THE JOURNAL OF THE RNLI

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Autumn 1979

/^( j ^. Notes of the Quarter, by Patrick Howarth 183

To all lifeboat supporters: messages from His Grace the Duke of Atholl, Chairman of the Committee of Management, and Rear Admiral Wilfred i. Volum_ -, -, e XLV•* T-T i TIT Graham, CB MNI, Director of the Institution 184 Number 469 Llfeboat Services 185 Annual General Meeting and Presentation of Awards 190

Fastnet Race Storm 195 Chairman: THE DUKE OF ATHOLL Week's Good Cause, by Coxswain Derek Scott, BEM 195

Director and Secretary: Women's Work, by Ray Kipling 196 REAR ADMIRAL W. J. GRAHAM, CB MNI Channel Islands, by Joan Davies 198

Naming Ceremonies: Eastbourne and Islay 203 Managing Editor:

PATRICK HOWARTH How sdling souvenirs and gifts buys lifeboats 204

JOAN"DAVIES Some Ways of Raisin8 Monev 205 Shoreline 208 Headquarters: Royal National Life-boat Institution, Book Reviews 209 West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ (Telephone Poole 71133). Letters 210 Telex: 41328 Offshore Lifeboat Services, March, April and May 1979 213 London Office: Royal National Life-boat Institution, Inshore Lifeboat Services, March, April and May 1979 214 21 Ebury Street, London SW1W OLD (Telephone 01-730 0031). Index to Advertisers 216

Editorial: All material submitted for Advertisements: All advertising COVER PICTURE consideration with a view to publica- enquiries should be addressed to tion in the journal should be addressed Dyson Advertising Services, PO Box 9, Superintendent Coxswain Brian Sevan of Humber lifeboat station, the first lifeboat- to the editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal Godalming, Surrey (Telephone man to receive the gold, silver and bronze National Life-boat Institution, West Godalming (04868) 23675). medals for gallantry at the same annual Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ presentations of awards meeting. He was (Telephone Poole 71133). Photographs awarded the gold medal, and his crew were intended for return should be accom- Subscription: A year's subscription of awarded bronze medals, for the service to panied by a stamped and addressed four issues costs £1.40, including post- Revi on February 14, 1979; he was awarded envelope. age, but those who are entitled to the silver medal, and his crew were receive THE LIFEBOAT free of charge accorded the thanks of the Institution will continue to do so. Overseas sub- inscribed on vellum, for the service to Diana Next issue: the winter issue of THE V on December 30, 1978; and he was scriptions depend on the cost of post- awarded the bronze medal for the service to LIFEBOAT will appear in January and age to the country concerned. Savinesti on February 15, 1979, when the news items should be sent by the end of silver medal for gallantry was awarded to October. News items for the spring Coxswain David Cox of Wells lifeboat. The issue should be sent in by the end of Printers: The Friary Press, Dorchester, photograph was taken by Margaret Murray. January. Dorset. 181 Glanvill Enthoven INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE BROKERS As specialists in marine insurance for over 75 years, we are extremely proud that our clients include the Royal National Life-boat Institution. Glanvill's 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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182 When Dr Donald Coggan, Archbishop of Canterbury, and his wife paid an informal visit to Whitstable ILB sta- tion on July 27, they went out in the Atlantic 21 and His Grace took the wheel. Since the founding of the Institution in 1824, each Archbishop of Canterbury in turn has been a vice presi- dent of the RNLI photograph by courtesy of C. P. Nelson Ralph Farrant has retired. His succes- can be raised. The proposal is to house sor, the Duke of Atholl, has a wide the museum in a building on the site of NOTES OF knowledge of the work of the Institu- the old Patterson's shipyard where tion, having served as a member of the Brunei's Great Western was built. It is THE QUARTER Committee of Management for 20 only a short distance from the dry dock years. He is particularly knowledge- where Brunei's ss Great Britain is able about fund raising in Scotland and already on display. public relations generally. He was The chairman of the museum's trus- by Patrick Howarth Convener of the Scottish Lifeboat tees is Peter Elliot. Bristol City Council Council from 1965 to 1975 and has been has given its support to the project. chairman of the Public Relations The sum required to put the museum THREE LIFEBOAT STATIONS have Committee of the RNLI ever since it into full operation is £140,000 and it is recently been re-opened. One of these was founded. intended to raise this without detriment is Fraserburgh, the station which suf- Lt-Cdr P. E. C. Pickles, for many to general fund raising for the RNLI. fered two major disasters in less than years chairman of Scarborough branch, The RNLI's organising secretary for 20 years and from which the lifeboat remains one of the Deputy Chairmen. the South West, Cdr Peter Sturdee, has was withdrawn after the 1970 disaster. The other Deputy Chairman is Vice- been associated with the project from The boat which will be permanently Admiral Sir Peter Compston, the the outset and when the museum is self allocated to Fraserburgh, R. Hope chairman of the Fund Raising Commit- supporting its profits will be donated to Roberts, is of the 48ft 6in Solent class tee, whose many visits to branches and the RNLI. and was formerly stationed at Rosslare conduct of numerous district confer- Harbour. ences has made him widely known to Lifeboatmen row in New York Brighton now has an Atlantic 21 and warmly liked by large numbers of Through the generosity of Pan lifeboat on service. The station was voluntary workers. American World Airways a crew from closed temporarily until suitable berth- the Mumbles lifeboat station was able ing facilities were available in the new National Lifeboat Museum to take part in the New York Harbor Brighton marina. A D class inflatable The RNLI has agreed to the estab- Festival rowing races on July 1. The ILB is now in service at Hunstanton. lishment of a national lifeboat museum All three stations have long histories. in Bristol provided the necessary funds continued on page 184 Fraserburgh was established in 1831, and it is known that there were photographs lifeboats at both Brighton and Hunt- by courtesy of stanton before 1825. PAN AM.

New RNLI Chairman After four highly successful years as Chairman of the RNLI Major-General (Below) Members of The Mumbles crew meet Dan A. Colussy, President of Pan American World Airways which flew them to New York to take part (right) in the Harbor Festival. (I. to r.) Tony Lewis, Arthur Eynon, Carl Smith, Bob Garner and Gary Ridd.

183 To all lifeboat supporters ...... from His Grace The Duke of Atholl new Chairman of the Committee of Management you are all aware, he has left the members of the public, keeps their Institution in excellent shape and all I morale and enthusiasm at a very high have to do is to keep up the momen- level. tum; I do, therefore, ask you to give me I look forward to visiting as many the same support that you have given branches and guilds as possible during General Farrant; this should enable us my term of office, and to thanking to raise the huge amount of money many of you personally for all your required each year to keep the Institu- hard work. tion at its present high standard (about £10m is needed this year), to make sure IT GAVE ME great pleasure to be elected thai our crews have the best boats and Chairman of the Institution at the meet- equipment available, and to deploy ing of the Committee of Management them as efficiently as possible. This, on June 28 in succession to Major- plus knowing the vast amount of sup- General Ralph Farrant. As I am sure port they receive from you and all

. . . from Rear Admiral Wilfred}. Graham, CB MNI new Director and Secretary of the Institution have also learnt that there is still a great an essential service to the community. deal to learn. No other charity is quite in this categ- First and foremost, my job must be ory. I hope it will stay that way and I to ensure that everything connected am certain that we shall be able to con- with putting the lifeboats to sea is in tinue to thrive as long as we go on get- first class order—that includes the ting the support we do from lifeboat men, their training, health and welfare, people all over Great Britain and the the boats, their design, construction Republic of Ireland. We are giving our and equipment and all the support countrymen very good value for which is needed to keep the service in money. i SHOULD LIKE to thank all those read- tip top condition. I am anxious that the Institution ers of THE LIFEBOAT who have written Next is the vital question of money. should not just move with the times but to me and sent me their good wishes as And of course to carry out the first part that it should continue to be the pace I start my new job as the Director and of my job—putting the lifeboats to setter in the business of saving life at Secretary of the Royal National Life- sea—we need a lot of money. Every- sea. This has been its hallmark since its boat Institution. And I also thank all thing costs more every year. We are earliest days. Today we have in the those of you at lifeboat stations, living in inflationary times and so we Arun, the Atlantic 21 and our other branches and guilds who came along to are always looking for more money. I modern lifeboats superb craft to take us meet me when I paid my brief first vis- am already quite delighted and amazed along towards the twenty-first century. its around the country. Time prevented at the enthusiasm and dedication of all But technology moves fast and we me from visiting many places. those who support the RNLI. Fund must make use of every worthwhile I want to pay a special tribute to John raising is one obvious form of support new idea so that we can continue to Atterton, the Deputy Director, who has but there is also another 'support' in make sure that every pound we raise is acted as Director for over six months the form of good will and a helpful really well spent. this year and whose friendship, help attitude. I have found a wealth of such and wise counsel have been invaluable support wherever I have been all over to me. the country. In my very short time with the RNLI I am firmly convinced that the RNLI I have learnt a number of things—but I is a unique 'charity' in that it provides

Union. A crew from Queen Elizabeth II Exhibition Director retires Notes of the Quarter came third. A man who has served the RNLI from page 183 The crew were accommodated by well in his capacity as Exhibition the festival authorities. The visit was Director for National Boat Shows, crew acquitted themselves with distinc- designed to promote the efforts of the Alan Jones, has retired. Ever since the tion in spite of the fact that two of the Association for the Rescue at Sea in first National Boat Show was held in members were in their 50s. Rowing an raising funds towards the provision of a London the organisers have given the unfamiliar type of craft known as a new lifeboat for the RNLI. RNLI free space for exhibiting either a Monamoy, they won their heat against The day before they left for New lifeboat or putting up a stand, and Alan a formidable crew representing the US York the Mumbles crew attended a Jones himself has helped the RNLI in National Maritime Union. In the final reception held in aid of the Ameri- innumerable ways. In 1973 the RNLI they came second, being beaten only can/British Lifeboat Appeal in the awarded him a statuette for outstanding by a highly trained young crew repres- Tower of London, which raised more services in the field of public relations. enting the Seafarers International than £1,300. We wish him well in his retirement. 184 the Looe channel. At the west end of the shallow Looe the channel buoys were not sighted but a clearing bearing was obtained by radar from the shore. Almost immediately after taking this fix the lifeboat was hit by three huge successive breaking seas, the first of which flung the lifeboat upwards clear of the water and then sent her crashing down into a great trough where she came up all standing. The height of the waves was judged to be some 30 to 35 feet. Speed was reduced but the lifeboat continued to be pitched and pounded heavily. South Eastern Division Charles Henry, reaching Cape Coast at about 0520, found that her decks Twenty rescued were being swept continuously by huge waves and that she was dragging her CAPE COAST, a 2,650 ton Panamanian anchor. Two liferafts which had been cargo vessel, broadcast on Channel 16 inflated were blowing around in the rig- VHP at 0327 on Wednesday January 10 ging like kites. At 0540 Montlhery, that she was in distress and taking unable to offer further help, resumed water in her engine room; she was 2.2 her passage to Southampton. After dis- Selsey: Coxswain Michael J. Grant (r.), miles from Nab Tower on a bearing of cussions between the captain of HMS awarded the silver medal for the service to 121°. HMS Eskimo was in the vicinity, Eskimo, Coxswain Grant, the Coast- the Panamanian cargo vessel Cape Coast on January 10 and the thanks of the Institu- heard the broadcast and reported that guard, Selsey honorary secretary and tion inscribed on vellum for the service to she was making for the casualty at best the divisional inspector of lifeboats the fishing vessel New Venture on the night possible speed. Cape Coast then sent a (SE) it was agreed that the crew of of December 30/31, 1978. Second Coxswain second radio message saying that she Cape Coast should be strongly advised George E. Woodland (I.), and other crew had an increasing list to starboard and to stay aboard until daylight and until members have been presented with medal that there were 20 people on board. the weather eased, as, according to the and vellum service certificates respectively A mayday relay was sent out at 0335 forecast, it would do. The lifeboat for these two services. which was answered by a French ves- would stand by meanwhile. photograph by courtesy of 'Chichester sel, Montlhery; she reported that she By first light, at about 0720, the wind Observer' was 3.6 miles from the casualty and had gone round to the south south west crew of 20 safely aboard the lifeboat. making for her. Selsey lifeboat was and eased to strong gale force 9; the sea The woman, who had hurt her back, placed on stand by. was still very rough. Coxswain Grant was wrapped in blankets and watched Twenty minutes later Cape Coast advised the master of Cape Coast that over by a crew member. Course was reported that, as her anchor was not he intended taking off her crew a few at then set for Portsmouth. holding in the southerly storm force 10 a time. At 0730, with the 4'A> hour flood Portsmouth Harbour was reached at winds and she was drifting, she tide setting north easterly, the lifeboat 0955 and the survivors landed at HMS intended to put a liferaft over the side was manoeuvred bows in to the star- Vernon. Hot soup was waiting and the for her crew to abandon ship. In view board quarter of the heavily pitching Queen's Harbour Master's staff and of the extremely severe sea conditions Cape Coast which had a pilot ladder personnel from HMS. Fife took care of and the darkness, however, HMS hung down her side; her freeboard was both lifeboat crew and survivors. The Eskimo, assigned the duties of on scene some 20 feet. She was pitching heavily wind continued to fine away and had commander, advised her not to attempt and Coxswain Grant carefully brought veered to the west. By 1030 it was either to launch a liferaft or to abandon the lifeboat in so that all but her heavily westerly force 5 to 6 and with the ship. fendered port bow remained clear of lifeboat crew now warm and refreshed At 0400 Eskimo reported that the sea Cape Coast's heaving stern. Charles Henry sailed from Portsmouth conditions were so severe that she With four of her crew on deck, and was rehoused and ready again for could not launch her seaboat and asked Charles Henry was held bow in to the service by 1410. for the help of a lifeboat. Shoreham casualty while seven of Cape Coast's For this service the silver medal was Coastguard telephoned the honorary crew were in turn snatched from the awarded to Coxswain Michael J. Grant secretary of Selsey lifeboat station and snaking pilot ladder on to the foredeck and medal service certificates were at 0410 Selsey's 48ft 6in Oakley of the lifeboat. Then the two boats presented to Second Coxswain George Charles Henry launched down her were swept apart by a large sea. E. Woodland, Motor Mechanic Francis slipway into a southerly wind recorded On a second similar run in alongside R. Wells, Assistant Mechanic Terence on the lifeboat station anemometer as a woman crew member mis-timed her A. P. Wood and Crew Members Paul 63 knots (violent storm, force 11) giving jump from the pilot ladder, was caught G. Smeaton, Derek F. Allchurch and very rough seas and heavy swell. It was on the guardrail and only prevented Richard S. Smith. Letters of thanks one hour after high water on a bitterly from falling between the ship and the signed by John Atterton, acting di- cold morning. lifeboat by the prompt action of three rector of the Institution, were sent to Coxswain Michael Grant cleared the of the lifeboat crew. On the third, and Captain P. A. Pinkster, the Queen's slipway and reduced speed to allow the last, run in the remainder of Cape Harbour Master, Portsmouth, and to crew to ship the VHP and radar aerials. Coast's crew of 20 were snatched from Captain R. G. Fry, RN, commanding Once this task, made very difficult by the ladder, but while the lifeboat's bow officer of HMS Fife. the rough sea and strong wind, was was held in position several large seas completed Coxswain Grant ordered all picked her up and drove her hard his crew into the wheelhouse and set a against the cargo vessel's plating, caus- South Eastern Division course of 175° to clear the Mixon rocks ing damage in way of the port belting, at best possible speed. The Mixon, not bow pudding and foredeck bulwark. Sinking fishing boat sighted except by radar because of the At 0751, some 20 minutes after start- severe weather, was cleared at 0425 ing to take off the crew, Coxswain NITON RADIO advised Solent Coast- and a course of 255° set to pass through Grant was able to report the entire guard at 2031 on Saturday December 185 30, 1978, that the 42ft fishing vessel easterly force 9 with poor visibility in by Helmsman Vernon Evans and Crew New Venture reported to be midway the snowstorms. The tide was two Member Robert Reynolds, and made between Nab Tower and Hayling hours ebb. for the yacht at full speed until reaching Island had sent a message by VHP that An attempt was made, at the request the rough water on the bar. She found she was sinking and needed immediate of the owner, to take New Venture in that the yacht, Snow Wych, her bow help. tow, but she started to sink almost pointing out to sea and her mainsail up, Helicopter assistance was requested immediately the lifeboat got under was being carried seaward by the ebb but, with a strong gale, force 9, blowing way. The tow rope was axed through until the breaking seas forced her back from the north east and violent snow and the boat sank. on to her anchor, so that she was surg- storms giving at times almost nil visibil- With New Venture lost, Coxswain ing and yawing violently with no regu- ity, no helicopter could take off. So, a Grant headed for Chichester Harbour lar pattern. few minutes later Shoreham Coast- where the lifeboat arrived and disem- Helmsman Evans circled the casu- guard requested the launch of Selsey barked the two survivors at 0410. As alty noting the rough seas and the and Bern bridge lifeboats and by 2100 the weather was far too severe either to wildly yawing boat. He waited for a both Selsey's 48ft 6in Oakley Charles rehouse or moor off the slipway at time when the sea was relatively quiet Henry and Bembridge's 48ft 6in Solent Selsey a Land Rover led two cars and then made his approach, driving Jack Shayler and the Lees had through the snow from Selsey to the ILB in against the yacht's port side launched and were on their way Chichester to pick up the exhausted and holding her there while Crew through blinding snowstorms. lifeboat crew. Charles Henry returned Member Reynolds took the two With Coxswain Michael Grant at the to station the following forenoon, younger members of her crew on helm, Charles Henry was headed 215° January 1, and at 1120 was again board; they were landed safely at Pop- for a mile to clear Selsey Bill and the reported ready for service. pit Sands. surrounding shallows and then turned For this service the thanks of the The ILB was then taken back into to starboard to 300° and at 2114 to 310° Institution inscribed on vellum were the rough water and once again she cir- to enter and search Bracklesham Bay. accorded to Coxswain Michael J. Grant cled the yacht awaiting the relatively New Venture had reported touching and vellum service certificates were quiet period when she could drive in bottom close to a pole with a basket on presented to Second Coxswain George alongside her port side. As the yacht it and Selsey lifeboat had been asked to E. Woodland, Motor Mechanic Francis yawed she was rolling and pitching so search the bay and particularly the area R. Wells, Assistant Mechanic Terence heavily that from the shore her keel around the East Pole Sands target A. P. Wood, Crew Members Paul was seen clear of the water. The ILB beacons. Davis, Martin J. Rudwick and David took off the two remaining men but, as Visibility continued to be almost nil F. Munday and Fleet Mechanic David she cleared the casualty, the yacht in the blinding snowstorms and the Crossley. Letters of thanks signed by yawed again violently and the ILB clearance of snow from outside and ice John Atterton, acting director of the propeller cut the yacht's anchor rope. from inside the wheelhouse windows Institution, were sent to Coxswain After landing the two men at Poppit was a continuous task. On four occa- Peter Smith, BEM, of Bembridge Sands, the ILB launched again and sions the radar ceased to operate and lifeboat and his crew, and to the master went into the bay to recover the yacht, the scanner had to be cleared of snow of MV Esso Caernarvon. which had now drifted out to sea clear and ice before it could function again. of the bar. She was taken in tow and Depending almost entirely on radar secured at Cei Bach, the site of the old blind pilotage and the echo sounder, lifeboat house. and with Assistant Mechanic Terence Western Division The ILB returned to station at 1310 Wood continuously at the radar set, and was rehoused and ready for service Coxswain Grant searched the shallow Yacht on bar at 1320. The local police inspector, the inshore area to no avail. auxiliary coastguard and the many Following discussion between THE AUXILIARY COASTGUARD On Watch people who had watched the rescue Shoreham Coastguard and Selsey hon- at Penrhyn on Tuesday April 17 saw, at from the cliffs were most impressed orary secretary it was agreed that New 1155, a small yacht under outboard with the skill with which the situation Venture had probably misjudged her engine with her mainsail up making for had been assessed, the excellence of position and that the pole with a basket the River Teifi. It was a fine day with a the boathandling and the courage of the that had been sighted had in fact been clear sky and the sea in the bay was crew. the Mixon Beacon, and so it was calm with a long ground swell. How- For this service the thanks of the decided that Charles Henry should ever, the wind, although only light, was Institution inscribed on vellum were check the shoremarks eastwards from north west, the spring tide had accorded to Helmsman Vernon Evans towards the Mixon. The new search just started to ebb and on the bar the and a vellum service certificate was started at 2330. sea was rough with breaking waves presented to Crew Member Robert At 0034 on Sunday December 31 MV about eight to ten feet high. An extract Reynolds. Esso Caernarvon, which had been from Teifi Boating Club book notes: helping with the search, located New 'Cardigan Bar may become dangerous in Venture 7.2 cables from Nab Tower on west to north-west winds. It may also Scotland North Division a bearing of 050°; she was in a semi break when ground swell is present. This sunken state and her crew were suffer- usually happens on the ebb tide about Seven rescued ing from exposure. Neither Esso Caer- one hour after high water. The bigger the narvon nor the outward bound ferry tide, the greater the risk. It may happen THE OIL SUPPLY VESSEL Smit Lloyd47, Viking Venturer could reach the casu- on a fine day with little or no wind.' dragging her anchor and grounded in a alty so they floodlit the area until the At 1200 the auxiliary coastguard severe easterly gale and heavy swell on arrival of Selsey lifeboat. At this time telephoned the deputy launching the west shore of Peterhead Harbour of Bembridge lifeboat was advised that authority of Cardigan ILB station, who Refuge, about five cables from the she could stand down and, unable to lives by the beach at Poppit Sands, and lifeboat slipway, was reported to the rehouse on her own slipway, she made it was agreed that the inshore lifeboat deputy launching authority of for Cowes for the night. should launch. By this time the yacht Peterhead lifeboat station by Moray By 0120 Charles Henry had arrived had entered the rough water, broached, Coastguard at 1950 on Friday January on scene and Coxwain Grant, man- her outboard had been flooded and she 19. The vessel was fully laden and had oeuvring close up to New Venture's had anchored. Her mainsail was still anchored awaiting an improvement in port quarter, took off the two very cold up. the weather before making the passage fishermen. The wind remained north The ILB launched at 1212, manned to the Argyll field. 186 The wind was east, gale force 8 gust- sed clear of the bow of Smit Lloyd 47 at abeam of Lligwy Beach the boat began ing to strong gale, force 9, with very 2015 and made the short but difficult to meet rough breaking seas and heavy rough seas and a heavy swell in passage across Peterhead Bay to enter swell. The wind was now estimated to Peterhead Bay. Visibility was only South Harbour at 2020. The seven sur- be a full force 7 and water was breaking moderate and the spring tide was at vivors were landed into the care of the over the ILB, but although experienc- four hours ebb. Police and the Royal National Mission ing difficulty in controlling the boat in Smit Lloyd 47, heading about north to Deep Sea Fishermen. As it was not the beam sea, Helmsman Thomas still north west, was lying four cables west possible to rehouse the lifeboat in the maintained full speed. When half way by north of the South Breakwater prevailing conditions, she was made across Dulas Bay it was found that the Light. She had grounded astern and ready for service from South Harbour VHP radio was defective. then been driven on to the bank broad- where she remained until January 21. Shortly after reaching the southern side to wind and sea. It was thought For this service the thanks of the end of Dulas Island, at 1425, Ken that she was in danger of breaking up. Institution inscribed on vellum were Roberts sighted the casualty about a Peterhead lifeboat, the 48ft 6in Sol- accorded to Coxswain/Mechanic John quarter of a mile to the west. Heading ent James and Mariska Joicey, Buchan. Vellum service certificates for the casualty meant heading into the launched at 2000 and on the short pas- were presented to Second Coxswain sea, and the ILB could only make very sage to the casualty experienced excep- Alec Auld, Emergency Mechanic slow progress. As she worked her way tionally heavy breaking seas, the sever- Graham Bruce and Crew Members Ian up wind her crew could see six people ity of which increased as she made her Smith, Thomas Buchan, Ian Buchan wearing wet suits sitting in an inflatable approached through shallowing water. and James Buchan. boat which was very low in the water, Coxswain Mechanic John Buchan and which was being driven by out- found his visibility badly restricted by board engine slowly south towards heavy spray from seas breaking over North Western Division Lligwy Beach. The ILB was taken the deck and the motion of the lifeboat round her stern and, at 1435, alongside was extremely violent with angles of Divers in trouble her starboard side. The boat was found heel almost continually greater than 45 to be full of water with some of the degrees on either side. FIVE PEOPLE in an inflatable dinghy in crew trying to bail using face masks. However, with superb seamanship difficulty on the lee side of Dulas Island Two people were transferred to the and boat handling, Coxswain Buchan were reported to the honorary sec- ILB along with a large amount of diving came up on the port quarter of the retary of Moelfre lifeboat station by gear and then, with the ILB taking sta- casualty, where the crew were mus- Holyhead Coastguard at 1408 on Mon- tion astern of the casualty, both boats tered to disembark, and brought his day August 21, 1978, and at 1417 the continued slowly towards Lligwy starboard bow alongside just long station's D class ILB launched on ser- Beach and into quieter water. About enough for three crew members to be vice crewed by Second Coxswain John quarter of an hour later, at 1450, both taken on board. With expert judgement Thomas, in command, and Crew boats were beached at Lligwy. Before he repeated this manoeuvre to take off Member Kenneth Roberts. landing Ken Roberts had been able to the remaining four men and all Smit A strong breeze to near gale, force 6 get the radio working and had passed a Lloyd 47's crew were safely on board to 7, was blowing from the south west situation report to Moelfre Coastguard. James and Mariska Joicey by 2012. with a slight to moderate sea and mod- Once the divers were safely ashore As the lifeboat was working in shal- erate swell. Visibility was good. It was the ILB returned to her station keeping low water on a lee shore with no room 40 minutes after high water springs and close in to the land in calmer water. to turn, Coxswain Buchan decided to the ebb stream was setting to the north. She arrived off the slip at 1500 and was clear ahead and round the bow of the The ILB was taken through Moelfre ready for service by 1536. casualty where he judged there would Sound and then course was set directly For this service framed letters of be just enough water. The lifeboat pas- for Dulas Island P/4 miles away. When thanks signed by Major-General Ralph Peterhead: Produced from \ Farrant, chairman of the Institution, a portion of BA Chart 1438 were sent to Second Coxswain John with the sanction of the Thomas and Crew Member Kenneth Controller HM Stationery Roberts. Office and the Hydro- grapher of the Navy. Ireland Division Coaster on fire A TELEPHONE CALL from Belfast Pilot Station to HM Coastguard at 1300 on Tuesday April 10 reported a fire aboard the Finnish coaster Into of Helsinki about a mile and a half north east of Mew Island. A firefighting tug, Cole- raine, had been alerted and was on her way and MFV Boy James was standing by. No radio contact could be made with the casualty. It was established from Belfast har- bour authorities that Inio, with a half cargo of timber and paper, was on pas- sage from Belfast to Dublin. Boy James reported that the crew were fighting the fire with buckets of water, but it appeared to be spreading and Inio had complete power failure. MV Citrran was now also standing by. At 1335 Donaghadee lifeboat station

187 was alerted and the 46ft 9in Watson and at 1648 the Police called off the aged between ten and twelve, suffering relief lifeboat Lilla Marras, Douglas search. His body was found next morn- from cold and needing help to board and Will, on temporary duty at ing in the surf at Overstrand Beach. and disembark. Donaghadee, slipped her moorings at For this service letters of apprecia- The Atlantic 21 returned to station at 1345. The weather was fair with a tion signed by John Atterton, deputy 1820 and the children, together with north-easterly gentle breeze, a moder- director of the Institution, were sent to their dog, were helped into the waiting ate to choppy sea and poor visibility. Crew Members Mark Windows and Police patrol car. The boat, on recov- The lifeboat arrived alongside Inio at John Blackburn. ery, was totally iced over above her 1415, took off 19 members of her crew, waterline; she was rehoused and ready including three women, and returned to for service at 1900. Donaghadee to put them ashore. She Ireland Division For this service a letter of apprecia- then returned to stand by the casualty. tion to the crew signed by Cdr Bruce Five officers had remained on board Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to Inio. A naval patrol had been asked to Valiant attempt the honorary secretary of Queensferry, assume the duties of on scene com- HM COASTGUARD asked the deputy Captain J. F. Kersley. mander, a helicopter was standing by launching authority of Bangor ILB sta- and a naval firefighting crew was help- tion to stand by at 1135 on Sunday Scotland South Division ing the civilian firemen to fight the fire. May 20; a canoist had capsized half a At 1720 it was reported that the fire mile north of the harbour and another was out and tugs took/wo in tow to the canoist was trying to bring him in. The Two ILBs search shelter of Belfast Lough. Donaghadee DLA called Crew Members James P. lifeboat returned to her moorings and A SMALL INFLATABLE DINGHY in which Ellesmere and William R. Killiner, who it was thought there were two boys and was once again ready for service at came to the boathouse at once. 1830. which appeared to be in difficulty 600 After watching for a minute or two yards off Southerness Light was For this service a letter of apprecia- the three men realised that the task was tion signed by John Atterton, acting reported to Silloth ILB station by Ram- too much for the rescuer and they sey Coastguard at 1819 on Wednesday director of the Institution, was sent to launched the ILB at 1200. William Lennon, the skipper of MFV May 2; the ILB was asked to stand by It was a fine day. There was a mod- while Portling Coastguard went to the Boy James. The Institution's apprecia- erate southerly breeze blowing and the tion was also conveyed to Coxswain scene. A request to launch came at 1838 sea was choppy. Visibility was very and at 1847 the ILB set out with Senior James Bunting of Donaghadee lifeboat good. The tide was five hours ebb. and his crew and to Coastguard Officer Helmsman Colin Akitt in command and On reaching the canoists at 1210 the with Derek Wilson and Robert Litt as P. Ridley who, at Donaghadee, met the ILB crew found that the man in the rescued crew, none of whom could crew. water was unable to help himself at all. It was an overcast evening and very speak English, and being able to talk to His companion, David Snale, had made them in German, explained to them cold. There was a strong breeze, force a valiant effort to rescue his friend and 6, gusting to gale, force 8, blowing from that they would be taken to the Mission had nearly succeeded, but he was now to Seamen in Belfast. north north west and, with the tide at himself exhausted. The ILB brought two hours ebb, the sea was choppy the capsized canoist ashore and he was with a heavy swell. Eastern Division taken to a hotel where he was revived. The ILB had only been at sea a few An attempt was made to recover the minutes when her transom carrying her Boy lost canoe but it was found to be sunk. twin outboard engines was damaged, The ILB returned to station and was splitting across horizontally, so that rehoused and ready for service at 1330 she had to reduce speed; she could only A FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD BOY ran about For this service a letter of apprecia- a mile long Cromer beach and up cliff make four knots in safety. Kippford tion signed by John Atterton, acting steps to the Coastguard lookout on ILB was asked to help in the search director of the Institution, was sent to Monday afternoon, August 28, 1978, to and left her boathouse at 1855. To save David Snale. raise the alarm that his small brother, time she was taken by road the 12 miles aged seven, had disappeared in the sea. to Southerness and launched there. The young boy had been standing waist Ramsey Coastguard then asked Sil- deep in the sea when a wave knocked Scotland South Division loth ILB to return to station, but radio him down and he had not been seen contact was lost until 1922, when the again. His mother, two brothers and a Stranded children ILB reported that she was four miles sister were still on the beach looking east south east of Southerness and that for him. It was 1455. EDINBURGH CITY POLICE informed her transom was in no worse state. By Cromer D class ILB was launched Queensferry ILB station at 1725 on Sun- now it was known that the casualty was immediately, went to the area and day February 4 that four children and a 12ft inflatable dinghy in which there searched close inshore to a mile down their dog were stranded on Cramond were three men. tide. A helicopter, also alerted, joined Island. The children had tried to return The two ILBs met at 2020 three miles the search, the Coastguard mobile was to the mainland by the causeway but, south of Southerness. They were taken to a point up on the cliff close to cut off by the tide, had been forced instructed to investigate an object two the scene and the Police organised back to the island and had had to wade miles further south, but they could find search parties along the water's edge. ashore waist deep. It was a calm, clear nothing. A helicopter now joined in the Two ILB crew members, Mark Win- evening but very cold. search. dows and John Blackburn, wearing wet The crew mustered immediately and At 2047 Helmsman Akitt reported suits, went to the beach and with great the Atlantic 21 was launched at 1735, that Silloth ILB was in no difficulty as courage made a detailed search in the her engines responding immediately the transom and engines were being very rough water round the groynes. despite the -4°c temperature. When held by temporary lashings. At 2059 the By now six foot waves were breaking the ILB arrived at Cramond Island at coastguard 'on scene' asked Silloth on the beach and inshore, making it 1750 there was minimal water, but ILB to search towards Maryport and impossible for the ILB to get close to Helmsman Thomas Robertson raised then to return to station slowly as the the groynes; indeed her crew had to use the engine skegs while Crew Members helicopter might still sight the casualty. all their skill to continue their search Kenneth Burchell and Rass Watson Nothing was seen, however, and at through the breaking seas. went over the side to help the boat to 2250 the search was abandoned There was, sadly no sign of the boy beach. They found the children, all because darkness made it impossible. 188 The helicopter returned to base; Kipp- no wind and the sea was calm, but the ford ILB reached her station at 2245 tide was ebbing at about four to five and Silloth ILB at 2307. The ILB crews knots. dispersed to reassemble at first light, The 41ft Watson relief lifeboat St but in the meantime, at 0110, the inflat- Andrew (Civil Service No. 10), on tem- able dinghy with the three men on porary duty at Wicklow, launched at board drifted ashore near Flimby. 1700 and came up with the first dinghy For this service a letter of apprecia- at 1720. She took off the two adults and tion signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief five children, towed the boat clear of of operations, was sent to Senior the rocks and anchored her 100 yards Helmsman Colin Akitt of Silloth. off shore. She then went on to look for the second dinghy which by now was about a mile further south, just going South Eastern Division on to a small beach. The lifeboat went in as close as she could, took two Great Yarmouth and Gorleston: ILB Crew Member H. E. "Dilly" Appleton with the Fishing party adults and a child on board and then youngest of 121 people taken off the pleas- took the dinghy in tow. On the way ure cruiser Queen of the Broads which ran DUNGENESS LIFEBOAT, the 37ft 6in back the first dinghy was also taken in aground on Breydon Water in thick fog on Rother Alice Upjohn, had launched on tow. Both boats were towed to Wick- Tuesday June 19. After being stranded for exercise on Thursday March 8 and was low Harbour where the ten people were about ten hours she was located by the close to her station when, at 1700, two put ashore at 1830. inshore lifeboat and Crew Members Dilly local fishermen on shore were seen As the tide was low, the lifeboat Appleton and Stanley Woods waded waving. Second Coxswain Peter remained at moorings. through mud with a portable radio to estab- Thomas, in command in the absence of At 1845 the Bailey Lighthouse lish a communication link. As no other the coxswain who was on leave, took means of rescue was available, the 46ft 9in keeper informed Coxswain Patrick Watson relief lifeboat Edian Courtnauld, on the boat close inshore and the fisher- Keogh that a distress call had been temporary duty at Great Yarmouth and Gor- men told him that they had seen a red picked up from the yacht Orinoco, on leston, launched at 2245. Helped across a flare approximately south by east, dis- passage from Cork to Wicklow. She was plank bridge to the ILB, then ferried to tance unknown. on the rocks just north of Mizen Head, Edian Courtauld, all 121 people, and one Dungeness Coastguard was informed nine miles south of the lifeboat station. dog, were eventually landed at Yarmouth at and, at 1705, the lifeboat set out at full By now a light southerly breeze had 0530. speed. It was a fine evening with very sprung up, but the sea was still smooth photograph by courtesy of Great Yarmouth good visibility but a near gale, force 7, and visibility was very good when the Press Agency was blowing from the south west. The lifeboat slipped her moorings at 1850 sea was moderate, the tide flooding. and again put to sea. While under way his wife and dog and the chief engineer Four crew members were sent for- she made radio contact with the cargo remained on board. The lifeboat ward to act as lookouts and after ten vessel Isabel Mitchell, also making for returned to Antonio and, making fast minutes a small fishing boat was seen the yacht. Isabel Mitchell reached the on her lee side, stood by until, at 0300 flying a distress signal. The lifeboat casualty first and by the time the the next morning, the captain consi- was alongside at 1730. The five passen- lifeboat arrived, at 1950, she had dered that the position was hopeless gers were taken on board the lifeboat, launched one of her boats and refloated and that it would be dangerous to leaving the owner of the fishing boat at the yacht. The two was taken over by remain on board any longer. The last his own helm, and the boat was towed the lifeboat, and, as the yacht was mak- three people and the dog were then back to Dungeness. Arriving off the ing water and was being sailed single- taken off and put ashore at 0400 and the beach at 1805, in smooth water in the handed, a lifeboat crew member was lifeboat was refuelled and ready for lee of the shore, Crew Member M. put on board to help. service at 0500. Isted was put on board the casualty to On reaching Wicklow Harbour at A few weeks later, at 2130 on Satur- help in slipping the tow while the owner 2115 the lifeboat was once again day June 30, Fraserburgh lifeboat was steered his boat ashore to his own moored, with the yacht alongside, until launched again to go to the help of four winch. next day, when she was rehoused by salvage men whose dory had foundered Crew Member Isted was then picked 1230. in a near gale and rough seas and who up and the lifeboat returned to station were stranded on the wrecked Antonio. where the five men were put ashore. A The men were taken off and landed at doctor was waiting to examine one of Scotland North Division Fraserburgh at 2252. The lifeboat was the fishing party who was not well ; he once again ready for launching at 2310. was, however, found fit enough to Wreck return to his home. The lifeboat was rehoused and ready FIRST SERVICE CALL for Fraserburgh North Eastern Division for service at 1850. lifeboat station, since it was reopened at the end of April, came at 1533 on Two girls stranded Sunday June 3; it was to a Panamanian Ireland Division merchant vessel, Antonio, bound for A DOCK POLICEMAN at Hartlepool saw Hamburg loaded with stone chips, two girls stranded on a sewer pipe near Three boats which had run aground in dense fog Seaton Beach on the afternoon of Sun- about 100 yards from the Fishmeal Fac- day May 27. He informed the Dock TWO DINGHIES in difficulties were tory, Broadsea. The 48ft 6in Solent Master's office immediately and, as the reported to the honorary secretary of lifeboat The Royal British Legion crew were in the vicinity of the boat- Wicklow lifeboat station at 1655 on Jubilee launched at 1600 in nil visibility house, the Atlantic 21 ILB Guide Monday April 16. The first dinghy, and made for the position given. Friendship III launched within five with two adults and five children on Although the weather was clearing minutes; it was 1449. She was manned board, was a mile south of the lifeboat by the time the lifeboat reached by Helmsman Michael Elwine and station and within yards of the rocks; Antonio at 1637 and the south-easterly Crew Members J. Stephen Stoddart the second dinghy, her outboard engine wind was light, the seas were still rough and Ronald Latcham. broken down, was a quarter of a mile alongside. The lifeboat took off eight of A gentle breeze was blowing from further south. the crew that evening and put them Visibility was very good, there was ashore at Fraserburgh, but the master, continued on page 213

189 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and presentation of awards SOUTH BANK, LONDON, TUESDAY MAY 22

AN OUTSTANDING DAY: THE CROWN OF A MEMORABLE YEAR

LIFEBOAT PEOPLE from all parts of member of the Royal Festival Hall of our crews, the devotion of our honor- Great Britain and the Republic of Ire- itself, William Austin, who had had ary workers and our full-time staff, and land, and, indeed, from many other close connections with St Peter Port also, if I may be permitted to say so, to parts of the world, came to the Royal lifeboat station. Another cheque, for the wise planning by those responsible for policy. Festival Hall on the afternoon of Tues- £100, was presented to Coxswain Brian 'A few years ago we had to introduce day May 22 for the 1979 annual presen- Bevan by the owners of Diana V, what we described as a "pause" in our tation of awards by His Royal Highness International Shipbrokers Ltd. boat-building programme. We decided the Duke of Kent. Remembering the So it was a day of pride in past to do this because of a very real fear that 943 lives rescued during 1978 and that achievement; a day on which to look to we might otherwise be overwhelmed by many of last winter's services had been the future with renewed inspiration and inflation and other adverse factors. We undertaken in violent storm, wild seas, dedication; a day of friendship. It was a intended it strictly as a pause, and I am snow and bitter cold, the crowded hall day, too, of welcome and remem- glad to be able to confirm my report to was filled with heartfelt applause as brance. At the beginning of both the you last year that the pause was coming to an end. Indeed, at this particular lifeboatmen from Plymouth, St morning annual general meeting of the moment we have no fewer than 11 boats David's, Barmouth, Angle, Torbay, governors and the afternoon presenta- under construction compared with a fig- Rosslare Harbour, Sheerness, St Peter tion of awards, silent tribute was paid ure of five a year ago. To put that in Port, Bridlington and Wells received to Captain Nigel Dixon, the late Direc- another way, our boat building expendi- their medals from the Duke. Then tor, whose sudden death last December ture last year, that is 1978, went up by no Superintendent Coxswain Brian Bevan meant such a great loss to the lifeboat less than 51 per cent, whereas our total of Humber came up to receive first the service, and sympathy was expressed recurrent expenditure increased by only bronze medal for the service to to his widow and family. Everyone was 16 per cent. As the principal task of Savinesti, next the silver medal for the delighted that Jo Dixon was herself in those who support our lifeboat crews is to provide them with the best boats and service to Diana V and finally the gold the hall for the afternoon meeting. equipment which skill can devise and medal for the service toRevi. It was the Rear Admiral Wilfred Graham, who money can provide, I am sure you will first time that, at the same meeting, any has been appointed as the RNLI's new agree that this is a very satisfactory state lifeboatman had received all three Director and who took up his respon- of affairs, especially so because we have medals—gold, silver and bronze—and sibilities in August, was also present. also been able to complete the second by now the whole audience had risen to He was welcomed by all lifeboat peo- phase of fully establishing our depot at its feet. When Coxswain Bevan's crew ple, whose good wishes go with him. At West Quay Road in Poole. We had an joined him on the platform to receive the same time the Institution's appreci- arrangement to be able to call on a their bronze medals everyone rose ation was recorded of the excellent way £200,000 loan from the bank but we did in which John Atterton had managed not have to draw on it, so that was again to give a second standing another measure of the successful year ovation. the RNLI's affairs as Acting Director. we have had.' Next came the presentation of It was the last time that Major- General Farrant went on to speak of awards by the Duke of Kent to honor- General Ralph Farrant would take the the justifiable pride the Institution ary workers who had given long and chair at the AGM as he was soon to could have in the quality of its boats, distinguished service, and particular retire from office, and as the day pro- remembering how the Torbay and warmth and admiration was expressed gressed he could have been left in no Broughty Ferry Arun class lifeboats in the applause which greeted Mrs doubt that during his four years as and the Bridlington 37ft Oakley class Doris Tart and Mrs Joan Bates, the last Chairman he had won the respect, the lifeboat had, during the past year, all two lady lifeboat launchers of Dunge- thanks and the affection of the Institu- recovered successfully from knock- ness, as they received gold badges for tion to which he had given such downs in tremendous seas. That it had their outstanding services. unstinted and able service. been possible to step up the boat- There was good cause for satisfac- * * * building programme, without having to tion, too, in the splendid financial The day had begun with a very well dig into financial reserves, was a tri- results achieved in 1978 by the Institu- attended annual general meeting of the bute to the RNLI's wonderful army of tion's voluntary fund raisers, members governors of the Institution, held dur- fund raisers: and other supporters. The year had ing the morning at the National Film 'It also shows the respect and affec- ended with a small surplus of income Theatre. After the minutes of the last tion felt for the RNLI among the public over expenditure of some £200,000 and meeting had been approved and signed, at large. We did in fact have a small sur- that despite the fact that, after a pause Major-General Ralph Farrant, Chair- plus of income over expenditure, in the past few years, the boat-building man of the Committee of Management, amounting to some £200,000. For this we programme was once again back in full gave his report: are indebted to many people, including swing. those who remembered the RNLI in their '/ am happy to be able to tell you, in wills. Indeed in 1978 our income from Even on the day of the annual meet- this last of my reports to the governors, legacies exceeded the figure for 1977 by ing donations were being received. that the affairs of the RNLI are today in about a quarter of a million pounds.' very good shape. The year 1978 was an That morning, Major-General Ralph Reference was made to the gratifying Farrant, Chairman of the Institution, extremely successful one, though it was marred for all of us by one very sad income now being produced by the had been handed one cheque for trading company, a profit of almost £250,000 from Mrs M. H. Winstone for event. I refer, of course, to the sudden death of Captain Nigel Dixon, our very £230,000, more than a quarter of a mil- the building of a fast offshore boat in able and much liked Director . . . lion, having been achieved in 1978. memory of her husband; he had also 'That the affairs of the RNL1 are 'Notice,' the General continued, '1 use been given donations amounting to indeed in good shape is due of course to the word "profit" and not "turn- £155 in memory of a former staff the whole team, to the gallantry and skill over" . . . Our increased income has of

190 course been due partly to planning but, receive our lifeboat journal. To the very considerably because if you allow in more important still, to the efforts of our others who have raised the subscription. one class of person without subscription, voluntary branches and guilds who I would say once again "Thank you" where do you draw the line?' remain the backbone of all our fund and I would ask you to give my successor Lt David Case, station honorary sec- raising.' the same support as you have given to retary, Wells, speaking as a subscribing General Farrant then returned to the me and to my predecessors.' life governor, also emphasised the first factor he had mentioned when Referring to his impending retire- increased administrative expense this speaking earlier of the sound state of ment from office, General Farrant said: proposition would entail if adopted: the Institution: the quality of the 'During the years in which I have held 'It is one of our proud boasts that we lifeboat crews: the office of Chairman I have been most only spend 15p (now 8p on fund raising '. . . during the afternoon . . . medals admirably supported by my colleagues and publicity, 8p on administration for gallantry will be presented by our on the Committee of Management and —editor) in the pound on administration President, HRH The Duke of Kent. How- by the Institution's staff, and I would and I know that goes a long way when ever, this morning I would like to men- now like to pay a warm tribute to them I talk lifeboats to the general public. I tion one point. In the whole of the all. I have also been ably sustained by have been concerned with lifeboats for 26 RNLl's history, which now extends over you as governors of the Institution, and I years as a helper, as a crew member and a century and a half, there has never would like to express my very sincere as an honorary secretary, and frankly I before been an occasion on which a thanks to you all.' do not want it for myself. It is the first lifeboat coxswain received the gold, the The report and accounts were agreed time I have been here. It is a delightful silver and the bronze medal for gallantry without further discussion. meeting. It goes along very happily and I at the same meeting. This extraordinary Elections followed of the President, have no complaints with the manage- distinction will be conferred this after- HRH The Duke of Kent; the Vice- ment. Speaking from the coast, if we noon on the coxswain of the Humber want any help we have the most excel- lifeboat, Brian Devon. This will not only Presidents; the Treasurer, the Duke of lent help and I am sure all you very be a tribute to his own gallantry and that Northumberland, and the Deputy worthy people who raise funds get all the of his crew but an indication of the Treasurer, David Acland; and mem- help you want. . . .' bers and ex-officio members of the exceptional demands which have been Mr Threlfall, Wellington, said that, made on almost all our crews during the Committee of Management. past year.' In approving these elections, the through the various district confer- ences, branches and guilds already had Looking to the future, the General Chairman asked for a show of hands, and later in the meeting Major a perfectly adequate way of making said the Institution would of course their views known. After one or two have problems—it always did—but he Showell-Rogers, Poole, said that he considered this show of hands impor- other speakers had added their com- was confident that in all aspects of its ments the proposal was withdrawn. work its great traditions of service and tant and he would like to see it formally incorporated for future meetings. Coming to any other business, John public support would be maintained to Atterton, Acting Director, replying to a the full. In the next year an extra £l'/2 Messrs Price, Waterhouse and Co. were then elected as auditors for the question from Mrs Birnett, Bucking- million would probably have to be ham, on the nature of the links between raised—'a formidable task but I believe coming year. Discussion followed on a proposal the Mission for Seamen and the RNLI, a possible one.' The credit balance confirmed that while the Mission did from 1978, which was partly due to late put forward and introduced by Council- lor T. Jennings, chairman of Lewisham give help to some lifeboat crew mem- deliveries and late completion of work, bers, it did not contribute financially in financial branch: would soon be absorbed in the current any way to the lifeboat service. year's expenditure; there was the cost 'That honorary secretaries of RNLI Mr Kirby, President of Seaham of the full boat-building programme to station branches and properly consti- branch, then spoke of the closing of be met; and also the Institution was tuted financial branches and ladies' Seaham lifeboat station in February faced with urgent and expensive shore guilds, should automatically be 1979. While not questioning the deci- works because an appreciable number appointed as governors of the Institution while they are in office.' sion, he said that he thought that the of its lifeboat stations, particularly three months notice given was rather those where the lifeboat has to be While no one rose to support the short considering that the station had launched from a slipway, require huge proposal, the intention of which was to been in operation for 109 years and capital sums for their maintenance and, strengthen the links between branches asked that the Committee of Manage- for some, their complete rebuilding: and guilds and the governing body, a ment should bear in mind the effect, in 'May we hope that, just as we have number of governors opposed it. First human terms, of such a closure on the been provided in the past with so many to speak was Commander Ralph crews and on people who do voluntary of our lifeboats by people who have Swann, a former Chairman of the work for the station. The Chairman given large sums in their lifetime or Committee of Management: assured Mr Kirby that the Committee bequeathed such sums in their wills, so 'I am against this proposal for several did appreciate these other aspects just perhaps we may find generous people reasons. The first is the financial one. who would like to meet the cost of a new as much as the operational reasoning We have a large number of governors lifeboat station, which would then, of for changing a station designation or who are paying H5 a head. If they find course bear their name so long as the closure of a station. Vice-Admiral Sir that other governors are admitted with- structure remained? This we hope would Arthur Hezlet, chairman of the RNLI out paying anything ex-officio, they are be at least twice as long as the life of a likely to ask for their money back, or at Search and Rescue Committee, pointed boat.' any rate not to go on paying. The second out that before any station is closed it At the AGM in 1978 it had been objection is that the divisive nature of does get its say. A Committee of Man- agreed to raise the amounts payable the proposal. Honorary secretaries work agement delegation had visited Seaham annually by governors, and General very hard for the Institution. So do a lot and had been received very cour- Farrant now reported that the agreed of other people, including members of teously. The delegation had listened to wording of the resolution, carried the Committee of Management. Why what the station had to say and had unanimously, had been referred to the should honorary secretaries be taken it into account, but the state of privileged to get in as governors without the lifeboat house and how much it Institution's solicitors, approved and paying while other people are not? Third- was now a part of the byelaws: ly, on the administrative side, the prop- would cost had also had to be taken 'To those who feel obliged to continue osal suggests that honorary secretaries into account. The stations on the north on the old subscription, I would like to will only be governors while holding their east coast were very close together express our gratitude and to tell them posts. This would mean quite a strain on and, with fast boats coming into ser- that we shall continue to welcome them the organisation's head office keeping vice, consideration had to be given to at the annual presentations of awards track of the movements of honorary sec- whether the money could be used to and that they will of course continue to retaries. Finally, the implications are save more lives elsewhere. 191 'Nobody,' said Admiral Hezlet, 'likes page is illuminated with miniature members of the lifeboat crews and their closing a station . . . We think all this paintings, arms and borders of flowers, families, the administrators of our over very carefully for a very long birds and insects all characteristic of lifeboat stations, our dedicated band of period . . .' the seaboard towns and villages they fund raisers, the members of our perma- nent staff and my colleagues on the Lady Tollemache, Petersfield, spoke illustrate. Committee of Management. You have of 'the amazing brilliance and bravery' There were also in the foyer displays all served to make my period of office as of the helicopters which help the of photographs and of the miniature Chairman personally highly enjoyable RNLI, to which Admiral Hezlet added: model lifeboats made by Brian Wil- and you have all helped to make it one in 7 would support Lady Tollemache. liams. The RNLI Trading Company which the Institution has, I am glad to Both the Navy and RAF helicopters do a were showing (and selling) new items in say, prospered.' wonderful rescue job. We keep close the souvenir range and Shoreline were General Farrant's final duty was, as contact with them in exercises and at the busy enrolling new members and sel- he said, the exceptionally pleasant one top again through the Government ling insignia to members old and new. of introducing the principal speaker, Search and Rescue Committee upon which the Services are rep- the President, His Royal Highness The * * * Duke of Kent, who then gave the fol- resented . . . They do a wonderful job in The Annual presentation of awards the most appalling weather. Having said lowing speech: itself began at 3 o'clock. In his opening that, they have not replaced lifeboats. 7 regard it as a great privilege to ad- We are still saving 900 to 1,000 people a address, Major-General Ralph Farrant, dress this meeting at which we assemble year and helicopter coverage round our Chairman of the Committee of Man- to present awards for conspicuously waters is pretty well complete; it is pretty agement, praised the work of both the meritorious lifeboat service during the well everywhere and we work in the lifeboatmen and the fund raisers: past year. Gathered here are people who closest co-operation and I have great represent so much of what is best in this admiration for them, as you have, Lady 'We have had a winter in which many have suffered discomfort and even hard- nation and also in that neighbouring Tollemache.' ship, but there must be few sections of country, with whom we have had such a When Ben Dean, station honorary our community which have had to face long association in the task of rescuing secretary, Whitby, asked whether the rigours comparable with those experi- life at sea, namely the Republic of Ireland. Acting Director could say when the enced by our lifeboat crews. How they responded you will learn from the cita- 'The standing of the Royal National revised green book of regulations could Life-boat Institution is high not only in be expected, Mr Atterton replied: tions for medals . . . 'In the past two or three winters there Britain and in Ireland but in many other ' Yes, I can. I am delighted to say that has been a recurring meteorological pat- parts of the world. Last month the thir- they were delivered yesterday!'. tern with severe gales around Christmas, teenth International Lifeboat Confer- 7 am so glad you asked the question!'. causing many of our lifeboat crews to ence was held in the Netherlands. The added the Chairman amid laughter. spend Christmas Day or Christmas Eve RNLI was represented by a delegation, which, like other delegations, produced In moving a vote of thanks to the at sea going to the help of others in dis- tress. These have been followed by a number of valuable papers concerning Chairman, the Duke of Atholl, a the problems of saving life at sea. It was Deputy Chairman, spoke of the further gales in the early part of the New Year causing severe damage to lifeboat also represented by the splendid new RNLI's financial and operational installations and involving us, as a lifeboat, later to be stationed at Fal- problems and successes during the result, in very heavy expenditure. mouth, which is at this moment moored General's period of office: 'As always, the response to challenges in the River Thames and which many of by our lifeboat crews has been matched you will have seen. 'We have been very lucky to have 'As a nation we are, I sometimes General Farrant as our leader during by that of our voluntary fund raisers. four such tricky years and we thank you, You will remember a few years ago we think, inclined to undersell ourselves, to were obliged temporarily to slow down minimise our achievements and even to sir, for all the guidance and inspiration boast of our shortcomings. This is you have given us.' our boat-building programme because of inflation and other factors. As a result of emphatically not the case of the lifeboat After prolonged applause, the Gen- the efforts of our supporters we are now service of whose record of achievement eral had the last word: back in full production ..." we can all feel justifiably proud. In this '. . . As I said before, it is a team effort sphere of activity we sit by right at the and without the effort of the whole team Looking a little ahead, General Far- top table. At the request of all the other we would not have come through so well rant spoke of the cheque for £250,000 nations which have lifeboat services the as we have, but I thank you, sir, very he had been given that morning by Mrs RNLI provides the central secretariat much for your remarks. I hereby declare Winstone: for them all. At its headquarters in Poole, which I had the pleasure of open- the meeting closed. Thank you, ladies 'We have been able, in this instance, and gentlemen.' ing a few years ago, there is a plaque on to start building almost at once an Arun the front door with the words "Perma- * * * class boat. We are also developing new nent Headquarters, International By early afternoon lifeboat people types of boats. We are making good Lifeboat Conference". were already gathering for the presen- progess with the model of the fast 'This status which the world accords tation of awards, and there was much lifeboat to be launched down a slipway, to the RNLI has not come about by for them to see both outside and in the a new project which we hope to bring accident. It is the consequence of a great Royal Festival Hall. The latest Arun into production in a few years. We have tradition, which the modern generation class lifeboat, soon to go on station at under construction the first experimental is maintaining in a manner fully worthy model of a new intermediate lifeboat, of its predecessors. This is illustrated by Falmouth, was moored off in the River which is 35 feet in length. This prototype Thames and an Atlantic 21 ILB was on some of the awards to be made this has been developed by the staff at our afternoon. show on the Embankment. Cowes base in the Isle of Wight, under 'As your Chairman has said, the cox- In the foyer of the Festival Hall, the direction of its superintendent, David swain of the Humber lifeboat station, Brian pride of place was taken by The Stogdon, and to recognise the work they Bevan, will he a unique recipient of Lifeboat Service Memorial Book* in have done we have named this class of awards for gallantry. It so happens that which are inscribed on vellum all the boat the "RNLI Medina". These are he and his crew have also demonstrated places where lives have been lost in only some of the developments for a the truly international nature of our lifesaving work, with the names of the future to which I look forward with lifeboat service. One of their rescues for confidence . . . which awards have been made was from dead, the date and the service. This 'This, I am sorry to say, will be the last most beautiful and precious volume is a Panamanian vessel, another from a occasion on which I shall be addressing Dutch vessel, another from a Romanian bound in boards cut from the oak knees you at this meeting, as I shall be retiring vessel. used for the stems of lifeboats and each before the end of the year. I would there- 'Mr Bevan is a young man, only 32. fore like to take the opportunity of thank- Others who will be coming up on to this *Described by The Lord Saltoun in the ing the great army of supporters which platform were serving the RNLI before winter 1975/76 issue of THE LIFEBOAT. we have in the RNLI, in particular the he was born. Among them are two 192 ladies, Mrs Tart and Mrs Bates. They have been helping to launch the Dun- geness lifeboat for 44 and for 37 years respectively. That I think must be a record combination for years of service. 'All over the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland people are to be found who give their services voluntarily to the RNLl, not only to serve in lifeboats or to raise money but to give expert help and advice. Anyone who studies the year book of the Institution and looks at the composition of its sub- committees must be impressed by the extraordinary wealth of talent given vol- untarily to this great cause. Supporting all this expertise is a professional staff of high competence, of which the late Captain Dixon was an outstanding representative. 'Our Institution is immensely fortu- nate in the loyalty which it enjoys from all its many workers, helpers and sup- porters but-from none more than that fine and dedicated body of lifeboat crewmen whose readiness to serve others is such an inspiring example. And as your Chairman said, this last winter The Medallists (from front, I. to r.) Superintendent Coxswain Brian Bevan. (First row) Motor has made unusually heavy demands Mechanic Bill Sayers, Assistant Mechanic Ronald Sayers, Crew Member Michael Storey and upon them. Crew Member Peter Jordan, Humber. (Second row) Second Coxswain Dennis Bailey, Snr, 'In leading this formidable array of Humber, Coxswain David Cox, Wells, Crew Member Sydney Rollison, Humber, Motor talent, you General Farrant, as Chair- Mechanic Cyril Alcock, Plymouth and Crew Member Dennis Bailey, Jnr, Humber. (Third man of the RNLl's Committee of Man- row) Coxswain William Morris, St David's, Coxswain Evan Jones, Barmouth, agement, have served the cause of sav- Coxswain/Mechanic William Rees Holmes, Angle and Second Coxswain Patrick Marshall, ing life at sea with great distinction. We Plymouth. (Back row) Coxswain Arthur Curnow, Torbay, Acting Second Coxswain Seamus wish you all happiness in your retirement McCormack, Rosslare Harbour, Coxswain/Mechanic Charles Bowry, Sheerness, Coxswain from this onerous duty and know that John Petit, St Peter Port, and Coxswain Fred Walkington, Bridlington. you will continue to help this great cause photograph by courtesy of Peter Hadfield wherever you can. The thanks of everyone connected with the RNLI are Coxswain William Morris, St David's: lifeboat, Edward Bridges (Civil Sen-ice due to you for all you have done, and as bronze medal No. 37), rescued the crew of the fishing an expression of these thanks and as a On March 11, 1978, St David's vessel Fairway being driven into shoal- tribute during the year of your retirement lifeboat, Joseph Soar (Civil Service ing water in a south-south-easterly as Chairman, the organist will play the No. 34), saved the Royal Naval tender storm and a very heavy sea. To take off Royal Artillery Slow March at the end of MFV 7 and her crew of seven in a mod- the six men the coxswain had to man- our meeting. I have a feeling it will evoke erate north-north-easterly wind and oeuvre the lifeboat twice alongside the happy memories so far as you are concerned.' confused seas. The lifeboat went close fishing vessel, which was rolling and pitching violently in steep seas ranging 'And I shall now move the Resolution: to treacherous rocks to pass a tow line 'That this meeting fully recognising to the casualty which, her engine to 25 feet. the important services of the Royal broken down, was being carried into Acting Second Coxswain Seamus National Life-boat Institution in its danger by a strong spring tide. McCormack, Rosslare Harbour: national work of lifesaving, desires to Coxswain Evan Jones, Barmouth: bronze medal record its hearty appreciation of the gal- bronze medal On December 7, 1978, the relief lantry of the coxswains and crews of the On November 22, 1978, the relief lifeboat Sir Samuel Kelly, on tempor- Institution's lifeboats, and its deep obligation to the local committees, hon- lifeboat BHMH, on temporary duty at ary duty at Rosslare Harbour, rescued orary secretaries and honorary treasur- Barmouth, rescued the crew of MFV two of the crew of the fishing boat ers of all station branches; to all other Boy Nick aground on North Bank in a Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur in a viol- voluntary committees and supporters westerly gale and a very rough sea. The ent south-easterly storm and very and to the honorary officers and lifeboat was driven through breaking heavy seas estimated at 30 feet high. thousands of voluntary members of the seas close to the harbour bar, fre- The lifeboat went alongside the fishing financial branches and the ladies' quently grounding, to reach the two boat twice in these mountainous seas, lifeboat guilds in the work of raising men who had abandoned the fishing taking off one man each time. funds to maintain the service.' vessel and taken to their liferaft. Coxswain/Mechanic Charles Bowry, HRH The Duke of Kent then pre- Coxswain/Mechanic William Rees Sheerness: bar to his bronze medal sented the awards for gallantry: Holmes, Angle: bar to his bronze On December 30, 1978, Sheerness Second Coxswain Patrick Marshall, medal lifeboat, Helen Turnbull, rescued the Plymouth: bronze medal On December 1, 1978, Angle crew of two of the motor cruiser Ma Motor Mechanic Cyril Alcock, lifeboat, Richard Vernon and Mary Jolie II in a strong north-easterly gale Plymouth: bronze medal Garforth of Leeds, rescued the crew of and a very rough, confused sea. To On February 15, 1978, Plymouth three of the fishing vessel Cairnsmore make the rescue the lifeboat had to be lifeboat, Thomas Forehead and Mary in a south-easterly storm and heavy taken three times into shallow water Rowse II, rescued two of the crew of breaking seas. The lifeboat recovered where, because of many yacht moor- the trawler Elly Gerda in a violent one man from the water and with great ings and a submerged wreck, there was south-easterly storm with very heavy difficulty, because of the rolling and very little sea room. snow and a very rough sea. The pitching of the casualty, took off the Coxswain John Petit, St Peter Port: lifeboat was manoeuvred close to the remaining two crew members. third bar to his bronze medal trawler which was aground on rocks Coxswain Arthur Curnow, Torbay: On the night of January 4/5, 1979, St and the motor mechanic pulled two of bronze medal Peter Port lifeboat, Sir William Arnold, her crew to safety. On December 2, 1978, Torbay took part in a search for survivors from

193 the Greek freighter Cantonad which Second Coxswain Dennis Bailey, station branch from 1954 to 1979; sank in the English Channel in an Humber: bronze medal awarded binoculars in 1965. east-north-easterly hurricane, and ter- Motor Mechanic Barry 'Bill' Sayers, Mrs J. B. Soutter rific seas. Visibility was reduced by Humber: bronze medal Founder member of Hamilton ladies' snow. During the 12 hours and more Assistant Mechanic Ronald Sayers, guild in 1938 and president from 1960 she was at sea one huge wave rolled the Humber: bronze medal to 1979. lifeboat over 45 degrees, throwing the Crew Member Michael Storey, coxswain out of his seat and knocking Humber: bronze medal S. A. Chase him unconscious for a few moments. Crew Member Peter Jordan, Humber: President and chairman of Thurrock bronze medal branch since 1953; awarded silver Coxswain Fred Walkington, Bridling- badge in 1969. ton: bronze medal Crew Member Sydney Rollinson, On February 15, 1979, Bridlington Humber: bronze medal Mrs B. Morris lifeboat, William Henry and Mary Crew Member Dennis Bailey, Jnr, A collector from 1947 to 1952, commit- King, launched in a blizzard and a viol- Humber: bronze medal tee member of Woolwich branch from ent north-easterly storm to help the On February 14, 1979, Humber 1952 to 1965, acting chairman from disabled German freighter, Sunnanhav. lifeboat, City of Bradford IV, rescued 1965 to 1966 and chairman since 1966; The freighter regained power and the the four crew of the Panamanian awarded letter of thanks in 1973 and lifeboat was on her return passage freighterRevi in a north-easterly storm, silver badge in 1974. when, with visibility down to 50 yards very heavy seas and snow storms. The N. Wells in the snow and the radar out of action, lifeboat was taken alongside about 35 Honorary secretary of Kingston-on- she had to turn hard to port to avoid times before the crew could be taken Thames branch since 1956; awarded rocks. She was struck by a huge wave off. The last survivor, the captain, was silver badge in 1967. and knocked over to starboard, the still on board, clinging to the outside of Mrs A. M. Bolton engine cut-out operating. The 'capsize the stern guardrails awaiting the chance Founder member of Adlington ladies' switches' were made and the engines to jump, when the freighter rose 20 feet guild in 1940 and honorary secretary of fired first time. above the lifeboat and began to crash Bramhall and Woodford ladies' guild down towards the crew on the Coxswain David Cox, Wells: silver since 1953; awarded silver badge in foredeck. The coxswain, immediately 1964. medal putting his engines hard astern, man- Superintendent Coxswain Brian Bevan: aged to pull clear by inches. Revi was R. W. Beasley, MBE bronze medal then completely covered by three suc- Honorary secretary of Isle of Wight On February 15, 1979, Wells cessive waves but, when the water lifeboat board from 1953 to 1979; lifeboat, Ernest Tom Neathercoat, cleared, her captain, feared lost, was awarded silver badge in 1964. launched into a violent north-easterly seen still hanging on the stern rails; the Mrs D. Tart storm and continuous blizzard to stand lifeboat drove in again in a trough bet- Launcher, Dungeness station branch, by the disabled Romanian freighter ween two waves and rescued him from 1935 to 1979. Savinesti which was in danger of run- minutes before the freighter sank. ning aground. In temperatures well Mrs J. Bates below freezing and with huge seas Since the last annual presentation of Launcher, Dungeness station branch, washing right over her, this open awards meeting the Committee of from 1942 to 1979. lifeboat stood by until Humber Arun Management had awarded two honor- W. A. P. Cormack, JP class lifeboat City of Bradford IV had ary life governorships, two bars to the 'Honorary secretary of Peterhead sta- made the 37 mile passage from Spurn gold badge and 14 gold badges to volun- tion branch from 1954 to 1973, and Point and could take over the service. tary workers for long and distinguished administrative officer from 1973 to Wells lifeboat had to make the first part service. All but three of the recipients, 1978; awarded binoculars 1965. T. Taylor, Mrs T. W. A. Swallow and of her return passage at half speed with J. W. Eagle the drogue streamed and snow blowing T. Woodhouse, were present to receive their awards from The Duke of Kent. Vice-chairman of Walton-on-the-Naze directly into the after cockpit; then, station branch from 1953 to 1956 and turning into the breaking seas, it took Honorary Life Governor chairman since 1956. her two hours to make good the last Mrs E. M. Walker J. T. Sutton seven miles; she had been at sea for Committee member of Dundee ladies' Honorary treasurer of Kilmore Quay over 11 hours. Humber lifeboat even- guild from 1942, vice-president from station branch from 1951 to 1966 and tually escorted Savinesti to the safety 1962 to 1971 and president since 1971. honorary secretary and treasurer since of the River Humber after more than 15 1966; awarded binoculars in 1968. hours at sea. Alderman C. F. Baker, MBEJPFRICS Joint honorary secretary of Eastbourne T. P. Nolan Superintendent Coxswain Brian Bevan, station branch from 1949 to 1953 and Honorary treasurer of Howth station Humber: silver medal honorary secretary since 1953; branch since 1957; awarded silver On the night of December 30/31, awarded binoculars in 1960 and gold badge in 1969. 1978, Humber lifeboat, City of Brad- badge in 1975. Mrs T. W. A. Swallow ford IV rescued six of the crew of the Bar to Gold Badge Founder member of North Sunderland Dutch coaster Diana V, in distress in a Miss I. Davies ladies' guild in 1932, assistant secret- strong easterly gale and very heavy Committee member of South Caernar- ary from 1934 to 1940, vice-chairman seas. After her mechanics had repaired vonshire ladies' guild from 1945 and from 1951 to 1962 and chairman since an oil pipe which fractured under way, honorary secretary since 1958; 1962; awarded silver badge in 1974. the lifeboat maintained full speed to the awarded statuette in 1953 and gold D. K. Redford, a member of the casualty despite the fact that she was badge in 1968. Committee of Management, moved a receiving a terrific pounding. Reaching T. Taylor hearty vote of thanks to HRH The Duke the casualty, the lifeboat made three of Kent for addressing the meeting and runs in, being thrown against the heav- Honorary secretary of Llandudno sta- tion branch from 1948 to 1978; awarded presenting the awards. Then, the busi- ily listing coaster by the breaking seas, ness of the day concluded, tea was before a 12-year-old girl, a woman and binoculars in 1959 and gold badge in 1974. taken in the foyer during which there four men were all successfully taken was the opportunity for His Royal off. Gold Badge Highness to meet informally some of Superintendent Coxswain Brian Bevan, T. Woodhouse, OBEJP those to whom awards had been given Humbert gold medal Honorary secretary of Flamborough and their families.

194 difference nationalities in the area and Fastnet Race indeed by the crews of the yachts As the journal was going themselves, some of whom went to the to press we learned with Storm help of other boats even though it great sorrow of the deaths meant putting themselves in jeopardy. of Admiral of the Fleet DURING THE NIGHT of Monday August Thirteen lifeboats from both sides of The Earl Mountbatten of 13 and Tuesday August 14 south- the Irish Sea took part in the operation, westerly storm force winds, veering to towing in or escorting at least 20 yachts Burma, on August 27, and west north west and gusting to hur- and landing survivors. Several of the of Lord Saltoun, on August ricane force, struck the south-western lifeboats made a number of missions 31. Appreciations of their approaches while the international and between them they spent a total of work for the lifeboat ser- Fastnet Race fleet of 306 yachts was more than 170 hours at sea. At the vice will appear in the strung out across the 150 mile stretch of height of the storm Baltimore lifeboat winter issue. the south Irish Sea between Land's was at sea for about 24 hours, Court- End and the Fastnet Rock, off the macsherry lifeboat for about 22 hours crew member of St Peter Port lifeboat south of Ireland. The race had started and St Mary's lifeboat for nearly 21 and went out on service a number of from Cowes on Saturday August 11; hours. Ballycotton, Dunmore East, times. the finish would be at Plymouth. The Lizard-Cadgwith, Padstow, St Ives and Following the search and rescue seas, with a fetch right across the Sennen Cove lifeboats were all out on operation the Prime Minster, Mrs Mar- Atlantic funnelling into narrowing wat- service in the storm for many hours. garet Thatcher, sent a telegram to the ers, were not only phenomenally high Angle, Clovelly and Penlee lifeboats Chairman of the Institution which read: and breaking but they were also also took part in the search and rescue 7 should be glad if you could pass on treacherously short. Although the operation. Falmouth's fast afloat Arun to the lifeboat crews involved and all of majority of the yachts weathered the lifeboat, which on the night of August those who work to support them my con- storm and came safe to harbour 14 was sent out of her district to oper- gratulations on their achievements in the unaided, 85 of them in fact finishing the ate in the main search area north of the Fastnet Race rescue operation this race, it was soon known that some Scillies, was away from station for 38 week. It has brought home to us once were in serious trouble and grave anxi- hours with only brief visits to St Mary's again how much we depend on the brav- ety was felt about the safety of the and Newlyn. ery and willingness to serve of those who whole fleet. Despite all the efforts made, 15 man our lifeboats.' A massive search and rescue opera- yachtsmen were lost from yachts tak- It was not only in the south west that tion was launched, co-ordinated by HM ing part in the Fastnet Race and four lifeboats were launched on service dur- Coastguard at Land's End and the from a catamaran in the area. It was an ing that 36 hours from 0001 on Tuesday Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre unprecedented tragedy in the long his- August 14 to 1200 on Wednesday at Shannon, and during the next 36 tory of ocean racing. Among those lost, August 15. At least a further 13 hours great gallantry and endurance the RNLI particularly mourns Peter offshore lifeboats in other parts of the was shown by lifeboatmen from both Dorey, the owner and skipper of the country were called out as well, making sides of the Irish Sea, by naval helicop- Guernsey yacht Cavale. As well as some 26 lifeboats in all. A detailed ter crews from HMS Culdrose, by RAF being a member of the States of Guern- report of what will surely be remem- Nimrod crews, by the crews of naval sey and a prominent ship owner, Mr bered as the Fastnet Storm will be pub- and merchant ships and fishing boats of Dorey was for some years a reserve lished in the winter journal.

'Handling boats sounds easier than gear. This is what we had come to do Week's Good it is, and I began to learn that day. and we sang all the way home. Now, when the maroons go to call out 'Of course, all our jobs are not as the lifeboat crew, I stand as coxswain dramatic as this. We go for yachtsmen, Cause at the foot of the ladder by the lifeboat canoeists, swimmers, kids in bits of ON SUNDAY AUGUST 12 Derek Scott, to pick my crew. On a bad night with rubber boats, and once we even went BEM, coxswain of The Mumbles the slates coming off the roofs, the for horses which had been stranded by lifeboat, made an appeal on behalf of telephone wires down and a big sea the tide. They were exhausted and had the RNLI on BBC Radio 4. The text of running, I know how they feel. I've felt to be strapped alongside. The import- the appeal, in response to which more it myself. But bad weather is what ant thing is that we do go, and are than £11,200 has already been we've prepared and trained for. always ready to go, and are well equip- received, is given below: 'Some time ago, we had a call to go ped to do so. to a sand-dredger aground on a spur of 'An old Irish coxswain once told me, 'All my life I've had to do with rock near where Billy Gammon's boat "Drown you may but go you must," lifeboats. My first memory of a cox- was lost with all aboard her. When we and there are sayings like this up and swain was of a local man called Billy got there, it was as black as pitch, and down our coasts, and the same tradi- Gammon who lost his life on our boat the crew had been washed away from tions in all our 200 lifeboat stations. All when I was young. the dredger on a raft. We picked them our boys are volunteers. They don't 'I didn't know much about the RNLI up at once. That was easy. But the raft cost much. But each boat costs at least then, and I certainly didn't know that it had broken away from the ship, leaving £250,000 and we have to build ten new was run entirely on voluntary contribu- the skipper on board. Now we had to boats each year. tions. Once, when I was about 14, I go back for him, running over rocks 7 always say that a lifeboat rescue sneaked out of the village with a pal to this time with the dredger on its side begins with the lady who stops you in go fishing in a leaky old ship's lifeboat. and surf breaking over it. the street with a tray of flags, and it's It soon began to blow like mad and it 'We saw the skipper hanging on to true. We are proud of them, proud of was all we could do to get back in. We the wing of the bridge, dressed in our boats and glad to belong to every- brought the boat up on the stones with everything he owned with an overcoat, thing that has gone on before. If you an almighty thump, hardly in control. suitcase and carrying the ship's pap- can help us find a little of the ten mill- When I looked up, I saw Billy Gammon ers. We had to put the bow of the ion pounds we need a year to stay standing there, a stocky, big- lifeboat actually on the deck, but when ready and prepared, please send your shouldered man, and he said, "Son, if I the skipper jumped, the ship rolled and contribution to me: Derek Scott, ever see you handle a boat like that he almost went into the water, but one RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset again, I'll tan your backside for you!" of the lads grabbed him and all his . . . Thank you.'

195 hold on to them should they be swept Women's Work . . . off their feet. The women of Dungeness all remember the terrible storms, the long run between the houses before roads ... IN THE RNLI IT IS NEVER DONE. were built, banging on doors to alert the crew and their wives, the dinners left on the table to go cold, the bliz- by Ray Kipling zards, the drenchings and then the sitting and waiting, making coffee DEPUTY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, RXLI or soup for their husbands' return. Waiting. That is perhaps the hardest '/ don't know where we would have bow. In those days there was no radio of all the contributions made to the been sometimes without the ladies. No so the launchers, cold, soaked and lifeboat service by the wives of crew credit would be too high for what they exhausted, used to huddle around a members. And they give, and they did.' stove, awaiting the return of the give, and they give again. The part they Ben Tart, former coxswain of lifeboat and the important job of play is fully appreciated by their hus- Dungeness lifeboat, was talking about recovery. bands. Keith Bower, second coxswain the ladies who used to launch his of Torbay lifeboat, said after the rescue 7 never expected to see them again, which earned him a gold medal: lifeboat. He could just as well have sometimes,' said Mrs Fair, 'but J never been referring to the overall role of missed a launch.' '/( was probably more difficult for my wife than for me. I had a job to do all the women in the RNLI for there is hardly To meet the returning lifeboat the time, whereas she could only contem- an aspect of lifeboat work in which heavy woods were laid across the plate the hazards we were facing.' they are not involved. beach and then the boat was hauled up 'It's the women, waiting at home, that Ladies no longer help to launch the with a capstan pushed around by men have the worst of it.' lifeboat across the beach at Dungeness and women alike; there was no electric or anywhere else in the country. Last winch in those early days. It took two is the verdict of Matt Lethbridge, cox- year the woods (greased wooden skids) hours to heave the boat up. swain of St Mary's lifeboat and three which for so many years they had times silver medallist. 'It was never a woman's job,' says A)i round the coast, lifeboatmen's hauled over the shingle and laid in a Ben. 'It was too hard. But there was no line so that the lifeboat could slide one else to do it.' wives are very actively involved in rais- ing funds for their stations; and they down to the sea were replaced with a Launching can make great demands, tractor and carriage. It was the end of are backed up by the members of too. When the lifeboat hits the sea the ladies' lifeboat guilds in towns and vil- an era for the lifeboat service. depth of water is critical. There used to be many small fishing lages throughout the land on whom the 'If she meets a sea going in, she's all Institution puts such dependence. communities where most of the male right,' Doris Tart explains. 'If she meets The first organised ladies' commit- population was needed to crew the a drawback (as the sea recedes), you're lifeboat, leaving only a few men and the tees were formed at the end of the last in trouble. But when the pin's gone, century. Following the tragic loss of 27 women to launch her. Each station has she's away.' its stories of courage; Holy Island, men from the St Anne's and Southport On February 11, 1974, the 42ft beach lifeboats in 1886, Sir Charles Macara, a where the women turned out in the lifeboat Mabel E. Holland met a blinding snowstorm of a January night Lancashire businessman, analysed the 'drawback' when she launched into income of the RNLI and found that to launch the lifeboat, 60 helpers hurricane force winds to take a seri- wading waist deep into the sea to get two-thirds of it was provided by about ously injured man off MV Merc Texco. a hundred people. In 1891 he founded the boat afloat; Runswick, where the The conditions were the worst ever fishermen's wives used to launch the Lifeboat Saturday, the first-ever char- experienced at the station and the ity street collection, and a year later lifeboat which, when the fishing fleet lifeboat was swept broadside on to the was caught out in bad weather, would Lady Macara organised the first Ladies huge breakers. As the launchers Auxiliary Committee, in Manchester escort their husbands to safety; Cress- dashed down the beach to haul her up and Salford. A network was soon well, where Margaret Armstrong for another attempt, Ben Tart gripped helped to drag the lifeboat half a mile to established throughout the country and the wheel and made a snap decision. in 1921 a Ladies' Lifeboat Guild was the sea and then ran five miles along The lifeboat started lifting on the next the coast, waded across a storm swol- formed, absorbing earlier organisa- wave and he drove her out stern first. tions. The Duchess of Portland was len river and finally collapsed when she Somebody watching the launch reached Newbiggin Coastguard station president of the guild and Sir Godfrey thought that the lifeboat would over- Baring, chairman of the RNLI, to tell the officers that the rocket turn and had reported this to the press, apparatus was needed; Newbiggin announced at the Institution's annual so there was little rest for Joan Bates meeting: itself, where the cry used to be: 'Every when she returned to the house and the man to the boat and every woman to telephone after helping to launch the 'We, on the Committee of Manage- the rope'. lifeboat. ment, anticipate great things from that The ladies of Dungeness brought the guild. We hope we shall soon be able to 'That night, Mick and I kept getting rake in a good deal of money and it has long and honourable tradition right up calls asking if the boat had capsized.' to the present day; ladies like Mrs led the Institution to take a step which I Doris Tart had been blown off her can only describe as being revolutionary Serena Fair, for instance, who served in character. We have placed two ladies as a launcher for more than 50 years; bicycle twice on her way to the lifeboat house. on our Organising Sub-Committee . . . like Doris Tart, Ben Tart's wife, who may I say at once to those who may be, served for 44 years; and like Joan 'The only time I was really worried,' perhaps, a little nervous at such Bates, wife of the late honorary sec- she said, 'was the night of the Merc revolutionary proceedings, that this is retary, Mick Bates, who served for 37 Texco.' not our old and esteemed friend the thin years. When the lifeboat returned, Doris end of the wedge—it would be The worst launch Mrs Fair recalls thought it was too rough for the boat to unchivalrous to compare a lady with was in 1929 when her husband, Edwin, come ashore. It was so bad that the anything so prosaic and dull as a wedge . . .' was in the crew. The storm was so men who waded into the sea to connect severe that a man in the stern of the the winch wire were secured with a The 1921 Committee of Management lifeboat could not be seen from the rope so that the other launchers could can hardly have envisaged just what

196 Dungeness: (right) The women launchers on the job, and (below) Mrs Joan Bates. (I.) and Mrs Doris Tart at the Royal Festival Hall after receiving gold badges awarded to them for their many years service as launchers. Photograph by courtesy of Peter Hadfield

'great things' the ladies' guilds would (Right) Borth: ILB Crew achieve in years to come, for the guilds Member Anna Hubbard out have raised millions of pounds for the on exercise with Crew RNLI. Some individual members have, Member leuan Griffiths and indeed, devoted almost their entire Helmsman Ronnie Davies. lives to ensuring that the money to (Below) Dr Margaret Shim- build and maintain the boats would min, honorary medical always be there. It was not, however, adviser, with (I.) Coxswain until 1975 that two ladies, Lady Norton Kenneth Henry and (r.) Sec- and Mrs Georgina Keen, were elected ond Coxswain William to the Committee of Management. Anderson. Lady Norton and Mrs Keen had photograph by courtesy of been active fund raisers for many years Aberdeen Journals and both admit that the invitation to the trawlermen threw down a rope. The join the Committee came as a sur- second coxswain tied a knot around my prise—and an honour. They feel that, waist and they hauled me up the side of as well as taking their part in the nor- the trawler. I gave first aid but the men mal work of the Committee itself, they needed a hospital so we sailed to Scal- have an important role in opening up loway . . . I wasn't sick on the lifeboat better communications between the which gained approval.' Committee and the branches, guilds, Dr Shimmin is also chairman of the crews and their wives. Regularly station branch and was proposed for attending RNLI functions, they wel- the office by Coxswain Ken Henry, so come the opportunity of meeting and the rope trick must have worked! She talking to lifeboat people. Also, as Mrs was president of the ladies' guild for Keen says: tion administrative officer at Mudeford some years and held all three jobs con- 'The ladies' role can be a little broader and, living near the boathouse, is close currently. Aith lifeboat does not get a than fund raising. We try to learn more at hand to fire the maroons and help large number of calls but, as Dr about the other aspects of the service on launch the D class ILB. A strong Shimmin says, visits to the coast.' swimmer. Sally did not hesitate when, '. . . When they come, they are fairly An expert on the operational, as well one November day in 1974, a man fell nasty.' as the fund raising, side of the RNLI is into the Run and was carried into tur- Aith lifeboat has the extra role of fer- Mrs Maire Hoy, honorary secretary of bulent water near Bass Rock. While the rying a doctor to offshore islands when Clogher Head lifeboat station. Mrs ILB was being launched, she jumped aeroplanes cannot go in and also acts as Hoy's husband was the honorary sec- in, swam to the man and brought him an ambulance. On exercise Dr Shim- retary for eight years and, when he died back to the quayside. For her prompt min has had practice lifts from the suddenly, the district inspector of and courageous action she was lifeboat to a British Airways search and lifeboats, Cdr Acworth, asked Mrs awarded the Royal Humane Society's rescue helicopter. Hoy if she would take over as a tem- testimonial on parchment. Latest on the list of women's jobs in porary measure. That was 18 years ago Another lady at the 'sharp end' of the the RNLI is ILB crew member. There and Mrs Hoy now regards it as an service is Dr Margaret Shimmin, hon- was a reserve crew of women for the everyday job. orary medical adviser of Aith lifeboat. offshore lifeboat at Coverack in the '/ didn't find any difficulty taking over. She is the GP for the Bixter area of first world war, when many men were I was in contact with the job as my hus- Shetland and her two predecessors, away fighting, but they never launched band was the honorary secretary. I just both local men, were lifeboat doctors. on service. The first female ILB take it in my stride.' Dr Shimmin was a little apprehensive helmsman, who qualified in 1970, was Mrs Hoy's deputy launching author- about being the only woman on the Elisabeth Hostveldt, an 18-year-old ity is the harbourmaster and they usu- lifeboat and also thought the crew student at Atlantic College where the ally consult about lifeboat launches. might feel inhibited. Her first call came ILB is crewed by students. There are She finds no difficulty working with the in 1974 when a steel hawser snapped on now over a dozen women in ILB crews men of the crew and, as she is also the factory trawler Schiitting and throughout the country and their responsible for the station's fund rais- wrapped around the first and second reasons for joining are much the same ing, she enlists their help as collectors. mates. Dr Shimmin remembers the as those of their male colleagues. Sally Parker, the wife of Crew incident well. Kim Edwards at Gorleston became Member Michael Parker, is also 'There was a bit of lumpy water, as the involved as her father was in the crew. actively and deeply concerned in the Shetlanders say. There was no rope lad- running of a station branch. She is sta- der long enough to reach the lifeboat so continued on page 202

197 imum speed about 19 knots), is Channel Islands stationed at St Peter Port, a station which has been closely involved with the development of the Arun class from its earliest days. Thomas James King, OUR MOST SOUTHERLY LIFEBOAT STATIONS a 44ft Waveney (maximum speed about 16 knots) is stationed at St Helier. Since 1969 Jersey has also had a D by Joan Davies class inshore lifeboat (capable of some 20 knots) stationed at St Catherine Bay, on the east coast. SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL Sailing ledge which comes from lifetimes of Both John Petit, coxswain of St Peter waters in the world; a cruising man's experience of pilotage in these exacting Port lifeboat, and Michael Berry, cox- dream in themselves and the gateway waters; by an up-to-the-minute swain of St Helier lifeboat, are pilots. to Brittany. Such are the seas which approach which enthusiastically So is Jersey's second coxswain, Frank surround Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, embraces every available technical Lawrence. All three of Guernsey's Sark and Jersey and the many other facility in the lifeboats themselves and deputy coxswains—Lloyd de Mouil- smaller islets and rocks which together in the professional back-up ashore; and pied, Peter Bougourd and Michael make up the Channel Islands. Yet these by the lively co-operation which Scales—are professional seamen. All are waters which demand not only skil- flourishes between the RNLI and all other members of both crews are sea- led pilotage but also the utmost the other island services. men of long and tried experience, be respect. The very names of such off- In fact the sparkle, the energy and they professional or amateur. lying hazards as the Casquets, Roches the sheer vitality of the sea is reflected Both station honorary secretaries are Douvres and the Plateau des Minquiers in everything to do with lifeboat work harbour masters: Captain H. L. Wolley are at once evocative of that yearning on the Channel Islands, be it opera- at St Peter Port and at St Helier Cap- 'sea fever' recognised by every sailor tional or fund raising; and there is a tain R. S. Taylor, who is also the and of the wariness and vigilance which special extra element—a wonderful launching authority for St Catherine's must be at the heart of all good sea- community spirit. 1LB station. Each is responsible for the manship. co-ordination of search and rescue in In his 'Channel Harbours and his area, for there is no Coastguard on Anchorages', Adlard Coles speaks of: Station branches the islands. Both harbour offices are '. . . the varied coastlines, the strange Guernsey lifeboat station at St Peter continually manned and here, at the rock formations, the sandy bays, the Port, established in 1803, and Jersey hub, duty officers are always on hand clear water and the constantly changing lifeboat station at St Helier, established to take control of rescue operations scene which results from a tremendous in 1884, both have fast afloat lifeboats, which may demand the active help of a rise and fall of the tides ..." and speed in itself can play a vital part number of people and other organisa- Here right away, is the key to the in an area of strong, fast tidal streams. tions both within and without the nature of these waters: the tide. The Sir William Arnold, a 52ft Arun (max- islands themselves. Like a stone drop- range can be as much as 40ft and, of course, the tidal streams run particu- larly strongly in the Race of Alderney. The Channel Islands: Produced from a portion of BA Chart 5053 with the sanction of the They also run like a recurrent theme Controller HM Stationery Office and the Hydrographer of the Na\y. through the notes in the Admiralty 'Channel Pilot'. 'The Channel Islands are encompas- sed by numerous rocks and shoals rendered doubly formidable by the great rise and fall of the tides and the great rates attained by the tidal streams. 'Gales from between south west and north west send in the heaviest seas amongst the islands and this is accen- tuated by the strength of the tidal streams . . . 'Overfalls and ripples form over sub- merged rocks and outlying banks when the tidal stream is running strongly; in poor visibility such indications can be used to advantage ..." 'Owing to the great range of the tide, rocks and islets have a marked differ- ence in appearance at high and low water . . . ' Indeed in some places, what at high tide may appear to be an unobstructed sheet of water will be revealed by the ebbing tide as an obstacle course of sharp-toothed rocks waiting for the unwary. Such a coastline presents dangers to shipping in fog as well as in gales, and it presents a great challenge to lifeboat crews. It is inevitable that, sooner or later, in the worst possible conditions for inshore work, they will be called upon to pick their way among these rocks. It is a challenge met by plain good seamanship; by the local know-

198 1 in a pool, when a call comes the 'es of activity spread out to encom- not only the island people and L island organisations, but also, perhaps, SAR organisations on the mainlands of England or France. The immediate circle of ripples, of course, brings in the lifeboat crews. When a call comes the maroons are fired by the harbour officers, who will themselves be in direct radio contact with at least some of the crew members working within the confines of the port. The local telephone exchanges are alerted and, from carefully prepared crew lists which they hold, they know exactly who to call. Jersey has found from experience that most of its calls come at the weekend and two crew members are on stand by from Friday evening unti] Monday morning. One member of Guernsey lifeboat

Fast afloat lifeboats at Jersey and Guern- sey: (above) 44ft Waveney Thomas James King, stationed at St Helier, and (left) 52ft Arun Sir William Arnold, stationed at St Peter Port. photograph by courtesy of'Guernsey Evening Press' with portable searchlight and, of great importance, a mobile radar unit which can be taken to any part of the coast and which is an invaluable aid in com- bined search and rescue operations at sea. Combined. That is the heart of the matter. On each island the lifeboat sta- tion knows that it will have unstinted help from everyone: the States depart- ments, the Police, the Fire Service, the Ambulance Service and also the Air- port, from which VHP DF bearings are immediately available. A great deal of thought has gone into planning, with particular attention being given to arranging direct and immediate com- station who is always at hand in an holiday makers and sea anglers, she can munication between all the services. emergency is the branch chairman, back up the club's own guardboat in an When, in February 1978, the oil rig Jurat Guy Blampied. As soon as the emergency; St Catherine Bay is a Orion ran aground on Guernsey's west lifeboat is called out he goes down to favourite sailing water for dinghy rac- coast and a major incident developed, the port signal station and remains ing and off the breakwater the tide can everyone knew what had to be done; there until the boat is on her way in; by at times prove too strong to allow cap- each service played its part with confi- the time she reaches harbour he is sized dinghies to be righted. dent authority; and every islander who down on the jetty ready to work the Guernsey lifeboat station works could help ashore—taxi drivers, for diesel pump and look after the land- closely with the St John Ambulance, instance, and hoteliers—pulled their ward side of refuelling; and by the time which not only runs the land ambul- weight. The success of the operation the crew have moored the boat and ance service but also a high speed proved the value of all the preparatory come ashore he will have hot tea wait- marine ambulance, Flying Christine II. work. For his part in this service, Cox- ing for them. Flying Christine may well be made swain John Petit was awarded the The circles spread out next to local available to help with sea searches silver medal for gallantry. services. St Helier lifeboat station under the RNLI direction; equally, the The ripples may well widen out to works closely with the States of Jersey lifeboat may bring a sick or injured per- include SAR services across the sea. Fire Service, which itself has two son from one of the smaller islands or The Channel Islands lifeboat stations inflatable rescue boats permanently from a ship when the weather is too are in close communication with Brix- manned and ready to be trailed to any extreme for Flying Christine. Among ham Coastguard and also with search part of the island to deal with bathing many other services which it performs and rescue services in France: the and holiday incidents ('We beat them with supreme efficiency for Guernsey Centre Regional Operational de Sur- on the east coast, with our own ILB!' residents and visitors, the St John veillance et de Sauvetage, Secteur claim the crew.) The RNLI's ILB is Ambulance also has inflatable inshore Manche (CROSSMa), established at stationed in St Catherine Bay and is rescue boats on trailers housed at the Jobourg near Cap de la Hague; French closely linked with St Helier Yacht ambulance station ready for round- coast radio stations; and the French Club. She was donated by the club and the-clock immediate use, and also Coastguard. To the north, service is manned by club members and, once inshore boats moored in St Peter Port helicopters from the English mainland again, a crew is on stand by throughout Harbour. It also maintains a fully may well work with Guernsey lifeboat the weekend. As well as watching over equipped cliff rescue trailer complete going to the help of a ship in the Chan- 199 (Below) Hubert Petit, coxswain of St Peter Port from 1948 to 1964, was awarded both the KNLI's gold medal and the gold medal of the Norwegian Lifeboat Institution for the service to Johan Collett in 1963. With deep regret we announce his death last July at the age of 79.

Coxswain Michael Berry of St Helier (I.), Coxswain John Petit of St Peter Port who was awarded the silver medal for gal- receives from HRH The Duke of Kent a third lantry for the service to the yacht Bacchus in bar to his bronze medal; it was for the ser- 1973, with the late Coxswain Thomas James vice to the Greek freighter Cantonad in last King, who was awarded the gold medal for January's storms. John Petit has also been the service to the yacht Maurice Georges in awarded the silver medal, for the senice to 1949. photograph by courtesy of the oil rig Orion in 1979. 'Jersey Evening Post' photograph by courtesy of Peter Hadfield

nel, while further south it may be a Pro- medal was also awarded to Emergency storm force, very rough seas, snow and tection Civile helicopter from France Mechanic John Robilliard, who ferried bitter cold, nine men were successfully which joins a search and rescue opera- six of Point Law's crew across to the taken off the listing ship, the last six tion. Liaison is also good with lifeboat lifeboat, rowing an inflatable dinghy when she was on her beam ends. For stations along the neighbouring French secured on a veering line. this service the bronze medal was also coast. They are busy lifeboat stations, in awarded to John Petit, then a crew The speed of the two modern Chan- the Channel Islands. Throughout the member, and to Motor Mechanic Eric nel Islands offshore lifeboats has meant sailing season the waters are alive with Pattimore, both of whom received the a great/ saving of time in reaching a yachts and motor cruisers, small Norwegian Lifeboat Institution's silver casualty. Equally, by the use of all motorboats and dinghies. With so cup with a diploma. direction finding aids available, a casu- many small boats at sea there is, of The gold medal was awarded to the alty can usually be located with the course, a good deal of self help and late Coxswain Thomas James King of minimum delay; with DF bearings from lifeboat crew members speak highly of Jersey for the service in a single screw civil airports and from CROSSMa, and the seamanship displayed in bad reserve lifeboat on September 13, 1949, with radar signals received by the weather by yachtsmen from the islands to the yacht Maurice Georges with four lifeboats' own radars and, round themselves and from Britain or France. people on board. The lifeboat was Guernsey, by the St John Ambulance The pleasure boats most at risk are returning to station after a long search mobile radar, a good working 'fix' can, perhaps yachts chartered on the for a missing French aircraft through on most occasions, quickly be French coast by people with little rain and fog in very rough seas, when a obtained. All lifeboats and all shore experience (when Jersey lifeboat goes light flashing sos was seen; despite the establishments, French and British, alongside a French yacht, Derek fact that the lifeboat was running short carry a chart of the area on which a grid Seymour, a crew member of many of fuel, Coxswain King without hesita- has been superimposed to help in co- years standing and a good linguist, can tion took her inshore, found the yacht, ordinated searches. give invaluable help as interpreter). which had been driven in among rocks On the spot information about a There are calls to fishing vessels and near La Sambue after her anchor cable casualty can, perhaps be obtained from commercial ships, particularly for had parted, and, in the face of severe other responsible people in outlying Guernsey lifeboat, stationed as she is hazards, towed her clear and back to parts of the islands; like, for instance, some 15 miles south of the English port. Jersey's present lifeboat is named the port officer of Alderney Harbour. Channel shipping lanes. With ferries after Coxswain King who, in his In fact, a few sentences from the jour- large and small, with hydrofoil ferries ninetieth year, was present to see nal report of Guernsey lifeboat's ser- and with aircraft daily plying to and Thomas James King named by HM vice in 1975 to the tanker Point Law, from the mainlands and between the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in aground in a south-westerly gale on the islands the lifeboats are in fact watch- 1975. extreme south-west tip of Alderney, ing over the safety of many thousands It was for a service to another yacht, illustrate well the sort of co-operation of travellers by air and sea. Bacchus, driven in among the rocks that can be expected: near La Sambue by west-south- "... Sir William Arnold then stood westerly gales that Coxswain Michael by, being held by her engines stern to the Gold medals Berry was awarded the silver medal in sea within 100 yards of Point Law. At Since the end of the last war, the gold 1973. Despite grounding on submerged about 0300 MFV Christmas arrived and medal for conspicuous gallantry has rocks, Coxwain Berry felt his way lay off astern of the lifeboat. She carried been awarded to a coxswain of both St slowly in and took off the yacht's crew Alderney pilots on board who were able Helier and St Peter Port lifeboats. The to advise Coxswain Petit when he of six. The Fire Service Zodiac rescue enquired regarding rock hazards nearby. gold medal of the Institution and the boat had also launched to help, but, as Meanwhile, Alderney Fire Brigade and gold medal of the Norwegian Lifeboat it was considered too dangerous for her Cliff Rescue Team arrived at the top of Institution were awarded to the late to make the return passage, her crew the 300ft cliffs and helped in illuminating Coxswain Hubert Petit of St Peter Port were taken aboard the lifeboat and she the area with searchlights . . . ' (father of the present coxswain) for the herself was taken in tow. Jersey har- This was the service for which Cox- service on February 5, 1963, to the bour launch, Duchess of Normandy, swain Petit was awarded a bar to his Norwegian vessel Johan Collett, listing manned by Captain Taylor and lifeboat bronze medal (he has since been heavily 14 miles west north west of Les crew members, was standing by and awarded two further bars). A bronze Hanois Lighthouse. In winds rising to helped to guide the lifeboat out from

200 among the rocks. Co-operation yet always has a box at the ready and with play'; it takes three visits a day, seven again. money thus collected and raffles of days a week, to keep them emptied and woolly animals provided by the ladies' in 1978 alone, between them, they col- Lifeboat appeals guild, he has raised more than £9,000 lected £3,600. He has boxes housed in The Channel Islands not only have since 1967. pubs, in hotels, in jewellers shops; an impressive operational record; their Jersey ladies' guild has a committee there are boxes on ferries, at fund raising record is also quite of 35 to 40 members and each of the 12 Herm—even as far afield as Spain. Top remarkable. When, for instance, in the parishes on the island is represented. collections in 1977 and 1978 (£196 and early 1970s new fast afloat lifeboats As well as receiving many regular sub- £575 respectively) were both achieved were needed to replace more tradi- scriptions, between them they plan all by Bob Roberts, mine host at Houmet tional boats, both Jersey and Guernsey kinds of other ways of raising money: Tavern up in the north of the island. rose to the occasion magnificently. coffee mornings, bridge parties, collec- The branch also has an RNLI room The chairman of Jersey branch, Jurat tions of used stamps and coins, perhaps in the museum in Castle Cornet. It is a R. E. Bailhache, opened an appeal in a sponsored slim or a house opened in small room, but bright and well 1972 to fund a new lifeboat, the future conjunction with the Flower Club. A arranged. For instance, the Arun model Thomas James King, and in less than bring and buy sale at Church House in made by Robert W. Brown, set in a two years he was able to present to the 1978 proved a great success; it was a 'sea' and giving a fine impression of Institution a cheque for £100,000, the beautiful day, banners were streamed speed, is flanked by plans of the cost in those days of a 44ft Waveney; across the street in St Helier and boat—a profile and general arrange- £3,500 came from a sponsored boarding holidaymakers came pouring in. More ment. The case for this and models of boat row by six members of the lifeboat than £1,100 was raised between 10 earlier lifeboats were made by the Col- crew from St Peter Port to St Helier but o'clock and 1230. Two open days have lege of Further Education, and a ser- most of the remaining money was built been held at the lifeboat station and vices board has particular impact up with donations from individuals and souvenir stalls are run at a number of because the position of each incident is organisations within the island, which events, such as race meetings. marked on a map. Money collected at has a population of some 72,000. the museum by July this year, £283, At just about the same time, an Boat shows was three times as much as had been appeal was under way in Guernsey for Very often Jersey fund raising events taken by the same time last year. the future Sir William Arnold, and the are local efforts but the second Channel Guernsey ladies' guild has steadily island people, some 52,000, managed to Islands Boat Show (the first was held in increased its totals from £1,664 in 1974 raise £55,212, more than half the cost, Guernsey last year) brought everyone to £5,574 in 1978—and it has done it then, of an Arum. £40,000 had been the together. The show, from May 1 to 5 with a spirit of great exuberance. A lot target set, but money kept coming in. was the first to be held in St Heller's of laughter accompanies the hard work There were very few large donations. It new Exhibition Centre at Fort in Guernsey and, with Mrs Alberta was a community effort representing a Regent—and very bright and attractive Ashton as chairman, overflowing with cross section of the island's activities it was too; the RNLI stand was the first energy, enthusiasm and fun, that is with contributions coming from clubs visitors saw as they entered the really no surprise. The year starts with of all kinds, from schools, from church hall. Many of the ladies' guild members a fund-raising luncheon, goes on to an collections, from flower shows, from helped with manning including the Easter dance and then settles in to vig- people who opened their gar- chairman, Lady Thompstone, vice- orous souvenir selling; assistant honor- dens . . . There was another sponsored chairman, Mrs Eileen Moore, and hon- ary secretary Mrs Joan Bagley, wife of row, this time by the Police from Sal- orary secretary, Mrs. S. D. Felkin. the author Desmond Bagley, is the combe to Guernsey, when well over Eileen Moore had arranged for three hardworking souvenir secretary. Bet- £1,000 was raised. local celebrities—ex-boxer Billy ween May and August the guild's These results are even more impres- Walker, the singer Stuart Gillies and 'Lady Goodwill' model lifeboat stall is sive when it is remembered that these the Irish comedian Pat Mooney—to set up each week in St Peter Port's Old appeals were quite separate from ordi- visit the stand and autograph prog- Market; in October Creasey's, a nary annual fund raising. During those rammes. The yacht basin, where boats departmental store, allows the guild to years Jersey, for instance, collected were also on show, was visited by set up a stall within its precincts for a over £13,000 for general funds in 1972 Thomas James King on the Thursday day and a half to sell Christmas cards; and over £10,000 in 1973. It helps of and Saturday and one way and another, then for three weekends before course, that a great many people will be with souvenirs, raffles and boxes, Christmas the stall is set up in the Fish coming to the islands on holiday but the £1,173 was raised. Market. That means a very early start residents are remarkably generous, not The occasion was also taken for the and is one of the occasions when the only in what they give at the present ladies of the guild to meet together in ladies are most grateful for the help but also in the thought they give to the other ways. Lady Fitzpatrick, wife of received from their husbands. As future so that bequests play an appreci- His Excellency the Lieutenant Gover- Alberta Ashton writes in one of her able part in branch income. The islands nor and the guild president, held a cheerful poems, thanking the men: have a very good record, too, for reception for the guild at Government Shoreline recruitment. House on the evening of the opening '300 women in the guild, In Jersey a flag day is only permitted day of the Boat Show, and the next day 600 hands are always filled once in three years. The total revenue Mrs Betty Simms-Hilditch arranged a With work, for raising lots of cash. While doing it with much panache for those years is phenomenal: 1975, luncheon party at her home. Two They sometimes need a kindly man £20,355; 1978, £31,980. But the inter- delightful occasions in themselves and To help them to complete a plan ..." mediary years are not all that far a wonderful opportunity to review behind! It is the ladies' guild, with its guild affairs informally. A great deal of money raised comes long history reaching back to the 1920s, In Guernsey, fund raising is shared in coin, and, with £1,404.26 taken last which organises the flag day. The men between the branch and the ladies' year at the Fish Market, this has meant help, of course. The guild honorary guild, which was formed after the a great deal of hard work just at the treasurer is in fact a man, P. E. F. appeal for the Arun lifeboat was closed festive season for the honorary treas- Newbald, and the crew members make in 1973. Between them, in 1977 they urer, the Hon. Mrs Nicola Renny. sure that boxes are distributed to all raised £ 16,075 and in 1978 £23,574. The Manning is planned by Mrs Leslie pubs. There is one hotel just across the branch's sphere is in the main subscrip- Foss, the honorary secretary, who is road from the harbour office, the tions and collecting boxes. Lt Cdr J. R. particularly skilled at matching friends Pomme d'Or, very sympathetic to the Thompson is the box secretary and to work together. lifeboat service; George, the barman, manages to keep an amazing 200 'in Of course, there are other, more

201 individual, events during the year such with the Easter dance, the demonstra- One gift of £100 was the percentage of as coffee mornings and bring and buy tions at Beau Sejour and a gift of £500, an antique dealer's sales; and raffles sales (at one held in February there is a the guild raised £1,314.44 in just 28 can be of anything from chocolates to a special stall for unwanted Christmas days. brandy cake made by an ex professor gifts). One member not only collects Sark takes part in Guernsey's flag of surgery at St Thomas's Hospital! stamps, but she sorts them into sets. day each year, and so does Alderney. There is 'something' going on all Each year Guernsey guild tries to through the year, but the main events arrange one very special event, a 'red Alderney are centred around flag day in July, letter day' which everyone will enjoy Alderney: now there's another when Guernsey crew are welcome and remember. This year it was two remarkable island. It has a population guests. As well as the flag and souvenir first class demonstrations on one day in of only 1,800 and yet, in 1978, it sent to selling on the day itself, a cocktail party Beau Sejour, the same venue as the Guernsey for lifeboat funds some is arranged for the previous evening. dance. In the afternoon there was a £3,187.29—and it is just as generous to Friendship with Guernsey crew is close demonstration of flower arranging by many other charities. Everyone knows and much prized. If ever Sir William Fred Wilkinson who, coming from each other so that there is a family feel- Arnold should have occasion to come Winkfield, the school started by Con- ing about the island's fund raising. And into Alderney Harbour at the end of a stance Spry, has arranged the flowers at the heart of the 'family' is Mrs Joyce service, the crew will be very well at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Allen, who, an untiring worker herself, looked after; and when the Alderney Palace for a number of Royal wedding has the gift of getting the best out of lifeboat people visit Guernsey they are or birthday celebrations. In the evening everybody. Perhaps someone will hold equally well entertained by the crew. Sarah Nops of the London Cordon a cocktail party, or go carol singing, or Holiday islands? Perhaps, but how Bleu School of Cookery prepared a sell vegetables from the garden—very hard the Channel Island volunteers splendid four-course dinner while popular with the many yachtsmen who work for the lifeboat service, at sea and everyone watched. This year, in fact, visit Alderney Harbour in the summer. on land. Long distance walker Obituaries It is with deep regret that we When 21-year-old Guy Pain arrived announce the following deaths: at Poole headquarters at 5 pm one August afternoon the office was closing November, 1978^ but a special celebration in his honour James Henry Brown, who joined was ready to begin. For Guy, who suf- Caister lifeboat crew in 1914, was sec- fers the handicap of diabetes, had ond coxswain from 1941 to 1949 and reached his destination after a 515 mile coxswain from 1950 to 1956. walk round the South West Peninsular July, 1979 Coast Path which had begun at Richard Harris, motor mechanic of Minehead lifeboat station 28 days Shoreham lifeboat from 1930 to 1938 earlier. and of Torbay lifeboat from 1938 to Calling at other lifeboat stations en aged and supported throughout by 1966. He was awarded four bronze route, where he was greeted by lifeboat members of the Lions Club of Great medals, in 1939, 1944, 1959 and 1964. crews and supporters, Guy was spon- Britain. Eustace Williams, motor mechanic sored for every ten miles walked and Among those waiting to welcome of Newburgh lifeboat from 1941 to raised over £3,000 for the lifeboat him and photographed with him above, 1965. service. were Rear Admiral Wilfred Graham, Reginald Hawthornthwaite, a Guy, whose home is in Solihull, is director of the RNLI, who presented member of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea studying accountancy and he planned Guy with a plaque, and Des Chaplin of branch for 17 years and at one time his walk months in advance encour- Poole Lions Club. vice-president. The main problem today's girls face are doing something to help people.' Women's Work is one which Grace Darling found far Once the girls have proved they are more wearing than her rescue: the pub- capable of handling an ILB they seem from page 197 licity. Some people have even sug- to have been readily accepted by the gested that the tremendous attention men, and treated like any other crew Debbie Stewart, now in the Aberyst- that Grace received from the newspap- member. The criteria for joining crews wyth ILB crew, originally trained at ers, well-wishers and even showmen, apply to anybody, regardless of sex. Atlantic College where there are six who wanted her to appear in a circus Fitness is essential, for ILBs can give girls on the crew. Jeanne O'Gorman is and on the stage, may have contributed the crew quite a pounding. The ability an instructor at the Outward Bound to her early death. The pressures on to form part of an efficient team is vital School at Aberdovey where the village today's girls are nothing like as great as in emergencies there is no time for and school each provide crew mem- but they would still prefer to be left delay or argument. Crew members bers. Anna Hubbard, who is married alone to get on with the job of fitting must also be trainable—the sea is no with three children, has lived in Borth into a crew. As Anna Hubbard says: place for the arrogant or the foolish. for most of her life and has always been ' Why focus attention on women crew It would be impossible to relate all at sea in various boats. members when the men have done so the stories of the bravery, devotion and Of course there is nothing new about much without receiving any recognition? self sacrifice that women have shown girls rescuing people at sea. The most It seemed a natural thing to me to join in their work for the RNLI. Each could famous of all, Grace Darling, had a lot the crew as I have always been form the chapter of a giant book whose in common with today's girl crew interested in the sea. My husband and family were not particularly surprised.' foreword would surely be the words of members. Like them, she was used to Coxswain Derek Scott of The boats and the sea—her father was a At Borth, all crew members have to Mumbles: lighthouse keeper. She regarded it as know how to handle the ILB and all 'From the time the lady sold her flag natural to help the shipwrecked sur- take turns at the helm. Like any other or arranged her coffee morning to raise vivors of Forfarshire and her father new crew member, Anna felt she had to funds—that is when the rescue started took it so much for granted that he prove herself, '. . . perhaps more than and not when the maroons were fired. made no mention of Grace's part in the the others, as I'm a woman'. Jeanne Anybody who works for or supports this rescue when he wrote a brief account O'Gorman also joined because it Institution in some way is responsible for of it in his log. seemed '. . .a natural thing to do. Yon the preservation of life at sea.'

202 Naming Ceremonies

EASTBOURNE, JULY 3 and ISLAY, JULY 28 _

Eastbourne: (top) All the world and his wife Eastbourne came to wish the new Rother lifeboat well, (above) The moment of naming, (left) Lisa IT SEEMED AS IF the whole population Buckland presents a model of The Duke of of Eastbourne, together with its Kent to His Royal Highness. holiday makers, had assembled round photographs by courtesy of Peter Hadfield the lifeboat museum on the afternoon of Tuesday July 3. The occasion was the naming of Eastbourne's first new offshore lifeboat in 30 years, and it was Islay appropriate that it should be a perfect CLOSE ON A THOUSAND islanders, visi- summer's day. tors and their guests crowded the pier The 37ft 6in Rother class lifeboat The and harbour at Port Askaig, Isle of Duke of Kent had been provided as the Islay, on Saturday July 28 for the nam- result of a special Jubilee year appeal ing of the new Islay lifeboat, the third by branches and guilds to honour their Peter Ball, assisted by the Vicar of to be stationed there since the branch President, with Eastbourne itself rais- Eastbourne, Canon C. Best, and by the opened 45 years ago in 1934. ing over £75,000 towards the cost of the Vicar of Langney and Lifeboat Chap- To welcome the guests, Mr and Mrs lifeboat. HRH The Duke of Kent had lain, the Reverend R. Butler. Music for Frank Spears, branch committee and accepted an invitation to name the the ceremony was by the Rhine Staff ladies' guild workers, entertained 200 lifeboat, and his arrival by bright red Band, Royal Tank Regiment, under the people to tea in a marquee on the lawn helicopter was the signal for loud direction of Major C. V. Wright. of their hotel overlooking the station. cheers of welcome. Before naming the lifeboat and At 5.20 pm, three maroons were fired L. A. Lelliot, chairman of East- breaking the bottle of champagne, the and immediately Coxswain Alastair bourne station branch, opened the pro- Duke of Kent expressed his gratitude Campbell and his crew brought their ceedings, greeting the Duke of Kent, that his name had been chosen by the 50ft Thames class lifeboat smartly into the station's guests and everyone pres- RNLI, and noted that the occasion was position just off the ramp of the newly ent at the ceremony. unique because he had never named a finished vehicle ferry pier and the Islay Rother 37-37 was handed over to the boat on dry land before: Pipers led the branch chairman, Alas- care of Eastbourne station by the 7 have been assured by those who tair Macrae, and his party to the nam- Duke of Atholl, carrying out his first should know, that this lifeboat can float! ing platform. A welcome touch of col- formal duty as newly elected chairman and I look forward to returning to East- our was added by the fishing boats of the RNLI. Accepting the lifeboat on bourne in the not too distant future, to Ranger and Windy Isle representing the behalf of the branch, Alderman Cecil take a trip in her.' fishing fleets at Port Ellen and Port F. Baker, station honorary secretary, The Duke then went aboard with Cdr Askaig. Western Ferries' Isle ofGigha, assured His Grace that B. Cairns, chief of operations, and which provides the link with the adjoin- '. . . with such a wonderful boat, the Coxswain/Mechanic Derek Huggett. ing Island of Jura, was gaily dressed crew will be able to carry on the long- The inspection over, a miniature overall and crowded with spectators. standing tradition which has been estab- replica of The Duke of Kent was pre- The combined Bowmore and Port lished in Eastbourne'. sented to His Royal Highness by Lisa Ellen Gaelic Choirs opened proceed- The service of dedication which fol- Buckland, daughter of Winchman E. ings, singing the National Anthem in lowed was conducted by the Lord Buckland, as a fitting reminder of the Gaelic, and there followed a service of Bishop of Lewes, the Right Reverend happy occasion.—H.D. dedication conducted by the Parish

203 Their business had always been bank- ing, but their family originated from an important European seaport and they had always had a close affinity with those who go to sea in ships. While it was sad that it was now ten years since his father had died, it was a matter of great satisfaction and pleasure to him- self and his family that all the Schroder grandchildren were present, making it very much a family affair. The bond with the Institution was further strengthened by the presence of Robert Hollond, a director of Schroders and also a member of the RNLI Committee of Management. Sir Charles McGrigor, Convenor of the Scottish Lifeboat Council, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the Islay: (above) The 50ft RNLI and, in turn, gave her into the Thames class lifeboat Hel- care of the branch, on whose behalf she mut Schroder of Dunlossit was accepted by Neil Macmillan. Mrs arriving on station, (left) W. C. Wood, president of Islay ladies' More than 200 guests flanked the dais to which the guild, then proposed a vote of thanks. Islay Pipers had led the Mrs George Mallinckrodt, the daugh- branch chairman, Alistair ter of the late Helmut Schroder, named Macrae, and his party. the lifeboat Helmut Schroder of Dun- Others watched from the lossit in memory of her father and, as pier parapet or the high soon as the bottle of champagne was ground surrounding the tiny broken, the crew brought the boat bay that forms Port Askaig. alongside the pier to embark some of the guests. They were taken for a short cruise up and down the Sound of Islay. Among a large party from Dunlossit House one particularly welcome guest Minister, the Reverend Ian R. Munro. son, the Hon. James I. Morrison. was Mrs Helmut Schroder, the late Mr On behalf of Islay branch, Mr Mac- Catriona Campbell, daughter of Schroder's widow. Motor Mechanic Archibald Campbell, rae thanked the Schroder Family Trust then presented a magnificent bouquet for their generosity in making the build- to Mrs George Mallinckrodt, who was ing of the new lifeboat possible and COMING EVENTS to name the lifeboat, and Neil Macmil- asked Bruno L. Schroder formally to November 21: Naming of Margate lan, the branch honorary secretary, hand over the new lifeboat to the lifeboat by HRH Princess Alexandra. read messages of congratulation from Institution. the Duke of Atholl, Chairman of the In an amusing speech, Mr Schroder January 3 to 13: London International Institution, and good wishes from the referred to his own enthusiasm and Boat Show, Earls Court. branch president and vice-president support for Islay lifeboat and told how May 22: RNLI annual meeting and Lord and Lady Margadale and their he had inherited it from his late father. presentation of awards 1980.

Douglas Brown was appointed trading viding the capital costs. You have only HOW SELLING manager. Over the years the scope of to look at the various catalogues avail- souvenirs and gifts the trading company has been extended able to see that other charities offer for greatly. sale a large variety of goods from BUYS LIFEBOATS In 1976 an illustrated catalogue was dusters to decorated table ware. But produced showing the items available. with our system all the profit goes to At the same time we formed a small the lifeboatmen and not to financing a THE RNLI has been selling souvenirs for selection committee representing a commercial firm. In addition our small well over half a century. The word cross section of lifeboat people to staff gives a personal service and our 'souvenir' indicates what the main pur- improve the range of souvenirs. We supporters are not greeted with a pose originally was. had to bear in mind that sales would be shower of computerised invoices with Small items which were expected to directed not only to lifeboat stations which it is virtually impossible to appeal to visitors to lifeboat houses catering for casual holidaymakers but argue. were put on sale, and these served to also to serious buyers who were look- This year we shall be selling £lm remind visitors of the work of the ing for something for their own homes worth of goods and, even after deduct- lifeboat service. Souvenirs were also or, indeed, for presents to take back to ing every conceivable expense, sold by branches and at various their families. souvenir and gift trading will provide functions. There is now a range of 94 items var- the cost of a new lifeboat. The range of items sold as souvenirs ying in cost from a few pence to several Our aim now is to increase the value grew steadily over the years, and in pounds, as well as eight Christmas of, say, 20 per cent of the goods avail- time an appreciable income was cards. The next logical step was to able so that with the same numerical derived. Indeed the point was reached offer a mail order system to supporters turnover and without additional hand- when it was thought advisable to estab- who are not necessarily members of ling and warehousing the financial lish a special department whose task our branches and guilds. return will be greater. At the same time would be to market goods for sale. It could well be argued that a com- we must retain a range of smaller items An important step was taken when it mercial mail order firm could take over wide enough to satisfy the visitor to was decided to establish a trading com- this business and offer a much wider fund-raising events and the holiday- pany. This came into being in 1972 and range of items without the RNLI pro- maker.—E.F.P. 204 audience was brought right back to the By kind permission of the National present, however, when a Bristow Trust, a cheese and wine party helicopter, named Pitcaple, arrived organised by the recently re-formed overhead! Crewkerne branch was held in the magnificent setting of Montacute Crew Member Colin Burden House great hall, beautifully lit by organised a sponsored swim in aid of firelight and huge candelabra on the Eastbourne lifeboat appeal in which centre table. More than 200 guests Some over 80 swimmers took part, raising attended the party and over £325 was £2,581.72. Colin himself raised £900; raised. 14-year-old Paul Davies raised £244 and John Delauney, a lifeboat When Ilford branch holds its annual launcher, raised £187. flag week it gets marvellous support A weekend at the Anchorage Hotel, from the pupils of Fairlop Junior Instow, includes a programme of films School. This year the children raised made by the hosts, Steven and Sylvia £314.29 with a sponsored swim, sold Whitaker, on their own adventurous £97.08 worth of souvenirs and collected holidays—diving beneath the Carib- £6.75 in flag week boxes plus another bean, for instance, or climbing Strom- £1.63'/2 in a permanent box, making a boli. The show is free, but when the grand total of £419.75'/2. lights come on a lifeboat collecting box is passed round. In this way Mr and The Heron Public House, Luton, of Mrs Whitaker have raised £229.41'/2 for which W. Rooke is licencee, raised the RNLI since August 1976. £500 for the RNLI in 1978 and by July this year had already raised a further The RNLI ladies' darts league of £500. A pram race on June 10 alone Romney Marsh has this year nearly brought in £211. trebled its efforts, raising £1,412.07. Sir Alec Rose was guest of honour on Camberley branch raised £1,900 last 'prize-giving' night, presenting the June with its second sponsored walk league awards. That night there was a which started at The Jolly Farmer and 'A Queen's Gala' at Pitcaple Castle, special raffle the proceeds of which, made its way via The Foresters, The Inverurie, on Sunday June 10 raised £700, was divided equally between the Bird in Hand, Fighting Cocks, King's £1,600 for the lifeboat service. During amenities funds of Littlestone ILB and Arms, White Hart, Three Mariners, the afternoon six scenes from the life of Dungeness lifeboat stations. To show The Bee, Windmill and The Cricketers Mary Queen of Scots were danced on its appreciation for the work of the Hotel in Bagshot Cricket Club for a the lawn by pupils of the Anne Taylor league, Littlestone crew, as a personal 'bangers and mash' supper; among the School of Dancing (see below). Mary gift, has presented a silver shield which 111 walkers was a former radio officer had visited Pitcaple in 1562 and had will be the award for the association's who had been among those rescued by herself danced on the castle green. The new summer league. Newcastle lifeboat from Browning of (Right) 'Queen's Gala', Pitcaple Castle (see above): In the second of six dance scenes portraying the life of Mary Queen of Scots, the young Mary (Julia Moir), in 1548, is rowed out to her ship for France by George Douglas (William Lumsden).

(Below, right), Grace Darling, led by Philip and Annette Rydin, pulls Grace Darling on stage during Kiddlington branch's second old tyme music hall, held at Exeter Hall in May. On board is Miss Oxford 1979, Debbie Risk. The event made i900 profit for the RNLI. photograph by courtesy of Bob Wheeler

(Below) There's many a slip on the way to the horse's head! Just one of the games, some old, some new, thought up by Happisburgh branch to test the skills of those attending its fete in May. At the end of the day £218.16 had been raised.

205 Acker Bilk and his Jazzmen were the big attraction at the grand ball organised by the recently re-formed Brightlingsea |FE-BOAT INSTITUTE and District branch. Held in the spring at a holiday camp kl ATinNMU owned by the branch chairman, D. L. Hammerton, the ball raised £1,800 and the tombola a further £1,000. Fenland One event to which people in and around Narbeth look forward each year is Growhouses Ltd kindly gave a greenhouse to be auctioned. Narbeth branch's fork supper. The Queen's Hall is decorated with flowers in (I. to r.) Bowman Bobby Kemp, Walton and Frinton lifeboat, RNLI colours, flags, silhouette ships and lighthouses and even seagulls, and the D. L. Hammerton, Acker Bilk, Captain R. Coolen, Harwich supper, prepared by members, is both a delight to the eye and delicious. With station honorary secretary, and Crew Member David Wells dancing, a souvenir stall, raffles and tombola, it is a very happy evening. On from Clacton. May 12 this year, although numbers were limited to 300 a profit of £870.14 was made for the RNLI. (Front row, I. to r.) Mrs Joan Marshall, Mrs June Harding-Jones, Mrs Rosemary Jones (honorary treasurer), Mrs Pam Langrishe, Mrs Janet Thomas, Mrs Dilys Hanmer (who was in charge of catering), Joan Davies (RNLI editor), Mrs Sandra Wood (chairman) and Mrs Mercia Thomas.

Martyn Joyce, the young son of Loughborough and the Dis- trict branch's publicity officer, David Joyce, raised £28 in five weeks selling RNLI souvenirs at his school, Rothley Primary School. Martyn presented the money to Loughborough branch honorary treasurer at a charity fayre on Mountsorrel village green last May. Members of the top form of Kensington High School visit Whits table ILB sta- tion. The school had just raised £1,000 from its summer carnival, the proceeds being shared between Kensington branch and its station 'twin', Whitstable. Also among the visitors were top walkers from Kensington's annual sponsored walk which last year raised over £400 and which was strongly supported by pupils from the High School. The boys of Eton College chose the RNLI as a charity to which they would On Saturday, March 17, like to donate a Chapel collection and a Orpington branch set up a cheque for £90.67 was sent to help the display in Wallnuts shopping lifeboat service. centre and in a nine-hour stint raised £192. On duty 'Newly-weds' Mr and Mrs Noel when the photograph was Leaf, son and daughter-in-law of taken were Mike Reynolds, Coventry ladies' guild's chairman, chairman, and Ray Hem- greeted guests for the second time in ings, committee member. their 11 years of marriage at a mock Liverpool after her convoy ran aground Falmouth ladies' guild held a highly wedding reception held at the home of off Co. Down in February 1942, a ser- successful coffee morning in May Mr and Mrs Cecil Gay last June to raise vice for which Coxswain Patrick which raised £508. Howard Lang, Cap- money for the lifeboat service. Invita- Murphy was awarded the gold medal. A tian Baines of 'The Onedin Line', very tions were £1 each and guests brought little later in June, 150 people enjoyed kindly went along to draw the raffle. gifts which were left wrapped and sold a traditional garden party organized by 'sight unseen'. In all, the event raised Camberley at the home of the branch's Fancy dress costumes brightened up £90. press officer, Joan Collings, and her a dull and rainy May 28, the day of sister, Margaret, when £270 was raised Weymouth Trawler Race. Weymouth When Shoreline member G. Reeve for the lifeboat service. lifeboat, the Arun class Tony Vander- broke his leg last spring he charged his vell, led out the trawlers to the line and friends and colleagues at Westminster Dulwich Hamlet Junior School has fired a maroon to start the race. The College, Oxford, lOp to sign the plas- contributed £758.11 to the ASA RNLI proceeds of the day, £500, were given ter. More than £15 was raised for the international sponsored swim appeal. to the RNLI. lifeboat service by this novel idea.

206 A 24-hour darts marathon was staged last March by the darts team of the Royal William, Camber, in aid of Rye Harbour Eastbourne crew and shorehelpers, who have already raised nearly £3,000 ILB and Dungeness lifeboat stations. Although only 200 peo- towards the cost of their new lifeboat, present two cheques for the Eastbourne ple live in Camber there was no shortage of helpers and in the appeal to Alderman Cecil Baker, station honorary secretary. (I. to r.) R. 24 hours 281 games were played, £400 being raised. The team Andrews, shorehelper; T. Walker, ILB crew member; G. Cole, crew member; D. were (back row I. to r.) Michael Aggis, Ronald Davies and Hendy, ILB crew member; Alderman Baker; J. Delawny, shorehelper; J. Buck- James Harkin; (front row) Ian Frazer, Harry Glover, land- land, assistant mechanic; V. Cooley, shorehelper; F. Tyhurst, head launcher; E. lord and skipper, and Terry Owen. Buckland, winchrnan; B. Hamilton, shore signals; M. Charlton and F. Wakefield, shorehelpers. photograph by courtesy of Eastbourne Gazette and Herald At a very successful coffee morning organised by Bridlington ladies' guild Swindon's flag week collec- in the spring the Mayor and Mayoress, tions, lottery and souvenir sales raised £1,036.81. Dur- Councillor and Mrs Ken O'Brien, pre- ing the week, in April, a sented the prizes for the grand draw Mercantile Credit Co win- and Lady Mary Macdonald of Sleat, dow display featured a scale the president, handed over to the RNLI model lifeboat made by the a cheque for £750, bringing Bridlington late Ken Hemmings, who guild's total to date for 1979 to £1,750. had been a branch commit- tee member. The model now Seaton Sluice branch's cheese and belongs to his young son, wine party, organised by Mr and Mrs Robert, seen here admiring W. Midgley and held in the banqueting his father's handiwork. hall of Seaton Delaval on Tuesday June photograph by courtesy of 12, was attended by Rear Admiral Wiltshire Newspapers Wilfred Graham, then director desig- nate, and Ken Thirlwell, DOS (NE). For Newport (Gwent) branch, The evening's entertainment included a 1977/78 was its most successful year so film of Blyth lifeboat made by Mr far, £3,588 being raised. Despite appal- Hartshone and music by the 'Canny ling weather a cocktail party on Feb- Lassies', who sang and played the ruary 14, for which the Mayor and Northumberland pipes. There was a Mayoress of Newport were hosts, tombola and the raffles included a spe- raised more than £1,050. cial prize of two tickets to a mediaeval banquet at Seaton Delaval Hall. A pro- D. E. Marchant of Beckenham was, fit of £180 was made for the RNLI. until 4 o'clock one Friday afternoon, the proud owner of a beautiful 6in For the second year, Droitwich moustache. Then, at a farewell party to ladies' guild held a coffee morning at colleagues at work who were transfer- Ombersley Court, home of the guild ring to another branch, the moustache In recognition ofRamsgate Sea Cadet Carp's president, Lady Sandys, and her hus- was threatened. 'Pay me', he said, 'a continued help and support, T. Brown, band, Lord Sandys. A grand total of £1 each for my chosen charity and you station honorary secretary, Ramsgate, £203 was raised. can do what you like with it'. Now Mr last spring presented an RNLI pennant to the commanding officer of TS Bulldog, Colne ladies' guild successfully Marchant has a smooth upper lip, and LtJ. Willis, RNR. reached its target for 1978, raising the RNLI is the better off by £17. photograph by courtesy of 'East Kent £1,150. Committee members and their Times' children taking part in their final event A raft race, discos and a barbecue of the year, Colne Carnival, found that accounted for the bulk of the £1,000 More than £7,000 was raised on Bir- in their oilskins and sou'westers, they raised by Wood Green Rotoract Club mingham flag day. Two collectors each were dressed for the occasion—it was for the lifeboat service. The club's raised over £200 and Robert Morris col- an inclement day! president, Jim Dinsey, presented this lected £40.61 in coins only in one box. grand amount to Wood Green branch During the past six years Hadleigh chairman, Stan Brigg, last May on an Ashford and Staines branch, entirely and District branch has raised more outsize cheque. run by men, has excellent support from than £3,800, of which over £1,000 has The Three Crowns and its customers at come from special events including A sponsored walk on Sunday April 1 Stanwell. In the past year alone it has wine and cheese parties, at one of proved to be Hoi worthy and District's raised nearly £200 for the RNLI; more which Olympic yachtsman Reg White 'best ever' result since the branch was than £110 was collected in boxes at the was guest of honour, a bridge drive, a formed three years ago; £861.05 was bars and £86.50 came from a sponsored coffee morning and a dance. raised. tug-of-war between the public and

207 saloon bars across the Longford River, Customers at the Bedford Hotel, morning held at the home of Mr and a canalised river running along the Leicester, raised £102 for the RNLI Mrs Postma raised a further £132. southern perimeter of Heathrow Air- with darts tournaments and raffles, but port. Needless to say, one of the teams the landlord, J. Powell, collected the Palm Line ships collect regularly for ended up getting very wet, with victory lion's share of the money when, under the RNLI. On a recent 'count' Lobito going to the public bar. As well as sponsorship, he shaved off half his Palm had collected £148.55, Kano many other stunts, every time a box is beard and moustache and stayed that Palm £88, Ibadan Palm £10.04 and llo- forwarded for emptying there is a way for a week. rin Palm £34. guess-how-much competition, with all monies going into the box. West Wight ladies' guild held a din- Black Watch, one of the ships in the ner dance at the Savoy Country Club, Fred Olsen fleet, regularly displays a Kidderminster ladies' guild held its Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, last February large RNLI collecting bottle in the bar. nearly new shop in May and raised a and raised £240. The annual wine and People cruising give generously and magnificent £2,257.51, a record for this cheese party at the Royal Solent Yacht more than £100 is collected on each annual effort. Club this year raised £183 and a sherry trip.

Shoreline Section

SHORELINE IS GOING THROUGH One Of the most exciting periods of its life. At the end of August the new Shoreline 37ft 6in Rother lifeboat will be setting out on her delivery trip to Blyth and I am hoping to join her at Spurn Point for the last stages of her passage to station. Her naming will be on Saturday October 20, when the ceremony will be performed by Sir Alec Rose, Shoreline member No. 1. Reports of both events will appear in the winter issue of THE LIFEBOAT. welcomed by the honorary secretary, inches high and some, 14 inches, are A first day cover to commemorate Des Cockayne, and Coxswain Mike dressed with great attention to detail as the naming ceremony will be available Grant, recently awarded the Institu- lifeboatmen. Miss Baldwin and her from Pilgrim Philatelies Ltd, 13 Best tion's silver medal (see page 185). family often spend their holidays at Lane, Canterbury, Kent (Tel. 61859). Anyone living in the Portsmouth area Brixham, staying opposite to the who would like to join this club, which lifeboat station, and she has much * * * meets on the fourth Wednesday of each appreciated the interest in her bears Two new items have been introduced month at Tudor S.C., should write to and the help shown to her by Torbay into our range of insignia and both are the honorary secretary, Ray Doram, 5 crew members. She makes coxswain available from the Shoreline office at The Close, Cosham, Portsmouth. New bears (shown in the photograph below), Poole. The first is a green Shoreline tie, members will be made very welcome. mechanic bears and crew bears, and, price £2.50, and the second is a We have heard that two similar clubs with sales and a raffle, in two years has Shoreline sweat shirt, price £5.25 plus are being planned in other parts of the raised £90.50. 25p for postage. country and we shall be only too * * * pleased to help anyone else interested in forming such a club. Thank you again for your continuing Portsmouth Shoreline Club has been support, and with best wishes from running for nearly a year now and * * * everyone in the Shoreline enthusiasm is high. One evening last Miss Ann Baldwin, a Shoreline office.—PETER HOLNESS, membership July a group of more than 50 members member from South Croydon, has been secretary, RNLI, West Quay Road, went on an outing to Selsey lifeboat raising funds with a delightful range of Poole, Dorset, BH15 I HZ (Tel. Poole station, where (see above) they were handmade lifeboat bears; some are 7 71133).

To: The Director, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. I enclose subscription to join Shoreline as a: Member £3.00 (minimum) D Family Membership £5.00 (minimum) D Member and Governor £15.00 (minimum) D Life member and Governor £150.00 (minimum) D Send me details of how I can help with a Legacy. D Name _ Address

Over 104,000 people would have been lost without the lifeboat service.

208 Going back to the mid seventeenth century, Mr Warner pays tribute to Samuel Pepys' exceptional mastery of naval business while he was Secretary to the Admiralty: 'He established the officer structure; the ratings of ships; the contractual side of provisioning; the surveying of home waters, during the course of which Cap- tain Grenville Collins's charts set a high standard of accuracy. He was no mere office man, for he went on voyages, once to Tangiers. He took pains to understand REVIEWS the entire business of shipbuilding ..." Pepys later became Master of Trinity • Sir William Hillary, founder of the the 'Essex Legion', which earned him a House, a Baron of the Cinque Ports RNLI, was a man of considerable vis- baronetcy but cost him his marriage, and President of the Royal Society. ion who always pursued his ideas for he ran up huge debts using his Warfare at sea is far removed from relentlessly, though some of his wife's property as security. He moved the work of the lifeboat service, but Mr schemes were not realised until after to the Isle of Man and, having founded Warner records one or two instances of his death. He_ proposed the formation the new Life-boat Institution, con- what must in fact have been a frequent of an international association for tinued to put to sea on rescues until he occurrence: the efforts made by the shipwreck (the International Life-boat was 63, though he could not swim. The fighting men, even at the risk of their Conference was founded in 1924) and accounts of these rescues show Hill- own lives, to rescue their fellows and the use of steam lifeboats (the first was ary's personal bravery for which he their enemies from the water. It is well built in 1888) but the finest memorial to received three gold medals. He died a to remember, too, the debt all seafarers his work is the RNLI itself. sad, lonely figure, still much respected owe to those early naval officers who The story of his life, with its great but virtually bankrupt after his finan- so meticulously charted the seas.—J.D. public achievements and constant per- cial affairs became hopelessly entang- sonal difficulties, is related with led with a fraudulent bank. • Maritime Wales is now well estab- interest and sympathy by Robert Kelly Following one of his most famous lished as an authoritative publication in For Those In Peril (Shearwater rescues, when he was swept out of the eagerly awaited by all those interested Press, Church Road, Onchan, Isle of lifeboat and broke six ribs, Lord in the history of commercial shipping Man, £4.75). By careful research Mr Exmouth wrote to him: and fishing around our coasts. Volume Kelly has produced a fascinating bio- 'You, my dear friend, acted up fully to No 4 has just been published and graphy. His tendency to dramatise the your professed principles . . . How truly among the varied and interesting con- sea stories is justified in the way that he gratifying it must be to have set your tents are an article on herring fishing in brings them alive. friends in the world so noble an example. Wales by J. Geraint Jenkins, curator of Hillary became involved in sea It is and will be admired by generations the Welsh Industrial and Maritime rescue in 1822 when a severe gale bat- yet unborn . . .' Museum, Cardiff, and an article, 'Dis- tered ships in Douglas Bay. He was one This, then, is the story of a man of charging the Vessel', in which Basil of the volunteers who put out in rowing courage and conviction, a piece of Greenhill, CMG, director of the boats to the aid of the naval cutter Vig- social history and a valuable addition to National Maritime Museum, considers ilant and when other vessels got into any library of lifeboat books.—R.K. the crafts and skills involved in getting difficulties he encouraged more men to the cargo out of Ade, a pretty ketch of help. Over 200 sailors were saved. Just • Published after his death, Fighting 79 tons gross, and into a shed on ten days later three boatmen from Sail (Cassell, £9.95) is the last work of Appledore Quay one early summer day Castletown were drowned while rescu- the distinguished naval historian, in the late 1920s. ing men from a Royal Navy brig. It was Oliver Warner, who was also the Well worth its cost of £2, Maritime Hillary who persuaded the Admiralty author of the official history of the Wales No 4, edited by Aled Eames, to grant pensions to their widows but RNLI, The Lifeboat Service, written as Lewis Lloyd, Bryn Parry and John he was not satisfied with these part of the Institution's 150th anniver- Stubbs, is published by the Archives haphazard rescue arrangements where sary celebrations in 1974. This finely Service of Gwynedd County Council, men put out in their own boats with no produced new book, liberally illus- Caernarfon, LL55 1SH.—J.D. reward and no security for their depen- trated with pictures of both the ships dents. Hillary prepared his famous and the famous seamen who sailed in • With the use of good similies The Appeal to the British Nation on the them, was completed after Mr Yachtsman's Weather Guide by Ingrid Humanity and Policy of forming a Warner's death by Victoria Howard- Holford (Ward Lock, £1.95) employs National Institution for the Preserva- Vyse. Mrs Howard-Vyse had helped technical language to deal with a very tion of Lives and Property from Ship- him as his researcher for some years technical subject as simply as possible. wreck and printed 700 copies at his own and she is herself a great-great-great It explains the working of the weather expense. The Admiralty sympathised niece of Vice-Admiral Lord Colling- machine and gives practical advice to with his aims but refused to give any wood, Nelson's second-in-command at yachtsmen. practical support. Then a meeting with the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. To the non-meteorologist (usually an MP led to a number of influential An introductory chapter brings the yachtsmen) this subject often presents men being called together to plan the story of warfare at sea from the oar- incomprehensible problems and this new body. They arranged a meeting in propelled galley up to the preparations small book suitable for the saloon or the City of London Tavern, attended for the Spanish Armada in the late six- chart table book compartment could be by leading politicians, churchmen and teenth century. The book, then getting very useful in bridging the gap and philanthropists, and the Institution was under way, follows the story in greater helping yachtsmen and dinghy sailors founded. detail until the coming of steam three to get more practical help from the var- Hillary's whole career was dogged centuries later. The first steam- ious forecasts and visual signs.—E.J. by financial troubles, which began at propelled ship to take part in an action the height of the Napoleonic wars when was, in fact, HMS Diana; the date was When you have read your copy of invasion seemed imminent. He raised 1824, the year in which the RNLI was THE LIFEBOAT the largest private army in the country, founded. PLEASE PASS IT ON

209 ation of the various mission reports. To my mind these latter are examples of understatement of great magnitude. The simple, unvarnished descriptions of the most hair raising feats of sea- manship cannot be beaten by any pro- Letters... fessional drama writer. Having read each issue I pass it on to a friend in Texas, USA, whom I met Welcome home A memorable day during the 1939-45 war in South East Your autumn issue of the journal 1 would very much like to thank all Asia when we were both prisoners of will, I am sure, give full coverage of the those people who made my day at the war under the Japanese. His younger AGM in May and subsequent medal Royal Festival Hall on May 22 such a son, despite a polio lameness, has and award presentations, and 1 should memorable one; one that I shall never become an offshore small craft skipper like to follow that up by telling you of forget. I felt very proud and honoured operating in the Gulf area. I have just the wonderful night we all had on the to meet HRH The Duke of Kent and also received a letter from my friend. Lt-Col homecoming from London of Cox- Coxswain Brian Bevan. What brave I. B. Hard (Rtd.), and believe you will swain Brian Bevan and the crew of men he and his crew are; indeed 1 felt be interested in an extract: Humber lifeboat. quite small standing near him waiting to Humber, at the tip of Spurn Point, receive my gold badge, which I will '. . . The RNLI journal is thoroughly must be one of the most isolated of treasure all my life. enjoyed here. 1 read it from cover to lifeboat stations and we. the local peo- My one regret was that my dear hus- cover before forwarding it on to Jim! It is ple of Easington (some seven miles band was not there with me, although I truly exhilarating to read of a group so away) and the surrounding district, do felt his presence. He died not knowing dedicated to their task.' not get the chance to meet the that I had been awarded such an lifeboatmen and their wives in a honour. L. J. ROBERTSON,23 Glen Court, River- friendly or social way as often as we 1 miss our former lifeboat, Mable E. side Road. Staines, TWI8 2LG. should like. When, therefore, the Holland, very much but I am sure Alice whole crew was 'off station', a situa- Upjohn will do her duty. Once again, Lleyn Peninsula tion which again practically never hap- many thanks.—JOAN BATES, Mrs, Your feature article on the Lleyn pens, we set to, determined to grasp Spion Hop, Dnngeness, Romney Peninsula in the spring 1979 issue of the the opportunity to show our local Marsh, Kent. LIFEBOAT prompts me to write, particu- appreciation, in the best possible man- The lute George L. 'Mick' Bates was sta- larly in connection with Abersoch, as I ner, for the proud honours brought to tion honorary secretary at Dungeness feel that my grandfather virtually dis- the area. from 1965 to 1978.—EDITOR. covered the place as a holiday resort, So a committee was formed and a having first taken his family there, dance organised for May 23, the day Understatement of great magnitude including my father, for summer holi- after the AGM, all the proceeds of As a Shoreline member 1 read your day from Birmingham in 1885. which would go to Humber lifeboat journal with great interest and appreci- My grandfather died in 1912 but my crew amenities fund. Dr J. D. Busfield, the honorary medical adviser, was A beautifully written letter from invited and transport was arranged to Susan Crook brought the news that the children oj Beach Road bring everyone from Spurn. Country Primary School, A champagne reception greeted Litherland, Liverpool, seen here them; the medals—gold, silver and with Brian Stevenson, bronze—were put on display; and from ADOS(NW). had beaten the then on the night was theirs to enjoy target they had set themselves and unwind from all the formalities. to reach by July: £100. In fact 'Santana County', a group from With- the magnificent total was ernsea. supplied the music, together £106.24. £11 came as the result with a disco, and for the raffle numer- of a treasure hunt. ous fine prizes had been given by local pubs, clubs and shops, by BP Pet- roleum Development, Amoco, Humber Abersoch breakwater was and Grimsby Pilots, Humber Coast- 'opened' in 1927 by the then guard and many individual people. Lord Howe who arrived for the A cheque for £412.64 was presented ceremony by lifeboat. to Brian and his crew, which we hope will make their life down at the point a little easier. Also during the evening Humber Pilots presented the crew with a plaque for their recreation room in recognition of the gold medal service to Revi, and, to go to RNLI funds, Mrs Mary Hart of Hull presented a cheque for £65, the result of a sponsored walk. To sum it all up, from the fantastic response and turn out to the dance 1 hope all the crew feel that they are a part of the community and know how proud we all are of them. In the words of the banner above the stage that night: 'Well done lads!'—MICHAEL A. WELTON, Sun House, Main Street. Easington, Nr Hull, East Yorkshire, Humberside.

210 father visited every summer for a anchored in the bay. The creation of L. R. MAY and N. SPRY, 27 Cromer month, as well as some Easters, Whit- the SCYC of course made a tremend- Walk, Southway, Plymouth. sun holidays and at Christmas until ous difference to the yachting facilities Coxswain Arthur Curnow and Crew 1939 when he died, a total of 54 years. at Abersoch.—DONALD M. LEA, Meres Members B. Counter and J. Ashford At his fiftieth visit the local people gave Farm, Heronfield, Nr Knowle, West were taking the relief 52ft Barnett him an illuminated address. Midlands. lifeboat Euphrosyne Kendal/rom Brix- However, the purpose of this letter is ham to Falmouth when, off Plymouth, to send you some photographs taken at First meeting Content got into difficulties. The lifeboat the time of the 'opening' of the We, the joint owners of a small 15ft towed her into Cawsand (Plymouth). This letter, addressed to Captain B. J. breakwater which was built through a GRP motor vessel named Content, were Anderson, Torbay honorary secretary, committee, of which I believe my enjoying a day's fishing last June when accompanied a donation to station father was chairman, to protect small the propeller shaft sheared and we funds.—EDITOR. craft in the harbour, as opposed to the were left in a somewhat helpless situa- St Tudwal's Roads. The ceremony was tion. A radio call from another vessel Thank you, Sheringham performed by the then Lord Howe, was answered by one of your lifeboats As a member of Shoreline and a who was a member, and later chair- out of Brixham being delivered to Fal- member of the crew of the steam lighter man, of the RNLI Committee of Man- mouth; we were on her bearing and just VIC 32, a converted Admiralty supply agement and who arrived in Abersoch four miles ahead. vessel, I should like to thank the crew lifeboat to perform his task. He was I must admit, on seeing a lifeboat of Sheringham lifeboat for standing by also a racing driver of considerable bearing down on us and anticipating the us when, bound for Grimsby in July repute and reckoned a fair time for the leg-pulling we would surely have to 1978, we ran into very heavy weather. seven miles from Pwllheli to Abersoch endure from other boatmen I was wish- It was fine when we started off from was 9.5 minutes. ing it was anyone else but me in the Great Yarmouth. The sea was calm and I believe the year was 1927, when of boat at the time, and true to form a ball remained so until we reached Cromer. course the place was totally different. was had at our expense! As we changed course to cross over the The lifeboat house was on the western The reason for this letter, other than Lincolnshire coast the sky darkened arm of Abersoch Bay, a fair distance to say a big thank you, is also to say and the wind increased its force, even- from the village and no made road to how impressed I was by the character tually rising to force 7 gusting 8. We serve it. After the lifeboat station was of the crew of your lifeboat. While I were on a lee shore; we were making closed the slipway became a very popu- have always held this breed of men in no headway against the sea; and we lar spot from which to fish, but I have the highest regard, this was my first were advised that we could not take not seen it since 1938 and it may not time of actually meeting them; and it shelter at either Wells or Cromer. even exist now. made a lasting impression seeing men After trying to 'stick it out' we As a matter of interest, there was, for enjoying so much their work and also decided to put back and Sheringham very many years, an annual regatta at enjoying each other's company while at lifeboat came out to escort us into Abersoch, long before South Caernar- the same time showing efficiency and calmer waters. The crew went to great fonshire Yacht Club was formed or its professionalism. trouble on our behalf and, after we got clubhouse built. My father was com- No doubt to these men it was just a in to Great Yarmouth, we entertained modore of that regatta, which was run job, taking in tow two fellows in a spot them on board VIC 32, our skipper's from a boat moored in the bay. The of bother, but their lighthearted matter wife making hot stew and tea.—R. boat formed one end of the starting line of fact attitude and genuine concern we ADAMS, 2 Milton Court, Coles Road, and the course was round marker boats will always remember and respect.— Milton, Cambridge.

'SUNSET OVER SAMSON': The Isles of Sixth national lottery Scilly ladies' guild has produced a long playing record to be sold in aid of the RNLI MELVYN HAYES and Val Meredoc, who and the first record was presented to Cox- were appearing in 'It Ain't Half Hot, swain Matthew Lethbridge and his wife Pat Mum' at the Pier Theatre, Bourne- by the guild's souvenir secretary, Mrs Clare mouth, came over to RNLI headquar- Jenkins; also in the picture below are Bow- ters at Poole on July 31 to draw the man Richard Lethbridge, his wife June and Susan Howells who organised the project. sixth national lottery (right). Supervis- 'Sunset over Samson' is made entirely by ing the draw were Vice-Admiral Sir the people of the 'Friendly Islands': St Peter Compston, chairman of the Fund Mary's Male Voice Choir and Music Raising Committee, and Cdr E. F. Society, the Island Sextet, the Ladies Choir, Pritchard, appeals secretary. The win- the Scillonian Entertainers and the Isles of ners were: Scilly School of Flute Ensemble all took £1,000: D. Lusher, Rosyth, Fife. part. The record is available from Mrs R. Lethbridge, Maypole, St Mary's, Isles of £500: M. Girvan, Corby, Northants. A commemorative cover celebrating £250: E. M. Parson, Newport, Gwent. Scilly, Cornwall, price £3.25 plus 40p p. and £25: D. G. Thomas-Noworthy, Hatfield, Ramsey lifeboat station's 150th p.; cheques payable to Lethbridge and Herts; Mrs S. Heywood, Roxwell, anniversary is available price £1 plus Howells RNLI record. Chelmsford; Miss E. B. Marshall, Grays, lOp p. and p. from Inspector A. R. Essex; E. Savage, Dorchester, Dorset; Mr Quirk, 33 Queens Drive West, Ramsey, Powys, Benbecula, Outer Hebrides; Agnes Isle of Man. Brownlie, Carluke, Lanarkshire; V. C. * * * Sainty, Bracknell, Berks; F. Morrison, Port In the second part of the article of Ness, Isle of Lewis; Mrs P. M. E. Orr, 'Lifeboats of the World', published in East Grinstead, Sussex; MrsT. Hunt-Duke, the summer issue of THE LIFEBOAT, a Folkestone, Kent. photograph was shown of Valparaiso RNLI Funds have so far benefited by lifeboat, Chile. This lifeboat was about £150,000 as a result of the lot- wrongly described as an ex-RNLI 14m teries, nearly £21,000 being raised by Watson. She is in fact an ex-RNLI 48ft the sixth lottery. The seventh national 6in (14.8m) Ramsgate type lifeboat. lottery will be drawn on January 31, She was originally stationed at Walton 1980. and Frinton and was named EMED. 211 R.N.LI, rely on Mermaid

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212 crews' wives for exposure and shock Gough Ritchie slipped her moorings Lifeboat Services while they awaited the ambulance and had reached Anjonika by 0805. which had been called. Going down the fishing boat's lee side, from page 189 The ILB was rehoused and ready for a tow rope was passed and, with her service at 1515. crew of two, she was brought safely back to the Port St Mary for repairs. the west, the sea was slight and visibil- North Western Division The lifeboat was back on her moor- ity was excellent but the tide, which ings and ready for service at 1210. had been flooding for 3'/2 hours, was Broken steering still rising. The water had already risen above ON SATURDAY April 28, at 0700, HM ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY awards have the girls' chests and was lapping Coastguard informed the honorary sec- been made to three Weston-super-Mare around their throats when the ILB retary of Port St Mary lifeboat station ILB crew members for their part in the arrived, and they were unable to move. that a fishing vessel, Anjonika, was rescue of three boys trapped in a cave Two men, a policeman and a passer by, disabled 13 miles to the south east. She on the south side of Brean Down on had tried to walk the sewer pipe to the had been on passage, in ballast, from November 12, 1978; it was a service for girls but they, too, were almost up to Brixham to the Clyde via Holyhead which RNLI awards were made and their necks in water. Crew Members when her steering gear had broken. She which was reported in the spring 1979 Stoddart and Latcham jumped into the was lying broadside on to rough seas issue of THE LIFEBOAT. Royal Humane water and swam with the girls to the and snipping water. Society testimonials on parchment ILB as she was manoeuvring into posi- The morning was clear with good vis- were awarded to Crew Members tion. The boat then took on board the ibility, but a near gale, force 7, was Richard A. Spindler and Anthony C. two men who had been trying to help blowing from the north west. It was Blizzard and a certificate of commen- and returned to station where, in the low water. dation was awarded to Helmsman boathouse, the girls were treated by the Port St Mary's 54ft Arun lifeboat The Nicholas J. White.

Filey, North Yorkshire March 11 and April 17 Services by Offshore March 12 and 28 Port Erin, Isle of Man Fishguard, Dyfed March 1 Lifeboats, March, April April 27 Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd Flamborough, Humberside May 29 and May, 1979 March 12 and May 29 Portrush, Co. Antrim Fleetwood, Lancashire April 16 Aldeburgh, Suffolk April 16, 23, 25, May 13 and 14 Port St Mary, Isle of Man March 27 and May 26 Fowey, Cornwall April 4, 7, 28 and May 28 Amble, Northumberland April 24 Pwllheli, Gwynedd March 29 Galway Bay, Co. Galway April 5 Angle, Dyfed March 29 Ramsgate, Kent April 30 and May 15 Girvan, Ayrshire March 3, 22, April 2, May 7 and 28 Arranmore, Co. Donegal April 22 Redcar, Cleveland March 9, Hand 18 Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk March 3 Barmouth, Gwynedd March 18, April 6, 13 and 18 Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford May 19 Hartlepool, Cleveland May 28 Barra Island, Inverness-shire March 6, April 13 and May 15 St David's, Dyfed March 24 Harwich, Essex April 19 Barry Dock, South Glamorgan March 10, May 5 and 26 St Helier, Jersey April 24, 28 and May 31 Hastings, East Sussex April 4 and May 26 Bembridge, Isle of Wight April 17 and May 12 St Ives, Cornwall April 23 Holyhead, Gwynedd March 3 and April 19 Bridlington, Humberside April 20 and May 22 St Mary's, Scilly Islands March 6, 12, 15, April 8 and May 28 Howth, Co. Dublin April 7, 8, 19, May 20 and 22 Broughty Ferry, Angus March 1 and April 24 St Peter Port, Guernsey April 24 Humber, Humberside March 30, April 20, 22, May 6, 17 and 26 Calshot, Hampshire March 3, 6, 20, April 1, 4, 13, 15, 28, May Salcombe, South Devon March 28, April 9, 16 and May 2 13, 21,23, 27, 28 and 31 April 15, 22, May 4, 11 and 28 Campbeltown, Argyllshire Kirkcudbright, Kirkcudbrightshire Scarborough, North Yorkshire March 18 April 18 and May 31 March 14 and 25 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Lerwick, Shetland Selsey, West Sussex April 29 March 27 and May 13 April 27 and May 14 Clovelly, North Devon The Lizard-Cadgwith, Cornwall Sennen Cove, Cornwall April 2 and May 15 May 27 April 17 and 26 Cromer, Norfolk Lowestoft, Suffolk Sheringham, Norfolk March 6 and May 22 March 4 and May 26 April 5 and 16 (twice) Donaghadee, Co. Down Lytham-St Anne's, Lancashire Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex April 10 March 21 March 11, 22, 31, May 12 and 15 Douglas, Isle of Man Mallaig, Inverness-shire Skegness, Lincolnshire May 13 March 20, 22, May 15 and 26 March 1 and April 15 Dover, Kent Margate, Kent Sunderland, Tyne and Wear March 3, 28, April 8, 15, May 12, 26 and 30 May 26 March 27 Dungeness, Kent Montrose, Angus Swanage, Dorset March 8 April 7 Aprils, 13, 14, 16, May 11, 14, 19 and 28 Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Newbiggin, Northumberland Teesmouth, Cleveland May 16 and 25 March 18 and April 19 March 4 Dunmore East, Co. Waterford Newhaven, East Sussex Tenby, Dyfed March 18 March 22, April 22 (twice), 27 (twice), 28, April 2, May 1 and 26 Eastbourne, East Sussex May 3, 6, 13, 15, 16 (twice) and 19 Torbay, South Devon May 12 Padstow, Cornwall April 22, May 14 and 28 Eyemouth, Berwickshire May 15 Troon, Ayrshire March 28 Penlee, Cornwall April 15, 17, 21 and May 24 Falmouth, Cornwall April 29, May 10 and 28 Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear March 8, April 9 and 28 Poole, Dorset March 18

213 Valentia, Co. Kerry April 14 Port Isaac, Cornwall May 10 Fleetwood, Lancashire April 1, 15, 16, 17, 18 and May 9 Walmer, Kent April 22, 25 and 28 Portsmouth (Langstone Harbour), May 8 Flint, Clwyd Hampshire Wells, Norfolk May 13 March 12, May 7 (twice), 13, 14, 26 and 27 March 1 and April 16 (twice) Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk Port Talbot, West Glamorgan Weymouth, Dorset April 7, 13, 21, 25, May 8, 14, 16, 20 and 30 March 19 and May 30 March 16, April 15, May 7 and 23 Happisburgh, Norfolk Queensferry, West Lothian Whitby, North Yorkshire May 13 March 2, 20, April 29, May 13 and 28 March 26, April 15 and May 1 Harwich, Essex Ramsgate, Kent Wick, Caithness April 23, May 6 and 29 May 13, 27 and 29 April 10 Hartlepool, Cleveland Red Bay, Co. Antrim Wicklow, Co. Wicklow March 11, April 30 and May 27 May 6 April 14 and 16 (three times) Hastings, East Sussex Redcar, Cleveland Yarmouth, Isle of Wight April 17, May 16 and 19 May 17 April 14, 23, 30, May 20, 23 and 28 Hayling Island, Hampshire Rhyl, Clwyd Youghal, Co. Cork March 3, April 22 and May 27 April 15, May 13 and 29 May 23 Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire Rye Harbour, East Sussex Lifeboat ON 1058 on passage March 11 and April 29 April 14, 16 and May 14 May 30 Holyhead, Gwynedd St Abbs, Berwickshire April 20 and May 26 May 31 Horton and Port Eynon, West Glamorgan St Ives, Cornwall April 17 April 14 Services by Inshore Howth, Co. Dublin Scarborough, North Yorkshire Lifeboats, March, April April 23, 24, 29, May 11 and 28 May 30 and 31 St Catherines, Jersey Selsey, West Sussex and May, 1979 May 26 May 7 Kinghorn, Fife Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex Aberdovey, Gwynedd May 13 May 7, 26 (twice) and 31 March 7, 17, April 17 (twice) and May 28 Kippford, Kirkcudbrightshire Silloth, Cumbria Abersoch, Gwynedd May 2 and 22 May 2 March 24, April 5, 19 and 28 Largs, Ayrshire Skegness, Lincolnshire Atlantic College, South Glamorgan April 7 (twice), 12, 15, 20, 29 (twice), May April 23, May 25, 27, 29 and June 1 April 15 (twice), 22 (twice), May 5, 6 and 29 5, 13 and 28 Southend-on-Sea, Essex Bangor, Co. Down Littlehampton, West Sussex March 12, 18 (twice), 31, May 17, 19 and 20 April 27, May 14 and 20 March 13, 31, April 13, 25, May 7, 12, 13, (twice) Barmouth, Gwynedd 16, 22 and 30 Southwold, Suffolk April 15 (twice) Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent March 1 and May 17 Beaumaris, Gwynedd March 5, April 8 and May 14 Staithes and Runswkk, Cleveland May 6 (twice) Llandudno, Gwynedd March 19 Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland May 6, 13, 20 and 28 (twice) Stranraer, Wigtownshire April 1 (twice), 22, May 12 and 22 Lyme Regis, Dorset May 17 Blackpool, Lancashire April 12, May 23, 26, 27, 28 and 30 Sunderland, Tyne and Wear March 5, 21, April 22, May 18 and 27 Lymington, Hampshire May 4 Borth, Dyfed May 3 Tenby, Dyfed May 31 Lytham-St Anne's, Lancashire April 17, 21, May 7, 26, 28 and 31 Bridlington, Humberside May 12 and 17 Tignabruaich, Argyllshire April 29, May 13 and 19 Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire March 30 and April 24 Brighton, East Sussex May 13 and 29 Torbay, South Devon April 13, May 15, 16, 25 and 26 Margate, Kent May 26 and 27 (twice) Broughty Ferry, Angus March 2, April 16, 20, May 5 and 30 Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd March 2 Moelfre, Gwynedd April 14, May 25 and 30 Bude, Cornwall May 12 Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear May 22 and 27 Morecambe, Lancashire March 25, April 14, May 21 and 24 Burry Port, Dyfed April 25 and 28 Walmer, Kent May 27 Mudeford, Dorset April 14, 20, 29 and May 7 Cardigan, Dyfed April 13 (twice) and May 6 Wells, Norfolk April 17 New Brighton, Merseyside April 18 and 22 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex April 16 and May 29 West Kirby, Merseyside April 12 and May 7 Newquay, Cornwall May 13 Criccieth, Gwynedd May 27 (three times) and 28 West Mersea, Essex May 28 and 30 Oban, Argyllshire March 25, 29 and May 26 Cromer, Norfolk May 4 Weston-super-Mare, Avon May 28 Peel, Isle of Man May 13 Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear March 1 Whitby, North Yorkshire April 1,14, 20, 22, 23, 29, May 13 (twice) Plymouth, South Devon April 14 and 21 April 28 and May 6 Whitstable, Kent Eastbourne, East Sussex Poole, Dorset March 17, April 22, 29, May 13 and 17 May 12 and 16 March 8, 11, 30, 31, April 20, 21, 28 and 29 Withernsea, Humberside File), North Yorkshire (twice) April 3, 15,29, May 14 and 15

SERVICES AND LIVES SAVED BY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE LIFEBOATS January 1, 1979, to July 31, 1979: Services: 1,173; lives saved 512 THE STATION FLEET (as at 31/7/79) 132 offshore lifeboats 127 inshore lifeboats operating in the summer 50 inshore lifeboats operating in the winter LIVES RESCUED 104,736 from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to July 31, 1979

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AQUASPORT llIGJaCKGtS ^^^ c& ~ RF•m• D• * INFLATABLE• • •• • • -• • • *********S LT— • D•' ^ Catteshall Lane Godalming. Surrey. Tel: 04868 4122 WE WANT YOU TO COME BACK 215 Index to Advertisers Birds Eye Foods Inside Back Cover Evett Sailwear Limited 182 HAVE FUN FUND Functional Clothing Inside Front Cover RAISING G. & M. Power Plant—Binoculars 182 G. & M. Power Plant—Radar Alarm 212 Glanvill Enthoven & Co Limited 182 Free Illustrated Catalogue from David Jolly (Tiller Master) 216 Maritime Book Society Outside Back Cover Mermaid Marine Engines Limited 212 PEEKS OF NECO Marine Limited 212 BOURNEMOUTH Peeks of Bournemouth 216 Tuckton, Bournemouth RFD Inflatables Limited 215 Tel: 0202 429404/5 Temple Insurance 215 C. P. Witter Limited 216 Colkirk, Nr. Fakenham, Norfolk. Tel: LIFEBOATS, SAILING BARGES AND Classified Advertisements Fakenham 2453. YACHTS IN MINIATURE PROPERTY Retirements, Presentations and Trophies. CORNWALL. For sale or purchase of BRITISH WARSHIPS AND AUX- Fully detailed replicas of individual boats, waterside and country property around ILIARIES 1980. The complete 112 page with crews, mounted on realistic sea bases Falmouth, Carrick Roads and Helford guide to ships of the Fleet. Available in perspex showcase. Each a tiny gem pro- River, contact R.E. PRIOR & Co, Char- November. An ideal Christmas gift for use viding a truly 'live' unique miniature. tered Surveyors, 3 Market Street, Falmouth ashore and afloat—packed with photo- Details: Brian H. Williams, Marine Model (Tel: 313636). Offices also at Penryn, Truro graphs and information. Only £1.50 post free Artist, 'West Rock', The Cleve, Kingsand, and Tregony. from Maritime Books (LB), Duloe, Lis- Nr Torpoint, Cornwall PL10 INF (0752) keard, Cornwall PL 14 4PE. 822638. HERTFORDSHIRE Council Exchange. One bedroomed ground floor flat for similar "ON SERVICE—Story of Lowestoft Life- MEDITERRANEAN VIA CANALS or bungalow or caravan, SW coast or Bed- boats". Copies available, 60p. R. W. Advice, information or delivery. Write Cap- fordshire. 17 Roundfield Avenue, Harpen- Moore, 36a Gorton Road, Lowestoft NR32 tain Ward, 4 Graydon Avenue, Chichester. den. Phone: 67034. 4PL. Tel: 0243 784700.

BOOKS MISCELLANEOUS PAINTINGS MARITIME BOOKS. Secondhand and new FISHERMAN'S SMOCKS, navy drill. All YOUR LIFEBOAT IN OILS. On canvas books bought and sold. Catalogues issued. sizes £5.95 delivered. Rockall Wear, 138 36" x 28" £45.00. s.a.e. Lee, 9 Esplanade, J. E. Oliver, Bookseller, Corner Cottage, Narrow Lane, Halesowen B62 9NX. Weymouth, Dorset.

THE ORIGINAL HOW YOU CAN HELP TILLER MASTER celebrates 10 years of Ocean crossing THE LIFEBOATMEN We stock LOCAT, the powerful British personal Radio Distress Beacon that saved the life of JOIN your local branch or guild Atlantic rower, Ken Kerr. Wind, water and solar battery JOIN Shoreline, the membership chargers available. scheme DAVID JOLLY HELP on flag days Long Range and Emergency Radio Consultant 3 Little Russel, Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset BH16 6JD. BUY RNLI gifts and souvenirs Tel: 0202 622142 TELEX: 41495. SELL lottery tickets GIV E a coffee morning TOWING COLLECT used stamps or foreign coins BRACKETS

For further information write to: Approved by car manufacturers and issued with fitting Instructions. Also shock absorbers stabiliser APPEALS SECRETARY, and couplings. ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, WEST QUAY ROAD, Please save a little for the people POOLE, DORSET, BH15 1HZ who save a lot—give generously to the R.N.L.I.

When you have read your copy of THE LIFEBOAT, please pass it on C. P. WITTER LTD. CHESTER Tel. 0244-41166

216 The Captain takes his hat off totheRNLL EQUIP YOURSELF FOR ANY VOYAGE '. . . every point of sailing under all rigs and in all weathers, meteorology, navigation and boat handling it should equip the yachtsman mentally and materially for any kind of voyage.' Sea Breezes 'The fact remains that anyone who buys a cruiser and needs a bible to go with it, is unlikely to go far wrong with the New Glenans Manual.' Yach ting Mon thly 'At last a sailing manual worthy of the name .. . a new one that is not only comprehensive but also readable.' Yachting & Boating

Run by sailing enthusiasts on the South Coast the Maritime Book Society secures virtually every significant new sailing book for its members, be it technical (eg Coastal Navigation) practical (Offshore Racer) narrative (Come Wind or Weather) or on classic cruises and circumnavigations. There is bound to be something useful or interesting for your crew or you yourself on every aspect and level of cruising and racing. Members buy their books at a dis- count of up to 25% (sometimes more) off publishers' prices. They are offered to you every other month and our bulletin tells you what is coming. Your only To: Maritime Book Society, PO Box 6, Newton Abbot, Devon. obligation is to buy four books during I would like to join the Maritime Book Society and claim The New Glenans your first year of membership. Sailing Manual for only £1.00 (plus 90p carriage). Allow up to 21 days for delivery. I agree to purchase at least 4 books (in addition to the introductory books) during a year's membership and may resign thereafter. Mr/Mrs/Miss_ Address

Signature Maritime Book Society is run by Readers Union (or if under 18, signature of Parent/Guardian! Brunei House, Newton Abbot. SEND NO MONEY with this coupon AFK POST TODAY Reg in England No 843946