairman of the Institution, have handed yachtsman. that the ILB could operate inside the been presented to Crew Member river only and the launch was authorised. In the meantime, recovery of Alde- Douglas Cook and Coxswain Reuben burgh lifeboat was continuing when, at Wood. A letter of thanks signed by Subsequently it was learned that 0915, Coxswain Reuben Wood saw a John Atterton, deputy director of the Colombe had left Plymouth in the break in the seas as a heavy wave lifted Institution, has been sent to the crew morning and when she met the heavy the boat. Ordering all hands to clear the and shore-helpers of Aldeburgh lifeboat and worsening weather in the Channel bow, he put both engines full astern and station. decided to make for what she thought cleared the beach stern first, the cockpit would be the more sheltered waters of filling as the boat drove aft. The life- The Solent. In fact she met very heavy boat then headed south, reached the South Eastern Division seas on or near the Shingle Bank and in yacht at 0953 and took her in tow. With Hurst Narrows. Her engine failed and, the ILB in company, the lifeboat towed Belgian sloop aground as her owner was familiar with Lyming- the yacht into the River Ore. After ton, he decided to come into the river negotiating the turbulent entrance safely, LYMINGTON ILB STATION deputy launch- under sail. With the gale force wind, at 1025, the ILB went on ahead to ing authority received a telephone however, he failed to round a bend and arrange berthing at Orford Quay, and message at 2035 on Friday, November was being forced on to the east bank.

117 Fortunately the yacht's crew got an set out at full speed to intercept Fred was launched and set off at full speed, anchor out and this, with the rising Everard. The weather was south east reducing to half to one third throttle as tide, meant that she was not too hard force 7 to 8, with rough seas and visi- she rounded the west breakwater into aground. bility almost nil because of fog and rain. the weather. She reached the dinghy at The Atlantic 21 ILB launched at By 2218 the lifeboat was alongside the 1416. 2043 manned by Helmsman Carrington casualty and standing by, and now gave The day was overcast with moderate and Crew Members Peter Harvey and courses and directions for Lerwick visibility and the wind was west south Richard Smith. When she reached during the night. The wind moderated west, strong breeze, force 6, gusting to Colombe, seas were breaking over the and went westerly about 0400. near gale, force 7, with a rough sea and yacht, even in the river. It says much At 0520 Fred Everard's list began to heavy swell. The tide was at 5J hours for the Atlantic 21 and the way she was increase; at 0533 her master requested a flood, setting north east. handled by her crew that she was able tow and at 0540 asked the lifeboat to As the ILB approached, the dinghy, to tow a 42' sloop to a berth in Berthon come alongside and take off part of which was only some 30 feet off the Marina. The ILB was rehoused and her crew. Coxswain George Leith took west breakwater in the heavy confused ready for service at 2130. the lifeboat alongside Fred Everard, seas caused by the backwash from the For this service a letter of thanks now listing to about 50 degrees and by breakwater, capsized throwing her re- signed by Captain Nigel Dixon, the 0620, after several attempts, had taken maining two crew members into the director of the Institution, has been off the chief engineer's wife and five water. One young man was some dis- sent to the deputy launching authority, men, leaving the master and six other tance off the dinghy, a girl was clinging Andre E. Prove, and to the crew, Helms- members of the crew on board. Some to the mast and the other man was man Christopher R. Carrington and damage was sustained to the lifeboat under the mainsail. Crew Members Peter E. T. Harvey and rails and wheelhouse roof as she Helmsman Michael Fox skilfully Richard C. Smith. touched the ship's side. Lundi Senior, manoeuvred the ILB close alongside the which had been standing by since about capsized dinghy while Crew Members 0540, got a line on board Fred Everard, Christopher Fox and David Wainwright Scotland North Division but if some cargo had not gone over hauled the girl and the two young men side, the vessel could have capsized. safely into the ILB. Throughout this Cargo shifted Lerwick lifeboat, satisfied that all was difficult operation (a photograph of under control, set out for harbour at which was published in the winter issue ON PASSAGE bound from Archangel to 0845 and those taken off the timber of THE LIFEBOAT) the ILB was shipping the Mediterranean, timber ship Fred ship were landed at 0915 and taken to water overall from the backwash of the Everard developed a list when her deck the Mission to Seamen. The lifeboat was breakwater. cargo shifted and, at 0143 on Monday, refuelled and back on station at 1000. Once the three people were safely on September 26, sent out an urgency signal Fred Everard was towed to harbour by board the ILB returned to Shoreham PAN. Her position was 61° 36'N, Lundi Senior. Harbour where two of the survivors 00° 48'w. The message was picked up were transferred to a waiting ambulance and broadcast by Coastguard Lerwick at 1424. and Wick. A Nimrod aircraft was South Eastern Division At 1428 the ILB was relaunched to diverted to the area and it was reported tow the capsized dinghy clear of the that Oil Mariner was on her way to Saved boat and three main channel at the harbour entrance, stand by: ETA 0700. The weather was where she had drifted after weathering south east near gale force 7 with poor SHOREHAM HARBOUR DLA was informed the west breakwater. She was beached visibility and heavy seas. At 0220 the by HM Coastguard at 1405 on Wed- at 1455 and the ILB recovered and ready honorary secretary of Lerwick lifeboat nesday July 20, 1977, that a 14' sailing for service at 1530. station was informed of the position. dinghy was half submerged just west For this service the thanks of the As, however, Fred Everard was 45 miles of the harbour entrance; one of her Institution inscribed on vellum have north north east of Muckle Flugga, 110 crew of three could be seen in the water been accorded to Helmsman Michael J. miles north of Lerwick, and at the clinging to the bows. The D class ILB extreme range for the lifeboat, and as (continued on page 141) there were other ships in the vicinity offering assistance, it was decided to Lerwick: After standing by the listing Fred Everard all night, on her slow progress towards Lerwick through gale force winds, as the list increased, the 52' Barnett relief lifeboat Ramsay hold the lifeboat until she could be of Dyce took off her chief engineer's wife and five of her crew. This photograph was taken by Ian more use. Macdonald-Munro, who is a professional diver and also a freelance photographer. By 0504 Oil Mariner had the casualty in sight and at 0611 German vessel Herdentor was also standing by. The tugs Nordzee and Pacific were on their way. With her list increased to about 30 degrees, Fred Everard set course for Lerwick under her own steam. By 1006 the two tugs were standing by and Oil Mariner and Herdentor were released. The weather was southerly gale force 8 with a 4 foot swell and 25 foot waves. Visibility was a quarter to half a mile. By 1200 Fred Everard, with Nordzee and Pacific in attendance, was 11 miles north of Muckle Flugga, steering 152°T to come down the east side of land to Lerwick, making 3J to 4 knots. The slow progress continued all after- noon and at 1922 it was agreed that Lerwick lifeboat should stand by during the night passage. At 1940 52' Barnett relief lifeboat Ramsay Dyce, on tem- porary duty at Lerwick, launched and

118 Postscript...

Following the publication in the winter issue of THE LIFEBOAT of a descrip- tion of the work of present-day divisional inspectors of lifeboats, here are some extracts from an article by the late Captain Basil Hall, RN, a one-time inspector of lifeboats, which was first published in the same journal 58 years earlier. . . .

IT WAS IN FEBRUARY, 1895, that I first cessor the night before I turned the I felt as we left the narrow harbour in entered 'the House of the Institution' in district over to him. One of our party the grey dawn of that November day, order to submit my name as a candidate on this occasion was that first-class and headed for the tremendous seas for the vacancy of district inspector of officer, and very dear friend of mine, which were breaking over the doomed lifeboats, caused by a decision of the Commander Charles Cunninghame- vessel; nor my feelings as we lay along- Committee of Management to add a Graham, who during the first 14 years side her and the 50 survivors—who had new inspector to the already existing of my service with the Institution was been for two days and two nights four. The 'House' was then situated at deputy chief inspector of lifeboats. One huddled together on the bridge, washed No. 14, John Street, Adelphi of the many duties of the deputy chief by every sea that swept her—dropped I was appointed first to the Irish inspector is to visit the coast when one by one into the lifeboat. But I know District, where I remained nearly five problems arise which require the de- that, as each man, when he reached years. The first year was marked by one cision of a superior officer, as, for safety, uttered the most heart-felt thanks of the most appalling disasters that has instance, the opening of a lifeboat I have ever heard from the lips of men, ever overtaken the lifeboats of the station in some spot where none has I became conscious, perhaps for the Institution, when, on December 24, existed previously, or the closing of an first time fully, of the real value of the 1895, two splendid lifeboats, both existing station. The inspector for the lifeboat service.... stationed at Dun Laoghaire, were district always accompanies him on Incidentally, this rescue conclusively wrecked, and the whole of the crew of these occasions, and many a delightful proved two things: the immense value the larger boat drowned, in their and instructive trip did I have with of oil in smoothing a sea alongside a attempt to save life from the Norwegian Graham.... wreck . . . and the inestimable import- barque Palme, stranded in Dublin Bay From the West Coast I went to ance of the motor lifeboat, for not only during the height of a heavy south- Scotland, which is known officially as could no other kind of boat have come easterly gale. the Northern District, as it includes the 44 miles, as this one did, in order to I was living in Dun Laoghaire myself counties of Cumberland and Northum- perform the service, but I am prepared at the time, but knew nothing of what berland. In the latter county I made to stake my professional reputation on had happened until an overheard word acquaintance with one of the best life- the statement that, owing to the tor- in the street told me of the disaster. boat crews with whom it has been my tuous nature of the passage between the I hastened down to the shore. . . . Late privilege to go afloat, consisting entirely rocks, no other than a motor lifeboat in the night of that Christmas Eve we of miners from the famous Cambois could have safely reached the vessel worked on the beach.... The only coal mine, which extends for many miles at all other lifeboat available was a small under the bed of the North Sea.... It is, of course, impossible in the space pulling-gig, stationed at Poolbeg, inside In 1908 I moved on to the Eastern at my disposal to review all the changes the bar of the Liffey. Nothing more District, and here I realised that, in which have taken place in the lifeboat could be done that night; but at day- spite of my 13 years' experience, I still service since I joined it; but looking break on Christmas morning I had much to learn about the handling back over the quarter of a century attempted, with the aid of the tug, to of lifeboats. ... I came to learn that in which has elapsed, one appears to stand tow this boat out of the river and round this particular branch of the seaman's out more conspicuously than the to the bay; however, the heavy seas on art, the sailor, as the man who sails the others. This has been the gradual the bar made this impossible, and after deep sea in a ship is called technically, increase in the size of the lifeboats. For two had broken on board the vessel has much, if not everything, to learn some 70 years the general policy of the and found their way into the engine from the coast fisherman, whose busi- Institution had been to build boats room, we were reluctantly compelled ness is entirely in open boats. . . . The light enough and small enough to be to give up the attempt. If only a motor hardy fishermen of Norfolk and Suffolk transported on a carriage to a spot as lifeboat had been stationed on the Irish are, I suppose, second to no other men nearly opposite the wreck as possible, Coast in those days! ... in the world in their skill as boatmen. and there, launching off the beach, to During the five years I spent in Such skill is doubtless inherited from approach it under oars to leeward. The Ireland I covered many a long 'Irish' their Scandinavian forebears, whom so modern tendency is to station a large mile by road, as a great number of the many of them still resemble in type and and powerful boat in an advantageous stations were at long distances from the feature; but it has been nurtured by position where she can launch into deep railway. The motor car had, indeed, generations of service to the long, low, water, and, if possible, cut off the been invented, but had not then been outlying sand-banks which fringe this doomed vessel before she reaches the brought into use, and I did all my work portion of the coast of England. ... shore; or, if too late to do that, can in that extraordinarily convenient In 1913 I made my last move, being approach to windward, and, dropping vehicle, a jaunting car. . . . appointed to the Southern District, and anchor at a convenient distance, veer It was 1899, shortly after the outbreak in the following year I had the good down to the wreck.... The present of the Boer War, that I left Ireland for fortune to realise the ambition of my scheme of the Institution to build a the Western District, my stay in which career in the lifeboat service by taking fleet of motor lifeboats and station them must have corresponded almost exactly part in a lifeboat rescue. . . . The story at salient points round the coast, not, with the period of the war. ... I cele- of the hospital ship Rohilla, wrecked off if possible, more than 50 miles apart, is brated the signing of the psace in a Whitby . . . need not be repeated here. remote village in Wales with my suc- Nor will I attempt to describe the thrill (continued on page 131) 119 Northerly Storm — Spring Tides On the night of January 11 and 12, 1978, storm force winds blowing right down the North Sea coinciding with some of the highest tides of the winter resulted in severe flooding and damage down the East Coast of England and in the Thames Estuary. Lifeboat station shore works did not escape and it was night of vigil for Michael Pennell, at that time inspector of lifeboats for the Eastern Division, which suffered the main onslaught.

THE LOG FOR THAT WILD NIGHT, kept by now returning to station but it is accessible. Will advise when full Mike Pennell, DI (£) began when, just unlikely that she can be recovered situation is known. after he had arrived home, he switched because of water level on sea on the radio . . . front. 1900 Sheringham SHS and Cromer SHS: Both lifeboats off service. Wednesday, January 11 1830 Skegness station honorary secretary Water above promenade at (SHS): Confirms water now above Sheringham—no access. Cromer 1755 BBC local news: 'Storm force promenade level—dangerous for pier awash and dangerous to northerly winds in the North Sea lifeboat to approach; she will lie consider access. are expected to cause high tides on off until after high water at 2000. the Lincolnshire and Norfolk Wind north east strong gale to storm, force 9 to 10. 1915 Gorleston CG Station officer: Red coasts tonight; danger levels may flares reported off Stiffkey, Nor- be reached in low-lying areas.' As high water progressed down the folk. Because of the weather and coast, so did the danger zone . . . lifeboat situation, more definite Within a quarter of an hour the tele- information being sought before phone began to ring and reports began to 1837 Gorleston CG: Gorleston lifeboat diversion of Skegness or Gorleston come in from the coast. First it was lifeboats considered. Skegness, the most northerly station in launched to escort local fishing the division, where the flooding tide was vessel to harbour. Wind northerly, already approaching high water . . . storm force 10. Apart from the reports coming in, there were outgoing calls to be made as 1810 Gorleston Coastguard (CG) RHQ: 1840 Wells SHS: Whole town pre- DI(E) checked the situation at all life- Skegness lifeboat on service to a paring for flooding. Beach area boat stations at risk and reported in to Greek ship in the Wash. Lifeboat and lifeboat house already in- Central Operations/'Information Room at headquarters, Poole, where the duty Margate: (Left) With the officer was standing by to mobilise any floor broken up by waves, back-up help needed . . . inside of lifeboat house stands open to the sea. 1930 Gorleston CG: Aircraft already Slipway can be seen on left. photograph by courtesy of making a search off Yorkshire Christopher Fright coast will divert and drop flares in sea area off Stiffkey.

2050 Wells SHS: High water now. Quay (Below) Lifeboat house iso- area flooded to depth of some three lated in wild seas as the feet. Major breach in Beach Road pier on either side falls sea wall feared. Unlikely that a before the storm. check of the lifeboat can be photograph by courtesy of obtained until daylight. The Daily Telegraph 2040 Harwich coxswain: Lifeboat re- moved to safer moorings at Felixstowe; will remain aboard throughout night.

2115 Gorleston CG station officer: General situation report. Confirm aircraft has illuminated area off Stiffkey with no result. No further sightings of flares; report assumed to be false alarm. Anticipated disposition of lifeboats discussed if emergency should arise. Lowestoft CG lookout evacuated because of weather.

2130 Southwold 1LB SHS: Boathouse under surveillance; high tide not expected to cause serious damage.

2135 Thames CG: General situation report. No damage reported yet.

120 \

CHART FOR 0000 GMT 11.1.1978 CHART FOR OOOO GMT 12.1.1978 We are indebted to the Meteorological Office a relatively warm depression moving from and there was very widespread damage for these weather charts and to Jack Arm- the west into Ireland began to engage a Gust speeds in excess of 70 knots were strong of Southampton Weather Centre for very cold Polar outbreak. What appears to commonplace but the strongest gusts were the following notes: On the night of January be a fairly innocuous situation early on the recorded on the coasts of North East 11,112, we experienced one of the really llth had, within 18 hours, resulted in a England where Whitby Coastguard and violent storms which occur in these latitudes roaring northerly storm. The tidal surge in St Abb's Head both registered 82 knots. in winter. This was an instance during which the North Sea was the highest for 25 years

2230 Gorleston CG and Skegness SHS: launching to take sick man off sible; pier badly damaged. Life- Skegness lifeboat now beaching. vessel at Southend anchorage. boat off service as boathouse doors Tide falling. fouling launching way. Full report 2330 Sheringham SHS: Boathouse to follow at daylight. 2300 Skegness SHS: Boat rehoused. access via promenade impossible No damage. arourid high water. Damage to Thursday, January 12 house?'and tractor shed suspected. 2325 Thames CG: Wind north north 0145 Divisional inspector of Coastguard: east, force 9. Sheerness lifeboat 2345 Cramer SHS: Boathouse inacces- Lowestoft lifeboat launched to 'mayday' off Lowestoft. Position Humber: Assistant and details of casualty uncertain. Mechanic Ronald Wind north by east violent storm, Sayers (r.) and Crew force 11. Member Sydney Rol- linson tow water bow- 0230 Gorleston CG: Gorleston lifeboat ser past spot where launched to help search for sinking road to Spurn Point vessel. Caister volunteer lifeboat was breached. Piles now standing some 10 also assisting. No radio contact to 12 feet proud of with vessel since 0142. sand were previously almost covered. 0450 Gorleston CG: Search continuing. Nothing found yet. Fixed wing photograph by aircraft helping. courtesy of Hull Daily Mail. 0730 Margate SHS: Margate pier col- lapsed in storms. Boathouse isolated and severely damaged.

0800 District surveyor of lifeboats (East), Herbert Larter, at Margate: Asked by DI(E) to report state of Kent lifeboat stations to headquarters at Poole while DI himself set out for North Norfolk.

The night's events recorded in this (continued on page 124)

Wells: Roadway to lifeboat house (r.) was washed away in two places. RAF Wessex helicopter ferries sandbags to fill breaks. photograph by courtesy of RNLI En- thusiasts Society, Cromer and District Research Group 121 The RNLI in Ireland During the past year Irish lifeboatmen have served with courage and honour. Among other services the Kilmore Quay lifeboat crew experienced the first capsizes of a modern lifeboat; they and the whole station acquitted themselves with distinction, though it is sad that one of the crew was drowned. The Irish district of the RNLI enjoyed another successful year's fund-raising. This coincided with a decade in the service of the Institution by the Irish National Organiser, Lieut.- Golonel Brian Clark, MC GM and he here reviews the "State of the Institution1—on both sides of the Irish Border

THE LIFEBOAT SERVICE IN IRELAND has commend itself to the Committee of October 1970 letter from the Minister always been provided by the Royal Management of the day, because for Transport and Power, Mr Lenihan: National Life-boat Institution, although members took the view that the Institu- it is of note that, before the Shipwreck tion's Charter laid on that committee 'It is my intention that this measure of Institution (as it then was) established alone the duty of maintaining the life- assistance should not jeopardise in any its first lifeboat station in Arklow in boat stations round the United Kingdom way the independence which the Insti- 1826, the Ballast Board had disposed a and Ireland, a responsibility which they tution treasures and which is the basis o/ number of lifeboats round Dublin Bay should not delegate. No such executive the magnificent voluntary service which at the beginning of the century. was, or has since been, formed. However it renders' During the period 1826 to 1922 the the present Irish members of the The activities of the Institution in the function of the RNLI of course em- Committee of Management, under the braced all of Britain and Ireland. The chairmanship of Lord Killanin (the Republic now come under the bene- volent scrutiny of the Minister for Charter of the Institution—the pre- President of the International Olympic servation of life from shipwreck—was Committee), started informal meetings Tourism and Transport, at present Mr Padraig Faulkner, and the Irish Govern- as applicable along the Irish sea-board with senior RNLI staff in Ireland in as it was across the water. ment continues to rely on the RNLI to 1970. These meetings have ensured that find the lifeboat service, accepting that After the passing of the Irish Free Irish representatives on the Committee State Act in 1922, the question arose as the Institution will use the annual grant of Management are professionally in the fullness of its operational ex- to the continuance or otherwise of the briefed. In their turn, apart from their perience of more than 150 years of Institution's activities in Southern Ire- individual duties on the main committee lifesaving. land. After correspondence with the of Management, the Executive, the The lifeboat scene in Northern Irish Free State Provisional Govern- Search and Rescue, Boat and Public ment, a deputation from the Committee Ireland is totally unchanged from what Relations Committees, Irish members, it always has been. The crews of its of Management met the Minister for both inside and outside of meetings, Home Affairs in Dublin in October lifeboat stations serve seafarers, as do guide and assist the writer and the their fellows in the South and in 1922. It was stressed that the Institution inspector of lifeboats from the wealth of England, Scotland and Wales, with a was not approaching the Provisional their wisdom and with the help of their Government with any specific request contacts. dedication which is often taken for granted. The fund-raisers often collect but that it wished for an opinion with It is noteworthy that in 1970, the regard to its continued work in the Free more per head of population than do then (and now) Irish Premier, Mr Jack their English counterparts, despite the State. The deputation was informed Lynch, inaugurated an annual sub- that the Provisional Government would vention to the RNLI in Ireland of gradual disappearance of not only be very glad if the Institution would £10,000. This sum has now been favourite street-collecting spots, but also continue to function as theretofore. In increased to £20,000 per annum. Its of some of the streets themselves; and 1923, the Irish Free State Government situations as described by the Lurgan present level may not be considered branch honorary secretary: confirmed this attitude, and the repeal dramatic when related to the annual of the External Relations Act in 1948 cost of the RNLI's service in the 'No results of flag day yet. Now If did nothing to affect the status of the Republic—about £650,000—but the 'no really think our branch has had the lot— RNLI in the Republic of Ireland. strings' principle of the grant is very everyone on strike, no power and two It is interesting now to note how the important. This was established in the bombs in the town in the afternoon. voluntary nature of the RNLI ensured its survival in the Republic of Ireland to this day, while HM Coastguard necessarily left the country in 1922, leaving a gap in Irish search and rescue cover which has not yet been filled. Since 1922 the Committee of Manage- ment has continued to consider Britain and Ireland as an operational entity, while recognising nuances of attitudes The author with Amy and the need, at times, for a different Strath and (/.) May slant in public relations on each side of McMaster, MBE. Miss the Irish Border. Strath has only recently Reverting to 1923, the Irish Free retired from the position State Government had at the time of assistant national suggested that increased assistance for organiser, after 36 years of exemplary service in the work of the Institution might the Institution's Dublin reasonably be expected to follow the office. Mrs McMaster formation, under the Institution, of an is assistant organiser in Irish Executive. This suggestion did not Northern Ireland.

122 Everyone scarpered very quickly after from £33,765 (1966) to £197,387 (1977). problems of importation very soon that!' This is an improvement of 485%, to demanded, some years ago, that flag which the Government grant and Irish day supplies be administered from the The origins of the lifeboat service in Shoreline membership have contributed. Dublin office, smail as it always has the Republic of Ireland are therefore Support for the RNLI throughout been; the sale of trading items is now no different from those of the Royal Ireland is increasing as people more also handled in this way. National Life-boat Institution as a and more realise that the lifeboat Despite the problems of operating the whole. It is, in fact, a supra-national service is not a State service, that there Institution's Irish fleet and fund-raising organisation with international res- are very good reasons why it should organisation across an international ponsibility and reputation. The practi- remain voluntary and that the men who border and despite the dire social calities of fund raising, however, have led man the lifeboats on the coast of Ulster, problems of its Northern Irish branches, to a special identity, 'Irish Lifeboats', Leinster, Munster, and Connacht are the affairs of the RNLI throughout the but supporters throughout the whole fellow Irishmen who deserve their whole island are prospering. Irish life- of Ireland are perfectly well aware that solidarity, their admiration and regular boat crews on both sides of the border it is the Royal National Life-boat In- financial support. continue to save lives in a manner stitution which finds this lifesaving The administration of both the which is second to none in voluntary, service around the whole island, thereby operational and organisational sides of selfless and courageous service; an providing, in the Republic, the necessary the Institution in the Republic has its example to Irishmen everywhere. arrangements for the rescue of persons own peculiar problems. Spares for life- Station and financial branch com- in distress at sea around the coast of boats have never been subject to import mittees, especially the honorary secre- Ireland, as required by the International tax and VAT paid is later recovered. But taries who are the launching authorities Convention for the Safety of Life at such items still have to be cleared by of the 23 offshore and inshore lifeboats, Sea, to which the Irish Government is a Customs and the absence of documenta- devote hours of their valuable time in signatory. tion can cause delay. Fund-raising their two fields of activity. This article is based on the ten years supplies are subject to VAT, but the It is an honour to serve them and, of experience enjoyed by the writer. importation of all RNLI stores, of any through them one of the oldest and most During that period Irish fund-raising kind, is being simplified as EEC respected charities in the world—the revenue has increased very satisfactorily Regulations come into full effect. These Royal National Life-boat Institution.

would like to phone me on Southend 712104 or call and see me, any offer of help no matter how small would be most welcome and we shall be most happy to meet them. Our flag day this year will be on June 17.—LES NORTON, vice-chairman, Letters... appeals committee, Southend-on-Sea branch, 83 Wellington Avenue, Westcliff- on-Sea, Essex. Local boat duals and organisations gave money How does one 'sell' the lifeboat freely. Two big legacies helped. Boat handling in storm force winds service? Our branch committee at The secret of success? Contacts, From comment received on the discussion Barrow-in-Furness believes that where ideas, publicity, public interest and published in the winter issue: you have a comparatively isolated 'hard graft'. Added to that we had the ... I learned more about the work of community and a lifeboat station as incentive of a lifeboat and a seaside rescue from this article than in all the well, you 'localise' the boat. There must community which knows what the years which went before.—w. K. be something in the philosophy for we RNLI is all about.—T. CLARK, vice- MACKENZIE, Leamington Spa. have now closed the appeal launched chairman Barrow station branch, 14 ... it will have given a splendid insight to pay for new engines, coxswain- Durham Street, Barrow-in-Furness, into the work to a landsman, and to a operated controls, a new echo sounder, Cumbria. yachtsman, like myself, it is a fascinating a DF loop and a survey and refit for the study of the relationship between boat Barrow boat Herbert Leigh. A fantastic year, indeed, with a fantastic and skipper.—BARRY CRAWSHAW, Car- It all began when the committee result—THE EDITOR. noustie. learned that inflation had so hit the ... It is worthy of becoming com- Institution that the new building pro- Southend Flag Day pulsory reading for all yachtsmen. . . . gramme had been set back. It decided I am sure there are Shoreline members Thank God, I have never experienced, that the situation might be helped if in the Leigh, Westcliff or Southend and fervently hope I never shall, con- Barrow's 46' 9" Watson lifeboat could areas who would like to help the branch ditions such as these great men speak of be given life beyond her anticipated during flag week but do not know in such matter of fact terms.—w. replacement date of 1980. Donated to whom to approach. However, if they OREQGOR, Ramble. the RNLI in 1951 Herbert Leigh has be3n at Barrow ever since and is so much Herbert Leigh on trials in the Mersey after her refit at Ocean Fleets yard, Birkenhead. thought of by her crew and the branch that it was felt her life was worth prolonging. The branch committee actually accepted a friendly challenge that it would not raise the cash. We can now look back on a'fantastic 12 months' in which we have raised more than £23,000 and met the cost of all the work. Des Newton, a native of Barrow, and his wife Dot, interested fellow entertainers on the Merseyside circuit and raised almost £1,000. The Keswick-Barrow charity walk donated £250, and indivi- 123 New Year Honours Foreign Coins MBE Our drive to collect foreign coins is Lieut.-Commander Peter Macdonald now helped by Lipton Stores who have Fulton, RD, RNR. Peter Fulton, who is agreed to place collecting points for honorary inspector (communications) these coins at each of their 850 stores in to the RNLI, rendered valuable service England and Wales. This promotion to the Institution in the establishment of will start on May 1 and continue until its mobile training units. next November. Please take your Edgar David Stogdon, superintendent unwanted currency to the nearest of depot (Isle of Wight), RNLI. David Liptons when you visit the store. Stogdon's work has been of exceptional importance in the development of in- (Right) A stained glass window has been shore lifeboats. donated to Cullercoats Methodist Church by Mrs E. J. Scot! in memory of her brother, BEM John Heddon Scott, lout in the Cullercoats Donald Ross Jack, motor mechanic, J93St lifeboat disaster. It was designed and Anstruther lifeboat, RNLI. Donald painted by Geoff R. Ramm and hand made Jack has been the motor mechanic at by Reed Millican and Co., Gateshead. Anstruther since 1950, before which he had been, first, assistant motor mech- anic, in 1946, and then part time mechanic, 1946 to 1950. (Left) A knot board for HQ museum, Poole, Women of Kent presented to Captain Nigel Dixon (I.) by Arthur Hull comes with the goodwill of The 'Women of Kent' have decided everyone at ATV Network Studios, Boreham to adopt the lifeboat service as their Wood. The knots were made by Tom Riley, a charity for 1978, and Lady Norton, a security officer, the frame by Peter Pincrole, member of the Committee of Manage- a carpenter in the studios, and the plague by Tom Lilley and the staff of the technical ment, has been invited to be one of workshops. three speakers at their luncheon in May. The theme of the speeches will be 'Worse things have happened at sea'. Disbandment For two years the Sewerage Rate To improve communications Advisory Group campaigned for the for D class ILBs, Ron Caldi- abolition of sewerage rates to properties cott (/.), electronics surveyor/ not connected with main sewers. At the maintenance, and Pete Young, successful conclusion of the campaign electronics surveyor, have pro- duced a portable, waterproof the group was disbanded. After re- and unsinkable version of the funding a large proportion of donations Pye Westminster VHP radio. received from members and covering all It is hoped that 25 sets will be costs, a balance of £503 remained; this assembled this summer, with a has been donated to the RNLI. further 20 to follow.

Northerly Storm - Spring Wells: Lifeboat inaccessible; ILB house the boathouse and a fortnight later a total loss. Mike Pennell returned with members of Tides Walton: Lifeboat removed to backwater the crew to retrieve the winch engine; it moorings. Pier severely damaged. was brought down the slipway on rollers, Clacton: Lifeboat launched to Brightling- (from page 121) sea moorings after severe damage to and loaded into a stripped-out ILB boathouse tipping cradle. ILB house which was towed to Margate harbour. abbreviated log preceded a day of and pier damaged. While the full brunt of the storm had inspection and damage assessment for C'romer, Wells and Sheringbam: Boat- been felt in the Eastern Division, the all coastal staff in the area. The divi- house doors and electrics damaged or North Eastern Division had had its sional inspector of lifeboats for the destroyed. troubles, too, particularly at Humber South East, Lieut-Commander Michael Aldeburgh and Walmer: Heavy shingle station on Spurn Point. Humber's Woodroffe, was diverted to carry out a deposits obstructing launching and Arun lifeboat had dragged her moorings survey of Margate boathouse while needing many hours of work before and the roadway out to the point had Michael Fennel 1 completed the tour of both stations were fully operational. been breached, isolating the full-time North Norfolk—a tour which ended at Margate boathouse was inspected by crew and their families in their remote Gorleston in time to meet the lifeboat DI(SE) and a representative of Lewis cottages. Electricity, telephone and crew returning from a 17-hour search in and Duvivier, consulting engineers to the water were cut off, and it was some time appalling conditions, only to spend just RNLI, with the fullest co-operation of before cables and mains could be over an hour on engine repairs with the RAF Mansion SAR unit. The next day, repaired; for about a fortnight the district engineer, Adrian Whatling, and January 13, Michael Woodroffe and a only source of fresh water was from fleet mechanic, Steven Betson, before crew were winched down to the severely water carts. There was damage, too, to re-launching on a further 18-hour damaged house to launch ON 888, the the slipways at both Scarborough and service to another commercial vessel. 46' 9" Watson lifeboat North Foreland Seaham stations. Further checks around the division, (Civil Service No. 11), at 1330—an Nevertheless, it was a miraculous which runs from Skegness in the north extremely hazardous operation which record that despite all the structural to Walmer in the south, confirmed a ensured the safety of the lifeboat. All damage of the storms, not one lifeboat considerable list of damage: moveable equipment was salvaged from incurred damage.

124 The Lucky Dip

EDINBURGH'S PERMANENT LIFEBOAT SHOP, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN 'IN BUSINESS' FOR TEN YEARS

by Joyce Dunford

A typical busy Saturday afternoon photographed by Jonathan Lasson.

MANY ARE THE WAYS of raising money Where does the stock all come from ? Mrs Braithwaite does not like to make for the RNLI, but one of the most 'Through word of mouth mostly. We too many rules for her teams of volun- unusual is the Edinburgh shop, rightly have never advertised—only to put in a teers, as it is essential to keep a happy named 'The Lucky Dip', which proudly note in the newspapers at Christmas to spirit going. One rule is that no reduc- sailed past a £50,000 profit mark recently thank everyone for their help during the tions should be made over the counter, after ten years of increasingly pros- year. But the news that we need things but even that has been bent a little perous existence as a full time money to sell gets round among RNLI members, sometimes. 'There is a healthy com- spinner. In its first year it made over and our customers and passers-by. What petitive spirit between rotas. One likes £2,000 and by last year climbed to we really love is a house to clear! We to feel it does better than another, and around £9,000. How is it possible to set hear of someone who is moving, or has ways of selling have to be left a little to up a shop like this and, in a city where a relative who has died, and a mass of the individual.'' there are many similar ventures for other articles of all kinds—clothing and bric-a- Another useful hint is to look for charities, run it with such enormous brac and kitchen things—can come to us particular markets. Handmade lace is success? this way.' sometimes handed in but not much in The ladies' guild in Edinburgh is Kitchen needs, they find, are par- demand, so the helpers looked for responsible for the operation and Mrs ticularly good sellers; articles like old someone to whom it might be useful Pauline Hodge, its honorary secretary, refrigerators, gas stoves, vacuum and discovered a shop where individual took me to meet Mrs Agnes Braithwaite, cleaners, and pots and pans sell ex- clothes were made. They sold some to the shop convenor, at the tiny premises tremely well. Strangely, children's the owner for £25. Where clothes are the guild rents in a not very prosperous clothes are sometimes difficult to move virtually unsaleable, buttons and zips part of the city. It is an excellent choice, but there is a lOp rail 'where anything are removed and sold separately, however, since it is within a mile's which has hung around too long is put\ woollens going to dealers to be sold by radius of the heart of Edinburgh's How about pricing ? Mrs Braithwaite the pound. Princes Street, and includes houses does this with a team of five others Now for some of the technical details where all ages and income groups live. when they sort out the clothing after of setting up shop. When the shop was It is impossible to sort out from which shop opening hours, grading it accord- started, the office bearers of the guild brackets the givers and the buyers ing to condition, fashion and cleanli- signed a deed of covenant to donate the come—quite often they are the same ness. Until it became too costly, they entire profits to the RNLI, so that people who give and buy. sent the clothes to be cleaned but now income tax, which has to be paid at the Mrs Hodge and Mrs Braithwaite, they find that customers prefer to buy current rate in Edinburgh, can be both great enthusiasts, were happy to an article cheaper and have it cleaned reclaimed in full by the RNLI at Poole. give guide lines for others who might themselves if they wish. For bric-a-brac The shop also has a 50 per cent reduction consider setting up similar shops in their they have the services of a few people in rates, as being run for charity. The areas. 'You must have enthusiasm for who have special knowledge and can landlords are 'generous and understand- the job and a good keen staff,'' is Mrs give—free of charge!—advice as to how ing people who, when our lease is Braithwaite's first maxim. Of her 30 much an article might fetch. renewed every three years, give us very helpers, half have been with her since Which led us to talk of 'the thrill of favourable increased terms'. The ex- the shop was opened in December 1967, the find'. There have been several finds penses are confined to rent, rates, which says a lot for her as well as for at 'The Lucky Dip'. One well-remem- electricity and insurance. them. Most are in the fifties and sixties bered find is a round brooch which Mrs Braithwaite lists the values of age group, housewives with more spare looked as if it might sell for a few pence, the shop as at least five-fold. It makes time than they once had, or retired but, on closer inspection, might be of money for the RNLI—witness the business women. 'We are said to be a some value. This was taken to an £50,000 profit. It provides a place for nation of small shopkeepers' she says, Edinburgh jeweller who gives his people to unload their unwanted 'and certainly people seem to adore services, and by an extraordinary articles. On the Jack Spratt basis, coming here to help." coincidence he found that it was one people can buy things for themselves Helpers work on a two and a half to he had made himself. He gave £40 for it. which they otherwise would not be three hour shift in teams of three, one Another time a charm bracelet was able to afford. Those helping in the team for the morning and another in handed in with a very dirty bundle of shop enjoy doing so, and know that the afternoon. The shop is open every clothes, and it was found that every they are wanted. Finally, it spreads the day except Sundays—though Mrs charm was of 9 carat gold! Silver tea- name of the RNLI and its work. Braithwaite and four helpers often spoons often turn up and are sent to No wonder they are proud of their go in on Sundays as well as one day local auction rooms. So it is necessary venture, and only too glad if anyone during the week to sort out stock which to be on the watch for special articles else would like to give them that best has accumulated during that time. of this kind. form of flattery—imitation. 125 International Boat Show EARL'S COURT, LONDON, JANUARY 5 TO 15 RECORDS AGAIN BROKEN AT RNLI STAND by Heather Deane Assistant Public Relations Officer, RNLI

THE SOUND OF BAGPIPES proclaimed the note!) into their collecting boxes, which Scottish theme of this year's Inter- finally resulted in over £900 for RNLI national Boat Show and further evidence funds. was conveyed by the swirling kilts, the Branch and guild members manned lure of highland holidays and quantities the souvenir stand and sold lottery of Scottish £1 notes in the tills. tickets while young ladies from the St The RNLI stand, well situated on the James Secretarial College worked on a main thoroughfare from the pool, was rota basis to sell lottery tickets through- the scene of great activity. out the duration of the show. This year, the chief exhibit was SPIDOT Small wonder that with all these con- from Littlestone-on-Sea, described in certed efforts this year's show broke the last issue of THE LIFEBOAT, complete financial records, too, by taking nearly with an Atlantic 21. Always on hand £10,000 from the sale of souvenirs, were volunteers from lifeboat crews, lottery tickets and donations in collect- Lord Mayor of London, Sir Peter Vanneck, ready to explain the merits of the self- ing boxes kindly displayed by other who opened the show, chats to Mrs Charles powered launching trolley and answer exhibitors. Hunting Simpson (c.) and Mrs Peter Grace, chairman, Central London Committee. The questions from interested onlookers. The success, however, can be judged ladies, manning the souvenir stall, are seen There was a visual display unit in more than monetary terms. There 'modelling' the RNLI's popular PVC aprons installed by Computer Management were for instance many visitors to the Group which enabled newly enrolled stand including the United States Shoreline members to see their names Ambassador, Dr Kingman Brewster, being linked into the Onex computer and the Lord Mayor of London, Sir system, and volunteers, many of them Peter Vanneck, who opened the Boat 'old hands' by now, broke existing Show. Miss Great Britain, Susan records by enrolling over 900 new Hempel, boosted the sale of lottery members. tickets and autographed calendars when A print entitled 'The Lynmouth she visited the stand on the first Satur- Lifeboat Service to the Forrest Hall, day and Sunday of the show. Mrs 1899', by Mark Myers, was also on Margaret Thatcher bought tea towels public display for the first time. and lottery tickets one afternoon, while An attractive range of souvenirs was Edward Heath, visiting the following day, on sale to complete the scene, and if all renewed acquaintances from previous this wasn't enough to attract the crowds, years. Frank, Joe and Topper, three old Radio 2 and 4 broadcast interviews Three hard-working supporters each receive a donation for the RNLI, and encouragement friends from the Royal Chelsea Hospital, from the stand with Ken Boardman, from Mrs Margaret Thatcher, Leader of the drew colourful attention to the stand. honorary secretary of the Littlestone-on- Opposition: Chelsea Pensioners (I. to r.) Indeed, few passers-by could resist their Sea branch, and Lieutenant Alan Tate, Frank Elverson, Topper Brown and Joe persuasive appeal to put a coin (or a operational assistant to the chief of Marriott, who between them collected more operations of the RNLI. than £900 at the show. The activity spread to the pool for a diary of presentations. On Friday January 6, a £30,000 cheque from the Wolverhampton lifeboat appeal was presented to the chairman of the Institution, Major-General Farrant, by Malcolm Timmins, chairman of Wolver- hampton branch. The money will go

The presentation o)'public relations statuettes was made by the Duke of Atholl, seen above (I.) with Mrs Stanley Herbert, who received the statuette awarded posthumously to her husband, and Peter Hadfield. (Right) The other two recipients were Richard Evans, ex-coxswain of Moelfre (/.), and Sir Alec Rose. (Left) Crew members from Beaumaris were there to honour their neighbour, Richard Evans. 126 Three canoeists who, last year, made the first ever canoe expedition by coastal and inland waters from John O' Groats to Lands End, present a cheque for £500 to John Lunch, a member of the Committee of Management, at the centre Midland Bank prepares for pay-in of the Parker Pen four foot long tlflOO cheque pool. (I. t. r.) John Lunch, Paul Grigg, David Evans and in the shape of RMS Queen Elizabeth. (/. to r.) James Matter, director, Parker Simon Chivers. The cheque, in the shape of a canoe, is Pen Company, Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Compston, chairman, RNLI Fund Raising money raised as sponsorship on the 1,000-mile trip—a trip Committee, Michael Knight, manager Midland Bank (Boat Show) and two of which earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records. his staff.

Major-General Ralph Farrant, chairman, RNLI, accepts cheque for £30,000 to provide an Atlantic 21 and boat- house for Abersochfrom Malcolm Timmins, chairman, Wolverhamp- ton branch. Looking on: (I. to r.) Councillor Ted Mitchell, appeal chair- man, Tony Guy, Wolver- hampton branch presi- Discussing the merits of their Atlantic 21 dent, Barrie McGill, and SPIDOT launching trolley with Edward Abersoch crew member Heath are two members of Littlestone-on- and Bob Proudlock, Sea ILB crew, Charlie Davies and Paul Reed. appeal secretary.

towards an Atlantic 21 and her boat- a cheque from a contingent of 22 its well-appointed lounge and bar for the house at Abersoch. Belgians who wished to become Shore- purpose of providing hospitality to On the following Monday, Alan line members. The cheque represented guests, either before or following pre- Hughes of the 18+ Club presented a the joint subscriptions of 40 Belgians. sentations. Since many guests have often cheque for £2,500 for an ILB to Lady On January 12 the Duke of Atholl, travelled a considerable distance to Norton, of the Committee of Manage- a deputy chairman of the RNLI, pre- attend the show, this facility is of real ment of the RNLI. The next day a sented statuettes of lifeboatmen for benefit and is greatly appreciated. cheque for £500 in the shape of a canoe outstanding services to the Institution Apart from the AGM, which is a more was presented to John Lunch of the in the field of public relations. The formal occasion, rarely can such a large Committee of Management by Paul recipients included Sir Alec Rose, cross section of lifeboat crews, voluntary Grigg, one of the three canoeists who round-the-world yachtsman, and workers, supporters, senior officials and had taken part in a sponsored canoe Richard Evans, BEM, former coxswain members of permanent staff come trip from John O'Groats to Lands End. of the Moelfre lifeboat and the only together to work for the common cause. This was the first canoe trip of its kind man alive to hold two gold medals for Amid the busy atmosphere of crowds, and is to go into the Guinness Book of gallantry. Both these gentlemen are persuasive selling and cheerful goodwill Records. much in demand as public speakers at there are no formalities, no barriers— A day later, Vice-Admiral Sir Peter RNLI events. Mrs Stanley Herbert one cannot help feeling that Sir William Compston, chairman of the Fund received a statuette awarded post- Hillary would approve. Raising Committee of the RNLI, humously to her late husband for all the This year's stand manager was Jack received a £1,000 cheque from James help he gave to the RNLI in connection Chambers—ably assisted by Ray Moller, director of the Parker Pen Com- with the Midlands Boat Show. Finally Kipling. The efficient organisation and pany. The four-foot cheque was in the Peter Hadfield, a young photographic the happy atmosphere which emanated shape of RMS Queen Elizabeth and the student, received the award for pro- from our stand throughout the show money came from the sale of pens viding the Institution over a number of can be attributed to a great extent to made from brass recovered from a port- years with many fine photographs as a these two hard-working gentlemen. hole of Queen Elizabeth which was voluntary contribution. Fifteen lifeboat Sadly, it was Jack's last Boat Show, for destroyed by fire in 1972. crew members from Beaumaris had after nearly 50 years of service with the Nick Carter, assistant to the chief planned their visit to the Boat Show to RNLI he retires later this year. ranger of the Ancient Order of Foresters, coincide with this presentation, which You have set us a fine example to presented a cheque for £5,000 towards was their special tribute to their follow, Jack, and I am sure you will pay the Shoreline lifeboat appeal to John 'neighbour', Richard Evans. us a visit next year to see that we con- Atterton, deputy director of the In- The Midland Bank has given the tinue the good work and break new stitution, and Mr Atterton later received RNLI, for many Boat Shows, access to records. 127 Here and There

in chapters, beautifully hand written and illustrated with great imagination, the book starts with an author's intro- duction. '/ am doing this project on the lifeboat because I think the people are very brave and have courage to go out D. W. Pyle, vice- in all weathers to save people's lives' chairman of Church writes Katie. '/ will try to find out as Stretton branch, re- much as I can on this subject and I will ceives a cheque for enjoy doing it.' That's the spirit! £250 from the spon- sored swimmers of * * * the town's Amateur Sometimes a story has a particularly Swimming Club. good ending. In 1976 the appeals department of the RNLI organised a SUPPORT CONTINUES TO COME in from 'The Shore Fishing Game'. It is avail- competitive schools project, the two Amateur Swimming Association clubs able on LP or cassette from AML winners of which were offered a passage for our appeal to organise sponsored Engineers (Teesside) Ltd., Longbeck from the Clyde to Plymouth in HM swims to raise funds for the RNLI. To Estate, Marske-by-the-Sea, Redcar, frigate Jupiter. One of the winners, help clubs who arrange their pro- Cleveland, price £1.99 plus 25p postage Richard Evans of Clevedon, accepted grammes well in advance the swim can and packing. Profits will help towards the invitation, and after his trip, last be arranged at any time over the next an ILB. August, sent Commander Ted Pritchard, five years. For 1978, in England, * * * appeals secretary, a copy of the account Scotland and Wales, we have already In order to complete a collection of he wrote of his weekend afloat. From had offers from 41 clubs and two clubs RNLI official first day covers which is this lively, comprehensive document, are arranging special swimming galas. used for fund-raising displays, E. N. illustrated with photographs and A similar appeal is being made in Smith, honorary treasurer of Littlestone- diagrams, it is obvious that the right Ireland. on-Sea ILB station, would like to buy opportunity had come to the right boy; Many swimming clubs have gener- No. 1 of the series. Can anyone help? he had made the very most of the ously sent donations and we are Mr Smith's address is 81 Rolfe Lane, experience, throwing himself into life on receiving the results of sponsored swims New Romney, Kent. board, learning everything he could and already held; for instance, £250 from enjoying it all to the full. It all came to Church Stretton ASC and £75 from an end too quickly for Richard: 'My Warminster and District ASC. A new issue of the Welsh lifeboat two days had gone in a blur of excitement magazine, Lifeboat Wales '78, is now • * * and interest', he wrote. '/ will never available, price 20p plus 20p postage, forget HMS Jupiter, the officers and crew Bristow Helicopters Ltd., in their from the Welsh District Office, The support of North Sea rescue services, who made a dream come true for me, Exchange, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff and a weekend I will always remember' have generously donated £750 to pay CF1 6ED. for air-band radio equipment in both * * * the Aberdeen and Lerwick lifeboats. When set the school task of producing The photograph of the dedication of * * * a project, Katie Place of Sunbury-on- Tenby's new ILB house in the winter A second recording has been made Thames, chose the RNLI as her subject issue of THE LIFEBOAT was published by by Marske Fishermen's Choir, called —and made a fine job of it. Presented courtesy of Squibbs' Studios, Tenby.

Taking to the road: (Below, left) Dennis Oates, appeal secretary of East Ham branch, has painted a lifeboat scene on his Dodge van, which he uses for all branch functions. (Below, right) Jeffery Dyson, a signaller in Rhyl crew (r), with the help of Bill Rathbone (I.) painted lifeboats all round his Morris convertible—Rhyl's Har-Lil taking pride of place on the offside; Mr Dyson won second prize in Prestatyn carnival last year with his car, which he drives around Rhyl in the course of his work every day—photograph by courtesy of Rhyl Journal and Advertiser. (Right) Before Len Vaughan, a Barmouth crew member (I.) and his navigator John Morris-Jones of Dyffryn set out on the 200-mile Castrol International Rally through Wales last October, they resprayed their Morris in lifeboat colours and painted an RNLI flag on the bonnet: all sorts of people and firms sponsored them in aid of the lifeboat service, and, completing the course, they raised over {.450.

128 Painting

'The Lynmouth Lifeboat Service 1899'

WHICH FOLLOWED THE 'OVERLAND LAUNCH'

by Mark R. Myers, RSMA

MY INTEREST IN PAINTING an incident that by Tom Bevan and Coxswain G. S. land route before arranging a trip in from the famous Lynmouth lifeboat Richards, published in THE LIFEBOAT in local lobster fisherman Paul Lawrence's service to Forrest Hall goes back to the 1933, but other sources added more boat. I had just learned from one time when I was boatswain in the little information about Forrest Hall, and her source that Forrest Hall's anchors had square-rigged replica of Nonsuch ketch. tug Jane Joliffe, Louisa, the weather on finally held just past the five fathom We were on passage from Falmouth to that day, and so forth. line off Hurtstone Point, so armed Bristol in February, 1970, when, as I had plenty of information on with old charts and pilotbooks and we approached Breaksea Lightship at Forrest Hall but no photograph until Paul's special knowledge of the bay we midnight, a fierce easterly gale sprang up eventually I traced one to a museum. found the site and sketched and photo- and blew us back towards Lundy, Then I found another photograph of graphed it thoroughly. pelted by snow and spray. All that night one of her fleet mates taken in 1898 Back at home, it was time to use all and the next day we lay hove-to, riding which provided the necessary indication the information I had collected by the seas gamely enough but wondering as to how she was painted and minor starting to paint. First came sky, with where we should fetch up should the changes in rigging detail at the time she its racing, lowering clouds just touched gale continue. Although the wind then fetched up in Porlock Bay. by the pale morning sunlight. Then howled from a different quarter, this Finding a reliable picture of the life- the sea, thundering past the crippled was the same situation which faced the boat proved even more difficult. I knew ship and piling up on the grim rocks of crew of Forrest Hall after she broke that she was a 34' self-righter with the Hurtstone. Finally came Louisa and away from her tug on the afternoon of 7' 6" beam, pulling ten oars and built her tired crew and the gaunt, grey January 12, 1899; and the same appal- by Woolfe at Shadwell in 1887. shape of Forrest Hall, straining at her ling weather lashed the men of Lyn- Then, just before completing the picture, cables. mouth, too, as they decided to launch I came across a rare old photograph of And then, with the last detail painted their 34' lifeboat Louisa. It was plainly Louisa. and checked, I sat back and hoped that impossible to use their tiny harbour, The final task before painting was a I had done those men of Lynmouth and so the famous 'overland launch' pleasant one: to get out into Porlock justice. They deserved a memorial began. Bay and study and sketch the scene of grander than of painted canvas, and The story of that service, and action. I drove from Lynmouth to this they have, in the living fame of especially the long trek over the moors Porlock, retracing the lifeboat's over- their achievement. to Porlock, is too well known to be repeated here. Suffice it to say that I chose the lesser known part—the labours The artist's sketch chart of Porlock Bay, showing Louisa's track. of Louisa's crew out in the bay—as the subject for my picture. My first task was to find out exactly what happened, and how the boat, ship and coast had looked at the time. The best factual account I found was

The RNLI appeal print, illustrated above, measures 29\" X 25J" overall with an image size of 22\" x /Sf" and is printed in a limitededtion of 850 at £48 each, individually signed by Mark Myers and stamped by the Fine Arts Trade Guild. Of these, 25 will be 'remarque' prints where the artist will accompany his signature with a pencil sketch in the margin, costing an extra £20. When all prints are sold a draw, with all purchasers participating, will take place. The winner will receive a free water colour painting of his own boat or any marine subject by Mark Myers. Full information from Manuscript Ltd., RNLI appeal, PO Box No. I, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL 14 4LG. 129 enrolled straight on to the computer. We were also able to deal with queries from existing members as they arose and, I am pleased to say, as a result of this facility several increased their subscriptions and signed the deed of covenant. * * * It has been my practice in the past Shoreline few issues to give details of the activities of some of our Shoreline members in the campaign to raise funds towards our new lifeboat and, therefore, continuing Section in the same vein, before Christmas three AN ALL-TIME RECORD was chalked up in of our members, Annette Cox, Celia January by Shoreline at the London Ivamy and Roger Smith, part of the Boat Show RNLI stand. During the Dorset Brass Quire, went out carol 11 days of the show 907 new members singing and raised £26.43 for our funds. signed on: 25 life governors, 80 gover- There are eight members in the full nors, 306 family members and 496 group but unfortunately they could not ordinary full members. This is a 200 all get time off. Well done and many increase over last year, an achievement thanks to the three of you. which certainly would not have been Another group who support us are the members of the Deep Sea Fishing possible without my band of honorary Earls Court: Peter Holness (r) shows Mrs workers who gave up their time to help. Section of the Moortown Social Club in Leeds. At a recent charity concert Margaret Thatcher Shorelines CMG visual All credit must go to them for their display computer link on the RNLI stantl. enthusiasm—and with that goes the organised at the club a cheque for On that day it was being operated by Linda great appreciation of Shoreline for their £104.14 to boost the Shoreline fund Powell of Shoreline office. efforts. was presented to our area organiser, The most encouraging feature of this Harry Weston. Our appreciation to you that we have now passed the £100,000 all; keep up the good work. very good start to 1978 is the popularity * * * mark and the fund is still growing of the new family membership. While steadily. I hope soon to be able to give on this subject, we hope to have in On a different note, as you are aware, you a definite location of our boat and stock, in the very near future, anorak we are always looking for ways by some idea of when launching will take badges for our younger members; which Shoreline members can benefit place. Well done to you all, but please details will be circulated as soon as from their membership when purchasing try to keep the 'recruitment' in full possible. equipment. We are pleased to announce swing. Let us try to pass the magical It is also interesting to note that the that RFD Mills Equipment Ltd, 88 figure of 50.000 members this year. overall value from covenanted sub- Cattershall Lane, Godalming, Surrey We started the year off with a bang scriptions made at the Boat Show this (Tel. Godalming 4122), are prepared to at the Boat Show and 1 am certain that, year will bring in £1,500 per year from offer 10 per cent discount on the Hay- with your help as in the past, anything tax concessions, once again proving how ward Safety Harness. Price for the is possible. important it is to ask 'new recruits' to adult orange nylon webbing model is * * * sign the covenant part of our member- £15.95 and for the child's nylon webbing As the boating season is fast approach- ship form. model is £10.50. If you are interested in ing may I take this opportunity of This year, for the first time, we had a purchasing these items would you please wishing you all good weather, enjoyable visual display unit in use on the Boat write to RFD direct quoting your mem- and safe sailing in 1978.—PETER HOLNESS, Show stand. It was lent to us free of bership number. membership secretary, RNLI, West Quay charge by CMG and enabled my staff to * * * Road, Poole, Dorset, BHJ5 1HZ (Tel. insert new members as they were News of our Shoreline lifeboat is Poole 71133).

To: SHORELINE, RNLI, WEST QUAY, POOLE, DORSET, BH15 1HZ. I should like to be a part of such a worthwhile voluntary cause bj' becoming a SHORELINE member of the lif sboat service and joining the Institution as: A Life Member and Life Governor: minimum donation £60, Below are the various including journal items you are entitled to A Member and Governor: minimum annual subscription £10, wear or fly as a member including journal of SHORELINE A Full Member: minimum annual subscription £3, Member's tie (Terylene) £2.00 including journal Lady's brooch £0.50 Family Membership: minimum annual subscription £5, including Metal car badge £2.50 journal Tie tack £1.00 8* hoist Hag £1.50 SHORELINE LIFEBOAT 12" hoist Hag £2.25 Dinghy burgee £1.50

Total subscription Insignia payment

Slw 'dine Giro number is 294 7056 NAME I ei close P Of cheque j cash for £ .... ADDRESS Dale Sigilalim

130 Building a Rother Class Lifeboat

PART VII: BUILDING UP

THE VAST OPEN SPACES of the hull seen the beams which carry the after interior gradually disappear as work cockpit deck. Two are solid mahogany continues at William Osborne's yard on and the remainder are formed by 12 mm the internal structure of the 37' 6" ply floors with 1J" mahogany fillets Rother class lifeboat which will be either side. Note once again the large RNLB Shoreline. ventilation holes necessary if the wooden In the winter issue there was a hull is to remain in good heart and free photograph of work beginning on the from dry rot. In the winter issue foundations of the engine room. Figs. mention was made of the laminated 1 and 2 show how this work is pro- pad built up to strengthen the hull Engine room. Fig. 1 (above) Tank top has gressing. At the bottom of Fig. 1 can where holes would have to be cut for been fitted between starboard engine bearers, forming top of starboard watertight double be seen the floors in the wing compart- the cockpit deck relieving trunks; bottom, and plywood floors (pierced with ments which carry the engine room these rectangular trunks can now be ventilation holes) have been fitted in wing tank top; they are of 12 mm ply, with seen in place, three each side. compartments. Fig. 2 (below) Work is \\" square mahogany fillets at their While work on the wooden structure complete. top edges—note the large air ventilation continues at William Osborne's, in a holes. Fig. 2 shows the work completed. former Fleet Air Arm hangar at the old The tank tops between each pair of Ford Airfield, a few miles away, G. H. engine bearers in fact form the top of Cunningham are constructing the the double bottom, watertight in two aluminium shelter. When finished, it halves, port and starboard. All steel will be subjected to an x-ray examina- work, after fitting, has to be taken out tion, which would pick up any fault in again and galvanised before it is finally the welded joints, as well as a visual fixed in place. examination by an RNLI hull overseer, Figs. 3 and 4 show further stages in before being brought to Littlehampton. work to the after well. In Fig. 4 can be (To be continued)

After cockpit well: Fig. 3 (left) Beams and, Fig. 4 (right) side decks are fitted. Straight run back of after end of cartings, inboard of side decks, will take sliding wheelhouse doors. All spaces under beams will be filled with shaped, buoyant polyurethane blocks.

necessary repairs to them; of the wheel- The life of an inspector of lifeboats Postscript... wright, for he must examine the lifeboat is in many ways an arduous one ... but (from page 119) carriages, and be sure of their condition there are many compensatory advant- for transporting the boat over rough ages ... he makes many friends, some the final fruition of this modern policy. and uneven ground; of the builder, in of whom he keeps for life. Of these none I recall a conversation I had with order to examine and report on any stands out more conspicuously in my Cunninghame-Graham in the early days defect in the lifeboat houses; of the civil memory than the various coxswains of of my lifeboat career, when he said, engineer, that he may do the same for lifeboats whom I have met round the 'It is not small boats, as at present, the slipways; of the marine engineer, coast. The pick of a picked body of men, stationed in the bights, but large ones when he is inspecting a steam lifeboat; they combine the simplicity of character in the horns of the bays which the of the motor mechanic, for motor life- of the fisherman with the moral qualities future will see'.. .. boats; of the accountant, as he has to which go to make leaders of men. Was The perfect inspector of lifeboats examine the branch accounts, and see it not on just such that the great choice should be a man of many parts. First that they are properly kept; of the fell in Galilee of old?.. and foremost, he must, of course, be a orator, for he must on occasion speak seaman; but he must add some know- in public on behalf of the Institution; Captain Hall was writing at the beginning of ledge of the art of the boatbuilder in and lastly, a little of the writer's craft 1920. Types of boat, details of administration order adequately to report on the state must be thrown on the heap, if his re- may change, but the life and traditions of the of the boats he inspects, and on any ports are to be lucid.... service are surely ageless.—THE EDITOR

131 114), not only competed in the racing, ladies' guild. She was awarded a silver Lifeboat People even in heavy weather, but finished a badge in 1960, a statuette in 1965 and creditable eighteenth overall. a gold badge in 1977. * * * AFTER THE SERVICE on December 1 of St October Peter Port lifeboat to Natali, which One of the new magistrates recently Ted Herring, who had worked for transports Guernsey shellfish to San- appointed to Scarborough bench is the lifeboat service for about 30 years, tander, the vessel's owners, Mariscos Victor R. Goodson, who, since an ILB first as a lifeboat week collector and Del Cantabrico, entertained all mem- went on station at Filey in 1966, has then as a founder member and honorary bers of the station's crew and their been a member of her crew. box secretary of Portsdown branch. He wives, together with representatives of Further down the coast, John also served on The Hampshire Rose and other organisations which had helped Crossland, motor mechanic of Flam- Eastney appeal committees. when the boat was in distress, to dinner borough lifeboat, has been elected to at Cobo Bay Hotel. During the evening Flamborough Parish Council. December Peter Wright, agent for Natali, presented * * * George Tart, coxswain of Dungeness a cheque for £150 to Jurat B. G. A presentation was made to Mrs M. lifeboat from 1947 to 1965 and bowman Blampied, chairman of the branch. Saunders when, last autumn, she retired at the No. 2 station from 1926 to 1939. He was awarded the bronze medal in * * * as treasurer of Blyth ladies' guild after On rare occasions the YW Dayboat more than 40 years service to Blyth 1956, and the thanks of the Institution Class awards a special seamanship station. Mrs Saunders, held in great inscribed on vellum in 1962. trophy for an outstanding feat of boat esteem and affection by all who worked January handling. Last year, at its national alongside her, still remains an active William Freeman, the sole survivor championship at Brixham, the award committee member. of the 1939 St Ives lifeboat disaster. was made to Chris Hughes, who, * * * February despite injury sustained to his hand on It is with deep regret that we announce George Povah, assistant motor service in Padstow lifeboat (see page the following deaths: mechanic of Rhyl lifeboat from 1939 June to 1965, since which time he remained Robert Young, coxswain of Cloughey- one of the station's most loyal and Portavogie lifeboat from 1936 to 1949 respected supporters. He was awarded and bowman from 1932 to 1935. He the thanks of the Institution inscribed was awarded the silver medal in 1939. on vellum in 1962. July Mrs J. Reid, who was vice-chairman Edward Verrill, coxswain of Whitby of Peterhead station branch and pulling lifeboat from 1952 to 1958 and president, until 1974, of Peterhead second coxswain from 1946 to 1952. Hayling Island crew members, ^MH helpers and supporters at work on the crocodile float they entered in Hayling Island's 1977 carnival. It took second prize in its class.

To mark the retirement of John Owen, who had been honorary secretary of Rhyl for 25 years following 22 years previous service, Rhyl motor mechanic, Peter Adams, named the model 48' 6" Solent lifeboat he had made John M. Owen and put it on display on the promenade for lifeboat day. (I. to r.) John Owen, Peter Adams, Michaela Adams and Mrs Elsie Owen. photograph by courtesy of Rhyl Journal and Advertiser Presentation of North Sunderland station branch's 150th anniversary vellum was made last November by the Duke of Northumberland (r. of vellum) at a gathering of crew, branch and guild members at Hamburgh Castle Hotel, Seahouses. The vellum was received by Coxswain Robert Douglas (I. of vellum). photograph by courtesy of George Skipper Photography, Alnwick.

A move to Tunbridge Wells last year meant retirement from Orpington branch for Norman Crumble who had been its chairman since its foundation in 1949 and who is also a member of the Fund Raising Committee. On behalf of the branch Ivor Stanbrooke, Mpfor Orpington, (r.), together with his wife, presented an inscribed shield to Norman and Janet Crumbie (I.). photograph by courtesy of Orpington Times 132 (Some

Ploughing matches with vintage tractors was the idea of Gordon Bell, honorary secretary of Kilrea branch, Northern Ireland. The first, held in 1976, raised £.104, but unfortunately heavy rain in 1977 meant very few spectators so that, in spite of the efforts of members of the Ulster Traction Engine Club, only £50 was raised. Jim Scott, of Moneymore, is seen on his way to winning the trail plough class in 1977. photography by courtesy of Stephen Armstrong

raised £2,000 with its flag day, cheese and wine party, fashion show, coffee morning and secondhand sales. Yet Time and time again comes the news another small branch, Parbold in that a branch or guild has passed all its Lancashire, raised £1,763; to the money previous achievements. There is Swansea raised by their own efforts was added which, with special efforts for Jubilee an unexpected bequest of £1,000 by the year, raised a record of £3,214. Then, will of the late Henry Sullivan, a local at Lymington, the branch and guild man who had served in the Royal Navy. reached £6,152, a 60 per cent increase on last year; it included the money Neil Anderson, a 13-year-old Sea raised to pay for the propellers for the Cadet, helped Lowestoft ladies' guild to new Yarmouth lifeboat ('We provided reach its 1977 target of £5,000. He the propellers', said branch treasurer Rex started his work for lifeboats two years Reddrop at their AGM, 'and all they ago with sales from his back garden. had to do was to put a lifeboat on the Their success led to a more ambitious Margaret Mitchell, wife of a Fleet branch idea; he hired the hall used by Sea committee member, leaves raising money to front and they were away!'). At Cotting- her cat, Perdita. Instead of selling Perdita's ham, a small ladies' guild achieved Cadets to stage a public fete and, helped kittens, Mrs Mitchell asks new owners to £1,400 and is out to increase that by his family, raised £135. Another make a donation to the RNLI. amount in the coming year. At another individual effort was made by a com- photograph by courtesy of Aldershot small inland town, Driffield ladies' guild mittee member; she donated to guild Weekend News

An original cartoon by Mac of the Daily Mail was one of the lots at St David's ladies' guild held an aide tyme music hall at Warpool Truro branch's celebrity auction at New Tregye Hotel, Carnon Court Hotel on February 1, attended by about 200 people, most of Downs, last September, Some 200 letters written to famous people them in splendid period costume. A glittering evening of song, dance resulted in 84 buttons for auction. A catalogue gave the donor and and mirth was under the chairmanship of Brian Harris of Tregydd, history of each button and lots were put under the hammer by and during the interval a buffet supper was served at the candle-lit auctioneer Tim Hamilton. Cufflinks from President Sadat went for tables by guild members. There were raffles and competitions for the £40; a button from the Empress of Iran for £38; a pug button from best dressed lady and gentleman, won by Miss E. Beynon andB. Bland the Duchess of Windsor for £.51 and two buttons from the uniform of respectively. The pianists throughout the entertainment were Ruth the late Duke of Windsor reached £68. Davies Hendre, Ruth Barker and Emlys Murrow. At the end of a photograph by courtesy of Robert Roskrow happy evening £200 had been raised for the RNLI.

133 An RNLI stall at Cheltenham Thirteen-year-old David Morgan of charities gala market in the Scarborough became the youngest Town Hall last September person to swim the Channel when he raised £72.87. Members of completed the marathon in 11 hours 10 Cheltenham branch, with their minutes last July. The people of Scar- impressive stall and back- cloth, (I. tor.) Dennis Hughes, borough had raised £2,500 to finance Brian Lilley (chairman), Pam the venture and, at David's request, the . Proctor (honorary secretary), £1,500 which remained unused was Councillor Peter Skinner and given to Scarborough lifeboat. Great Jim Tidmarsh, courage, great generosity. photograph by courtesy of Gloucestershire Chronicle Twenty-one members of Uttoxeter ladies' guild took part in a recent 'talent' project. The target for each participant was to turn £1 into £5. Such was the enthusiasm (carol singing, nearly new sale, home-made bread, Every Christmas and Easter for ten years Southport marmalade and lemon curd, slimmers' Mummers Group (with St lunch, home printing, tea cosies, coffee George, the King of Egypt, mornings were just some of the means Beelzebub and all the others) employed) that the final total came to has toured the hostelries of £331.49, an average of more than £15 South Lancashire with its each. ancient traditional plays to collect money for the lifeboats Ainsty Factoring Co., a firm of —taking well over £100 in builders and plumbers merchants based each of the recent years. The in Malton, North Yorkshire, usually original squire, Malcolm send their customers a gift at Christmas: Howarth, has just retired, Mick Rimmer being elected a pen or diary or calendar. Last Christ- in his place. mas they decided to donate the money instead to the RNLI, telling their customers what they were doing and inviting them, if they wished, to add their Wolverhampton branch mem- own contribution. As a result a donation bers did a roaring trade in top hats (and could have sold of £250 was made to the lifeboats. a great many more) at their third annual nearly new shop During last season's cruises to last autumn. In a fortnight Madeira and the Canary Islands, passen- £2,070 was added to branch gers on board two Fred Olsen liners, funds. (I. to r.) Joan Timmins, Blenheim and Black Watch, donated Greta Proudlock, Heather the generous sum of £3,000 to charity, Whyte and Shirley Newell. and Fred Olsen Lines have presented it photograph by courtesy of to the RNLI to be used for inshore Wolverhampton Express and lifeboats. Star In the winter 1976/77 issue of THE LIFEBOAT it was reported that solo transatlantic yachtsman David Sandeman had signed 500 envelopes bearing the lip Jersey stamp com- funds a proportion of the profits on the 11 Shoreline members. Membership memorating America's bicentenary and sale of three tons of home-made marma- soon increased to 18 and a late entry had taken them with him across the lade made in just over a year. Since its was made into the Borough of Brent's Atlantic. Franked both in Jersey and formation 16 years ago Lowestoft guild September three-day annual show in Rhode Island, they were given to Jersey has raised over £34,000. Roundwood Park. The stall, manned on ladies' guild by David's father, Brian G. a rota system, raised over £400 after all Sandeman. They have now all been Willesden and District branch was expenses had been paid and enrolled disposed of and the total profit for the formed last June with a committee of 11 new Shoreline members. RNLI is £2,416.99.

As a result of tremendous enthusiam and hard work Broadstairs Pamela Black presents £75 collected by 12 children to Captain I. C. ladies' guild realised over £600 at their last autumn fayre. Chairman Bayliss, Methil harbour master and chairman of Buckhaven and Mrs L. S. Cobb is seen with her committee and two guild members Methil branch. The other helpers were Susan McGarrity, Ann behind a stall laden with handwork. Branch and guild together raised Williamson, Fiona Thomson, Gillian Carter, Kevin Carter, Brian £3,438 last year. Russell, Dawn McPhail, Ian Carry, Paul McGarrity, Nicola Sommer- photograph by courtesy of East Kent Times ville and Hilary Scott, photograph by courtesy of East Fife Mail

134 (Left) The local lifeboat entry for the cavalcade which opened Alder- ney Week 1977. Mrs N. J. Allen leads the RNLI team in Alderney, which, with an island population of about 1,750, has contributed £4,340 to Guernsey branch funds over the past three years.

Last autumn Jeff Needham (r.), a member of the Fund Raising Committee, presented a plaque to Ron Ride, a member of the River Thames branch and also of Shoreline, who has raised more than £1,400 on his premises in three years. (Below) A guess-the-weight competition run by Ley ton- photograph by courtesy of Leslie Collier stone branch at a hospital fete last summer raised £30 for the lifeboat service. 'Struggling'' to lift the bag (it night 557 games of 501 had been played weighed 6\ Ib) are two branch members, W. H. A. and no fewer than 2,020 treble 20s Peterken (I.) and A. Titmus, each with his lifeboat model, scored. Most supporters had sponsored a Watson and a Solent respectively. the players for the number of games photograph by courtesy of London and Essex Guardian played, but two men, including the Newspapers licensee, offered a penny for every treble 20 scored. Together with a raffle (all prizes given by the players), the (Above) At Penlee autumn fay re, sale of RNLI souvenirs and other collec- Nick and Sue Leslie, twin tions, £760 was raised. During the daughters of Dr D. W. L. Leslie, marathon visitors included the Mayor of chairman of the branch, kept up a Marlborough, Councillor Mrs Lilian brisk trade in Shoreline member- ship and raffle tickets. Dr Leslie Ross. gives up all his spare time to the RNLI and his double garage is so Ivybridge and District branch, which full of souvenirs and Christmas includes Cornwood, Harford, Erming- cards that there is no room for ton, Ugborough and Modbury, was cars! formed in 1975 and raised £1,007 in its photograph by courtesy of first year. The branch aims at striking S. Bennetts a happy balance between fund raising Over the past five years young people Upon hearing that a little lad of seven and enjoyment for the maximum from Godalming have raised £560 for suffering from leukaemia had made the number of people; as well as street and the RNLI. Members of the Wilfred study of lifeboats his main interest, Jack house-to-house collections, its activities Noyce Youth Centre, who have raised Groves arranged for him to visit have included a grand challenge cricket £100, are adopting Eastbourne lifeboat William Osborne's yard at Littlehamp- match at Cornwood against the Royal for their fund-raising efforts. ton and to go aboard Joy and John Western Yacht Club, a ploughman's Wade, the new Yarmouth, Isle of supper and RNLI films at Ivybridge, a Macduff ladies' guild funds received Wight, lifeboat. On coming ashore and wine and cheese garden party at a new year boost with the presentation seeing one of the Yarmouth appeal car Ermington and an open day at Harford. of a cheque for £205.15 raised from a stickers, the boy asked if he could sell darts tournament in Macduff Town some, and eventually he raised nearly In appreciation of help given by the Hall last November; the total also £6.50 in this way. Most of the stickers RNLI in keeping a watchful eye over includes £60 from the Plough Hotel were sold to doctors and nurses at the the races they organised in 1977, the which handled the catering during the hospital he visits. United Kingdom Offshore Boating tournament finals. The cheque was Association sent a donation of £50 to presented to the guild president, Mrs At 10 p.m. on Friday September 2, the Yarmouth lifeboat appeal. May West, by fisherman Percy Watt 1977,16 players from the Queen's Head, who, with Bill West and George Slater, Marlborough, started a 24-hour darts The 16 members of Roundhay ladies' organised the event. marathon. By 10 p.m. the following coffee group take it in turn to hold a coffee morning, each putting 25p in the box whether they attend or not. Pre- serves, biscuits and cakes are also sold. In 1975 and 1976 they donated £100 to Leeds ladies' guild luncheon club, but in 1977, Jubilee Year, they increased their lifeboat donation to £170.

Sallash and District branch The newly formed Spalding and man RNLJ souvenir stands at District branch held a cheese and wine various regal las and fetes during evening last November as the culmina- the summer, and are here seen tion of the pick-a-date competition it at Saltash Regatta. Souvenirs and cards are also sold before had been running. During the evening a Christmas at a local shop. With sealed envelope containing three win- a small committee of six, the ning dates chosen by HRH The Duke of branch raised £1,300 last year. Kent, president of the RNLI, was 135 opened. There was also a photographic exhibition of Edwardian and Victorian life in North Norfolk, with pictures of early lifeboats and rescues, provided by P. Stibbons of Cromer. The emphasis of the evening was on making friends rather than money, but both aims were achieved: more than 160 people attended and the profit was over £150. Sailing evenings organised throughout the winter by Horsham branch not only brought in funds but also valuable offers of help for future events. The very varied programme started with a Susan Last, who organises Brightlingsea lifeboat collection, also 'organises' her talk and films on the RNLI presented by parents, Jean and Ernest Last! Mrs Last is Sydney Gillingham, ADOS (SE), and disabled but in her Batricar decorated with Coxswain Kenneth Voice of Shoreham. posters and armed with souvenirs for sale, Ten-year-old Emma Harris and her Vivien Nicholson ceremoniously knocks over she raised £70. Ernest Last dressed his boat friends, who call themselves The Fox the pile of pennies collected for the lifeboat overall, slung a 3ft lifeboat collecting box in service in 1977 at the Jolly Sailor Inn, his rigging and collected about £20 round the Club, raised £10 for Weybridge branch Selby. The pennies added up to £.189, and it is moorings. In all about £380 was raised. with puppet performances at friends' the third year running that such a pile has houses. They built the puppet theatre been built. themselves and also made the puppets, painted the scenery and wrote their own version of Cinderella to perform. Michael Vick, publican of the Bull Hotel, Nettlebed, agreed to part with his ten-year-old beard on condition that his customers raised £100 for the RNLI. One pound shares were sold and when the £100-mark was passed last November, local barber Roger Smith set to work. In the end £165 was raised for Henley-on-Thames branch. After the AGM of Newport, Shropshire, branch, the honorary treasurer, A. D. In a spur-of-the-moment sponsored Arnold, handed a cheque for £1,000 to Glyn cheese roll eating contest at Whitstable Williams, DOS (Wales). Also in the picture Yacht Club, four men raised more than are Or A. R. Snead, branch chairman, and £21 for the lifeboat service. Richard Mrs Y. M. Jones, honorary secretary. Roscoe managed to consume 12 rolls and Barry Bishop nine, with no ill Mrs Hale, 84 years old and almost blind, nevertheless made this lovely crochet bed- effects! spread of 360 separate squares. Raffled at a Hendy-Lennox of Bournemouth have small function it raised £50 for Ware branch. donated £225 to the Yarmouth lifeboat With Mrs Hale is Pop David, aged 87, a founder member of the branch with 19 years appeal; it was raised as the result of a service to his credit. swop-shop and auction of nautical items at the firm's Lansdowne show- rooms.

(Right) Between July and October last year During last summer £225 was collected for Beccles and District branch pirate ship the RNLI aboard British Rail ferry ss Ceas- 'raided' holidaymakers on the Norfolk area. Assistant barman Gordon Green, who Broads with collecting boxes and raised is a member of Walmer lifeboat crew, (.550.11; this year she will be outward watched by stewardess Irene, Grassland (I.) bound in March. Her crew are: skipper R. and shop attendant Jeanette Nye, extracts Stroud, branch chairman; engineer, C. the RNLI flag from the remains of the glass Martin, vice-chairman; bowman, D. Ling; carboy used for contributions from passengers hands, I. Riches and A. Link. and crew.

(Left) Burton-on-Trent branch raised £177 at its 1977 wine and cheese party, the fourth to be held at the home of Mr and Mrs F. R. Kerry. Behind the 'groaning board', the Kerry family (I.) with Mr and Mrs E. A Cooper, joint honorary secretaries of the branch, and Mr and Mrs K. R. Brown, the chairman and his wife.

136 Berkhamsted and District branch swain of Tenby lifeboat, and Glyn branch, formed in December 1974, had have been given over £150 by Mr Fee, Williams, DOS (Wales). A darts tourna- undertaken a sponsored walk last steward of the local golf club; £70 from ment at the Cross Hands Inn, Martletwy, March at the Deerleap Enclosure, a raffle and £88 from his lifeboat raised £75.60 Colbury, in the New Forest; the 150 collecting box. To augment his total, Mr people taking part had been undeterred Fee hires ties to members wanting to Although the British-flag vessel ss by a thunderstorm. go into the dining room where, accord- Globtik Tokyo never comes to the UK, ing to club rules, ties must be worn. several of her crew, including her master, Despite a heavy thunderstorm, side- have had cause to be grateful to the shows and stalls at Ramsbottom branch Over the past three years the Wyke RNLI when on the British coast in summer fete were well supported; Hykers of Yorkshire have raised £480 other vessels. At a Saturday night music was provided by the local Silver for the RNLI by sponsored hikes. The entertainment in the crew's bar, a can of Band and children from a local studio latest cheque, for £100, presented by Newcastle Brown Ale, highly prized in gave a dancing display. By the end of Barry Carlisle, their honorary secretary, a vessel having only foreign lager, was the afternoon £350 had been raised for was received on behalf of the RNLI by auctioned for the lifeboat fund and the lifeboat service. Tim Carter, who regularly gives lectures was sold for £15. Other donations were Over the past few years Worthing on behalf of the lifeboat service and collected during the evening and a branch has organised a sponsored walk whose photographs are well known to cheque for £52 sent to the RNLI. The for the RNLI from Worthing Yacht THE LIFEBOAT readers. master has now asked for a lifeboat Club to Angmering and back, a distance collecting box which can be kept on of about 16 miles. Each year the North Chingford branch's annual board. amount raised has increased and the sponsored walk around Connaught Last summer Portsmouth Dockyard walk on April 24, 1977, produced a Waters, Epping Forest, raised £575 last record sum of £1,300. September. Eleven-year-old Colleen Angling Club raised £125 for the Garnham walked 20 laps, about 10 Yarmouth lifeboat appeal by a fishing As a result of its annual dance last miles, raising over £80, most of which competition and social evening. November, Pembroke Licensed Victual- was contributed by members of the With help from friends who sold lers Association was able to hand to the Royal Epping Forest Golf Club. A tickets (hand-printed in the school art Institution a cheque amounting to almost number of senior citizens were sponsored department) Jeremy Deering organised a £1,200. for about £20 each by their colleagues, rock concert at Shrewsbury School last and patrons of the Queen Elizabeth The wives at RAF Coltishall run a autumn, when a packed audience thrift shop at which any goods such as Public House gave substantial support. enjoyed the amazing sounds produced cloths or toys no longer needed can be by three local groups, 'Dixie Chicken', sold; ten per cent of the profits go to Another sponsored walk, undertaken 'Baseball' and 'Slender Thread', all of by Engineering Cadets of Hackney charity. Recently Pat Meek, the chair- whom played for lower fees than usual. man, presented a cheque for £75 to Technical College (Poplar Centre) raised The evening resulted in a grand total of Mike Pennell, inspector of lifeboats, £525.30. All the cadets will shortly be £70 towards lifeboat funds. Eastern Division. going to sea and many have joined Shoreline. Janet Hone of Welwyn, aged 13, collects autographs of famous people. A friend of a Sale branch committee Each time she gets a new autograph her Building up stocks . . . member travels extensively by Land father puts 5p in her RNLI collecting To augment their supply of goods for Rover. He often gives help to other box, and friends and relatives to whom she shows her collection make contribu- sale in aid of the lifeboat service, motorists in trouble either providing a Wilmslow branch, Manchester, has tow or some mechanical help. When tions as well. So far she has collected given money for 'a drink' he donates it about £8. devised a postcard to be slipped through to Sale branch and now carries a life- the letter boxes of houses known to be boat collecting box in a prominent Northwich branch raised over £84 by sold but from which the family has not position in his Land Rover. organising a sponsored paddle on the yet moved: River Weaver, undertaken by local 'We have noticed that you are likely schoolchildren. Narbeth and District branch sent to be moving in the near future, and would be most grateful for any items you £1,000 to lifeboat funds last year. Its Totton and District branch has raised do not want which might be suitable for seventh annual fork supper, held at £815 for the Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, our various jumble/white elephant/book Queens Hall, was a great success; about appeal thus paying for the electric and music sales. If so would you kindly 400 people attended and among the winch aboard Joy and John Wade, telephone Wilmslow 22789, so that we guests were Ivor Crockford, ex-cox- Yarmouth's new Arun lifeboat. The can arrange collection.'

THE ORIGINAL TILLER MASTER TOWIK6 FOR WHEEL OR TILLER STEERING ON A BRACKETS COMPASS COURSE

OSTAR 1976 Approved by car manufacturers and issued with Single handed transatlantic race fitting Instructions. Also shock absorbers Nine chose Tiller Masters— Four finished in first eight! stabiliser and couplings.

SOUR, WIND AND WATER Please save a little for the people who DAVID JOLLY BATTERY CHARGERS AVAILABLE save a lot—give generously to the R.N.L.I. 3 Little Russel, Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset BH16 6JD. Tel.: 020 122 2142 Telex: 41495 C. P. WITTER LTD. CHESTER T.I. 0244-41166

137 144 pages Many of\the most stirring tales of 'the men who never turn back'— the crews of the R.N.L.I.—are included from the very beginning of the service to today. So, too, are the stories of rescue and heroics by others including the helicopter crews who risk their lives over the stormy seas.

The author is Commander Eric Middleton, V.R.D., R.N.V.R., a former lifeboat inspector, whose respect for the sea and the men who rescue those in danger upon it is reflected in these thrilling tales he relates so vividly. AID R.N.L.I. FUNDS by selling these books in R.N.L.I, kiosks or shops. Order 10 SINGLE COPIES 50p. or more copies and benefit from a special 50% discount — Send cheque or postal order to payment within one month— on the books which retail at Heritage Publications, 50p. This means that 25p from every copy sold at your shop Merchants House, or fund raising function could help to boost R.N.L.I, funds. Barley Market Street, Order from: Heritage Publications, Merchants House, Tavistock, Devon. Barley Market Street, Tavistock, Devon.

ENGRAVED LIFEBOAT GLASSES

Old Fashioned Tumbler, Lead Crystal 3J" high 8oz. capacity £4.95 VAT, P. & P. incl.

RNLI INSHORE CREWS Wine Goblet 6f high 9oz. capacity USE £4.49 VAT, P. & P. incl. our FOUL WEATHER GARMENTS

Choose from any of the BRITISH DESIGNED following craft: BRITISH MADE Clyde, Arun, Waveney, Rolher, Solent, Oakley from Why Not Collect a Set BRITISH MATERIALS and (We still offer the Ipt and £pt barrel tankards: Manufactured in our own Factory £6.95 and £5.95 respectively.) EVETT SAILWEAR LTD. Send cheques and orders detailing quantities TIMBER HALL WORKS and types of craft required to: THE SQUARE CATERHAM, SURREY, CR3 6QA LESLIE CREASET 121 London Road, Knebworth, Tel: Caterham (STD 0883) 44433 & 48704 Herts. Telephone: Stevenage 813431

138 experienced poor visibility at sea will feel the yearning for reliable aids to navigation in small craft. He will also sense the caution with which the infor- mation from these aids must be used when the elements are screaming for an answer. This book of 149 pages of text, including photographs and numerous diagrams, covers all the navigation equipment which small boat operators may fit, or may wish to fit, given REVIEWS adequate stowage space and a healthy bank balance. While aimed at the yachtsman, it encompasses all craft up to the size of our largest lifeboats. • Howard Biggs, in his book The volume (£12), already published, con" Essentially this volume is a collection Sound of Maroons (Terence Dalton, tains notes on ship recognition and of information which is available from Suffolk, £5.80) has researched diligently profile drawings with brief technical other scattered sources, collected for to produce such a fine history of the details of some 3,500 individual ships those who may never get around to Kent and Sussex lifeboat stations from or classes of ship, covering vessels with scanning technical and operation 1802 to 1977. engines and bridges amidships and manuals but screened by a practical Much more than a reference book, three-quarter aft. The index names seaman and navigator who is aware of however, the story also provides a about 8,500 ships in all. Volumes 2 and the limitations of the equipment. Dag wonderful glimpse of seafaring over the 3 will follow at about nine-month Pike makes it clear that in heavy past 175 years. intervals. The publishers plan to issue weather the operator may not be The book is very well produced, with regular supplements to all three volumes physically capable of plotting the numerous photographs, illustrations to keep the work up to date.—J.D. information from his instruments, and and drawings and Mr Biggs has anyway the bearing may be several recounted many of the hundreds of • Aimed perhaps more particularly at degrees in error. He then points out how rescues effected by the Kent and Sussex the younger reader but exciting enough to deal with the situation. lifeboats. Often they were spectacular, for all tastes, in Saved from the Sea As a seaman deeply involved with such as the classic service of the (Beaver Books, 50p) John Davies has training, I find the book most useful. It Ramsgate lifeboat, Bradford, in 1881, collected a wide variety of rescue stories is a guide to the bewildering array of when Coxswain Charles Fish was which range from that of Grace Darling dials, neon indicators, and print-outs awarded the gold medal for gallantry to the fight to save the submarine available to today's small boat navi- for his skill and determination in vehicle Pisces III which, to mix a gator, which goes beyond the manu- rescuing 12 men from the barque metaphor, might be described as a facturers' manuals.—L.J.V. Indian Chief after being 'out in that nautical cliff-hanger. furious and bitter gale for 26 hours'. In The incredible Mr Winstanley, builder January 1952 North Foreland went out • The language of the sea is a living of the first Eddystone lighthouse, must language, keeping pace with advancing from Margate in what her coxswain enliven any book in which he appears later described as 'one of the worst marine technology and the present day and his tragic end one stormy night expansion of interest in yacht racing and trips we ever had' to pluck two when his pagoda-like structure was exhausted men from their five-hour cruising. Such words as 'cavitation', swept away, taking him and the light- 'starcut spinnaker', 'electrolysis' and ordeal in the rigging of a sunken barge. house keepers to their deaths, was in There is a chapter on the notorious 'Cunningham hole' quietly slip into keeping with his amazing life. place beside old familiar terms like Goodwin Sands and another pays Perhaps, in stories of the sea, those tribute to the war-time service of life- 'amidships', 'baggy wrinkle', 'rhumb of the men who died are more gripping line' or 'limber hole'. In compiling A boatmen, especially at Dunkirk. than those of the rescued. Certainly The volume of shipping among the Glossary of Modern Sailing Terms one may find both admiration and pity (George Allen and Unwin, £2.50) John sandbanks and reefs of the Channel for those lost in lifeboat disasters, such coast has always created particular Rousmaniere has confined his attention as that of St Ives in Cornwall, which is almost entirely to terms in active use in hazards and nowhere have lifeboats graphically described.—E.W.M. served with greater distinction. How- the sailing vocabulary of the mid-1970s ever, this story is typical of lifeboat and has thus produced a valuable stations all round our coast. Mr Biggs 0 As a tribute to the men who have complement to dictionaries of more writes knowledgeably and with pride served the Lifeboat Institution in traditional seamen's terms. not only of lifeboats and crews but also Orkney over all the years since the first Introducing the glossary, Bill Robin- branches and guilds who give their lifeboat was established at Stromness in son, editor of the American magazine support through fund raising. As the 1867, the Orkney Natural History Yachting, talks of nautical language as honorary secretary of the Broadstairs Society has published an illustrated a practical tool of communication; and branch of the RNLI, and the holder of booklet containing brief histories of it is an essential tool alike to those who the gold badge, no one is more qualified Orkney lifeboat stations past and go to sea and those who would under- to do so.—H.D. present: Stromness, Longhope, Stron- stand the lore of seafaring.—J.D. say and Kirkwall. The booklet, price • A new three-volume directory 25p plus 8p packing and postage, is • Anyone who has followed such covering some 30,000 merchant ships available from the Society at the brave endeavours as the attempts to from all over the world, is now in course Museum, 52 Alfred Street, Stromness, save the disabled Flying Enterprise in of production: Talbot-Booth's Mer- Orkney.—J.D. 1952 (or the recent attempts to refloat chant Ships edited and illustrated by the oil rig stranded on Guernsey) will Lieut.-Commander E. C. Talbot- • The reader of Electronic Navigation find Salvage from the Sea by Com- Booth, RD, RNR, director of the Ships for Small Craft by Dag Pike (Adlard mander Gerald Forsberg (Routledge Recognition Corps, and published by Coles, £10) will be continuously and Kegan Paul, £4.95) hard to put Marinart/Kogan Page, 116A Pentonville reminded that the author has been an down. It is both authoritative and very Road, London, Nl 9JN. The first inspector of lifeboats. Anyone who has amusing reading.—J.D. 139 Margate B. R. Richards Second Coxswain 6i years Crew Member 24i years. Awards A. J. Scott Assistant Mechanic 16i years Crew Member 23 years.

to Coxswains, Crews Newbiggin and Shore Helpers C. Hancox Motor Mechanic 25 years. Newhaven J. A. Message Assistant Mechanic 9 years The following coxswains, members of lifeboat crews and Crew Member 8 years. shore helpers were awarded certificates of service on their E. A. Moore Coxswain 15 years retirement and, in addition, those entitled to them by the Second Coxswain 7 years Institution's regulations, were awarded an annuity, Bowman 8 years. gratuity or pension. F. H. Vacher Motor Mechanic 14 years Assistant Mechanic 17J years.

Arbroath Penlee D. E. Cargill Bowman 16 years. P. N. Wallis Bowman 6 years G. Milne Second Coxswain 10i years Crew Member 20 years. Crew Member 11 years. Port Erin Ballycotton H. Crebbin Crew Member 30 years. B. Lynch Assistant Mechanic 28 i years. M. L. Walsh Coxswain 27 years Ramsey Second coxswain 10 years A. E. Garrett Assistant Mechanic 6| years Bronze medal 1943. Crew Member 10 years. F. H. Kinnin Second Coxswain 3 years Bridlington Crew Member 27 years. R. D. Cranswick Assistant Mechanic 10 years Crew Member 1 year. Rhyl W. T. Hunt Motor Mechanic 13 years Buckie Coxswain Mechanic 9 years D. G. A. Budge Second Coxswain Mechanic 3J years Coxswain 4 years Fleet Mechanic 3i years Second Coxswain 2 years Reserve Mechanic 3i years. Crew Member 11 years Shore Helper 4 years. Cloughey-Portavogie G. H. Calvert Motor Mechanic 5f years Runswick Second Coxswain 5i years H. Armstrong Acting Coxswain 3f years Crew Member 4 years. Second Coxswain 5 years Bowman 3i years Courtmacsherry Harbour Crew Member 5 years. P. Keohane Coxswain 2 years Second Coxswain 21 years St Davids Crew Member 1 year. D. Rowlands Head Launcher 14 years Shore Helper 20 years. Donaghadee S. Nelson Assistant Mechanic 25 years St Mary's Crew Member 17 years. G. W. Symons Crew Member 20 years Shore Helper 3 years. Dungeness A. F. Clements Motor Mechanic 2i years Swanage Second Coxswain Mechanic 2i years E. Dorey Assistant Mechanic 14i years Crew Member 6 years. Crew Member 1 year. A. J. Oilier Crew Member 29 years. The Lizard-Cadgwith Dun Laoghaire W. Harris Crew Member 15 years C. H. Blackmore Assistant Mechanic 211 years Crew Member (The Lizard) 19 years. Motor Mechanic 6 years D. V. Step Assistant Mechanic 16 years Crew Member 8 years. Assistant Mechanic (The Lizard) 2 years Crew Member 4 years. Filey R. P. Hunter Crew Member 10J years. The Mumbles W. H. Davies Second Coxswain 194 years Fishguard Bowman 5 years D. R. E. Williams Assistant Mechanic 22J years Crew Member 11 years. Crew Member 2 years. Tynemouth Girvan R. Rutherford Assistant Mechanic 10 years W. McCreath Second Coxswain 17f years Crew Member 14 years. Bowman 4i years. K. Smith Crew Member 23 years.

Holyhead F. Ward Second Coxswain 7f years When you have finished with your copy of Crew Member 12 years THE LIFEBOAT Bronze Medal 1966. PLEASE PASS IT ON... Llandudno D. Heritage Assistant Mechanic 6i years to a friend, library, club, school, waiting room... Crew Member 18 years. it may bring the lifeboat service new friends and K. Latham Crew Member 13 years helpers... Shore Helper 2 years. 140 Clovelly, North Devon Portrush, Co. Antrim Lifeboat Services October 22 October 22 (from page 118) Courtmacsherry Harbour, Co. Cork Port St Mary, Isle of Man October 8 November 27 Cromer, Norfolk Pwllheli, Gwynedd September 9, October 17 and November 14 September 1 Fox. Vellum service certificates have Donaghadee, Co. Down Ramsey, Isle of Man been presented to Crew Members October 22 September 17 and November 9 Christopher E. Fox and David Dover, Kent Ramsgate, Kent Wainwright. September 23, October 10 and November September 17, 18 and November 11 2 (twice) Redcar, Cleveland Dunbar, East Lothian November 4 Western Division November 21 Rhyl, Clwyd Dungeness, Kent September 25 and October 19 October 6 Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford On the bar Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin October 3, November 6 and 16 September 5 Runswick, Cleveland THE SERVICE BY FWLLHELi lifeboat and Dunmore East, Co. Waterford September 29 (twice), October 25 and 30 Criccieth ILB to the yacht Zircon during November 14 St Helier, Jersey the early hours of September 1, 1977, Eastbourne, East Sussex September 3, 23, 24 and October 15 was reported in the winter 1977/78 issue October 13 St Ives, Cornwall of THE LIFEBOAT. Zircon, with four Eyemouth, Berwickshire October 15 (twice), 19, November 14, 16, people on board, had run aground inside November 4 17 and 18 the bar of Porthmadog Estuary in a Falmouth, Cornwall St Mary's, Isles of Scilly fresh to strong south-westerly wind; the September 14, October 13, 26, 31, October 7 November 14 and 28 St Peter Port, Guernsey tide was at half spring ebb. While Filey, North Yorkshire September 18, 24, 26 (twice), October 14, Pwllheli lifeboat stood by, helping November 24 24 and November 11 whenever possible with her searchlight, Fishguard, Dyfed Salcombe, South Devon Criccieth ILB successfully negotiated October 4 and 9 October 11, 12 and 15 the rough water over the bar and, taking Fleetwood, Lancashire Seaham, Co. Durham one adult and one child each time, made October 9 September 24 and October 13 two trips up the difficult channel to land Galway Bay, Co. Galway Selsey, West Sussex them at Ynys Cyngar just south of November 19 and 27 September 1, 6 and November 30 Porthmadog. During both of these Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk Sennen Cove, Cornwall September 24, October 13, 17, November November 16 passages the ILB crew had frequently 1 and 10 Sheerness, Kent to go over the side to drag the boat, with Hartlepool, Cleveland September 15, 16, October 4, 10, 17, the survivors and a considerable amount September 3, 15, November 3 and 27 November, 12, 13 and 27 of water on board, over and around the Harwich, Essex Sheringham, Norfolk sandbanks. September 17, November 2, 26 and 30 October 25 For this service the thanks of the Hastings, East Sussex Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex Institution inscribed on vellum have September 2, 9 and October 24 September 25, November 19 and 27 been accorded to the crew of Criccieth Holyhead, Gwynedd Skegness, Lincolnshire ILB, Helmsman James Owen and September 4, November 7 and 30 September 6 Howth, Co. Dublin Stornoway, Ross-shire Crew Members Kenneth Roberts and September 25 November 7 Robert D. Williams. Hoylake, Merseyside Stromness, Orkney September 9 (twice) and 10 September 28, October 27 and 28 Humber, Humberside Sunderland, Tyne and Wear September 20, 24, October 7, 8 12, 14 November 13 Services by Offshore (twice), 17, 23 and November 14 (twice) Swanage, Dorset Lerwick, Shetland September 2, 17 (twice), October 16, Lifeboats, September, September 2, 26, November 8 and 12 November 13 and 20 Llandudno, Gwynedd Teesmouth, Cleveland October and November, September 28 and October 30 November 27 Lochinver, Sutherland Tenby, Dyfed 1977 September 18 October 2 and November 1 (twice) Longhope, Orkney Torbay, South Devon Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire September 28 October 2, 22 (twice) and November 11 October 1 Lowestoft, Suffolk Troon, Ayrshire Amble, Northumberland September 17, October 4, 13, 18 and 30 September 7, 30, October 19 and September 5 and October 4 Mallaig, Inverness-shire November 4 Appledore, North Devon September 3, 13 and 15 Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear September 4, 16 and 17 Margate, Kent November 16 Arranmore, Co. Donegal October 11, 31, November 8 and 29 Valentia, Co. Kerry September 17 and October 12 Moelfre, Gwynedd September 26 and October 14 Bannouth, Gwynedd November 6 Walmer, Kent September 2 and October 8 Newbiggin, Northumberland October 4 Barry Dock, South Glamorgan September 4 and October 27 Walton and Frinton, Essex September 4 and October 13 Newhaven, East Sussex September 30 Blyth, Northumberland September 4, 30, October 1, 6, 20 and November 13 Wells, Norfolk November 4 November 11 Bridlington, Humberside Penlee, Cornwall September 6 September 10, 16 and 23 Weymouth, Dorset Calshot, Hampshire Poole, Dorset September 1 and November 13 September 4, 12, 29, October 4, 12 and September 10 (twice), October 1, 30 and Whitby, North Yorkshire November 8 November 27 September 4 and 13 Campbeltown, Argyllshire Port Erin, Isle of Man Wick, Caithness September 8, 28 and October 16 September 14 September 24 and 29 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd Wicklow, Co. Wicklow September 23, November 7 and 15 September 3, 4 and October 17 October 14 and 23 Cloughey-Portavogie, Co. Down Portpatrick, Wigtownshire Workington, Cumbria November 27 September 11 September 6 and November 8 141 Yarmouth, Isle of Wight Eastney (D.184), Hampshire Poole, Dorset September 19, October 31, November 11 September 3, 4, 10, 15, 25 (3 times), 26 September 15, October 24, 30 and and 19 and October 1 November 8 Youghal, Co. Cork Exmouth, South Devon Porthcawl, Mid-Glamorgan September 17 September 3, 17 and October 1 October 2 On passage Filey, North Yorkshire Port Isaac, Cornwall ON 910 September 4 (twice) September 4 and 5 October 9 ON 912 November 27 (twice) Fleetwood, Lancashire Pwllheli, Gwynedd ON 980 November 24 October 15 September 14 ON 994 November 26 Flint, Clwyd Queensferry, West Lothian November 1, 4 and 14 September 3 Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk Ramsgate, Kent Services by Inshore September 12, 24, October 4 and September 4 (twice), 9, 10, 16, 25 and November 4 October 20 Lifeboats, September, Hartlepool, Cleveland Redcar, Cleveland September 11, October 14 and 15 October 23 October and November, Harwich, Essex Rhyl, Clwyd November 13 and 14 September 3 1977 Hastings, East Sussex Rye Harbour, East Sussex October 15 September 9 and 18 (3 times) Aberdovey, Gwynedd Hayling Island, Hampshire St Agnes, Cornwall September 3, 19 and October 9 September 6, 8, 18, October 6, 8, 23, September 1 and 17 Abersoch, Gwynedd November 6, 13, 23 and 26 St Bees, Cumbria September 9, 10, 23, October 16 and Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire September 6 November 26 September 19, 26, 28 and October 30 St Catherines, Jersey Aldeburgh, Suffolk (twice) September 12 October 23 Holyhead, Gwynedd St Ives, Cornwall Amble, Northumberland September 26 September 4, 18 and 30 September 15 Horton and Port Eynon, West Glamorgan Selsey, West Sussex Appledore, North Devon September 8 and 18 September 6, 17, 28 and October 26 September 4 and 16 Howth, Co. Dublin Sheerness, Kent Atlantic College, South Glamorgan September 20 and 25 September 24, October 1, 9, 23, 24, 26 and September 1, 28 (twice) and October 1 Humber Mouth (Cleethorpes), Humberside 27 Bangor, Co. Down September 11 Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex October 22 Largs, Ayrshire September 3, 16, 19, 25 (twice) and 28 Barmouth, Gwynedd September 7, 9, 30, October 13, 18, 27, Silloth, Cumbria September 19 (twice) 29, November 1 and 12 September 7 Barrow, Cumbria Littlehampton, West Sussex Skegness, Lincolnshire September 11 September 3 (twice), 9, 18, 25 (3 times), September 2 Beaumaris, Gwynedd 28, October 11, 16 (twice) and 23 Southend-on-Sea, Essex (B.527) September 28, October 8 and 15 Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent September 10, 15, 24 (twice), 28, October 1 Bembridge, Isle of Wight September 4, 25, October 23 and 24 (3 times), 4 (twice) and 8 September 12 Llandudno, Gwynedd Southwold, Suffolk Blackpool, Lancashire September 1, 9, 10 (3 times), October 3 September 11, October 28 and November September 4, 18, October 14 and 15 and November 1 18 Berth, Dyfed Lyme Regis, Dorset Tenby, Dyfed September 3 and October 9 September 25, 29 and October 24 September 7 (twice), 9 and 12 Bridlington, Humberside Lymington, Hampshire Torbay, South Devon September 10, 11 (twice), October 9 and 14 October 29 and November 11 October 1 (twice) and 4 Broughty Ferry, Angus Margate, Kent Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear September 11 September 10 September 11 and 30 Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex Minehead, Somerset Walmer, Kent September 13 September 11 September 1, 21 and October 9 (twice) Burry Port, Dyfed Moelfre, Gwynedd Wells, Norfolk September 4 and 25 September 2 and 11 September 24 and October 23 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Morecambe, Lancashire West Kirby, Merseyside September 13 and 18 (twice) September 2, October 21 and November 13 September 4 (twice), 17, 21 and November Conwy, Gwynedd Mudeford, Dorset 11 September 1 September 13, 25, 26 and November 11 Criccieth, Gwynedd New Brighton, Merseyside West Mersea,' Essex September 1, 2 (3 times) and 26 September 10 September 12, November 6, 14, 20 and 21 Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear Newquay, Cornwall Weston-Super-Mare, Avon (D.170) September 1, 4 (twice), October 8 and 26 September 2 (twice), 9, 11 and October 15 September 3 Eastbourne, East Sussex North Sunderland, Northumberland Whitby, North Yorkshire September 16 and November 26 September 14 September 4, 11 and 14 Eastney (B.530), Hampshire Oban, Argyllshire Whitstable, Kent September 17 (twice), 25, 26 (twice), 30, September 4, 7, 11, October 1 and 29 September 1, 6, 25, October 1 and 15 October 2, 8, 16, 30, November 5, 12 Peel, Isle of Man Withernsea, Humberside (3 times) and 13 October 22 and November 27 (twice) September 4 and 10

SERVICES AND LIVES SAVED BY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE LIFEBOATS January 1, 1977 to December 31,1977: Services 2,666; lives saved 1,071 THE STATION FLEET (as at 31/12/77) 134 offshore lifeboats 126 Inshore lifeboats operating In the summer 50 Inshore lifeboats operating In the winter LIVES RESCUED 103,201 from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to December 31, 1977

142 Something special ? Wright away sir!

TANKS For almost Haifa century Wrights have specialised in the fabrication of tanks from 5 to 50,000 gallons in stainless steel, aluminium, or mild steel, either one-off or on a production run. We are proud to have made tanks for Arun and Atlantic lifeboats. engines BOATS Wrights are official fabricators of the new Sarum 28 hull for the British Aluminium Company. They also manufacture and market aluminium workboats. Wrights have built special equipment and fittings for Chay Blyth's Great Britain II and Great Britain III. R. Wright & Son (Marine Engineers) Ltd Church Broughton Road, Foston, Derby DE6 5PW Telephone: Burton-on-Trent 812177

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»ere complete reliability under arduous conditions is essential to human life,the RNLI specify MERMAID marine engines. MERMAID quality and reliability is also specified by Boatbuilders worldwide who take pride in the craft they produce. the R.N.LI, with CAPSTANS & HOISTS. Make sure your next vessel is powered Our company also enjoys an byMERMAID- international reputation for AUTOMATIC PILOTS ContactusNOW! for sail or power boats and commercial vessels TELEPHONE O1-398 68O2

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143 Index to Advertisers

Birds Eye Foods Inside Back Cover TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Cogswell & Harrison Ltd. 110 Leslie Creasey .. 138 When your organisation holds its next fund raising effort at a Evett Sailwear Ltd. 138 carnival, fgte, donkey derby, boat show or similar activity you Functional Clothing Inside Front Cover can make an additional £200 in a few hours by running a Teddy Bears Picnic. No financial risk as all stock is supplied at Glanvill Enthoven & Co Ltd. 110 wholesale price on full sale or return, nothing to pay until Heritage Publications 138 after the event, then you pay for what you use, return the David Jolly (Tiller Master) .. 137 balance. Send for full details giving Club/Guild name and Maritime Book Society (Readers Union) Outside Back Cover status to: Mermaid Marine Engines Ltd. .. 143 V. WEBSTER (DEPT LB) Neco Marine Ltd .. 143 BRINELL WAY Peeks of Bournemouth .. 144 R. E. Prior & Co .. 110 HARFREYS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE V. Webster .. 144 GREAT YARMOUTH C. P. Witter Ltd .. 137 NORFOLK NR31 OLU R. Wright & Son (Marine Engineers) Ltd. .. 143

PORT ISAAC, CORNWALL. Overlooking and prompt claims service. Houseman s Classified Advertisements Port Isaac Bay, Family Guest House. Insurance Brokers, 46 Windsor Road, Entries under ACCOMMODATION are Bed & Breakfast, evening meal optional. Slough, Berks. Slough 25496 (4 lines). offered at the special rate or £6.00 for up Proprietress: Mrs K. M. Castle, Telephone Northern Ireland Yacht and Small Craft to 50 words, including address and phone Port Isaac 383 (STD Code 020888). number. Additional words at 20p per word, Owners. Quotations and cover available. minimum ten words. Other Classifications FUND RAISING Advice given freely by interested Insurance are at 20p per word minimum ten words. Advertising pencils, superb ballpens, combs, Brokers. Enquiries welcomed from Shore- diaries, each gold stamped Lifeboat name, line Members. W. D. Dick & Co, 9 The All Classifieds are subject to pre-payment etc., raise funds, quickly easily. Bran Tub Square, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim. Telephone: and cheque or PO must accompany order. Toys: samples from Northern Novelties, Ballyclare 2499. ACCOMMODATION Bradford BD1 SHE. HOLIDAYS ABERDOVEY / TYWYN. Self-catering 14th CENTURY ART STUDIOS LTD A Sailing Holiday? Charter a 4-berth cedarwood chalets for hire. All mod cons. make gold blocked bookmarks and keyfobs 'Fairey Fisherman' motor-sailer and cruise Sleep 4/6. Tranquil setting near sandy in genuine leather featuring RNLI insignia, the Solent. From £100 per week. Or learn beaches and unspoilt wooded countryside. over-printed with local names to suit. to sail, navigate, etc, in our skippered new Ideal for fishing, sailing, golfing, mountain 11 Muswell Hill, London N10 3TH. 30 foot yacht. Ring or write for brochure: walks, ornithology and Talyllyn Railway. Tel: 01-979 8828. Jane's Yacht Charter Ltd, 17 Glendower Contact: Norma and Mike Short, Happy Place, London SW7. Tel: 01-584 1246. Valley Leisure Homes, Erwporther, Tywyn, INSURANCE Gwynedd. Tel: Tywyn (0654) 710175. From the RNLI's home town of Poole, LIFEBOATS, SAILING BARGES Incorporated Insurance Brokers, keenly AND YACHTS IN BRIXHAM, TORBAY. Really comfort- interested in Marine Craft Insurance, MINIATURE able self-catering holiday apartments. TV, would welcome the opportunity of advising Retirements, Presentations and Trophies. fridges, modern facilities for 2-6 persons. members on the insurance of their boats. Fully detailed replicas of individual boats, Magnificent position overlooking outer For a very prompt and personal service and with crews, mounted on realistic sea bases harbour, public slipway and Torbay Life- for keen quotations, please contact: in perspex showcase. Each a tiny gem boat. Resident proprietors associated with GEOFFREY BERE, FCII, 19 WEDG- providing a truly 'live', unique miniature. Torbay Life-boat. Stamp please for WOOD DRIVE, POOLE, BH14 8ES. Details: Brian H. Williams, Marine Model brochure: G. A. Smith, "Harbour Lights", Telephone: 0202-730591. Artist, 20 Bridgefield, Farnham, Surrey (02513) 6652. 69 Berry Head Road. Telephone 4816. FOR ALL INSURANCE, Phone, Call or Six lakeside bungalows, each with boat. Write J. A. Harrison (Brokers) Ltd, PAINTINGS Conventional construction, 3/4 bedrooms, 'Security House', 160-161 Bromsgrove LIFEBOAT OIL PAINTINGS £45, -post sleep 6/8, equipped kitchen/dining room, Street, Birmingham B5 6NY. Telephone: paid. S.A.E. to Lee, 9 Esplanade, Wey- sitting room with fire, sun parlour, storage 021-692 1245 (10 lines). For keenest rates, mouth, Dorset. heating. Suit country lovers, fishermen, service and security. TROPHIES sportsmen with dogs, sailors and parents Shoreline Members can obtain reduced RACE SETS—MAINSAILS—DINGHIES with aquatic offspring. Details: Desmond Insurance Premiums. Let us offer you a —CUPS. W. & E. Astin, 7 Westerly Lane Watt Smyth, Mountshannon, Co. Clare. quotation consistent with economy, security Shelley, Huddersfield. Kirkburton 2368.

HAVE FUN FUND RAISING Free Illustrated Catalogue from

PEEKS OF BOURNEMOUTH Tuckton, Bournemouth Tel: 0202 429404/5

144 The Captain takes his hat off totheRNLL Take any 2 books

(POST FOR ONLYfl FREE) Edward Heath

^\ ub at £5.50 THE SEA WIFE S TneSrnall- Dinghies for Boat Skippers II Waters Handbook Safe Family Cruising & Day Sailing GEOFF LEWIS rlfub at £3.9

I/

rHE HANMOOK K» FAMILY CRUISING

andsaveupto£9.5O when you join the bi-monthly

BOOK SOCIETY and make your choice from the best books - at big discounts off publishers' prices Weekend sailor or ocean-going mariner, would-be boat-owner or and inland waterways; the seashore; marine painting; mari- armchair traveller, whatever your interest in ships and the water, time history and warfare: these are just some of the subjects the Maritime Book Society has a book for you. covered in a wealth of practical and information books. The Step-by-step guides to the construction, maintenance and Maritime Book Society also tells the stories of great ships, repair of boats of all types; sailing, power boating and water sailors and explorers - from the Vikings to present-day .sports; weather forecasting, navigation and equipment; canals adventurers like Robin Knox-Johnston. As a member, you become entitled to take advantage of the hundreds of quality book bargains that Readers Union has on offer at any one time Reference and reading books cover the To : Maritime Book Society, PO Box 6, Newton Abbot. Devon\ Arts, Crafts, Gardening, the Countryside, history, travel and 1 would like to join the MARITIME BOOK SOCIETY biography Please supply the 3 introductory books numbers I I . Publishers' Editions The Maritime Book Society offers publishers' own editions at a at the special introductory price of £1 (including postage and packing; and I will pay upon receipt for any books I choose discount of up to 25% off the publisher's price and sometimes (Allow up to 21 days for delivery} If I keep the introductory even more! books I will automatically become a member and agree to purchase at least 4 books (in addition to the introductory offer) during a year's membership and may resign thereafter. If I am not satisfied with the introductory books I may return them within 10 days and oiue nothing Mr/Mrs/Miss Address

Signature (Signature of Parent or Guardian if unde ISEND NO MONEY Maritime Book Society.Brunei Houw, Newton Abbot. Reg in EngUnd No 843946