/olume XLVIII Number 481 The

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Autumn 1982

/""^ /"\ t"» f ^ fi f" o Notes of the Quarter Ill

Lifeboat Services 113

Volume XLVIII LongServiceAwards 119 Number 481 Yes, I'd do it all again, by Rosemarie Ide 120

,,. . Skegness Lifeboat Station, 1825 to 1982, by Joan Davies 124 Chairman: THE DUKE OF ATHOLL Poole Open Days, July 22-24 128 Director and Secretary: REAR ADMIRAL W. J. GRAHAM, CB MNI Around the Coast—and Inland 130

Keep on running, by Heather Deane, Deputy Public Relations Officer RNLI 131

Lifeboat People 132

Editor: Shoreline 133 JOAN DAVIES

Some Ways of Raising Money 134 Headquarters: Royal National Lifeboat Institution, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 Books 139 1HZ (Telephone Poole 671133). Telex: 41328. Lifeboat Services, March, April and May, 1982 142 London Office: Royal National Lifeboat Institution, 202 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7JW Index to Advertisers 144 (Telephone 01-928 4236). Editorial: All material submitted for Advertisements: All advertising consideration with a view to publica- enquiries should be addressed to tion in the journal should be addressed Dyson Advertising Services, PO Box to the editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal 9, Godalming, Surrey (Telephone National Lifeboat Institution, West Godalming (04868) 23675). Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ COVER PICTURE (Telephone Poole 671133). Photo- Subscription: A year's subscription of Fog . . . one of the worst hazards for the graphs intended for return should be four issues costs £1.40, including post- seafarer. The prototype 47ft Tyne class life- accompanied by a stamped and addres- age, but those who are entitled to boat City of London underwent her slipway sed envelope. receive THE LIFEBOAT free of charge trials at Selsey lifeboat station in Sussex, and will continue to do so. Overseas sub- Selsey lifeboathouse and slipway can be seen scriptions depend on the cost of postage looming in the background. On the day this Next issue: the Winter issue of THE photograph was taken, by Joan Davies, to the country concerned. Write to Selsey's own lifeboat, the 48ft din Oakley LIFEBOAT will appear in January and RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset Charles Henry, launched on service to help news items should be sent by the end of BH15 1HZ. first an angling boat and then a German October. News items for the Spring yacht, both of which had run aground in the issue should be sent in by the end of Printers: The Friary Press, Grove Trad- dense fog. January. ing Estate, Dorchester, Dorset.

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110 After declaring the new Bill Knott Building open, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Minister, unveils a commemorative plaque near the main entrance. With her is the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the Institution.

(Below) A visit to HQ operations room followed the opening ceremony. While Mrs Thatcher looks through lifeboat photographs, Mr Denis Thatcher signs the visitors' book. With them are (I to r) Cdr George Cooper, deputy chief of operations, Lt Alan Tale, staff officer operations (2}, the Duke of Atholl, Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, and (hidden) Lt Cdr Brian Miles, deputy director.

NOTES OF THE QUARTER

FOLLOWING the birth of a son to Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Prin- cess of Wales a letter of congratulations and good wishes was sent to Bucking- ham Palace by Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, the director, on behalf of everybody connected with the RNLI. The following reply was received: ' We were enormously touched to receive your very kind letter following the birth of our son and send you our warmest pos- sible thanks. The reaction to the news has The new Bill Knott Building provides life had given to them, displayed the been overwhelming and thoroughly heart- office and storage space for many pub- lovely virtue of generosity. warming and we are rapidlv discovering licity and fund-raising aids, including At an informal reception inside the what it is to be proud parents!—CHARLES flag day supplies, souvenirs, the print- new building, following the opening and DIANA.' ing department and design studio. ceremony and the unveiling of a com- Barmouth lifeboat station, which re- Southern District office is also now memorative plaque, Mrs Thatcher was cently received the new 37ft 6in Rother housed in the new building. presented with a miniature brass fisher- class lifeboat which is to be named On their arrival, Mrs Thatcher and man's anchor made in the depot by Princess of Wales, sent a separate tele- her husband, Mr Denis Thatcher, were Mike Randall, while Mr Knott was gram of congratulations and received an received by the Duke of Atholl, chair- given a presentation line throwing pistol equally warm reply from the Prince and man of the Institution. They were and Mrs Knott a bouquet of flowers. Princess. shown over the prototype 47ft Tyne Following her visit. Mrs Thatcher class lifeboat and a new relief 52ft wrote to Admiral Graham: Bill Knott Building Arun, lying alongside the depot quay, 'To be able to open the Bill Knott On July 16 the Prime Minister, Mrs before inspecting the Bill Knott Build- Building was a real privilege and to meet Margaret Thatcher, visited the head- ing. Then came the opening ceremony. so many of the people involved in keeping quarters of the RNLI in Poole to open In her speech Mrs Thatcher thanked the the lifeboat service operational was u real the new fund-raising centre which was RNLI for 158 years of selfless service, pleasure. My admiration for your work is provided entirely by Mr William Knott, remembering both the lifeboat crews unbounded: YOU hold an unparalleled a retired Poole businessman. Mr Knott and the fund raisers, with their com- place in the hearts of the people of our countrv.' had approached the Institution with the plementary virtues of courage and offer of constructing the building on the generosity. The crews, she said, posses- depot site to allow expansion of fund- sed the lonely virtue of courage, which Poole Open Days raising activities and to enable staff each man had to find for himself—no Thousands of people descended on previously accommodated in outside one could give it to him; the fund raisers RNLI headquarters in July to attend the portable buildings to move into the and those who, like Mr and Mrs Knott, first Open Days ever held at head office main depot. gave back to society something of what and depot. Visitors were able to see around the offices and workshops, view special displays and watch demonstra- ANNUAL MEETINGS 1983 tions of the launch and recovery of an Atlantic 21 lifeboat. Joint lifeboat/heli- South Bank, London, Tuesday May 17 copter exercises were arranged between a Royal Navy helicopter and either Annual General Meeting of Governors: 11.30 am in the Queen Poole's 44ft Waveney lifeboat or the Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall. Atlantic 21, and lying alongside the Annual Presentation of Awards: 3.00 pm in the main auditorium, depot quay throughout the three days were a 52ft Arun lifeboat, the prototype Royal Festival Hall. 47ft Tyne and Poole's Waveney. The Institution is proud of its ability Further details will be circulated with the winter edition of THE LIFEBOAT. to run a modern litesaving organisation with minimal administrative overheads While HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh were touring days later, when in Buckie, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh Fife on July 1, Prince Philip went afloat in Anstruther lifeboat, the 37ft visited Jones Shipyard, where they saw the 48ft 6in Solent relief lifeboat Oakley The Doctors, taking great interest in the carriage launch The Royal British Legion Jubilee, which Her Majesty had named at (above, left and right): in command of the boat was Coxswain Peter Henley in 1972, ten years ago; the lifeboat was in the yard undergoing Murray (photographs by courtesy of D. C. Thomson and Co). A few survey. The style, rank and title of whose crew members, Stan Zalot, is Honorary Burgess of also Mayor has recently been made an Beaumaris has recently been conferred upon Beaumaris Honorary Burgess of the town; the lifeboat station. Councillor honour has been given in recognition of Stan Zalot, Mayor of the its services to the local community. town and also a lifeboatman, In Yorkshire, two guild members presented the certificate and from neighbouring lifeboat towns also a town crest to Sir Richard held civic appointments in the past year. Williams-Bulkeley, president In Scarborough, Councillor Mrs Liz and chairman of the station Mackenzie, former treasurer of the branch, who then handed it to ladies' guild and still a considerable Coxswain David Gallichan for safe keeping. supporter, became the first woman photograph by courtesy of Mayor of Scarborough since local gov- Hywell W. Hughes ernment reorganisation. In Filey, Mrs Wadsworth, the vice-chairman of the and the Open Days provided an oppor- Launch the lifeboat, Mr Mayor! ladies' guild whose sons are also in- tunity to show lifeboat supporters and Ken Holland, who is coxswain of volved with Filey lifeboat, was the general public that head office and Skegness lifeboat, bore another disting- Mayoress. depot play a vital part in keeping the uished title as the town's Mayor for the Further north, Magnus Shearer, hon- lifeboat service at peak efficiency. It is past year and an article on his station orary secretary of Lerwick lifeboat sta- proposed that the next Open Days will appears on page 124. Meanwhile, tion, has just been appointed Lord be in 1984. For a full report of this Beaumaris lifeboat station, one of Lieutenant of Shetland. year's event, see page 128. With her builders' trials completed, the prototype 47ft Tyne fast slipway lifeboat City of London Norwegian Naming Ceremony set out on a circumnavigation of the British Isles as part of her development trials; during these The RNLI acts as the secretariat to trials lifeboatmen from a number of different stations are helping to man her. She is seen here the International Lifeboat Conference with St Peter Port lifeboat, the 52ft Arun Sir William Arnold. and keeps in close touch with lifeboat photograph by courtesy of Brian Green organisations overseas. Several RNLI stations have links with stations in Europe, particularly in France, Ger- many and The Netherlands, and on a number of occasions overseas lifeboats have come across the Channel or North Sea to be present at the naming cere- monies of our lifeboats. The Norwegian lifeboat Skomvaer II was present at the naming of Lerwick's 52ft Arun lifeboat Soldian in 1978, and before an Arun was stationed at Lerwick it was not at all unusual to see a Norwegian cruising lifeboat lying in the port's South Har- bour with the RNLI lifeboat. It was fitting, therefore, that Soldian, as part of her extended passage back to station for crew training after a recent survey, should visit Stavanger in Norway for the naming ceremony of a new Norwegian lifeboat on August 23. The new lifeboat was named Olav V after His Majesty The King of Norway and the ceremony was performed by his daughter, HRH Crown Princess Sonja.

112 The assembly klaxon was sounded a lifejacket and then the remaining and at 1635 the D class lifeboat was three. Within a minute the lifeboat launched from the harbour into shel- reported that all four were on board. tered waters; she was manned by The water in the lifeboat was now level Helmsman Eric Ward and Crew Mem- with the top of the sponsons, running bers William Thomas and Philip Allen. over the transom as the lifeboat was Course was set for Hayle Bar and full lifted by the heavy seas. speed maintained. The sea was on the While trying to clear the casualty, the port quarter, and it was an uncomfort- lifeboat's outboard engine propeller was able, wet passage. At first the mast of fouled by a halyard from the dinghy. the dinghy could be seen occasionally Crew Member Allen instantly entered the between the troughs. Then it dis- water to try to hold the bow head to sea, appeared from sight and the Coastguard while Crew Member Thomas also tried confirmed that the dinghy had capsized to hold the bow up by means of an oar in the surf on the bar; her four crew, shipped over the starboard side and South West Division one without a lifejacket, were reported Helmsman Ward tried to clear the to be clinging to the upturned dinghy. propeller. The propeller was entangled Four rescued There was a heavy ground swell on with four full turns of polypropylene the bar which, with the strong onshore rope, the standing part of the rope still ON THURSDAY April 8, the honorary wind, was causing heavy breaking seas made fast to the dinghy thus effectively secretary of St Ives lifeboat station was which extended 500 yards off shore. anchoring the lifeboat by her stern. This down at the boathouse in the late Reaching these breaking seas at 1637, made it impossible for Helmsman Ward afternoon when, at 1628, he saw a 16ft the urgency of the call dictated that to gain enough slack on the rope to free sailing dinghy leave harbour with two Helmsman Ward should continue at full it. young men and two youths on board. speed into the surf line. Once inside the Meanwhile, Crew Member Allen, After watching her for a little while, surf line the upturned dinghy was quick- stationed at the bow with water at chest and seeing the distance decreasing be- ly seen 50 yards off the port bow; her height but frequently being lifted six tween her and Hayle Bar, an area to the four crew were clinging to her. feet with the boat, realised he was south east where the seas were likely to Such were the conditions on the bar fighting a losing battle trying to keep be very dangerous, he became con- that even at that distance the casualty the boat head to sea. So, seeing the cerned for the safety of those on board. was frequently obscured by breaking obvious difficulty Helmsman Ward was At 1633 he telephoned St Ives Coast- waves. Helmsman Ward continued his experiencing in freeing the propeller, he guard and agreed to launch the D class approach at reduced speed, with the decided to join him at the stern. He inflatable lifeboat. By this time the lifeboat now taking on more water than made his way aft between lifeboat and sailing dinghy was a mile clear of St Ives the self bailers could clear. Neverthe- dinghy. Harbour entrance heading in the direc- less, choosing his moment carefully At 1640 the Coastguard lookout, tion of Hayle Bar. between breaking waves. Helmsman seeing the lifeboat to be in serious Although the day was fine and clear, Ward made a sharp turn to port and trouble, alerted RNAS Culdrose. there was a fresh to strong breeze, force successfully brought the lifeboat port By now the lifeboat had slewed 5 to 6, blowing from the north, the sea side to the upturned dinghy, which was around on the halyard which was hold- was rough with waves about seven to held fast by her mast submerged in the ing the propeller fast. Crew Member eight feet high and there was a moder- sand. Thomas was still trying to hold her head ate to heavy swell. It was about three Working together the crew first pul- up into the wind, but she was practically hours before high water. led in the survivor who was not wearing beam on to the sea and continually shipping water. Helmsman Ward pas- sed the boat's knife to Crew Member ANNUAL AWARDS ber 19, in a strong south-easterly gale, Allen who cut the offending halyard, seven people were rescued from two the helmsman was then able to disen- 1980 sailboards, a cabin cruiser, a yacht and tangle the rope, and with this sudden a catamaran; the Atlantic 21 lifeboat release the lifeboat came back head to was also called to the help of a boy sea. Crew Member Allen, who had The Maud Smith Award for the most clinging to a post 20 yards out on a sustained a rib injury during his efforts outstanding act of lifesaving during groyne. It proved impossible to bring in the water, was by this time extremely 1981 has been made to Coxswain the lifeboat close enough to grab the cold; he was unable to help himself, so Michael Scales of St Peter Port for the boy aboard, so Crew Member James Crew Member Thomas seized him and rescue on December 13 of 29 of the swam to him and brought him safely hauled him on board. crew of the motor vessel Bonita, listing ashore. For this service Helmsman Restarting the engine first time. to 45 degrees in the English Channel. Dunster was awarded a bar to his Helmsman Ward thought of making an The winds were gusting to hurricane bronze medal and Crew Member James emergency landing on the beach 400 force, the seas were very high and the silver medal; the thanks of the yards away but, with the lifeboat so visibility was poor due to driving snow Institution inscribed on vellum were heavily laden, there was no response to and sea spray. In darkness and in accorded to Crew Member Raines. the helm and with a maximum speed of extremely cold and hazardous condi- only 8 knots he was committed to going tions, 50 approaches were made to take The James Michael Bower Fund awards in the direction he was heading, out to off the survivors. For this service Cox- for 1981 have been made to the late sea. swain Scales was awarded the gold Coxswain Trevelyan Richards of Penlee With his two crew throwing their medal for gallantry. (to be received by his mother, Mrs weight forward to combat the force of Mary Richards) and Coxswain Michael the breaking waves, therefore. Helms- The Ralph Glister Award for the most Scales of St Peter Port, who each man Ward set to the task of getting the meritorious service carried out in 1981 received the gold medal; and to Cox- lifeboat out beyond the surf line. He by the crew of a lifeboat under 10 swain/Mechanic Alexander Gilchrist successfully negotiated ten six-foot metres in length has been made to of Campbeltown, Coxswain/Mechanic breaking waves before finally coming Helmsman Frank Dunster (for the Maurice Hutchens of Sennen Cove and clear of the surf. At first the lifeboat second consecutive year) and Crew Crew Member Roderick James of Hayl- simply drove through the oncoming Members Roderick James and Graham ing Island who each received the silver waves with heavy water breaking over- Raines of Hayling Island. On Septem- medal. all; as speed increased between the 113 waves, however, the water within the together with a small coastal tanker MV boat cleared through the self bailers, Banwell. She was asked to stand by allowing her enough power to take on while Banwell placed a salvage pipe the waves. aboard Wheal Geavor. LE Aisling con- By 1643 the lifeboat was clear of the tinued to tow the trawler towards broken water and course was set for St Waterford at about three knots. Ives Harbour. The Coastguard now At 1240 the tanker adjusted speed cancelled the helicopter. alongside the trawler's port side and On the return passage, with the rough passed a suction hose aboard. Attempts seas on the starboard bow, speed was at to pump, however, were not successful first kept down to 12 knots. Crew and at 1305 the lifeboat crew noted an Member Thomas treated the four survi- appreciable settlement of the casualty. vors, who were suffering from St Patrick moved in close and advised hypothermia, but during the course of 'abandon ship'. By 1312 it was obvious the passage he became particularly con- that the trawler was sinking and she was cerned about one of them who listing to starboard. Six men jumped to appeared to be concussed. At his re- safety aboard Banwell but Cadet Foskin quest, Helmsman Ward increased to remained to let go the tow. Helmsman Frank Dunster of Hayling Island full speed. Crew Member Allen, who The trawler's list was increasing was prevented by illness from attending the RNLI's annual presentation of awards meet- was operating the radio, did not realise rapidly and Coxswain Whittle decided ing in London last May to receive the bar to there was to be a change of speed; his to go in and rescue the cadet without his bronze medal; it was awarded to him for weakened state preventing him from delay. With his crew ready on the his part in the service on September 19 when taking a proper hold meant that he fell foredeck, and remaining there despite seven people were rescued from two sail- overboard. He was, however, promptly the danger from the casualty's listing boards, a cabin cruiser, a vacht and a picked up and St Ives Harbour was mast and gallows, the coxswain brought catamaran as well as a boy clinging to a reached at 1654. The four dinghy sailors the lifeboat alongside the trawler's star- breakwater. The presentation was made, and Crew Member Allen were taken to board side and held her bow hard therefore, on June 18 by Lt-Cdr John Lunch, hospital by waiting Police cars. The against the trawler while Assistant a member of the Committee of Management and president of Hayling Island lifeboat lifeboat, which had been damaged, was Mechanic Sean Kearns and Crew Mem- station, during a social evening at Hayling rehoused at 1710 and taken off service ber Patrick Glody snatched the cadet Island Sailing Club. The service, for which for repair; the next day, Friday April 9, from the well deck and pulled him the silver medal was also awarded to Crew she was temporarily replaced with a aboard. He then drove the lifeboat full Member Roderick James and the thanks of relief D class lifeboat. ahead clear of the trawler just before the Institution inscribed on vellum accorded For this service the bronze medal was she sank. At 1315 St Patrick went to Crew Member Graham Raines and Shore awarded to Helmsman Eric T. Ward alongside Banwell and took off the Helpers Trevor Pearce and Nigel Roper, was and the thanks of the Institution in- three fishermen. LE Aisling sent a reported in the spring 1982 issue of THE scribed on vellum were accorded to launch to collect her boarding party. LIFEBOAT. The crew of the lifeboat also received the 1981 Ralph Glister award (see Crew Members William J. Thomas and St Patrick arrived at Dunmore at page 113). Philip Allen. 1510, landed the three survivors and was refuelled, remoored and ready for As the Atlantic approached the tug, service at 1600. at 1154, three men could be seen on Ireland Division For this service framed letters of deck wearing lifejackets. The heat thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, could be felt from the side of the tug Sinking trawler chairman of the Institution, were pre- and the men shouted that the fire was in sented to Coxswain/Mechanic Stephen the engine room and it had been bat- DUNMORE EAST PILOT STATION informed Whittle, Assistant Mechanic Sean tened in. As there was a risk of explo- the deputy launching authority of Dun- Kearns and Crew Member Patrick sion, Helmsman Gilson immediately more East lifeboat station at 1035 on Glody. took the Atlantic alongside the tug's Monday October 12, 1981, that the starboard side, to leeward, and two men trawler Wheal Geavor, with a crew of South East Division were taken off, one a river pilot and one three, was disabled and making water; a crew member. The master refused to she was 19 miles south east of Hook Tug on fire leave and the Atlantic pulled clear to a Head and in urgent need of help. safe distance. Maroons were fired and the lifeboat THAMES COASTGUARD informed South- The tug was making considerable crew collected a portable salvage pump end-on-Sea lifeboat station at 1130 on leeway, so the Atlantic approached from the harbour before boarding. At Saturday March 21, 1981. that the tug again and a rope was put on to the 1050 Dunmore East 44ft Waveney life- Laity Fwas on fire near No 3 Sea Reach casualty's bow in an attempt to hold her boat St Patrick slipped her moorings Buoy. The crew assembled and took the head up to weather. It proved impos- and set out on service under the com- transport down Southend Pier and at sible for the Atlantic to hold her, mand of Coxswain/Mechanic Stephen 1148 Southend's Atlantic 21 rigid inflat- however, and the tow was slipped. Whittle. able lifeboat launched on service; she The pilot was not a young man and, It was a fine morning with a fresh was manned by Helmsman Paul Gilson as he was getting very wet and being breeze, force 5, blowing from the north and Crew Members Glyn Gilson and thrown about, the Atlantic asked the west and a moderate sea running. High Paul Manners. helicopter to lift him off; the lift was water had been at 0520. It was an overcast morning but with safely accomplished at 1206. On clearing harbour. Coxswain Whit- good visibility. A force 8 gale was Sheerness 44ft Waveney lifeboat, tle headed towards the casualty at full blowing from the south west. It was two under the command of Coxswain/ speed and, with following seas, a good hours before high water. Mechanic Charles Bowry arrived at passage was made. At 1120 the Irish The Atlantic's speed had to be kept 1210. She took the tug in tow and, naval patrol boat LE Aisling reported down to about three-quarters because escorted by Southend's Atlantic 21, that she had a sent a boarding party to of short, rough seas and heavy spray, made for Leigh River. At 1214 the fire the trawler with a salvage pump and and on her way she was informed that was seen to have burnt itself out and at that she was passing a tow. The position the Sheerness 44ft Waveney lifeboat 1240, in the lee of Marsh End Sands, of the casualty was 21 miles off Hook Helen Turnbull had launched and an the tow was passed to the tug Eugenia Head. RAF Wessex helicopter had been and Laity's crew member was put back St Patrick arrived on scene at 1230 scrambled from Mansion. on board!. 114 hospital where they were treated for hypothermia and later discharged. For this service the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Coxswain L. Derek Scott, BEM.

South West Division Fall from cliff INFORMATION that a man had fallen over the cliff near the Western Carricks was given to St Ives station honorary secret- ary by Land's End Coastguard at 1351 on Wednesday August 26, 1981, and he was asked to launch the D class inflat- Daniel Norman was accorded able lifeboat. Knowing that a crew was the thanks of the Institution available within the immediate harbour inscribed on vellum for the area, the honorary secretary sounded rescue of a girl swept into the the klaxon at the boathouse. sea off Watchet on September 12, 1981; the service was re- St Ives D class inflatable lifeboat ported in the spring 1982 issue launched at 1357, manned by Helms- of THE LIFEBOAT. After the man Philip Allen and Crew Members presentation of the vellum last Ian Tanner and Ian Lowe, and set out June, Helmsman Kevin for the casualty. It was a fine, sunny day Escott took Daniel for a trip with a light variable wind. With only in Minehead's Atlantic 21 one hour to go before high tide. Helms- rigid inflatable lifeboat. man Allen was able to keep close photograph by courtesy of inshore, sometimes passing between the Bristol United Press land and the rockheads. The 3'/t miles bay with his binoculars he saw two men to the reported position of the casualty clinging to an upturned tender about was covered in the shortest possible 350 metres offshore; they had been time, and the lifeboat arrived at 1409. returning from their yacht in the tender From radio reports received from the when they had lost an oar and capsized Coastguard, Helmsman Allen knew trying to retrieve it. that a man walking along the Coastal Coxswain Scott immediately tele- Path had seen another man, in swim- phoned Swansea Coastguard to tell ming trunks, stumble down a steep, them he was going to the aid of the two grassy slope and then disappear from men. With the help of Second Cox- sight. The inflatable lifeboat searched swain/Mechanic Alan Jones, who just from east to west, then back eastwards, happened to be at hand. Coxswain Scott stopping once to consult a man on the launched his own 10ft clinker built shore, but he had seen nothing. Derek Scott, BEM, coxswain of The Mumbles dinghy from the promenade of South- The lifeboat was again sweeping west lifeboat, has been accorded the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum for the rescue end Beach. Because of the small size of when a Wessex helicopter from RNAS in his own dinghy of two men on December the boat he thought it best to row out Culdrose arrived overhead. Both life- 22, 1981. Coxswain Scott already holds three alone and began with powerful strokes boat and helicopter continued the medals for gallantry, two silver and a bronze, to cover the 350 metre distance. search and then the helicopter asked the and he has also received a Royal Humane The afternoon was freezing with a lifeboat to follow her into a cove. The Society Award. photograph by courtesy of gentle breeze, force 3, blowing from the man had fallen down a blow hole, at Peter Hadfield east. The slight to moderate sea was Trevail Bottoms, into which water from short and choppy and it was just after a stream was flowing and the entrance Both lifeboats returned to their sta- high water. of which was obscured by large rocks. tions. Southend's Atlantic 21 arrived at Coxswain Scott reached the capsized Only a helicopter could have seen the 1255 and was rehoused and ready for tender at 1606. The two men, weighed man, but although she hovered off the service at 1310; Sheerness's Waveney down by heavy clothing and suffering entrance and lowered her winchman arrived back at 1503. from the severe cold, were unable to and stretcher, the blow hole was too For this service framed letters of help themselves. By great physical narrow to accommodate either, and thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, effort and skilful rocking of his boat. they had to be lowered outside. chairman of the Institution, were pre- Coxswain Scott managed to haul the The lifeboat followed the helicopter sented to Helmsman Paul D. Gilson more seriously distressed of the survi- into the rock-strewn cove. Helmsman and Crew Members Glyn D. Gilson and vors aboard. Despite several exhausting Allen put Crew Members Tanner and Paul W. Manners. efforts it proved impossible, however, Lowe ashore as close to the entrance of to pull the other man into the boat, so the blow hole as he could without Coxswain Scott told him to cling on to endangering the boat, and then waited South West Division the stern while, as a precaution, he first in the lee of a large rock. passed a rope round him and secured it Within the cove, a low ground swell Capsized tender and then rowed for the shore as quickly was creating four to five feet waves, as possible. With the ebb tide pushing which demanded great care on the part ON THE AFTERNOON of Tuesday Decem- against him, the extreme cold, and the of the two lifeboatmen and slowed ber 22, 1981, Derek Scott, coxswain of toll of his previous efforts, it was a very down their progress. Seeing that the The Mumbles lifeboat, was at his home arduous row. but the shore was reached winchman needed immediate help. overlooking the seafront when, at 1555, at 1621. The two survivors were landed Helmsman Allen secured the inflatable he heard cries for help. Scanning the and taken by a waiting ambulance to lifeboat in the lee of the large rock and

115 then swam to the entrance of the blow sent to Crew Members Ian Lowe and approaches to Courtmacsherry Har- hole. Ian J. Tanner. A letter signed by bour. At about 1900, while heading The casualty, a heavy man, had Admiral Graham was also sent to Cap- south at slow speed, the lifeboat fell off massive head injuries as he had fallen tain R. C. Dimmock, commanding a heavy wave on to her starboard and tumbled a total of 80 feet, landing officer of RNAS Culdrose, expressing shoulder and heeled over almost 90 on rock. Winchman and helmsman the Institution's appreciation to the degrees. Except for a lookout, the crew placed him in the stretcher and secured helicopter pilot, Lt K. Wyman, and the were either in the wheelhouse or cabin, him carefully. Crew Members Tanner winchman, Petty Officer Aircrewman the lifeboat recovered and no one was and Lowe, by a combination of climb- M. Cockerill. hurt. ing, scrambling and swimming, now By 2000 it was considered that there arrived to help the winchman. so was no chance of recovering survivors Helmsman Allen swam back out to the Ireland Division alive and at 2010 Acting Coxswain lifeboat to prepare, if necessary, for Madden was advised by the honorary embarking the stretcher. Storm search secretary to cease searching and seek The helicopter, meanwhile, returned shelter. Shortly afterwards the helicop- to the entrance of the blow hole, THE STATION HONORARY SECRETARY of ter abandoned the search. hovering very close indeed to the rock Courtmacsherry Harbour lifeboat sta- Acting Coxswain Madden headed for face. The winch wire was lowered, then tion was informed at 1428 on Saturday Broadstrand Bay and anchored close manoeuvred so that it could be reached December 19, 1981, that a fishing boat north west of Quarry Point; he and and hooked on to the stretcher. The two had been seen to capsize and sink off Acting Second Coxswain/Assistant lifeboat crew and the winchman guided Barry's Point. Maroons were fired and Mechanic Jeremiah O'Mahony took it the stretcher some eight feet to seaward at 1445 Courtmacsherry lifeboat, the in turns to stay at the wheel and engines and then winchman and stretcher were 47ft Watson Helen Wycherley slipped were used to reduce the strain on the lifted in one rapid movement. The her moorings and set out on service anchor cable. The wind gradually helicopter set off immediately to Trel- under the command of Second Cox- veered south and by 2300 had dropped lisk Hospital, Truro. swain/Mechanic Brendan Madden. to a moderate southerly breeze, force 4. Helmsman Allen brought the lifeboat A fresh to strong south-easterly An hourly call was made to Ballycotton towards the entrance of the blow hole breeze, force 5 to 6, was blowing in the Lighthouse. and Crew Members Tanner and Lowe river, with a moderate sea running. Anchor was weighed at 0730 the next loaded the helicopter strop, blanket and Visibility was poor in the continuous day, Sunday December 20, and the first aid kit and climbed back on board. heavy rain. High water was at 1130. search resumed between Barry's Point At 1425 the lifeboat cleared the cove. Acting Coxswain/Mechanic Madden and Courtmacsherry Harbour bar. The She returned to station at 1445 and was pressed on at full speed but had to wind was now south westerly force 2 or once again ready for service at 1500. reduce speed at the bar where condi- 3 but a heavy sea was still running and The hospital staff needed to identify tions were exceptional, with a heavy visibility was poor. the casualty so that next of kin could be onshore sea running against the ebb At 0830 the Irish warship LE Emer asked whether there were any medical tide. The lifeboat pounded heavily arrived and began to search, and at characteristics or allergies about which several times and shipped heavy water 0855 Acting Coxswain Madden they should know. A cliff rescue team aboard. With storm force 10 south- streamed the drogue, crossed the bar had searched the cliff path for anything easterly winds clear of the land, the seas and returned to station, securing along- belonging to the man, but nothing could in Courtmacsherry Bay were violent. side the Town Pier at 0900. The lifeboat be found. As it was a matter of vital Acting Coxswain Madden set a course was refuelled and back on her mooring, importance, at 1646 St Ives was asked to for Barry's Point at half speed, but he ready for service, at 1130. launch the D class lifeboat again. used full power at times to maintain For this service a framed letter of Helmsman Allen was in command as course. Visibility was severely affected thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, before but this time with Anthony by spray and heavy rain. chairman of the Institution, was pre- Carter and James Stevens as crew. The lifeboat arrived off Barry's Point sented to Second Coxswain/Mechanic J. At 1700 the three men landed at at 1520 and began searching for survi- Brendan Madden. A letter of apprecia- Trevail Bottoms and searched exten- vors; such were the conditions that it tion signed by Rear Admiral W. J. sively both in the gully and along the was not possible to distinguish the Graham, director, was sent to Noble surrounding shoreline. Then, after esti- dangerous low reef around Horse Rock Ruddock. mating the set and drift of the tidal 3'/2 cables off the point. Weak RT stream since the man fell over the cliff, communications were established with the lifeboat started a sweeping search Milford Haven Coastguard at 1525, and East Division seawards. Despite the chop which had they reported that a helicopter had been now developed on the sea, the lifeboat- requested. Two calls men found a shirt and a camera case The search was continued north of awash some six or seven cables north of Barry's Point and the lifeboat estab- NEWTON AUXILIARY COASTGUARD in- Trevail Bottoms. A tiny tube of oint- lished good RT communications with formed the honorary secretary of Cras- ment bearing a dispenser's label was Ballycotton Lighthouse from 1605 on- ter lifeboat station at 1100 on Saturday found in the camera case from which wards. Meanwhile, a shore search was May 1 that three men had moored their the Police were able to gain a full organised by Noble Ruddock, a former fishing boat at Newton Haven, a few identification of the casualty. RNLI Irish district engineer, and the miles to the north of Craster, and, The D class lifeboat returned to St lifeboat was directed towards wreckage trying to row ashore, had been blown Ives at 1820 and was rehoused by 1830. sighted on the surface. At 1620 a on to rocks. Maroons were fired and the It had been a rescue which neither the sleeping bag was recovered about three D class inflatable lifeboat was launched helicopter nor the lifeboat could have cables north of Barry's Point and the on service at 1110. achieved alone, but working together lifeboat checked flotsam and oil, but It was an overcast, gusty, morning they had been able to bring a difficult found no sign of survivors. with sleet showers and a near gale, task to a successful conclusion. At 1701 Ballycotton Lighthouse re- force 7, blowing from north west. It was For this service a framed letter of layed confirmation of the position one hour after high water. thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, where the casualty was seen to sink, and The inflatable lifeboat left harbour chairman of the Institution, was pre- at 1720 a Sea King helicopter from RAF and headed north with Crew Member sented to Helmsman Philip Allen and Brawdy arrived on scene and began a Keith Williams on the helm. Once letters of appreciation signed by Rear search. The lifeboat continued to search Castle Point had been cleared the full Admiral W. J Graham, director, were the area between Barry's Point and the weight of the wind was felt and in seas 116 which were rough, short and broken way; the dinghy had just left the 30ft Forrest and Alan Currie and all mem- speed had to be reduced to half. As the motor vessel Sea Witch which was bers of the team who had helped in the lifeboat approached Newton Haven, moored about 150 metres from the search. Crew Member Neil Robson, the more shore. It was a squally afternoon with a The next day, Thursday October 8, senior man with greater local know- fresh to strong breeze, force 5 to 6, the Atlantic 21 launched again at 0800 ledge of the outlying rocks, took over blowing from north west. The sea was manned by Helmsman Henry Crawford the helm. The three fishermen were rough. and Crew Members Colin Grant and sighted, stranded on the rocks, and by The skippers of the two fishing ves- William Anderson; they took out Crew 1120 the lifeboat was being taken in sels immediately put to sea while John Members John Strachan and Stewart towards them. Strachan and another lifeboatman, Smith, both of whom are qualified Just at that time an RAF Sea King Henry Crawford, ran to Largs lifeboat- divers, with their diving equipment. helicopter arrived overhead and the house and fired the maroons. The The body of the missing man was found lifeboat held off while a winchman was station honorary secretary arrived and and recovered. The lifeboat returned to put down to check the situation; it was within minutes the Atlantic 21 rigid station at 0910 and was rehoused at decided that the lifeboat should take off inflatable lifeboat was launched man- 0915. the fishermen. So, unlocking the out- ned by Helmsman Henry Crawford and board engine and holding it in position Crew Members John Strachan, Ronald East Division to reduce the danger of damage among Forrest and Alan Currie. the rocks, Helmsman Neil Robson The Atlantic 21 had reached the area approached from the lee side and, by by 1802 and one man was rescued RSPCA award almost immediately with help from 1140, the three fishermen had been ON WEDNESDAY AugUSt 12, 1981, Hlin- safely taken aboard the lifeboat. The Mhari Bhan. Another man was clinging stanton's D class inflatable lifeboat was seas at this time were five to six feet to the rudder of a moored boat; the called to a speedboat which, unoccu- high. lifeboat could not get close enough to pied except for a dog, was spinning The survivors were landed in Newton grab him, so Crew Member Strachan, round and round out of control off Haven Bay and the lifeboat returned to seeing that the man was exhausted, South Beach. The man who had been station, arriving at 1230. She was re- immediately jumped into the water with driving it had fallen over the stern after housed, refuelled and ready for service a lifeline and supported him until they the water skier he had been towing had by 1240. were both picked up by the lifeboat. also fallen; both had been recovered A quarter of an hour later Newton The two survivors were landed on the from the water before the lifeboat Auxiliary Coastguard reported to Cras- beach, but John Strachan, although wet arrived. With great difficulty. Crew ter honorary secretary that a dinghy had and cold, remained aboard the lifeboat Member Arthur Osborne was put capsized off Newton Haven after hitting until the end of the service. aboard the speedboat, brought it under a submerged rock and a man had been A third survivor was picked up by Sea control and landed both the boat and thrown into the water. Manned by the Nymph and the Atlantic 21 took this the dog, a spaniel, safely on the beach. same crew as before, Craster's D class man aboard and landed him on the For this service, which was reported inflatable lifeboat was launched on ser- beach. A doctor and ambulance were in the spring 1982 issue of the THE vice again within minutes. standing by and all three survivors were LIFEBOAT, the Royal Society for the With the wind still north west force 7 taken to hospital. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has and the seas rough, the lifeboat once There had been a fourth man in the awarded a certificate of merit to Helms- again made the passage to Newton capsized dinghy but nothing had been man Alan J. Clarke and Crew Members Haven, arriving at 1310. She started a seen of him. The Atlantic 21 returned to Arthur E. Osborne and John Connors. search of the area but, finding no one, the area to search together with MFVS beached at 1330 for further informa- Mhari Bhan, Sea Nymph and Girl Jean tion. A woman who had seen the and pilot cutter Ganstock. A helicopter, Scotland South Division incident told the lifeboatmen that the scrambled from HMS Gannett at 1829, man from the dinghy had managed to arrived overhead at 1856; Ardrossan In rock cleft get ashore. Coastguard mobile arrived at 1843 and By 1400 the inflatable lifeboat was organised shore parties; the fire service WHILE ON PASSAGE from Carrick Fergus back at station and by 1430 she was arrived at 1915 and set up lights on the to Portpatrick on Monday August 3, rehoused. As, on the return passage, beach; Largs Pier staff and many others 1981, the 32ft motor sailer Maureen II loss of engine power had been experi- were helping. Despite a thorough suffered engine failure. She continued enced, the boat was put off service until search from sea, air and land, however, under sail but, trying to enter harbour, repairs could be made. She was back on no sign could be found of the missing she ran into difficulties and was carried service again by 1600 the following day. man and at 2022 all services were stood on to rocks a quarter of a mile to the For this service framed letters of down and the search called off. north. thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, The Atlantic 21 returned to station at Clyde Coastguard informed the dep- chairman of the Institution, were pre- 2025. Throughout the service Helms- uty launching authority of Portpatrick sented to Helmsman A. Neil Robson man Crawford had had some difficulty lifeboat station of the situation at 0615. and Crew Member J. Keith Williams. in manoeuvring in the rough weather as Maroons were fired and Portpatrick's the port engine of the lifeboat had 47ft Watson lifeboat The Jeanie slipped seized on launching because of gearbox her moorings at 0632 under the com- Scotland South Division failure. On the lifeboat's return, Fleet mand of Staff Coxswain Tom Beattie. A Mechanic George Miller fitted a new cliff rescue team was also called out and Dinghy capsize gearbox and tested it. The lifeboat was approached the casualty from the cliff then refuelled, washed down and top. A LIFEBOATMAN, John Strachan, who is rehoused. There was a gentle breeze, force 3. skipper of a ferry running from Largs For this service a letter of apprecia- blowing from the south west but the sea Pier to Cumbrae, and Matthew Ramsay tion signed by Rear Admiral W. J. was moderate with a fair swell running. and Donald McMillan, skippers of Graham, director of the Institution, was The tide was on the ebb. fishing vessels Sea Nymph and Mhari sent to Crew Member John Strachan. In When the lifeboat reached the scene, Bhan, who were mooring their boats at another letter, addressed to Mr J. Duf- at 0650, she found that Maureen II was Largs Pier, heard shouts at about 1755 field, Largs honorary secretary. Admir- in a rocky cleft, being thrown on the on Wednesday October 7, 1981, and al Graham expressed the Institution's rocks either side by the sea, and it saw that an 8ft dinghy had capsized appreciation to Helmsman Henry would be impossible for The Jeanie to between the pier and the lifeboat slip- Crawford and Crew Members Ronald approach her. Rocket lines were tried 117 but failed, so Robert Tyson, who had gone out with the lifeboat crew, volun- teered to take a line across. He swam the 100 yards to the yacht with a line and passed it to a member of the cliff rescue team who was already on board; he himself was helped ashore and up the cliff by the CRE team. The line was made fast, the yacht pulled off the rocks to safety and then taken in tow by the lifeboat back to Portpatrick. The two boats arrived at 0710 and the three adults and two children on board were taken ashore. The lifeboat was back on her moorings, ready for service, at 0722. For this service a letter signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, ex- pressing the Institution's appreciation to Robert Tyson was sent to Portpatrick station honorary secretary. Mr D. P. Brookes. Padstow: On the morning of January 26 the local fishing vessel Lamorna ran into difficulties when a rope got wrapped round her propeller about three quarters of a mile off Newquay Head. She put out an anchor to await help from another fishing vessel. The weather was deteriorating, West Division however, and a north-westerlv gale was forecast, so Padstow lifeboat, the 48ft 6in Oakley James and Catherine Macfarlane was launched to her aid at 1129 under the command of Coxswain Trevor England and with a diver on board. Lamorna was taken in tow to Newquay where the Yacht aground diver, Mr A. Bradlev, went overboard and cleared the fouled rope, freeing the fishing boat's propeller. photograph by courtesy of B. S. White HEARING, just after 1700 on Sunday September 13, 1981. that a yacht had grounded on the training bank off Buoy of operations, was sent to Captain J. A. T section of the post in about 30 feet of C6. Helmsman Edward Brown tele- Billington, New Brighton station honor- water and about 60 yards from the phoned the honorary secretary of New ary secretary, expressing the Institu- shore. The tide was extremely fast Brighton lifeboat station. Almost im- tion's appreciation to Helmsman running and the nearest the lifeboat mediately, as preparation was being Edward B. Brown and Crew Members could be brought to the post was 10 to made to fire the maroons, a request Anthony G. Clare and Robert F. 12 feet; by this time the man was also came from Liverpool Coastguard to Robertson. suffering from the effects of exposure. launch to the aid of the 28ft steel hulled Crew Member Litt climbed along the yacht Blue Tango. top rope of the salmon net through a At 1712 New Brighton's Atlantic 21 current described as ferocious and rigid inflatable lifeboat was' launched Scotland South Division brought the man safely to the lifeboat; manned by Helmsman Brown and Crew during the passage to Annan, where he Members Anthony Clare and Robert Rising tide was transferred to an ambulance, the Robertson. It was a fine, clear evening wildfowler was treated for exposure and but with a fresh to strong breeze, force 5 RAMSEY COASTGUARD informed the hon- hypothermia. The lifeboat was back on to 6, blowing from west south west and orary secretary of Silloth lifeboat station station at 1442. gusting to near gale, force 7. The sea at 1255 on Thursday February 11 that a For this service a letter of apprecia- was moderate to rough and there was a man was stuck in the salmon nets at tion signed by Commander Bruce moderate west-south-westerly swell. Dornock, two miles east of the River Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to The forecast was that the weather Annan, on the north side of the Solway Crew Member Ashley Litt. In a letter to would deteriorate. Firth. At 1310 Silloth's Atlantic 21 rigid George G. Egdell. Silloth honorary Blue Tango was hard aground on the inflatable lifeboat launched on service secretary, which was accompanied by a west training bank, seven miles north manned by Helmsman Colin Akitt and donation to the Institution, the survivor north west of the lifeboat station. On Crew Members Ashley Litt and Philip wrote; arrival, the Atlantic 21 ran the yacht's Satterthwaite. T suppose it was a routine job for the kedge anchor out into deeper water to The weather was fair with a moderate crew, but I can assure you for myself it the west to prevent her drifting further to fresh breeze, force 4 to 5, blowing was the opposite. I will not forget sighting ashore as the tide rose, and shipping from west south west. The sea was the boat on the horizon and landing in the was asked to ease speed in passing. choppy with a heavy swell. It was two bottom of the lifeboat freezing with cold At 1900. after a good deal of bumping hours before high water. . . . Once again will you express my sincere thanks to all your lads at Silloth and surfing in the heavy sea and swell in The casualty was one of the three and throughout the RNLI.' the making tide, the yacht came afloat. wildfowlers who had walked out to The anchor held at first but then started examine the terrain. The tide was rising to drag and the yacht knocked across and the man and his pointer dog were the training bank to the east. The stranded when a gully filled with water. West Division Atlantic 21 lifeboat went round the end His friends advised him to go to the T of the bank to meet her and escort her section of a salmon net while one of Running into danger into the channel. In view of the de- them went to dial 999. At this time it teriorating weather, however, and the was estimated that there was about six ON THE AFTERNOON of Friday September yacht's slow progress, the lifeboat feet of water below him. As the sea 11, 1981, the 26ft yacht Kerry left Doug- towed her to Alfred Basin. The lifeboat gradually deepened he climbed towards las, Isle of Man, bound for Glasson returned to station at 2100 and was the top of the post, eventually having to Dock, Lancaster, crewed by two men. rehoused and once again ready for release his dog. which swam ashore. He Although the weather and visibility service by 2130. clung to the post for almost an hour. were good, there was a fresh to strong For this service a letter signed by When the lifeboat arrived, at 1336 the breeze, force 5 to 6, blowing from the Commander Bruce Cairns. RNLI chief wildfowler was clinging to the top of the south west and the sea was rough and 118 one of the crew became badly affected South West Division placed on either the boat or the crew. by sea sickness. The yacht's owner tried While searching off the Ranie, the to start the boat's engine but could not Fishing boat capsized lifeboat was told by the Coastguard that do so. Bowqueen was alongside the casualty. At 1927 Kerry called Ramsey Coast- The sand dredger was sighted about two guard on VHP Channel 16 and was given A TELEPHONE CALL was received by the miles to the south west; course was set a course to sail for Douglas, but as she honorary secretary of Penarth lifeboat for her and despite the moderate to approached land it became clear that station at 1311 on Friday September 18, rough short, steep head seas, up to five her single-handed skipper would be 1981, from The Mumbles Coastguard feet high, full speed was maintained running into difficulties and would need requesting the launch of the lifeboat: a throughout the passage. help. At 2015, when the yacht was some message had come on VHP Channel 16 When the lifeboat arrived at the three or four miles off Douglas, Ramsey from the sand dredger Bowqueen re- casualty she found that there had in fact Coastguard telephoned the honorary porting the sighting of two people cling- been three men aboard the fishing boat. secretary of Douglas lifeboat station, ing to an upturned boat (later found to Bowqueen had recovered one of them and at 2034 the 46ft 9in Watson R. A. be an 18ft GRP fishing boat) half a mile but the other two men, too cold to help Colby Cubbin No. 1 launched on ser- west of Ranie Buoy off Lavernock themselves, were clinging on, head and vice under the command of Coxswain Point. Maroons were fired and at 1321 shoulders above water, to a safety net Robert J. Corran. Penarth's D class inflatable lifeboat was which had been hung down over Bow- The lifeboat came up with Kerry, still launched manned by Helmsman Callum queen's port side. under sail, at 2130 and with some diffi- Couper and Crew Members Robert Bowqueen was stopped in the water culty because of the considerable move- Ryan and Michael Hill. heading east north east so that, as the ment of the two boats in the swell, Crew It was an overcast afternoon, but lifeboat came alongside the safety net, Member Steven Unsworth boarded the clear, and a fresh breeze, force 5, was she was in the sand dredger's lee. The yacht to help. He lowered the sails, a blowing from the south west. It was two survivors were extricated from the tow line was passed and the yacht was nearly three hours after high water. net, not without difficulty, and taken on taken to Laxey, where a doctor was The passage south to Ranie Buoy, in board the lifeboat. Each was helped waiting. The lifeboat returned to Doug- sheltered waters, was made at full into a survivor's lifejacket, positioned las and was once again housed and speed. At the Ranie, however, the sea low in the boat and covered with an ready for service at 2300. state was more severe, with wind exposure sheet to prevent further heat For this service a letter of apprecia- against tide causing a rough, confused loss. tion signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief sea. Speed was reduced to enable a Helmsman Couper was intending to of operations, was sent to Crew Mem- proper lookout to be maintained and to ber Steven Unsworth. ensure that no unnecessary stress was continued on page 141

The Lizard-Cadgwith Portrush LONG SERVICE Coxswain/Mechanic P. R. C. Mitchell Coxswain J. Stewart AWARDS Head Launcher I. A. Hill Second Coxswain R. McMullan Winchman S. C. Watkins Port St Mary Lytham-St Anne's Coxswain/Mechanic A. N. Quillin, BEM THE LONG SERVICE BADGE, introduced Coxswain A. Wignall Pwllheli from January 1 this year for crew Second Coxswain B. Gill Coxswain W. D. McGill Crew Member H. Bamber Second Coxswain/Mechanic O. Roberts members and shore helpers who have Tractor Driver A. Broxup given active service for 20 years or Ramsey more, has been awarded to: Margate Motor Mechanic J. H. Kneale Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic St Helier D. E. G. Lacey Motor Mechanic R. L. Berezai Aldeburgh Coxswain W. V. Burrell. BEM The Mumbles StIves Coxswain L. D. Scott. BEM Second Coxswain S. Strowger Coxswain T. Cocking (Snr) Motor Mechanic N. A. Saint Second Coxswain/Mechanic A. R. Jones Second Coxswain J. N. Perkin Assistant Mechanic B. J. Jeffery Crew Member F. S. Sharland Assistant Mechanic D. L. Smith Crew Member A. D. Lewis Tractor Driver M. H. Smith Crew Member J. L. Tanner Shore Helper E. A. Strowger Newcastle (Co Down) Crew Member J. B. Thomas Shore Helper R. W. Wood Coxswain M. Leneghan Head Launcher J. Benney Second Coxswain W. S. McCullough Shore Helper F. Cocking Amble Shore Helper J. G. Uren Second Coxswain R. Stewart Motor Mechanic G. Murphy Assistant Mechanic J. Smith St Mary's Barmouth Tractor Driver M. McKibben Coxswain M. Lethbridge, BEM Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic G. K. Jeffs Second Coxswain E. R. Guy New Quay (Dyfed) Motor Mechanic D. W. Davies Motor Mechanic W. Burrow Coxswain D. W. Evans Second Assistant Mechanic E. E. K. Griffith Assistant Mechanic W. H. Lethbridge Crew Member D. L. Griffith Second Coxswain E. I. Evans Sheringham Padstow Clacton-on-Sea Coxswain R. H. West, BEM Coxswain T. R. England Coxswain A. C. Harman Bowman J. W. West Motor Mechanic H. E. Murt Motor Mechanic E. C. Cobb Motor Mechanic B. J. Pegg Crew Member A. J. May Exmouth Assistant Mechanic B. Middleton Plymouth Coxswain B. L. Rowsell Teesmouth Coxswain J. Dare Motor Mechanic B. Bradford Coxswain W. Carter Motor Mechanic C. Alcock Crew Member P. N. Rowsell Motor Mechanic D. Robinson Crew Member J. W. H. Sheldon Flamborough Torbay Coxswain J. R. Major Port Erin Coxswain A. L. V. Curnow Second Coxswain R. W. Emmerson Coxswain P. Woodworth Crew Member D. R. Emmerson Second Coxswain E. N. Sansbury Walmer Crew Member J. Major Crew Member L. G. Coe Porthdinllaen Fowey Coxswain G. J. Jones Further recommendations for the Coxswain B. Willis Assistant Mechanic I. H. Griffiths long service badge are under Motor Mechanic F. G. Webber Crew Member J. P. Bentlev consideration. 119 to the lifeboat station turn up in those times, people on holiday who have a Yes, Pd do it all again nostalgia for lifeboats, VIPs who have a vested interest and want to acquaint themselves in person. And, of course, by Rosemarie Ide coastguards and other lifeboatmen not just from Great Britain but from all over the world come to call. The RNLI is a countrywide and yet A LIFEBOATMAN'S HOUSEWIFE—AND PROUD OF IT closely-knit old fashioned family. It is unique. There is no other organisation quite like it. It is, as you know, a charity and survives solely on voluntary con- IT WAS ONE of those glorious days. A day Ah well, I thought smugly, not for us tributions. Everybody gives freely and to be taken out and inspected and today. Frank is on leave. Within an willingly, even people who have not the admired now and then in years to come. instant my husband was up and away, a remotest connections with the sea. It would make one feel warm and good fast-running and fast-disappearing fig- When you stop to think about it, it is all over again. A glad-to-be-alive day. ure in the distance. absolutely amazing. Long may the spirit The sun was shining, not a cloud in There was hush all around, every- of it all survive. sight, flowers in bloom everywhere, body looking at one another. A mixture I came to be a lifeboatman's wife even the sea had that extra sparkle. of disbelief and amazement on their quite unexpectedly. Frank was a sailor Birds singing and people en route to the faces. The children, all five of them, in the Royal Navy when we met and bus stop seemed warm and affectionate, started howling their disappointment. eventually married. I say eventually passing the time of day. Troubles Then all at once the other passengers with a smile now but it wasn't funny at seemed far distant. Why on a day such resumed talking in subdued voices and the time. They say the course of true as this you could even doubt their casting strange looks in our direction. I love never runs smooth and it certainly existence. could cheerfully have strangled the driv- proved to be so for us. But to be fair it It was while we were living at Dover. er of that bus in those few seconds for wasn't truly our doing; it was Cyprus, My husband, Frank, had a day off and leaving the doors open, such fury and that little country in the Mediterranean. we were taking the children on a long- disappointment was within me. How- Our banns were duly posted and I promised trip to Folkestone. I know, it ever, the bus started up. I had to calm was looking forward to our wedding is only seven miles, but to us it was like and quieten the children and the puppy, day. My husband-to-be was serving in a trip to the unknown hinterland. which of course, had to accompany us HMS Albion at the time. She had just We got on the bus, paid our fares and on this dangerous and adventurous trip completed a major refit and was on sat down in great anticipation. The to build sandcastles. And we were on trials up around Scotland. However, children, five in all, two of them a our way—minus Daddy. there was trouble in Cyprus and Albion nephew and niece who had come to live I should have known better than to was sent out with troops or supplies; with us when they lost their parents, have expected everything to be easy and then it was decided that she should were chattering excitedly about building straightforward. I had been a lifeboat continue straight on with her planned sandcastles and having ice cream and, wife for some years by that time. I was trip to the Far East. Of course, this was of course, about the picnic we would, not a greenhorn any more. But there good sense but it made me feel very have. Dover beach is all pebbles and had been a relatively quiet spell, quite a sorry for myself at the time. going to build sandcastles on the sandy number of weeks in fact when nothing However, we did manage to get beach of Folkestone was to them a very out of the ordinary had happened. Just married in the end, and married life exciting prospect. the daily routine of going to the boat started conventionally enough. Then, The driver had a couple of minutes in and seeing that everything was in order just as we were expecting our very first hand and just sat and admired the and ready for the 'off. You get lulled baby, Frank was posted to the Far East scenery. Then it happened. into a false sense of security in those for another 18 months. He was to join Bang! Bang! The maroons went off! weeks. It is almost to be compared with HMS Cook surveying the oceans around A lifeboat call! the daily task of keeping house. Visitors the Gilbert and Ellice Isles.

Illustration by- Frank Ide

120 When our baby was a few months old, Frank wrote to say that he was hoping to buy himself out of the Navy and, with luck, become a full-time crew member in the RNLI, if I had no objections. Of course I hadn't. He Frank and Rose Ide at would be home at last. No more long Poole lifeboat station with separations. I was all for it and wished their two younger sons, him luck, though I must admit that at John (r), on leave from the Navy after serving that time I had extremely vague ideas of with the South Atlantic what the RNLI stood for. Task Force in HMS Gla- Well, everything went according to morgan, and Bob (I), a plan. Frank left the Navy and joined the member of Poole lifeboat lifeboat service. The first few months in crew. Frank and Rose's his new job he spent travelling from eldest son, Jim, was away lifeboat station to lifeboat station reliev- from home, serving in the ing when people were ill or on holiday. Army. But we were longing to have a station of was perched right on top of a cliff On many stations the crew have a our own. To be together like a proper known as 'Spanish Battery'. Our boys weekly get together. This is mainly to family. Also I was by now expecting our used to call it 'Bunny-Bats'. Today, all keep in touch as often call-outs are second baby and the matter of settling these years gone past, it is still known as many weeks apart. A great number of down somewhere seemed quite urgent 'Bunny-Bats' in our family. cups of tea are consumed at these to me. We didn't get battered by any Spani- meetings and that is about all I know There is usually quite a long wait for a ards I am pleased to say but the winds about it as a mere wife. Later on, during full-time post at a station to become showed us no mercy come summer or the evening, the lads repair to their free. The full-timers, the coxswain/ winter. Right across the North Sea they aforementioned local, and ladies are mechanics or just mechanics, stay in used to blow, great gusts of them. very welcome to join in. I look forward their jobs until they retire. Very loyal Drying washing out of doors I finally to these evenings. They are an oppor- employees are the lifeboat lads. But came to accept as an impossibility. If it tunity to catch up with all the latest occasionally somebody is ill and cannot managed to stay longer than half an gossip, swap knitting patterns and diets: carry on or some other circumstances hour on the line it just got covered with a general putting of the world to rights. arise so that they have to leave. As I a layer of oily soot blown up from ships Over the years, I have come to the said, it does not happen very often and going about their lawful business up and conclusion that lifeboatmen are not our hopes were not set too high. But down the River Tyne. Cleaning win- made, they are born. They seem to have Lady Luck was on our side. Tynemouth dows was an equally fruitless task. The that extra little ingredient in their needed a new mechanic and Frank got sea would bash itself to pieces on the bloodstream. Even for the full-time the job. lighthouse below and the spray come members it is not just a job, it is a way right up and undo all my hard work in of life. For the whole family, I may add. Tynemouth seconds. There was nothing much to see A full-time man is entitled to one I had never heard of Tynemouth and out of the front windows anyway, just weekend off a month, which often he having always lived in the south of miles and miles of empty ocean all the doesn't bother about. And, of course, England, Northumberland sounded like way to Norway. So we settled into life his holiday. But apart from that his the end of the world to me. But at last on station. hands are tied for 24 hours round the here was the chance for our gypsy life to Perhaps this may be the time to clock. Not that he would want it any come to an end and I couldn't have elaborate a little more on lifeboat sta- other way. How could anybody look cared less if it had been Timbuktu. tions in general. Where there is a large after his boat as well as he can? Even on Our second baby, another boy, was a lifeboat there is always one full-time holiday, a much needed break, you find fortnight old when we departed for crew member, the coxswain/mechanic your lifeboatman fretting over the wel- Tynemouth. While I was in hospital, or mechanic depending on the type of fare of his beloved boat. To any future Frank had shipped our belongings, such boat and local circumstances, and many lifeboatman's wife, I give you this as they were, up north. The morning we volunteer crew members. Although advice: it is no use fighting against it. got on the train we acquired a dog at the only five to seven people are needed to You will only create great unhappiness last moment. He was mum-in-law's man a lifeboat the great number of for youself. really, but had taken a fancy to us and volunteers ensures that there are always In years gone by the local fishing refused point blank to stay behind. So a enough lifeboatmen available should community used to man the lifeboat. last minute ticket was purchased for dog there be a call-out. Very keen and But the winds of change have taken and we were on our way. We must have enthusiastic gentlemen they are, giving their toll here, too. There are not so been quite a spectacle, for when we up a great deal of their spare time. many small fishing communities as arrived at Waterloo Station the porter Then we have the honorary secretary. there used to be and our help now who came to help us did a sort of double A very put-upon gentleman (and occa- comes from all walks of life: company take. Going by taxi to Kings Cross was sionally even lady). The 'hon-sec' is the directors, builders, shopkeepers, en- something of a performance, too, what person who usually authorises a launch gineers . . . the list is endless. There are with the baby, dog, pram and toddler, and copes with mountains of paper many more volunteers than could ever and snow storms raging all around. The work, taking care of all the background be accommodated. driver was kindness itself and I am things which make sure that all wheels Now we come to the actual call-outs. eternally grateful to him. run smoothly. There is also a local These are no respecters of time or We finally arrived at Tynemouth committee and, of course, the honorary place. Their motto: the more incon- about teatime, having been under way treasurer who deals with the financial venient the better—literally. I know of since seven in the morning. It was pitch side of the station's affairs. one lifeboatman who went to sea in his dark, blizzards still blowing and not a All these people give their time free. pyjamas; a very chilling experience, I'm soul in sight. This surely isn't still The volunteer crew members do get a told. Many a man has raced to the boat England, I thought to myself. Perhaps small token payment on actual call-out with his pockets stuffed full of roast we had landed, by some quirk of fate, in or exercise; just about enough to pay potatoes, the only part of Sunday lunch Outer Mongolia. for the next round in their favourite he would enjoy that day. To be caught We finally managed to get hold of a 'local' where the postmortem takes in the bath is also quite common. Very taxi and set off for our new home. It place later. dire threats may well be muttered in 121 the direction of the unknown casualty. The one thing I very much miss now could work much bettter with the child- However, this is only a momentary is the never-ending sweep of the beam ren fast asleep and I wanted everything reaction and no lifeboatman would ever of light from the lighthouse down be- as homely as possible for Frank's arrival refuse to go no matter what the weather low. It gave me a very comfortable two days hence. or the circumstances. Not to go is feeling watching it on its journey across One thing our new home had in its absolutely unthinkable. So, if ever you our bedroom walls. A little pause of favour right from the very start: a find yourself in a tight spot or any sort darkness and then it started all over lighthouse in full view. That first night, of trouble round our coastline, never again. when I finally went to bed, I lay there hesitate to fire that flare you should be Life went on in its usual fashion for too tired for sleep. Suddenly I realised I carrying, or call for help over the radio. quite some time. Actually Tynemouth had once again a beam of light travel- Or, if you are on shore and see someone lifeboat station is not truly in Tyne- ling across our bedroom walls. A little in difficulties, go to the nearest tele- mouth. It is further down river, next to puzzled I went to the window and sure phone, dial 999 and ask for the Coast- North Shields fishquay. And what a hub enough there was a lighthouse at the guard. They will take it from there. of life there always was there. end of the pier making me feel very But please be sure of your facts Our third son was born on that cliff welcome indeed. before you take any steps and please do top (and now, 17 years later, he's a My husband arrived on the Saturday not become another hoaxer. Their num- lifeboatman). When he was a week old morning very tired having been at sea ber is plentiful already. But hoaxers we moved down into the village. The all night. Lifeboats are no cruise liners! apart, there is also the natural human reason for this move was not that we did We were glad to see him and very error to contend with. For instance, one not like it on top of our cliff. Quite the excited about our new home. Christmas the little town of Wareham in contrary. But the house itself was very The new Dover lifeboat was provided Dorset, just up the river from Poole, damp. In many ways being on a more by the Ancient Order of Foresters and organised a lovely party for the local level base made life easier for me. I did she was to named Faithful Forester by children. Father Christmas, of course, miss my cliff top, but the new home was Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, at was expected and his arrival was so much more comfortable and had the that time the Institution's President. heralded by the firing of a red flare. most wonderful neighbours anyone The big day dawned bright and clear but Several people spotted this flare and could wish for. as it gathered speed, so did the winds. quite naturally assumed someone was in However, after we had lived in Tyne- By early afternoon such a force was trouble. The Coastguard was alerted mouth for some four and half years my blowing that instead of coming by heli- and in due course Poole's Dell Quay husband was asked if he would like to copter, Her Royal Highness had to Dory lifeboat was launched. be second coxswain/mechanic of a 44ft complete the last lap by road. It was This dory is a small, three-man boat, Waveney, one of the new fast afloat July and Dover is an extremely busy just right for Poole Harbour with its lifeboats. This would mean moving commercial port, so that there were large areas of shallow water and its little house once more. A different station! inevitable delays—while at the harbour islands. The lads searched for some It was a challenge and we accepted. I several pretty hats, whipped off by the hours with no result and finally retired did have some doubts about the wisdom wind, were bobbing and dancing in the for home. But all the time with the of yet another upheaval in our lives. I waves. nagging doubt that perhaps they had had much loved living in Geordieland. Then the Princess arrived amid great missed a little corner somewhere. It was We had made many friends, were happy cheering and all proceeded according to not until two days later that it was and contented with our lot. And I am plan. The crew and their wives were established where the flare came from not over fond of moving. Also, I never presented to Her Royal Highness, who and everyone relaxed once more. Now see our new abode until the day we made us all feel very much at ease, firing a flare in honour of Father Christ- move. The house goes with the job. But before all repaired to the cafe at the end mas's arrival is no crime but why didn't then it doesn't really very much matter of the pier for tea. Princess Marina also someone inform the Coastguard, the to me where I live as long as I am had a ride in our new boat, and one way honorary secretary or the local cox- surrounded by my nearest and dearest. and another it was a most enjoyable swain of this impending event? It would day. have spared a lot of people a lot of Dover With such a wonderful start, we worry. Never mind getting frozen Finally everything was sorted out and settled in happily once more, making charging about the harbour on a cold we were off. Frank departed for Lowes- many friends. Schools were found for night in a small open boat. Neverthe- toft to ferry the new boat to Dover, our two of our sons. Autumn term began less, lifeboatmen would far rather be new home town, and I took our three and all became routine in our way of called out on wild goose chases than sons, two, four and six, to Newcastle daily life. Or as much as it ever can be miss one single genuine distress call. and caught the train going south. when you belong to the lifeboat service. But, of course, I didn't know any of The boys behaved extremely well on Dover, being en route to other sta- this when we first arrived in Tyne- that long train journey and I felt very tions, becomes a stopping over night mouth. Nor did I know anything about proud. It's a very good morale booster spot for refuelling and a breaking up of foghorns! I recall one nice, sunny fore- when other people praise one's long journeys for all sorts of lifeboats. noon, a bell was tolling, slow and offspring. There was just a tiny scary And many a jolly evening was enjoyed mournful for hours on end. Having moment. Our tortoise was travelling by everyone. As I mentioned before, lived as a child in a small village in illegally in my sewing basket and when the service is a very close-knit family. Germany where bells were tolled when the ticket collecter came the boys, of Now and again we accommodated a someone died, I thought to myself as I course, had to show Toby off. Good lifeboatman for a week or so. The lads went about my housework, man that he was, he turned a blind eye came to acquaint themselves with this 'Somebody really important must and gave me a wink. new type of boat. Some weeks after one have passed on, this bell's ringing for We enjoyed an overnight stop at of these lads had departed, the Inter- such a long time.' Hastings with Grandma and next morn- flora lady arrived on our doorstep with I said as much to my husband when ing took the bus to Dover. The removal the most enormous bunch of flowers I he came home for his lunch. He looked van was waiting for us. Nothing was too had ever seen, as a thank you. I was at me with a really puzzled face and much trouble for the men; they were absolutely thrilled. then burst our laughing. absolutely marvellous. They put my Now and again some disaster occur- 'That's the fog bell on the groyne beds up for me and helped in all sorts of red in the English Channel, to which the below! That's no church bell!' ways. I was very grateful. Straits of Dover themselves form a 'But it's not foggy,' said I. It was the first day of July, the middle bottle neck. It is a miracle to me that 'Up here it isn't, no. But down below of a heatwave. I stayed up most of that more—many more—collisions do not its a real peasouper.' night putting things in order. I found I happen in that stretch of water between 122 France and Dover. Many ships ply up vanished from off the face of the earth. minute panics. Why didn't that train and down the Channel, not to mention How could I tell our sons? How come? And here it was at last. We were all the ferries that cross it to French and indeed, I thought, as I went to waken off! Frank and I, our three boys, Sam, Belgian ports. And, in between, are the them ready for school. I just said there our dog (strictly Heinz 57 pedigree), whizzing hovercraft. On the radar was a call-out when they asked, Emma, our lovely tortoiseshell cat and screen in the Coastguard operations 'Where's Daddy?' her kitten, the budgie and the canary. room the whole thing looks like one of Being lifeboat sons, they took it at Toby, the tortoise, was travelling 'pri- those TV games gone beserk. face value, thank God. I was busy with vate', this time by courtesy of the Sometimes in a good winter, with breakfast when our oldest said, removal van. plenty of snow, the town of Dover gets 'Mum, / can hear Uncle Tony on the We reached Waterloo and boarded cut off for a week or so. No traffic can radio.' the train for Poole. Not long now, we get down those fairly steep roads. Bated breath. said to ourselves. The weather was on Another, to me, very curious thing 'Are you sure?' our side, too; sunshine all the way. often happened during the summer 'Yes, Mum. Come and listen.' Then like a bolt out of the blue sky, the months. I would get up one fine morn- And so it was. At 7.40 am, loud and train came to a full stop, right in the ing and looking out of the window there clear over the air. Never, never have I middle of nowhere. Just fields all would be thick fog which would last all been happier to hear anyone's voice around. Eventually the ticket collector day. Damp and miserable and cold. Yet before or since. All my prayers came through and told us that some- on the cliff top there would be brilliant answered. They were safe and sound. I body had pulled the emergency cord sunshine and clear blue sky. This never didn't know whether to laugh or cry and this in turn had put some vital piece failed to amaze me. with relief. I did a bit of both actually, of mechanism out of action. We had lived in the good town of the boys giving me strange looks. Poole station at last, some two hours Dover for about five years when the It transpired later that while a crew late. The gentleman who was to meet us question of moving was raised again. member was operating the radio the had very sensibly gone home for tea, Apparently Poole, in Dorset was, like boat gave a violent lurch and all the leaving a message and a telephone Dover, to get a new Waveney lifeboat. wires were torn out, leaving them with number. We rang the number. Said The old Poole boathouse on the quay no radio and no radar. Deaf and dumb gentleman, a very kindly man, duly would be closed down and the station in fact. And in such a pitch black, filthy drove up to the station. Another taxi moved to a new yacht marina in Lilli- night and very rough seas, who could was also ordered, we represented quite put. The reason: it would bring the boat possibly spot a 44ft boat? There have a little gathering, and we were driven much closer to the entrance to Poole been plenty of scary times before and towards our new home. It was lovely, a Harbour. The then mechanic was due since but I hope never to experience a nice cosy little house only five years old. to retire so my husband was asked if he night like that again. Next morning, as we waited for the would move to Poole as coxswain/ removal van to arrive, the Interflora mechanic and establish the station at a Poole lady arrived with a beautiful bunch of brand new base with a brand new boat. The months went by. Twice we re- flowers for me from friends in Dover Here we go again, were my immedi- ceived telephone calls: and our next door neighbour made us a ate thoughts. In the very first instant we 'How would you like to move to most welcome cup of coffee. And so were both quite excited, another chal- Poole?' started another chapter in our lives. lenge, but we decided to wait a few days The first time we said right away, it is 1974 marked the 150th anniversary of and then sit down and think things out very kind of you to consider us, but no the RNLI and, a fortnight after our properly. And this we did. We 'to-ed thank you. We wavered a little the arrival at Poole, Norwegian, French, and fro-ed', remembering friends left second time, but no, we were happy as Swedish, Polish and German lifeboats behind in Geordieland and knowing full we were, thank you just the same. assembled at the town quay on their well we would miss all our new-made Then, some months later—you gues- way to Plymouth to take part in the friends in Dover. The children were sed—another call: International Lifeboat Exhibition which older, too, and we had quite a number 'How would you . . .?' was one of the principal events of that of pets now . . . Frank had his own little So we decided to go. We told the celebration year. When all was ready, boat . . . We would stay put. No more boys. Well, we certainly didn't expect the fleet of lifeboats sailed out of the moving. their reactions. A united front of: How harbour armada style. In company with It must have been somewhere about could we be so cruel? They would lose the foreign boats were four of the this time that I experienced the most all their friends! RNLI's modern lifeboats, including the frightening night of all the years we How about making new friends? got a new Waveney destined for Poole, with have been with the RNLI. The boat was very cool reception. Where was their Frank in command of her. I felt very out on a call. A filthy night it was too. spirit of adventure? from me, met with proud to belong to such a service. Very Around midnight I went to bed with a stony silence. So I called them a bunch proud indeed. But the exhibition book and a cup of coffee, trying to keep of decrepid old men and got on with the meant, of course, that Frank would be track of the lifeboat's movement on the packing. At the ages of nine, 11 and 13 absent from home six weeks at least. marine band of our radio. that hit home! They apparently talked it With our new house went a garden. I must have dozed off for a while but over with their friends at school the next My very first. In Tynemouth and Dover was jerked wide awake by a lot of day, became the centre of attraction, there had been just a bit out front. But talking, urgent voices calling the boat and couldn't move fast enough! this was a proper garden. I was delight- up; the Coastguard calling ships, asking 'Are we moving next week?' ed. At the time, the plot of land at the if any one was in radio or visual contact 'No!' rear of our house resembled more an with Dover lifeboat, Faithful Forester. 'Why is it taking so long?' overgrown field thrown with builders I remember noticing the time, two 'Because!' rubble than a garden, but over the past o'clock in the morning. I rang the 7 don't think we'll ever move.' eight years I have spent many very Coastguard. They were very kind and 'Then why am 1 packing?' happy and exhausting hours out there. said not to worry. Not to worry! How became the pattern of conversation for The shrubs are getting quite a growth could I not worry. The weather could the next couple of months. The last now and I have made a pond, with a not have been worse if it tried. A week in Dover almost turned into one little assistance. howling gale was raging outside. The long round of farewell parties. In 1974 the RNLI head office was rain just lashing down. The night went First of July 1974! Moving day! Was I also in the process of moving to Poole, on and on. Endless it seemed to me. glad and very exhausted. Mid-day and Nobody had heard or seen the boat for after seven years the time had come to hours. Apparently she had just leave Dover. Last minute doubts, last Continued on page 127

123 Skegness lifeboat station

1825-1982

A FAMILY OF FAMILIES

First lifeboat at Skegness, 30ft overall, was built by William Plenty. She is portrayed here going to the rescue of the brig Hermione in 1833, by Joan Davies Coxswain Samuel Moody at her helm.

HOLIDAYMAKERS may come and holi- part of which is known as The Wash, is for The Wash itself is formed by the daymakers may go, and at Skegness the most part encumbered with numerous estuary of several rivers on which stand they do that by their thousands, but the and dangerous sands, some of which the small commercial ports of Boston, town and its people have all the con- fringe the coast, while others lie a con- Wisbech and King's Lynn, serving the siderable distance offshore; through these tentment and assurance of deep roots sands the several rivers which have their fenland hinterland and exporting grain, and long friendships. There is above all outlet in The Wash find their way at low potatoes, fertilisers and other farm pro- a sense of continuity which is well water. The rapidity of the tidal streams in duce. With its approaches of shoals, illustrated by the story of its lifeboat this bight, the low elevation of its shores, sandbanks and uncertain channels, it is station. and the mist which almost constantly a dangerous area for the seamen to have It is a story told against a background prevails, render its navigation difficult under his lee in gales from north of flat, spacious farmlands and wide . . . The shoals and sands in The Wash through to east, but, if anything, high smiling beaches, but for shipping the are subject to constant changes . . . The winds from the north west are even background is of an inhospitable coast- tidal streams are strong ... the rise and worse because of the turbulent seas they fall of the tide considerable . . . Sound- line devoid of natural harbours and ings should never be neglected ..." whip up. fraught with natural hazards. These are waters which took a sad toll Skegness stands on the Lincolnshire The Pilot goes on to speak of the of the small trading vessels of the last coast just north of The Wash: an area of sandwaves which are liable to move century, plying to and from the ports of sands and shoals. The Admiralty North horizontally and vertically so that their The Wash under sail, or on passage Sea (West) Pilot describes the waters configurations change, and of how the along the east coast. In the records of thus: rate and duration of the tides can be Skegness lifeboat station appear ser- 'The deep bight between the entrance to affected by differing winds or heavy vices to barques, ketches, schooners, River Humber and Cramer . . . the upper rainfall. sloops, brigs . . . On two separate occa- sions sailing vessels bringing a cargo of ice from Brevig to Boston ran aground on Dogs Head Sands; the brig Starbeam in 1888, in a snow squall, and the brigantine Camilla in 1895. Both boats, with the help of the lifeboat, eventually made port. The hazards are still there today for yachts on passage and even for modern fishing vessels and coasters the Pilot emphasizes that a more than common degree of care is necessary. Without doubt the lifeboatmen of Skegness for the past 157 years have needed to know, and understand, their waters well. Chapel St Leonards While watching over passing shipping and yachts, the lifeboats of Skegness Ingoldmells nowadays answer the many calls that inevitably arise on holiday beaches: rubber dinghies swept out to sea, bath- ers in trouble, sailing dinghies and small fishing boats in difficulties, outboard engines broken down, searches for mis- sing people. Skegness itself has a population of 14,000, but on a fine bank holiday there can well be 100,000 peo- ple enjoying all that the town has to offer. Produced from a portion of BA Chart No A number of 'shouts', particularly 2182a with the sanction of the Controller HM during the 1939-45 war, have been to Stationery Office and the Hydrographer of search for crews from aircraft, perhaps the Navy (with some place names added). running short of fuel, which have come down in the sea. Often there was 124 nothing the lifeboat could do, but in The first Plenty lifeboat was managed 1908 to 1932, and then on with Cox- 1941 l.ve airmen who had escaped into by the Spilsby District Association, the swain George Perrin until 1934. their rubber dinghy from a ditched scope of which was to be extended in In 1912 Matt and Mont were both Whitley bomber were successfully re- 1827 so that it became the Lincolnshire awarded silver medals by the King of covered and in 1943 two badly injured Coast Shipwreck Association. In 1825 Norway for the rescue of six Norwe- survivors were rescued from their ding- the boat was stationed at Gibraltar gians and two Swedes from the Norwe- hy following the crash of a Boston Point, a few miles south of Skegness, gian brig Azha, which ran on to Skeg- bomber. On one all-night wartime but in 1830, following the service to the ness Middle Bank on a bitter November search the lifeboat found herself in a sloop Thomas and Mary which struck day. That was one service when eight of minefield. The mines, fortunately were Skegness Middle Bank, she was moved the 17 crew of Samuel Lewis, a Liver- clearly visible, for it was dead low to Skegness itself where, in northerly or pool pulling and sailing lifeboat, were water, and Coxswain George Perrin north-easterly winds, she was not so far Grunnills. managed to get the lifeboat out of the to leeward. She continued to serve the It is, perhaps, well to remember that danger area. community until 1864, when the run- lifeboat families, who do so much for In November 1975 the crew of two of ning of the station was taken over by the others, may themselves be at the mercy a Phantom aircraft, who had had to bail RNLI. In those 39 years, 76 lives had of the sea. Mont's father, Edward, was out, were safely recovered after what been saved by the lifeboat or by life- lost in the sailing yawl Shannon in a Neville Ball, the station honorary boatmen in their own boats. squall off Skegness in the summer of secretary, described as, '. . . the fastest For his 'conspicuous exertions' on the 1893; one of his brothers was lost in the launch I have ever seen . . . they moved service to Thomas and Mary, when he schooner Wick Lassie that same year like lightning. ..." And Mr Ball, who had boarded the wreck to free two and another was lost in a minesweeper has been honorary secretary since 1965, frozen survivors from the rigging, John during the First World War. One Janu- has lived in Skegness all his life. Grunnel received special mention; and ary day in 1905, when a shout came, the In the story of Skegness lifeboat he himself had been pulled to safety by cry was, 'It's for Matt and Mont!' Their station, 1964 perhaps forms a good Sam Moody, soon to become coxswain. crab boat had been caught out in a gale, vantage point from which to look back In 1838, Lincolnshire Association med- and they were narrowly saved from and to look forward. It was in 1964 that als were presented to Crew Member drowning by the lifeboat Ann, John and a D class inflatable lifeboat was first Grunnel and Coxswain Samuel Moody Mary. established at the station—the boat who, after the lifeboat had been driven which since then has launched to most ashore by huge seas, had rushed into Families . . . of the 'holiday' incidents—and it was the surf and rescued the last survivor of Another of the local lifeboat family the year that the present 37ft Oakley the sloop Boyne, wrecked between names to come down through the years lifeboat Charles Fred Grantham ar- Skegness and Ingoldmells. is Moody. Samuel Moody we have rived. At her naming she was presented Perhaps the two most renowned already met; he was coxswain for 41 to the RNLI on behalf of her donors by Grunnills were Matt and Mont. Mat- .years, from 1830 to 1871. During that the Earl of Scarborough; she was thew Grunnill served the RNLI in one time he was awarded two silver medals; named by Admiral Sir Guy Grantham, way or another for 60 years. At the age the first in 1851 for rescuing 53 people who later became Governor of Malta; of 16 he joined the crew of the Chapel in 21 years; the second in 1854, for the the vice-chairman at the time was Lt- St Leonards lifeboat, further north up rescue of nine men and the master's Cdr F. S. W. Major; Wilfred Perrin was the Lincolnshire coast, while his father wife and child from the brig Atalanta coxswain, Percy Grunnill was motor was coxswain; he himself later served which had gone ashore in very rough mechanic, Ken Holland was bowman. first as second coxswain and then as seas; the lifeboat had to be taken All these are among the family names coxswain at this station before joining through huge breaking waves in the knit into the history of Skegness and her the Skegness crew. He became second pitch dark to bring Atalanta's people lifeboat station. coxswain of Skegness lifeboat in 1900 back to land. Joseph Moody served as and served as coxswain from 1908 until coxswain from 1877 to 1880, and John From the beginning 1932; that was the year in which the first Smith Moody from 1900 to 1908. In Grunnill: there has been a Grunnill motor lifeboat, the 35ft 6in Liverpool 1875 another Samuel Moody, known as (spelt in different ways) in Skegness Anne Allen, came to the station. Mon- Skipper Sam, together with a coast- from the very beginning. The original tague Grunnill, Matt's nephew, was a guard, George Chesnutt, was awarded Grunnill was the mate of a Danish lifeboatman for 41 years and he served the silver medal for the rescue of the trawler sailing from a village near with his uncle as second coxswain from master of the ketch-rigged barge Star, Copenhagen who, some 250 years ago, was press ganged aboard a British man-of-war. He 'jumped ship' at the naval dockyard, Great Yarmouth, and walked round the coast until he came to the marshes of Lincolnshire. There he settled, fishing off the land. A small community gradually grew up and then, with the coming of the railways, it was the Earl of Scarborough of the day who recognised its potential as a holiday resort and encouraged its growth. From 1825, when a William Plenty pulling lifeboat was allocated to this part of the coast by the RNLI, right up until today there has always been at least one Grunnill in the lifeboat crew, and sometimes as many as eight in the same boat: fathers and sons, uncles and cousins. The second coxswain today is Joel Grunnill, who joined the crew in Launch of Samuel Lewis towards the end of World War I bv horses from honorurv secretary 1939, first serving with his father, Wilf, Charles Grantham s farm. A driver sal on each horse, which was attached to the carriage b\ a trip who was motor mechanic during the link. As each horse approached deep water, his driver pulled a lanvard to trip the link and war years. brought his horse safely back to the shore. 125 lifeboatman, he became a member of East Lindsey District Council and also Skegness Town Council, and he has just finished his term of office as Mayor of Skegness. It was a very busy year for Ken and his wife Jean, but for both of them it was a year they look back on with great happiness. Whatever his civic commitments, however, while mayor Ken was always ready to leave any function at a moment's notice if the lifeboat was called out; it was arranged that someone should quietly let him know, so that he could just slip away. One of Ken's last engagements as mayor was to open a fine new Coast- guard lookout at Winthorpe, at the north end of the town. The present chairman of the branch, Launch from the beach of Philip Lill, was this year awarded the Charles Fred Grantham, silver badge for his long and outstand- Skegness's present 37ft Oak- ing service. He has held the office of ley lifeboat, by carriage and tractor. chairman since 1974 after 15 years as vice-chairman, and he is also a deputy Lifeboatmen of Skegness, launching authority, but his connections past and present: (I to r) with the lifeboat station go much fur- Coxswain/Mechanic Ken ther back than that. There was one Holland, Crew Member Col- occasion, back in the 1920s, when at the in Moore, Second Coxswain Joel Crunnill, Crew Member time a call came for the lifeboat the Morris Hatton, former Motor horses were working at such a distance Mechanic Wilfred Grunnill, from the town that there was likely to Assistant Mechanic Johnny be a delay. So the lifeboat was hauled Strzelecki, former Motor by a team of men over the beach and Mechanic Percy Grunnill and chest deep into the sea; among that former Coxswain Wilfred band was the young Philip Lill. His son, 'Bill' Perrin. Robin, has just recently been elected to bound from Hull to Poole with a cargo Then there was the Perrin family. the station committee. of timber, which was driven ashore at George Perrin, a Gibraltar Point man, The branch vice-chairman is Basil Winthorpe Gap. The lifeboat had suc- had, in 1932, become coxswain of Anne Major, from another lifeboat family. ceeded in taking off two men but the Allen, the first motor lifeboat at Skeg- His father, Lt-Cdr F. S. Major, who, as master fell overboard. Samuel Moody ness, with Mont Grunnill as his second vice-chairman, was present at the nam- and George Chesnutt jumped into the coxswain and Percy Grunnill as the ing of Charles Fred Grantham, served as breaking waves, brought the man to the station's first motor mechanic. George chairman from 1965 to 1974. Lt-Cdr side of the lifeboat and, supporting him, Perrin had first joined the crew in 1912, Major, who had been associated with managed to hold on to her lifelines until and had served in sailing smacks and the station since 1922, had also been she was driven ashore. Yet another steam trawlers as well as in trawler editor of a local newspaper; it was from Moody, Councillor Samuel Moody, JP, minesweepers, as mate, during the First his writings that, in 1977, his son Basil was branch chairman in the 1920s and World War; he was an exceptionally Major prepared a history of the station, early 1930s. strong man, and it was said of him that A Century and a Half of Skegness But to return to the families repre- he could put a man on a shovel and lift Lifeboats. sented at the 1964 naming ceremony. him up on to a bar. Also in his crew was The present honorary treasurer is The new Oakley lifeboat had been his son Wilfred 'Bill' Perrin, who fol- Frank Skelton, manager of Barclays named Charles Fred Grantham after lowed Mont as second coxswain in 1934 Bank. one of the station's most outstanding and his father as coxswain in 1947. honorary secretaries, who was also the After retiring as coxswain, George Per- Ladies' guild first chairman of Skegness's Urban rin continued as head launcher until his Just as on the operational side, so Council. A member of a well-known death in 1952. Both father and son were with fund raising, the roots at Skegness family of Lincolnshire farmers, Charles fine and much respected seamen. are deep. Three silver badges have been Grantham came, as a young man, to Bowman at the time of Charles Fred awarded to the ladies; one to Mrs Grace farm in the marshes behind Skegness; Grantham's naming was Ken Holland, a Perrin, wife of Coxswain George Per- he became honorary secretary at the member of another old Skegness fami- rin, for 40 years service to the station; age of 22, in 1882, and continued until ly; he and Joel Grunnill have been one to Mrs Ellen E. Horry, a joint his death in 1922. Throughout that 40 friends since their school days. Both president of the ladies' guild with Mrs years, it was the horses from Mr Gran- were already helping as launchers be- Dorothy Smith; and one to Mrs H. tham's farm which drew the lifeboat fore the outbreak of war in 1939, when Wood, JP, a vice-president. It was Mrs carriage. In those days, there were Ken went into the Navy and Joel, with Wood who first started a comforts fund lifebelts for the lifeboatmen and saddles older lifeboatmen going away to the for the station and then, in 1960, for the horses at the boathouse, and just war, became a member of the lifeboat founded the guild; she was a great as it was the first men to grab the belts crew. Ken joined the crew when he was supporter of the lifeboat right up to the who formed the crew, so it was the first demobilised in 1946, became bowman time of her recent death. Mrs Betty men who grabbed the saddles who the next year and followed Wilfred Sleaford, the present chairman, has became the drivers for the team of Perrin as coxswain in 1965; from 1969 worked for the guild for some 20 years, horses. It was Charles Grantham's son, he has been coxswain/mechanic. Deep- as has her cousin, Mrs Barbara Hatton, Admiral Sir Guy Grantham, who per- ly interested in the community in which assistant treasurer and box secretary. formed the naming ceremony of the he lived, Ken Holland has served it in Mrs Hatton's mother, Mrs Smalley, is lifeboat named after his father. more ways than one. As well as being a an active helper too, and it is her home 126 which is used as the main store for each member of the guild and any goes out with the lifeboat on a medical goods for sale; here is yet another visiting guild members are invited to service he is always 'one of the crew'. lifeboat family name, for Thomas Smal- sign the cloth, for a lOp donation; the Members of the D class inflatable ley was coxswain from 1880 to 1900. signatures are then embroidered. lifeboat crew also act as shore helpers, Mrs Hatton's husband, Morris, is radio and they regularly go out on exercise in operator in the present crew and he the Oakley so that they are ready to helps Barbara with her 160 boxes; while Today step in as reserves when needed in the she looks after those in hotels and cafes, Skegness's present 37ft Oakley larger lifeboat. They all live or work he looks after the ones in pubs, and in Charles Fred Grantham is a housed close to the boathouse and, when a call 1981 more than £700 was collected in carriage lifeboat, and she has an un- comes, it is the first two to arrive who these boxes. usual boathouse; it has doors at both man the boat. Family names appear in Mrs Jane Major and Mrs Margaret ends. When launching, the lifeboat is this crew list, too, taking tradition into Walters are vice-chairmen, Mrs E. M. hauled out of the front doors in the the future. Patrick honorary secretary and Mrs normal way, then across the Parade and So many Skegness families and so Anne May honorary treasurer. There down over the sands—at holiday times many people have devoted their time are some 50 or 60 members. As well as everyone comes running, but the Police and energies to the lifeboat service; a lifeboat week in July, different mem- are there to help and no one has ever many, many more than have been bers of the guild organise coffee morn- got in the way. Then, when the lifeboat mentioned here. But the reward of their ings, nearly new sales, fashion shows, returns, her tractor can take her round a combined hard work is the saving of life strawberry teas, children's sponsored side road and straight in through the at sea. Over the years, Skegness large silences (an annual event in school back doors; and there she is, without lifeboats have launched on service 407 holidays) and Christmas draws—there any further manoeuvring, facing the times rescuing 305 people, and her is always good support from the town's right way for another launch. The D inflatable lifeboats have launched on business community. The guild sells class lifeboat is kept in her own boat- service 185 times, rescuing 59. RNLI souvenirs and Christmas cards house on the edge of the sands. Sometimes there is a postscript to a (Mrs Woodruffe, who looks after their Charles Fred Grantham is normally service. In 1950 a Nottinghamshire sale, is so well known that even holiday manned by a crew of seven, all of whom policeman and his young son were visitors call at her house), and some- have served for many years: Coxswain/ rescued by Skegness lifeboat. Earlier times the guild is asked to clear a house Mechanic Kenneth Holland; Second this year, following a broadcast on a being sold; any good items are repaired Coxswain Joel Grunnill (he has been local radio in support of the Notting- and taken to the sale rooms, rags and second coxswain since 1951); Bowman hamshire lifeboat appeal, Ken Holland scrap metal are sold to a waste mer- Ronald Chapman; Assistant Mechanic received a letter from this man telling chant. It is the ladies' proud boast that Johnny Strzelecki; and Crew Members him how, ever since 1950, he has helped absolutely nothing is wasted—and that Morris Hatton, Colin Moore and Gra- on flag days, how he became a they could sell ice-creams to Eskimos! ham Phillips. The station has great Shoreline member, and of the slide The guild was given a particularly fine support from its honorary medical talks he gives in support of the RNLI; a tablecloth some little while ago. Now adviser, Dr Gwyn Morris, and when he very practical 'thank you'.

Yes, I'd do it all again auld, a member of the Committee of Frank has been with the lifeboat from page 123 Management and Augustine's brother, service for 20 years now. The pay isn't had provided the finances of the life- the best in the world but we have so boat, to which a contribution had also much more than money could ever buy. lock, stock and barrel. A temporary been made by the Mayor of Poole's I am glad my husband never had to be a building on the quay was acquired and appeal of the previous year. 'nine to five' man or had the monotony for some months business was con- Yes, over the years we have met and of factory work to contend with. ducted on a split level basis, some in shaken hands with many famous and Some time ago we had to fill in some Poole, the remainder still in London. A interesting people. I consider this a forms. Name? Address? Age? What did plot of land was purchased and the great privilege and often wish that I had you have for dinner yesterday? and so building of the new head office began. had the sense to keep a diary, right from on. And then it came to employment. Frank and I were invited to the laying the start. Coxswain of Poole lifeboat. of the foundation stone and, later, to 'Oh yes? How interesting. Now I had the official opening of the new building Worry? an uncle . . .' and off they go, having a by HRH The Duke of Kent, President Often I am asked: Don't you worry good yarn. Men don't gossip? of the RNLI. This ceremony took place when your husband is on call-out? Then I would be remembered. in the forenoon. After lunch we re- Pondering over this question, I came to 'Your wife works, sir?' paired to Swanage for the naming of the conclusion that there is no straight- 7 am a housewife,' I reply. their new Rother lifeboat. I went over forward answer, no clear cut yes or no. 'Ah—hm—yes.' by road but was allowed to return to There is the phone call. Call-out! A Just housewife would be written Poole in our own boat. It was a perfect quick peck on the cheek and away my down. No yarn there. Not very interest- ending to a perfect day. hero goes. In that very moment things ing. How wrong they all are. Yes, I am A year or so later we were invited to are a bit panic stations. After that it all just a housewife. Very proud of it. A the opening of the new depot, brought depends on the weather, the state of the lifeboatman's housewife! down from Boreham Wood and now sea, if it is day or night. In raging seas, Over a cup of tea recently a friend across the road from the head office. gale force winds, of course I am wor- asked me, if I had a new beginning, a Another perfect day. ried. Frightened to death in fact. Night fresh start to life, what would I change? Our own Waveney lifeboat had, of time always makes things much worse, Well, that is quite a challenge. A big course, been named early in 1975, a few too. Many more years ago than I care to temptation. But after careful considera- months after she returned from the recall, I was convinced of being a widow tion, I must admit I would change 150th anniversary celebrations in Ply- at every call-out. Regardless of weath- nothing. Naturally we have had our ups mouth. It was spring officially but the er. But you get used to many things, and downs like everyone else. And weather was just awful. Our Waveney although I am always concerned for the there have been times when I have was named after the late Augustine safety of the whole crew and the casual- resented being tied to a lifeboat. It is a Courtauld, a famous Arctic explorer ty. After some longish quiet spell you bigger tie than having babies! Someone who had also been a vice-president of can get quite complacent; then some has to know our whereabouts at all the RNLI. Several of his family took major disaster and the whole cycle times. Even so, yes, I would do it all part in the ceremony. Mr W. P. Court- starts all over again. again. I have no regrets whatsoever. 127 LAST JULY, for the first time in its history and as one of its contributions to Maritime England Year, the Institution Poole Open Days opened its head office and depot at Poole to the public. It was an entirely JULY 22 - 24 new departure which provided a unique opportunity for all those on whose support and generosity the RNLI de- pends to see behind the scenes of the lifeboat service and to visit the offices, works and stores which provide the essential back-up for both lifeboat sta- tions and fund-raising branches and guilds. In his welcoming speech at the open- NOT SO MUCH AN EXHIBITION J ing ceremony Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, director of the Institution, —MORE A FAMILY PARTY likened the RNLI to Neptune's trident. Cowes depot; there was the new Bill his appeal came to an amazing £17,000. There were, he said, the three prongs: Knott Building to visit, of particular To bring the amount up to the round the life boatmen; the fund raisers; and interest to fund raisers; there was a thousand, Mr and Mrs Coles had made the full-time staff whose job it was to Coastguard stand, the mock-up cabin their own generous contribution, be- provide both the lifeboatmen and the used by the BBC for the TV series coming life governors of the RNLI. fund-raisers with the tools they needed 'Ennal's Point' and the mobile training After the lottery had been drawn, for their voluntary work which was of unit caravan. A line of tractors was, of Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Compston, a such vital importance to seafarers. All course, a constant delight for small boys deputy chairman of the Institution and three prongs of the trident were neces- who quickly 'climbed aboard'. chairman of the Fund Raising Commit- sary and all were interdependent. Further on, down at the depot quay, tee, presented to Councillor Coles a For three days—Thursday, Friday there were the lifeboats themselves framed certificate recording the Institu- and Saturday, July 22 to 24—the doors moored alongside: Poole's own 44ft tion's thanks, and there was also a were thrown wide. No one had any idea Waveney, the first prototype 47ft Tyne small gift for Mrs Coles. beforehand how many people would fast slipway lifeboat, a new relief 52ft Other guests who came to give the come but, when the time arrived, the Arun, which was open to visitors, an lifeboats their support on Friday in- Institution was delighted with the over- Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable and a D class cluded members of the cast of 'Annie', whelming response of the public. Each inflatable lifeboat. Every day there currently running in Bournemouth, and morning, even before the official open- were a number of demonstrations of the members of the Society of Poole Men, ing time, people were gathering in the launch and recovery of the Atlantic 21 who arrived in the rig of ancient marin- HQ foyer and in the depot grounds. when visitors were able to appreciate ers to take part in a game of Uccers, the Before long, coaches would be unload- the skill and speed required by lifeboat Naval game of deck ludo. Saturday was ing their passengers and, throughout crews and launchers when answering a the day on which Lifeboat Enthusiasts the day, with visitors coming and going, distress call and see for themselves the made a point of attending and a room the car parks were full to overflowing.. exciting performance of these smaller was set aside so that they could hold an On both Thursday and Friday there lifeboats. informal meeting. must have been between two and three Each day a combined exercise was Throughout the three days there were thousand visitors and on Saturday that planned between one of the lifeboats continuous film or slide shows in the number must have been doubled. Some with a Royal Navy helicopter from committee room, helping to relate the people stayed all day. Some came back Portland. And here demonstration and work of HQ and depot with work on the for a second visit or even a third. There reality were to meet. On the first day coast. There was a special display in the were lifeboat people from all over the the exercise between Poole's 44ft museum, a Shoreline stand where new country; there were residents of Poole Waveney and the helicopter had to be members could enrol and old members and its neighbouring towns; there were postponed until the helicopter returned obtain the various insignia, and souve- holidaymakers. There were individual from a rescue mission; on the second nir stalls which were always besieged by supporters and whole families, down to day the exercise, with the Atlantic 21 customers. Refreshments were avail- babies in arms. All were made most this time, took place as planned; on the able (run independently by outside welcome by the staff, whose great third day it had to be abandoned caterers) and, so that the many children pleasure it was not only to renew altogether because the helicopter was should not be forgotten, wives of staff old friendships but often to make the taking part in an extensive mid Channel members made sure that there were acquaintance of crew members and search for someone lost overboard from always ice-creams available. Although supporters with whom they had a ferry. not planned as a fund-raising event, a corresponded but whom they had Operations and fund raising go hand gross amount of £6,977 was taken from never before met. in hand, so on Friday, down on the the various sales, and 33 people enrol- The tide of people ebbed and flowed depot quay and next door to the life- led as new Shoreline members. between HQ and depot. While some boats, the draw was made for the They were three happy days. The visitors were being taken on conducted RNLI's eighteenth national lottery. most frequent comment from visitors tours round the HQ offices, calling in at Franklyn James, the comedian and im- was that they had not realised how the operations room, the rescue records personator, came over from Bourne- many and how varied were the activities department, the fund-raising and pub- mouth, where he was appearing at the undertaken at Poole HQ and depot. licity areas and the design office, and Winter Gardens, to make the draw and From their remarks and from the letters being told of the functions of all the the list of winners can be found on page received subsequently, they left the various departments on each floor, 130. Guests for the occasion were the staff in no doubt that they had enjoyed others were enjoying all that there was former Mayor and Mayoress of Poole, their visit and found it of interest; in to see and do at the depot. There was, Councillor and Mrs Peter Coles. Coun- their turn, the staff had greatly enjoyed for instance, a 'nature trail' through the cillor Coles had chosen the lifeboat having so many lifeboat people with workshops and operational stores, with service as the charity for his mayoral them. Such a success, in fact, was the static displays to illustrate all the many year, which ended in May; he gave event deemed that plans are already in facets of the work, including a special every fund-raising enterprise his most hand for more Open Days in 1984. We display showing the work of the RNLI active support, and the grand total of shall look forward to seeing you then. 128 (Above, left and right) Demon- stration recovery of the Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat into her trolley mobile 'dock'.

(Right) A Royal Navy helicopter from Portland exercises with the Atlantic 21. The D class inflat- able lifeboat stands by.

(Left) At the opening ceremony Admiral Graham, the director, inspects a guard of honour mounted by Felpham Sea Cadets, who also presented a plaque to the RNLl.

(Right) After Franklyn James (I) had drawn the lottery, Vice- Admiral Sir Peter Compston makes presentations to Council- lor Peter Coles, former Mayor of Poole, and Mrs Coles. Looking on are children from Heathlands Junior School.

(Left) Crowds file past the rope- work display on the depot 'nature trail'.

(Right) The Society of Poole Men call in for a game of Uccers.

(Below) After a tour round HQ offices, most people called in the committee room to look for souvenirs.

A constant procession board the 52ft Arun for a closer look round. She was lying alongside the depot quay, astern of the prototype 47ft Tyne.

129 funding in part Barmouth's new 37ft 6in Rother lifeboat to be named Princess of Wales. Since then, the amount raised by the Welsh lifeboat appeal has increased to more than £60,000. * * * A cassette has been made in Buckie which has already proved very popular locally. It contains a variety of songs and poems, all with a strong flavour of the area and the sea, performed by local artistes and the Buckie Choral Group. It also contains a track recorded by Isla St Clair singing 'Ae Fond Kiss'. The cassette, price £2.50 plus 25p postage and packing, is available from David Scott, 21 The Yardie, Buckie, Banff- shire, Scotland. * * * The eighteenth RNLI national lot- tery, drawn by Franklyn James on Friday July 23, during Poole Open Newbiggin's new Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat was named Kirklees by Donald While on Days, raised £29,500. The prizewinners Saturday July 3. She was funded through the generous support of residents in the Kirklees were: Metropolitan area, Huddersfield, and among the 500 or 600 people who attended the dedication £1,000: G. C. M. Winn, Bristol, Avon. were many from Kirklees. The new Atlantic's engines were provided by the Octave Club of £500: T. G. Shearing, Brighton, Sussex. Eltand, the cost of the launching tractor was substantially defrayed by a bequest of Mrs L. E. £250: P. J. Bath, Sherborne, Dorset. Morgan, of Sunderland, in memory of her husband, Captain Robert Morgan. The proceeds from £50: Miss Minnie Rubin, London NWS; Patrick Howarth 's book Lifeboat—In Danger's Hour were donated by the author, former RNLI A. Cooper-Johnston, Winchester; public relations officer, towards the cost of establishing the Atlantic at Newbiggin. A. Safka, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex; J. A. Cousins, Wakefield, West York- THE PRESENTATION of a cheque for more shire; E. B. Appleyard, Shelf, West than £50,000 by the Lord Mayor of Yorkshire; R. R. O. Barwick, Around the coast Cardiff to the Duke of Atholl, chairman River, Kent; D. Jefferiss, Exton, of the Institution, was reported in the Devon; J. C. W. Sauvary, St Bre- summer issue of THE LIFEBOAT. It was lade, Jersey; K. J. Davies, Har- —and inland the amount raised up till that time by borne, Birmingham; Mr Mario the Welsh lifeboat appeal which is Weeks, Torquay, Devon.

(left) One day last summer The nineteenth national lottery will senior crew members from be drawn on October 29. Brought}' Ferry, Stonehaven, To meet the requests of a number of Aberdeen and Peterhead vi- our supporters, lottery tickets for the sited Bristow Helicopters' twentieth national lottery to the value Aberdeen base, which serves of £4 are included in this edition of the the Forties and Brent offshore journal. Supporters should in no way oil fields. Bristows Senior feel they are obliged to buy all the Aircrewman Mike Langford shows survival equipment to tickets themselves. Naturally, however, (I to r) Coxswain John if you can sell them among your friends Buchan of Peterhead, Cox- we shall be delighted. swain John Jack of Broughty Over the years a number of suppor- Ferry and Helmsman Ritchie ters have requested a bulk supply of Coull of Stonehaven. lottery tickets for each lottery and we are very pleased to supply additional tickets to those who request them. The address is Appeals Office, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. In order to clear any doubts, it is re-emphasised that the only people not eligible to purchase the lottery tickets are paid employees of the Institution and anyone under the age of 16.

In support of the Nottingham lifeboat appeal, the 37ft Oakley relief lifeboat J. G. Graves of Sheffield last summer made a trip up the River Trent and other inland waterways to Nottingham, Newark and Lincoln. Lt Cdr Andrew Forbes, former staff inspector (plans), was in command, with volunteer crews. At each port of call a civic reception awaited the lifeboat. Among many other visitors, a local Cub Scout Pack came aboard at Lincoln. photograph by courtesy of the Lincolnshire Echo

130 Keep on Running . MARATHON, MINI MARATHON OR FUN RUN by Heather Deane Deputy Public Relations Officer, RNLI

THE AMERICAN obsession with health and physical fitness has spread, to a certain degree, to this country in recent years, resulting in the popularity of jogging as a sport for growing numbers of people. • Members of Parliament to shop assis- The running: crossing the line after 26 miles and 385 yards is Cliff Deane (No 8945), the author's husband, who was one of the stalwart band of RNLI supporters who ran the London Marathon tants, septuagenarians to teenagers— to raise money for the lifeboats . . . they can all be seen jogging purposeful- ly to work and back or panting sweatily ' - past the more leisurely Sunday after- . . . and the sponsorship: Stephen noon strollers in park or woodlands. Treadaway presents to Lionel Sharp, For most joggers, though, when the Faringdon branch secretary, the initial satisfaction of achievement and £220 which he raised by running in fitness has been reached, there is a need the Swindon Marathon. With them is for further incentive, which has led to Stephen's father, George, who in six years has raised over £3,000 for the an increasing number of marathons, lifeboats at his pub, the Victoria, in mini marathons and fun runs being Shrivenham. organised throughout the country by photograph by courtesy of sports clubs, local authorities and indi- Wiltshire Newspapers vidual groups. These, in turn, have led to runners seeking sponsorship for their was undertaken by Lt Cdr Keith to those intending to enter next year's favourite charities, and the RNLI has Richardson, RN, and Lt Clive Grant of London Marathon: been one, of many, to benefit the Royal Marines. The unique course, 'Several people have asked me, why run substantially. rocking and rolling in an Atlantic swell, 26 mfles 385 yards for fun, not counting In fact, last February when the In- required the athletes to work out a the hundreds of miles run in stitution became aware of considerable technique for moving forward rather training? . . . I needed . . . something donations being received from such than sideways. As was only to be really worth running for and something expected, the runners were undaunted likely to keep me running, and I decided sources, it decided to put itself even to run to raise money for the RNLI. more in the running for sponsorship by and their efforts resulted in £100 spon- 'All along the way I was encouraged b\- circulating all marathon organisers on sorship from their shipmates, for the shouts of "Come on the lifeboats!". Pain the Road Runners Club 1982 fixture RNLI. inevitably plays some part in marathon list, making sponsorship forms available The London Marathon receives the running and by the 20 mile mark m\ knees to entrants and by placing an RNLI most publicity and justifiably so, for in began to get sore and m\ feet began to advertisement, with special coupon, in the second Gillette London Marathon, blister. At one point I decided to allow the magazines Running and Marathon which took place on Sunday May 9, myself a 50-yard walk but the roar of Runner. As a result nearly 5,000 spon- 1982, the 16,350 runners were ' the protest and encouragement from the crowd persuaded me to start running sor forms have been sent out by head largest number ever assembled to run a again. The noise was quite deafening; it office and the Institution's funds have marathon race anywhere in the world, was just continuous encouragement over been swelled by more than £4,600. and over 96 per cent of them finished the last few miles. Finallv I turned the Bredon, Cambridge, Bournemouth, the race! Participants agree that the corner and saw Westminster Bridge ahead London, Plymouth, Manchester, Shef- organisation of the event could hardly and the finish line. It seemed as if all mv field and Welwyn were just some of the be improved upon and the course, aches and pains disappeared and I was venues for marathons and fun runs which passes some of London's most sprinting—I'd made it!' benefiting the RNLI and there must, of historic landmarks, is thickly lined with It is not only the runners we thank, course, be many more where money has the cheeriest, most vociferous and up- but all those who have supported them been paid directly into local branch lifting of crowds. There was good RNLI with sponsorship and encouragement, accounts. Some 'runs' are organised representation in this race, with and those who have provided, when specifically for one charity, but mainly Shoreline members and supporters required, sympathy, time checks, lini- participants choose their own. from Ireland. Scotland and Wales as ment and pasta meals. Surely the most unusual marathon well as the home counties competing, News is still coming in of the results took place aboard HP's tanker British and although all the names cannot be of 1982 runs. We have always known Trent in June, on the last morning of her mentioned here, four who between RNLI supporters are among the most ten-day passage from the Falkland Is- them raised over £2,000 deserve special dedicated. Could it also be that they are lands to Ascension Island carrying on thanks: Mr T. O'Brien of London, Cdr also among the fittest? board survivors from the Royal Fleet Mike Gilbert of Denmead, Cdr John If any reader decides to run a Auxiliary Sir Tristram, one of the Clarke of Newtown and Andy Ander- marathon for the RNLI, please send off casualties of the South Atlantic conflict. son of Bangor, Northern Ireland. The 'at the double' for sponsorship forms; A 13-mile half-marathon, consisting of following extracts from Andy's letter to the Appeals Office, RNLI, West Quay 182 laps of the catwalk which extends head office give a vivid description of Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ, will the length of British Trent's tank deck. the event and may be of encouragement be happy to supply them. 131 When HRH The Duke of It is with deep regret that we record Kent, President, of the RNLI, the following deaths: visited Lowestoft lifeboat sta- tion in May he met crew June members, their wives and Duncan McCallum, BEM, motor branch and guild representa- mechanic of Campbeltown lifeboat tives. Lord Somerleyton, from 1935 to 1970, after serving as branch president (hidden), assistant mechanic from 1933. presents to the Duke (I to r) Mrs E. Wood, JP, vice-president of Mr T. Hall, branch chair- Skegness ladies' guild since 1978. Mrs man, Michael Chapman, honorary secretary, Mrs Trix- Wood became a member of Skegness ie Preston, guild chairman, station branch committee in 1958 after and Mrs Marjorie Pryce, working for Skegness lifeboat comforts guild secretary. With them (!) fund for about ten years. She convened is Sir Joshua Rowley, Lord the inaugural meeting of the ladies' Lieutenant of Suffolk. guild in 1960, serving as honorary photograph by courtesy of treasurer from then until 1966 and again Crew Member M. Richford from 1968 to 1978; she had always Among the awards announced in the helped to organise flag days, taking full Birthday Honours list were: control in 1970. Mrs Wood was awarded Knighthood Lifeboat the silver medal badge in 1982. David English, Editor in Chief, July Associated Newspapers, Editor Daily Robert McMullan, coxswain of Port- Mail. Sir David was a member of the People rush lifeboat from 1964 to 1974 after Institution's Public Relations Commit- serving as second coxswain from 1940 to tee from 1977 to 1979. 1963. He was awarded the bronze med- Peter James Frederick Green. As Ninety years ago, in 1892, a 14-year- al in 1961. Chairman of Lloyd's, Sir Peter is an old girl Evelena Todd wrote a poem Col W. J. M. ROSS, CB QBE MC TD DL ex-officio member of the Institution's about the lifeboats to enter for a news- JP, president of Kircudbright station Committee of Management. paper song competition, but she was branch since 1966. Col Ross had also James Gordon Robson, CBE, Profes- unable to find a composer who would served as a member of the Scottish sor of Anaesthetics, Royal Postgradu- set her words to music. Executive Committee since 1974. ate Medical School, University of Lon- Early this year her daughter, Mrs August don. Sir Gordon has been a member of Lesley Shrimpton, gave the poem to Joe Hutchinson of Hinderwell, a the Institution's Medical and Survival Dover branch. Mrs Margaret Wegener dedicated collector at Runswick Bay Committee since 1980. of Herne Bay was approached. She who during the past 25 years has col- KCVO accepted the challenge with enthu- lected thousands of pounds for the Lt-Cdr Peter Richard Buckley, cvo, siasm, composed the music for the lifeboats. RN, Private Secretary to HRH The lifeboat song, scoring it for band parts, Duke of Kent, President of the Institu- and its first performance was given at a tion, and HRH The Duchess of Kent. concert by Canterbury Brass in Herne Donations from family and friends of CVO Church on April 3. A complimentary the late Mrs Kathleen Havercroft, a Lady Mary Katherine Fitzalan- ticket was sent to Mrs Shrimpton, who committee member of Poppleton life- Howard, MVO. Lady Mary has been the was overjoyed to hear her mother's boat luncheon club, Yorkshire, very active president of Shoreham life- poem sung after so many years. amounted to £140.46. boat society since 1967 and president of Shoreham station branch since 1977. The christening in May of Bryan Michael White, son of BEM Motor Mechanic Bob White Robert Henry West, coxswain of and his wife Susan, took Sheringham lifeboat. Mr West joined place on board Number life- the lifeboat crew in 1946, became boat at Spurn Point. The ser- second coxswain in 1951 and coxswain vice was conducted by the in 1963. He was awarded the long Reverend L. D. Christie, service badge in 1982. Vicar of Easington, who used as a font the large ship's bell * * * which, as far back as 1858, is believed to have been the call Coxswain Michael Scales of St Peter out bell for the crew when Port, awarded the gold medal for the Spurn lifeboat was run by service to Bonita on December 13, Trinilv House. 1981, has been invited to attend the 'Men of the Year' luncheon at the Savoy Hotel on November 10.

* * * William Hawkins, chairman of Ports- When Ringley Parish mouth (South) branch, a lifelong sea- Church, in Lancashire, held man and former lifeboatman, has the its first Festival of Flowers in engrossing hobby of collecting maritime July a display entitled 'The cap badges of shipping companies, har- Work of the Lifeboats' was bour authorities and ancilliaries such as arranged by members of pilots, tugs and ferries. For each such Farnworth and Kearsley branch. The Reverend C. G. cap badge sent to him, other than the Bubbings (I), the newly standard MN cap badge, he will donate appointed president of the £3 to any nominated RNLI branch. Mr branch, shows round the Hawkins' address is 2 Redcar Avenue, Bishop of Hulme who opened Copnor, Portsmouth PO3 6LE. and blessed the festival. 132 Many Shoreline members took the This year, a number of you took opportunity of visiting us during the advantage of the special holiday offers Open Days held at the RNLI's head- for our supporters arranged by Fred quarters and depot in Poole last July, Olsen, some visiting the Dutch Bulb and we were delighted to see you all. So Fields and some visiting Canada; the many have since written to us, com- letters I have received have left me in Shoreline plimenting the RNLI on the organisa- no doubt that both trips were much tion of the event and saying how much enjoyed by all who went on them. they enjoyed meeting members of the There was one small hitch on the trip to Section staff that it would be an impossible task Canada; the flight was delayed by in- to reply to each and every one of you. dustrial action and when the aeroplane BECAUSE of the growing interest in Please, therefore, can I take this oppor- touched down there was no courier to Shoreline clubs it has been suggested tunity of thanking all of you who have meet the party. Taxis were taken to the that we try to organise a general, gone to the trouble of writing; your hotel and Fred Olsen, most apologetic, countrywide get-together and, follow- comments are greatly appreciated. refunded all the taxi fares. Some of the ing a kind offer from Shoreline Club No * * * holidaymakers then sent the amounts 3, Southend-on-Sea, we are looking In order to save costs we are now refunded to the RNLI as donations! into the possibility of holding such a printing all membership cards on the For 1983, Fred Olsen is planning an gathering at a holiday camp in Essex in same backing form, whether the sub- Easter cruise to the Canary Islands in its 1983. It could be a very happy and most scription is paid by cheque, by banker's liner Blackwatch, and for this cruise interesting occasion. Before we go any- order or by direct debit. Apparently, as there are, once again, special holiday further, however, we should welcome a result, some confusion has arisen and offers for our supporters. I can tell the comments of other clubs and mem- if any inconvenience has been caused to you from personal experience that you bers: first of all, what do you think of you, please accept our apologies. will be assured of a wonderful holiday the idea itself? and secondly, have you Perhaps I can explain a little more which you will never forget. Full details any suggestions about the form such an about the backing form. can be obtained from D. Cooper, Fred "extraordinary general' meeting of this For members who pay their subscrip- Olsen Travel, 11 Conduit Street, Lon- sort should take? Please write and give tions by cheque, the form is a reminder don W1R OLS, or telephone 01-409 us your views so that we can get some that their subscriptions are due. 2019. measure of the support that might be Those members who pay by banker's expected and guidance as to the sort of order or by direct debit, on the other Each quarter we try to mention some- programme our members would like. hand, will see stamped on their forms thing of the many different ways our the words Tor information only'; for members find to help the RNLI. Here is them the form is just a record that their a story I have just heard. Two of our subscriptions have been paid by their members, Mr and Mrs Frank Ellis of chosen method and no further action is Nottingham were preparing to go on required. All they need to do is to holiday to Flamborough when they remove their membership card and were told that a very good supporter of destroy the backing form - unless, of the lifeboats in that area and his wife course anyone wishes to increase his or had been taken ill and were dis- her subscription or make a new deed of appointed that they would be unable to covenant. If changes of these kinds are man the RNLI stand at Bempton village to be made, the appropriate part of the 'It's a Knockout'. Without hesitation, backing form should be filled in and the Mr and Mrs Ellis arranged to travel up form returned to Shoreline at Poole. from Nottingham a day earlier than Shoreline takes support for they had originally planned so that they lifeboat crews right inland: could undertake this task. That is true (above) Bob Hurrell, down team spirit. in Sussex, keeps the flag Shoreline Club No 9, at Coventry, flying down on the farm . . . organised a sponsored walk among its members and their friends and families on June 19. The £220 raised was don- ated to the local RNLI branch. In the early part of 1981, David . . . while (right) Skip, of Hyde, a Shoreline member from Wey- Reading, a real river dog, lets bridge, Surrey, with the help of his son it be known exactlv where his built a radio-controlled model of the sympathies lie! Both photo- Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat. graphs were sent in by our While on holiday at Aldeburgh later verv good friend Lvnn David of Days Lock, River Thames. that year they gave daily demonstra- tions on the model yacht pond, thus collecting £11 for the RNLI in a box To: The Director, RNLI, West Quay Road. Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. provided by the local branch. The I enclose subscription to join Shoreline as an: model lifeboat was even able to try Annual Member £5.00 (minimum) D several 'rescues' of dismasted model Annual Family Membership £7.50 (minimum) D yachts! Annual 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 Just a footnote: I am afraid that the price of the Shoreline sweat shirt has Name had to be increased to £7 and the V Address neck sweater to £8.50. I am sure you will agree, however, that they are still very good value.—PETER HOLNESS, Over 108 000 people would have been lost without the lifeboat service. membership secretary, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. 133 (Some

When Chipstead (Kent) Sailing Club held its regatta on July 18 the entrance fees for two races were donated to the RNLI. With the profit from a souvenir stall, £79.86 was raised for Sevenoaks and District branch by the end of the day. The third Isle of Wight Midsummer With a committee of three, John Country Fair was held at Robin Hill McNally, inspired by an item in a recent Country Park on Sunday June 20, when issue of THE LIFEBOAT, organised a spon- more than 6,000 people were able to sored raft race at Portrush last May. enjoy displays of country crafts and Although the actual race only lasted take part in competitions demanding five minutes, weeks of preparation went country skills. Young gymnasts and into the event and a staggering £3,000 musicians entertained the visitors, while was raised. for the very young the County Library ran a day of story telling and races. West Mersea annual lifeboat fete, Among the guests was Raymond Bax- organised jointly by Mersea Island and Witham and District branch, Essex, ter, a member of the RNLI Committee District ladies' guild, the station branch, held its 1982 house to house collection of Management and chairman of the Shoreline members and other helpers, in July. When the box of one of its Public Relations Committee. Following raised a record £2,000 this year. Local supporters, Mr B. Tebbutt of Cogger- this happy day, a cheque for £3,130 was organizations gave wonderful support shall, was opened it was found to presented to the Isle of Wight lifeboat and on 'the day', Saturday July 24, the contain £75.30; that amount was made board. weather was kind. Admission was free up on one £10 note, two £5 notes, 17 £1 and it was thought that this contributed notes, several 50p pieces and the rest in Wells Cathedral Junior School raised to the overall success of the occasion. A smaller coins. Can anyone better that? . £750 by means of a sponsored swim last Sea King helicopter from RAF Col- summer. Between them, members of tishall flew over and, for a charge of When he was eight David Pearce the Junior School swam 1,320 lengths of lOp, people were asked to guess its visited William Osbornes yard, Little- the school swimming pool, a distance height and speed. The pilot radioed hampton, which builds some of the equivalent to the cross-Channel swim through the result and for the winning Institution's lifeboats, and went aboard from Dover to Calais. guess there was a prize of £5. Earlier in a lifeboat. In the following five years his the summer, in June, the ladies' guild interest has grown and he visits as many Friends and supporters of Tarvin had raised £374 with another annual stations as he can when on holiday. branch were invited to partake in a event, a seafood supper. Recently, with his two friends Richard Taste of Summer' in the lovely garden and Adam, he arranged an open after- of committee member Mrs Nina Bart- The small branch at Merthyr Tydfil in noon in his parents' garden inviting lett. Guests were offered a wide selec- the Mid-Glamorgan valleys is having its friends to take part in games, a raffle, to tion of quiches and salad, followed by most successful year to date, in spite of buy cakes and to view a large Leggo strawberries and cream, washed down the loss of two of its most active founder layout. This event made £9.05 which he with white wine. This very enjoyable members, Mrs Beatty Hopkins and Mrs then sent off to RNLI HQ. evening raised £200 for the RNLI. Eleanor Francis. Not only has it doub- led its flag day results but, as a result of a special Spring Fayre, it was able to send £350 to the Welsh lifeboat appeal.

There was a fine entry for Knowle Flower Club's competition for flower Brigg, South Humberside, arrangements which was held this year ladies' guild ran a stall at the to benefit the RNLI. Mrs Janet Smith town's annual charity market was the judge who picked winners from on July 18, raising £135. The classes entitled: Masquerade, My Secret guild also won the runner-up Garden, The Magic of Dance, Mystery prize for the best dressed stall of Space, Mini-Magic, Magical Mo- holders—and the chairman ments and Mystery Tour. The Mayoress and honorary secretary, Mrs of Solihull, Mrs Mollie Morrison, pre- Veda Spafford and Mrs Ali- son Morrison, are seen here sented the prizes in the evening, the in the rig of the day. best in the show award going to Mrs photograph by courtesy of Rose-Marie Tree of Knowle. Over £500 Lincolnshire and Humber- was raised for Knowle and Dorridge side Times ladies' guild. 134 In the old days members of West Wight lifeboat guild had to sell souvenirs from a trestle at Yarmouth lifeboathouse, often in wind and bad weather. Now Coxswain Dave Kennett and his crew have built them a kiosk inside the boathouse from which souvenirs can be sold in greater comfort and stocks held ready Over 200 Scouts, Guides, Cub Scouts and Brownies, members of Penarth to hand. The kiosk's sliding windows were generously donated Scout and Guide Swim Club, took part in a sponsored swim for the RNLl and by Vectis Windows. The kiosk was officially opened at the raised £610. The monster cheque was presented by Phil Smith (I), Scout beginning of the summer by Coxswain Kennett, seen in the district treasurer, to Captain W. G. Sommerfie/d, Penarth station honorary foreground with Mrs Dorothy Lovatt, chairman of West Wight secretary. Les Pugh (extreme left) organised the swim. guild. photograph by courtesy of Penanh Times

Five members of Rayners Lane branch raised more than £300 in a six-mile sponsored canoe paddle on the Grand Union Canal in Hertfordshire on Saturday June 19—and it rained! The Peter Brookes and Colin Evans pulling away from the rest of the fleet to win team took it in turn to paddle the canoe, generously donated by the annual New Year five-mile row organised by Maldon Little Ship Club in Lilo, or walk on the tow path, and the canoe was portered Essex. The event raised LI, 000 for the RNLl. around each of the 18 locks of the 'course'. photograph by courtesy of The Times

Berkshire's Winnersh and District A Martell evening organised by Entering a ten-mile mini-marathon branch organised an antiques valuation Ashtead branch last June raised £840. proved to be a double-edged sword in event last June in conjunction with After a cold buffet, brandy supplied by fund-raising terms for Roy Morris. He Radio 210. It was held at Winnersh Martell was served with coffee, an is a regular customer at the Horse Shoe Community Hall with '210' making a RNLl film was shown and finally there Inn, Llanyblodwel, near Oswestry, and simultaneous outside broadcast and £93 was a first-class entertainment provided his friends at the bar bet him that he was raised for the RNLl. by singer and raconteuse Margaret could not give up drinking for the three Hunter. A generous supporter donated weeks before the race. He won his bet, Merchant ships do not forget the £100 towards wine and much goodwill the bar's RNLl collecting bottle thus RNLl. The latest of regular collections was engendered. gaining £10. Roy then went on to raise aboard ships of the Palm Line £52.10 in sponsorship for Fleetwood amounted to £125.38, and officers of Chelmarsh Sailing Club raised more lifeboat station by successfully complet- the BP tanker British Esk collected £30 than £600 for Stourbridge branch with a ing the marathon. for the lifeboats while on service with sponsored sail. This very successful the South Atlantic Task Force. event was organised by Peter Masters, Norman Clarke, RNLl honorary in- vice-commodore of the club, with the formation officer, has spent a great deal Penlee's 1982 annual sponsored walk support of his commodore. The winning of time over many years visiting schools brought in a remarkable total of boat was a singlehanded YW Solo sailed in his area to tell them about the £l,220.10'/2. Seven teams were compet- by Colin Ward for the whole ten hours lifeboat service. Everwhere he goes he ing for the cup which is awarded to the with no stops. finds tremendous interest; he is bom- team which raises the most money and barded with questions and it has be- there were also a large number of The gardens of Waystrode Manor in come obvious that the children take independent walkers. The winning team Cowden were kindly lent by Mr and their enthusiasm home. His work is for the third year in succession was from Mrs P. T. Wright for Edenbridge and essentially educational. No request for The Star Hotel in Penzance, which District branch to hold a special plough- donations is made, but time and again brought in £315 towards the total man's lunch for the RNLl. Over 100 the children's own generosity leads raised. Jean Waters set an all-time people came to enjoy the delightful them to make a spontaneous effort to record for an individual when her spon- surroundings and £500 was raised by the raise money for the lifeboats. Each year sorship reached £101.47. end of the dav. since 1977, for instance, Mr Clarke has 135 The largest tricycle in the world, fixed securely to the Arndale Centre Surrounded by his crew, Fraserburgh lifeboat coxswain, Captain John floor, was used by Poole Round Table to raise money for a Sutherland, is presented with a maroon case full of money raised for replacement lifeboat under 10 metres for the local lifeboat station. the station by lifeboat enthusiast John Murdoch (r). In front of the Poole lifeboat crew, seen here covering 3'/2 tiring miles, cycled the group is a model made by John Murdoch of the 48ft 6in Solent The furthest to raise £313, while Max Factor staff raised the most money, Royal British Legion Jubilee which was the first lifeboat temporarily £420. Altogether more than £1,300 was 'wheeled' in for the RNLI with on station when Fraserburgh re-opened in 1979. When the maroon another £200 for local charities. case was opened £24.35 rolled out.

been invited to visit Stoke-by-Nayland In May, Petts Wood branch held its Terry Byrne, a member of Chester Middle School in Suffolk to give his fourth annual spring luncheon at the branch committee, organised a ten-mile presentation to the second year pupils. home of Michael and Heather sponsored walk, which was undertaken Each year, after his visit, he has re- Reynolds, chairman and honorary by 40 walkers whose ages ranged from ceived not only many letters but also secretary of the branch. There was a 14 to 50 plus. All finished the walk and gifts of money raised by the children for cold buffet, beer, wine, a bring and buy £530 was raised for branch funds. the RNLI, usually by their own mini fair stall and a very successful plant stall. set up in the dinner break. In 1977 the Coxswain Joe Martin of Hastings, an A successful but exhausting marathon amount received was £21, and in 1982 old friend, came up to give the event his snooker game was staged at the Arca- £75.61, the total in six years being support and an outstanding £565 was dian Club in Gorleston when two 16 £297.51. raised for Aldeburgh lifeboat station. year olds, Adam Cooper and Patrick

The ladies of Kidderminster guild line up in front of some of the merchandise at their nearly new shop. They have every good reason to look pleased as this year they raised £3,032.27 by their sales. 5am Baxter, president of Morecambe station branch, helps with a draw at Morecambe Yacht Club which raised more than £1,000 for the lifeboats. Ho/ding one of the prizes is the raffle promoter, Mrs Jean Kilpatrick. photograph by courtesy of Morecambe Press

Ma/don Mud Run Society raise money for charity by competitive running through the mud and sill of the River Blackwater at low tide around Christmas time each year. Following the last Christmas run, One wet and windy Sunday in May a group of Brownies took part in a the Mayor of Maldon, on the society's behalf, presented more than beach clean at Kingsdown Beach. The £30 they earned in sponsorship £500 to Second Coxswain Roy Cousins, who received it for Dover was given to the lifeboats. photograph by courtesy of Basil M. Kidd lifeboat station. 136 Hanson, decided to raise some money for the RNLI. They completed 53 Vi frames during the 24-hour non-stop contest and managed to keep going on a steady supply of sweets, chocolate and endless cups of tea and coffee. Mrs Thelma Dowding, chairman of Yar- mouth and Gorleston ladies' guild, con- gratulated the two contestants at the end of their ordeal in the sure know- ledge that they had raised £392 for her branch. Llantwit Major ladies' guild with Atlantic Dorking branch held a fish and wine College held a May Ball which raised £2,500 luncheon at the home of Mr and Mrs P. for the Welsh lifeboat appeal. The event was Spencer of Mickleham last July, fol- held at St Donat's Castle and was attended by lowed by a talk by Coxswain Vic Marsh the Lord Lieutenant Sir Cennydd Traherne and Lady Traherne. Mrs Pat Richards, chair- of Swanage. It was a fine day, so that man of the guild, is pictured presenting the the 175 guests were able to enjoy cheque to Glyn Williams, regional organiser walking in their hosts' garden, over- for Wales. On the left is David Sutcliffe, looking Box Hill. £680 was raised, that Headmaster of Atlantic College. amount including an anonymous dona- photograph by courtesy of South Wales Echo tion of £32 from a lady whose dog finds For her 1981-82 charity, the Mayoress of Canterbury, Mrs Owen Wildman, chose the golf balls and who has, over the years, RNLI as her special charity and raised more given about £250 to the lifeboats as well than £4,000 for Whitstable lifeboat station. Of as similar amounts to three other char- that amount, her husband the Mayor, Coun- ities from the money raised on this cillor 'Biff Wildman (seen above), raised 'treasure trove'. £1,300. He set out on a four-day sponsored walk round the new City of Canterbury, Not many people who walked past which includes Herne Bay, Whitstable and the surrounding villages, a total distance of 75 Mrs Robin Terry at the Esher May Fair miles—a tremendous effort. Councillor Wild- could resist stroking her chihuahua dog, man then rounded off his support for the Diosa. It sat in her handbag strategical- lifeboats by becoming a Shoreline member. ly close to her lifeboat collecting box photograph by courtesy of Whitstable Times and those who paid any attention to Shoreline member Sheila Donnelly hands Diosa also paid into the RNLI funds. over a turkey to Mr Slanton, the winner of the She brought in £22.17'/2 in about an In a scheme to offer support to Easter draw organised b\ Sheila and her hour and a half. Penlee, the children of Exmouth Lower husband who run two shops at Childwall School organised themselves into 15 Fiveways and Broadgreen Hospital. Tickets, Friends and acquaintances of Mrs groups, each with its own tutor, to plan many of which were sold in the two shops, brought in £32.60 for the RNLI. Vera Stewart of Waldringfield, Suffolk, diverse fund-raising activities. Among come to her whenever they want a new them were a mini jumble sale, cake knitted article of clothing. She spends sale, Coke sale, a jumbo paperback sale During its flag week, Swindon branch many a long hour plying her knitting and competitions, sponsored records at raised a total of £1,880.54. which in- needles and has recently been able to a Lower School disco, a lunchtime cluded £255.85 from souvenir sales and send £59 to Ipswich branch, the fruits of Beatles disco, a sponsored silence and a £72 from draw and lottery ticket sales. her last winter's labour. Mrs Stewart sponsored camp for boys who had not The branch was allowed to have a stall also collects for the RNLI on the beach slept under canvas before. As well as for its souvenirs in a covered area called at Waldringfield during Deben Regatta. the enjoyment that was derived from Brunei Plaza on the flag day itself and these pursuits, over £340.37 was raised; much appreciated help it received on The Ravenscroft Singers, since 1976. of this amount, £170.37 was given to that day from the Sea Cadets. have raised a total of almost £19,500 for Penlee branch and the rest was divided different charities. This group of young between a donation to Mousehole Pri- For the third year running Mr and people spend their free time rehearsing mary and Infant School and the Mission Mrs G. J. Wilkes of Acaster Malbis and performing in various locations, to Deep Sea Fisherman at Newlyn. have held a coffee morning at their mainly in Newcastle and Durham but home, a large caravan situated on the sometimes in places as far away as Instead of holding a party to cele- Mount Pleasant site. This year they Eastbourne. Since September last year brate the re-opening of its re-designed succeeded in raising £191 for the they have been concentrating their furnishing showrooms, MFI of Wallis- lifeboats. efforts on the RNLI and have been able down, Poole, gave £500 to Councillor to hand over to Amble and Warkworth Peter Coles for his special charity while Thanks to Grose Garage in Kings- ladies' guild a grand sum of £2,200. he was a Mayor, the RNLI. thorpe the Northampton ladies' guild was able to organise a grand petrol draw John Shepley at the souvenir which brought in £1,025. The garage stall in Flamborough lifeboat- gave 100 gallons of petrol, 75 gallons for house; the greatly increased the first prize and 25 gallons for the sales he achieved helped second prize. The lucky winner, Mal- branch funds reach £10,000 colm Taylor, was delighted but relieved in the past year as well as to hear that the prize was in voucher contributing towards Flam- form as he wondered where he could borough lifeboat appeal. Mr put 75 gallons of petrol. Third prize was and Mrs Shepley have sup- ported Flamborough lifeboat a dinner for two at Westone Hotel. since the 1950s. photograph by courtesy of Three breweries helped to provide A. G. Cairncross Hull cheap drinks which were on offer at the 137 Sir Alec Rose serving his guests at a cheese and wine party which he and Lady Rose held at their home in Havant during the summer in aid of the RNLI. A total of £470 was raised. Paying tribute to all supporters of the Institution, Sir Alec said: 'A ship is only as good as her crew, and we have a wonderful crew—a marvellous band of supporters'. photograph by courtesy of Portsmouth Evening News

In brilliant sunshine, Dunbar lifeboat fete, held at the harbour on Saturday July 24, raised more than £6,700—a marvellous result exceeding the 1981 total by about £1,000. The Lifeboat Queen, Margaret-Ann Brunton, accompanied by Lord Hunter, president of the branch, was taken out in the lifeboat to watch an air sea rescue display in Dunbar Bay. A really happy day. photograph by courtesy of Tweeddale Press Group

Two events in June brought in funds for Hampstead Garden Suburb branch. Bishopswood Bowling Club raised £200 with a day of bowls; most members gave their support and pictured here are just some of the 'team'. Later in the same month Mrs S. Ingram held a most successful coffee morning with a bring and buy stall devoted mostly to children's games and garments; the profit was more than £100. This is not the start of the tall ships race but the excitement and competition felt In just over two months Jan Akerman at the start of the Pimlico Boat Race was comparable with it. Thirty-six 'boats' managed to reduce her weight from took part, each with a sponsored crew of four who raced their way round the course, taking in six pubs en route. Much hilarity ensued with some boats past almost 12 stone to 9 stone 71b. She is salvaging by the time they crossed the finishing line. Money is still coming in barmaid at Ye Olde Whyte Harte in but more than £2,300 has been counted so far by the Central London Hamble and it just so happens that the Committee, which organised the race. landlord, Colin Partridge, is chairman of the local RNLI branch. Everyone Cliffe Tavern in Dover during a special strangely enough, as lifeboatmen—who sponsored Jan and the 341b that she lost evening for the RNLI. The evening won the race. The total money raised helped her to gain £541 for the life- ended with the auction of various items was £573, of which £270 was raised by boats. which has been donated by local firms the partnership of Miss Jo Joss and Mr On July 31 Mr R. A. Booth, com- and groups, fruit hampers, bottles of Martin McCarthy, who, dressed as one modore of Boston Motor Yacht Club, drink, chocolates and even cross-Chan- clown, also won the fancy dress com- held a barbecue in his garden in aid of nel tickets coming under the hammer. petition at the end of the event. John the lifeboat service. In perfect weather, Some items fetched remarkable prices: Dawes, late of London Welsh and hot dogs were sold and numerous fund- one Easter egg went for £10 and a cap capped 24 times for Wales, donated a raising games were played. As an added which had been worn by Dover life- Welsh Centenary International Rugby attraction one of the members played jersey to be raffled; it was won by boat's second coxswain fetched £40. At his Hammond organ. At the end of a the end of it all the owner of the Richard Polden, RNLI area organiser most enjoyable evening £302 had been Tavern, Frank Westby, was able to (Wales). raised to send to RNLI headquarters at hand over a cheque for £660 to Cox- Poole. swain Tony Hawkins. Solihull ladies' guild raised a fine £5,250 last year by means of bridge To mark Maritime England Year, Cogan Hotel Sports and Social Club drives, coffee mornings and a Christmas East Grinstead branch is aiming to raise held a sponsored fancy dress three- fayre, together with its house to house £20,000, the cost of an Atlantic 21 legged pub race in aid of Penarth collection and flag day. lifeboat. Great efforts are being made lifeboat station last spring for the by individuals and groups throughout second year running. The competitors Paisley branch, which has much sup- the town. Among other events, a raft donned all kinds of disguises, from port from yachtsmen, held its annual race held on Wiremill Lake was spon- Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum to ball in the Normandy Hotel this year, sored by local groups and businesses. Noddy and Big Ears, but it was two raising £1,000, and then organised a Sponsored gale days, checked with the lifeboatmen, Crew Members P. W. fiddlers' rally which brought in a further help of the London Weather Centre, Edwards and R. E. Giles—dressed, £980 for branch funds. raised over £650. 138 available, price 75p plus 25p postage gests, the bias is towards the fishing and packing, from Mrs Pat Johns, 6 boat operator, but trim and stability Marine Court, Gibbon Road, New- problems are common to all vessels and Books ... haven, East Sussex. there is much to be gleaned by oper- The Sheringham Lifeboats 1838-1981 ators and designers of all types of craft. by R. W. Malster is an account of a In view of the recent upsurge of community which for many years was interest in working sail, I particularly • There is a rich seam of historical served, in good accord, by two lifeboat like the section on power to carry sail; I booklets to report this autumn: stations, one run by the fishermen with also applaud the author's decision not In recent years it has been recognised boats provided by a prominent local to over-complicate the issue with un- that a boat specifically for lifesaving was family, the Upchers, benefactors to the necessary detail, which, for those in- established at Formby Point on the fishing community in various ways, and terested, is all readily available in the approaches to Liverpool as early as one by the RNLI. The first Upcher appendices together with relevant for- 1776. Britain's First Lifeboat Station by lifeboat, Augusta, which went on sta- mulae and approximations. In general, Barbara and Reginald Yorke gives a tion in 1838, was followed by a second, a book offering much to seamen and detailed account not only of Formby Henry Ramey Upcher, which served designers alike.—K.C.T. lifeboat station from those very early from 1894 to 1935. The first RNLI lifeboat was established at Sheringham beginnings until it was finally closed in • To record the history of a river and in 1867. 1918, but takes the story back even the people living along its banks would During the second world war Sher- further to the days, in the latter part of produce, as Howard Biggs, the author ingham lifeboat launched on a number the eighteenth century, when attempts of The River Medway, rightly says of occasions to search for missing air- to revive the apparently drowned were '. . . an immense volume if all the char- first strenuously encouraged. The result men. Speed was essential and Mr Mal- ster records how, receiving a 'shout' acters and their deeds and misdeeds were of much research, this booklet is fasci- fully traced and analysed'. The River from the Coastguard early one morn- nating reading and very well illustrated; Medway (Terence Dalton, £5.95) is a it is also a memorial to the important ing, the honorary secretary did not waste time getting up but, using the surprisingly short book for such a vast part played in the saving of life at sea by subject in both time and physical scale. telephone by his bed, made or received some of Liverpool's most humanitarian Its brevity does not, however, mean 21 telephone calls in 26 minutes, also and public spirited citizens. It is avail- that there is a little information on a lot able, price £1.80 plus 20p postage, from despatching messengers, first to alert everyone needed for the launch of the of subjects. What Mr Biggs has done is Alt Press, 3 Wicks Lane, Formby, to limit himself to 12 important aspects boat and then to make arrangements for Liverpool L37 3JE; all profits will go to of the history, the people and the towns the reception of the airmen. In just over the RNLI widows' fund. of the Medway; these are carefully 50 minutes the lifeboat had picked up The Early Manx Lifeboats, 1803 to researched and described in such a way the six Polish airmen and brought them 1850 is the subject of Graham Farr's that by the end of the book the Medway safely back to land. latest paper on lifeboat history, the is an old friend. The author also tells the story of how seventh in this valuable series of mono- The history of the river would be Sheringham lifeboat was called out on graphs. On the first page will be found incomplete without mention of Sheer- service to a Dutch vessel about an hour drawings of the three types of lifeboat ness lifeboat station, and Mr Biggs, a before midnight on December 31, 1950, first established on the Isle of Man: very long standing member of Broad- the time when John 'Sparrow' Harding- 'Original', Plenty and Palmer. The first stairs branch, does not let us down. To ham was due to retire as coxswain; the Douglas lifeboat was the thirteenth round off the story of the Medway he boat was returning from the casualty 'Original' to be built by Henry Great- recounts the events of December 30, head in his yard at South Shields. when, at one minute past midnight, 'Sparrow' turned to his second cox- 1978, and the service by Sheerness Costing £200, she was the gift of the lifeboat to Ma Jolie II for which Cox- swain, Henry 'Downtide' West, his Duke of Atholl, Lieutenant Governor swain Charles Bowry was awarded a bar successor, and told him 'You're in of the island, and she was delivered in to his bronze medal.—S.J.G. 1803. There is no record, however, that charge now'. This very readable booklet she was ever used and it was not until is available price 90p plus 20p postage after Sir William Hillary became in- and packing from RNLI, Sheringham, • In his book Lowestoft, East Coast volved in sea rescue in 1822 that other Norfolk. Port (Terence Dalton, £4.95), Robert lifeboats were stationed on the Isle of A new edition of The Story of the St Malster. a local historian, pursues the Man: at Douglas in 1824, at Castletown David's Lifeboats by Desmond G. making of the town with such know- in 1826, at Peel in 1829. and at Ramsey Hampson and George W. Middleton, ledge and infectious enthusiasm that the in 1830. The Early Manx Lifeboats, recently published, relates many res- reader cannot help but follow with both price 60p including postage and pack- cues, lists the awards made to St interest and enjoyment. The old town, ing, is available from Grahame Farr, 98 David's lifeboatmen and gives informa- the building of the harbour and its Combe Avenue, Portishead, Bristol tion about the branch and guild. The trade, the herring fishery and the trawl- BS20 9JX. Please send remittance with first edition made a profit of about ing industry all have their place. So does order. £1,000 which was given to the RNLI, the extraordinary impact of such men as The Story of the Newhaven Lifeboats and all profits from this second edition Samuel Morton Peto who, in the 1840s, has been written by Jeff Morris and will also go to the lifeboat service. The promised the people of Lowestoft that Dave Hendy. Like Douglas. Newhaven booklet is available, price £1.25 includ- fish landed from the local fishing boats received an 'Original' lifeboat in 1803, ing postage and packing, from Mrs Jill would be delivered fresh in Manchester, but once again there is no record of Rowley, Trefelli Farm, St David's, built a railway line from Lowestoft to either her or Newhaven's two other Haverfordwest, Dyfed.—J.D. Reedham and promoted a more direct early boats being launched on service. rail line with London than had previous- In 1852 the Friend in Need, a lifeboat ly existed, improved the harbour and built by James Beeching at Great Yar- • Stability and Trim of Fishing Ves- then set about encouraging trade with mouth, was stationed at Newhaven by sels by J. Anthony Hind (Fishing News Denmark—and that was only a small the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Marin- Books, second edition, £7.50) is a book part of his enterprise which reached out ers' Society, to be taken over by the no small ship operator or designer to other parts of Britain, South Amer- RNLI two years later. Since 1852 more should be without. It explains the mys- ica, Africa and even Russia. than 600 lives have been rescued by tique of ship stability and trim in a Robert Malster, who has received an Newhaven life boatmen. There are 31 simple yet thorough manner which any- RNLI Public Relations award for his photographs in this booklet which is one can understand. As the title sug- extensive writing on lifeboats in his 139 area, has, of course, included a section tions, which are many and clear, are by Change of address on the early lifeboats of Lowestoft. He Peter Milne. During August the RNLI South East tells of how Lionel Lukin, who had In the appendix is such useful in- regional office moved from Tunbridge made a boat 'unimmergible' for lifesav- formation as the names of sea areas in Wells to Uckfield. The full address is: ing at Hamburgh in 1786, extended a other languages and important words in River House, Bell Lane, Uckfield, Sus- seaside holiday in Lowestoft in 1807 to English, French and Spanish: for in- sex TN22 1AE. Tel: Uckfield (0825) superintend the building of a new life- stance, gale warning, avis coup de vent, 61466. boat; her design was based on that of aviso de temporal. Here is a book to Day trip to London local yawls and she was made 'unim- read carefully on winter evenings and to Rhyl lifeboat guild is organising a day mergible' with casks lashed inside her have on the yacht's bookshelf for the trip by rail to London on Saturday gunwales and her bow and stern, and summer sailing—an excellent Christmas January 8, 1983, for which the fare will with canvas-covered cork wales project- present for the skipper.—J.D. be considerably lower than the normal ing on each side. This boat, Frances day return. The train will leave Holy- Ann, is thought to have been the first head at about 0600, stopping at Bangor, sailing lifeboat in the world; she was • Do not be put off by the mathema- tics which appear on almost every page Llandudno Junction, Colwyn Bay, rigged with two masts and lugsails, like Abergele, Rhyl, Prestatyn, Flint and the yawls, and she was the forerunner of of Sailing Theory and Practice (new and revised edition) by C. A. Marchaj Chester and arriving in London at the Norfolk and Suffolk type of life- about 1045. Departure for the return boat. A photograph of a painting of (Adlard Coles, Granada Publishing, £22.50). This is a book for any practical journey will be 1930. For those wishing Frances Ann is just one of many fine to visit the Boat Show at Earls Court illustrations published in this book.— sailing man to read and then keep as a reference work. A more wide-ranging reduced rate admission tickets can be J.D. and thorough investigation of sailing obtained; there will, of course, be an matters would be hard to imagine, RNLI stand at the show. • For such welcoming people, the whether the reader is interested in the In the past three years this venture Channel Islanders have a remarkably development of the rating rules from has raised £3,000 for lifeboat funds. inhospitable shoreline. David Couling's the first America's Cup race to the Further information by telephone largely photographic catalogue of ship- present day Olympic and International from Peter Dean, chairman of Rhyl ping mishaps and disasters, Wrecked on classes, sail theory in all its aspects, or guild at Rhyl 2661, or Mr J. E. Frost, the Channel Islands (Stanford Mari- waves and Tsu Hang's pitchpoling off honorary treasurer, at Rhyl 4210. Alter- time, £4.95), is a grim but fascinating the Horn: it is all there. Added interest natively, send a stamped addressed reminder of the ignominy that even the is lent by the mention of famous yachts envelope for leaflet and booking form most stately vessels are subject to once and designers to illustrate the points to Peter Dean, 53 Pen-y-Maes Avenue, they are on the rocks. under discussion. Rhyl, Clwyd. Somewhat unconventionally the book The book is beautifully printed in Leicester Building Society begins with the most recent wrecks like large format, well suited to the subject In October 1981 Leicester Building those of the Orion oil rig and Point Law matter and diagrams, and it has an Society began a scheme designed to (for the service to each of which John excellent index and a useful appendix. encourage members of the RNLI to Petit, then coxswain of St Peter Port It should be said that the original 1964 place their investments in the Leicester lifeboat, received a gallantry award), edition does still obtrude here and (under the normal terms relating to and works backwards through history there, such as on page 254—sadly large building societies). An offer was and many spectacular wreck and sal-" Queen Mary is no longer able to reach made by the society to contribute 1 per vage scenes. Sometimes the reader 30.5 knots—but this is a minor grouse cent of the amount invested in it by thirsts for a little more information, for over a first-rate book.—L.A.F. means of a special 'lifeboat' paying-in instance as to how or why did a ship run slip to the Institution. aground, but the book is nevertheless • Children's books are not often re- At first, the scheme was limited to an eye-catching and digestible publica- branch and guild members but it was tion.—E.W-W. viewed in these columns, but The 1983 Cub Scout Annual includes a splendid extended to Shoreline members last article on the lifeboat service and is May. More than £5,000 has already • Once a professional forecaster, thoroughly recommended to all young been raised for the RNLI in this way— and the amount is still growing. Paying- Alan Watts has for many years made supporters wanting to find out more the education of yachtsmen in the ways about the RNLI. in forms are available from the appeals Four Cub Scouts visited Troon life- office, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, of the weather his particular concern, Dorset BH15 1HZ. both as an author and a lecturer. His boat station last summer and asked Ian latest book. Cruising Weather (Nautical Johnson, coxswain/mechanic of the life- With apologies Books, Macmillan, £12.95) is written boat, just the sort of questions any A photograph of Lady Olwen Carey specifically for the cruising yachtsman enquiring boy or girl might want to ask. Evans DBE, an honorary life governor of passage making in coastal waters, The cubs were shown over the lifeboat the Institution and president of South potentially the most dangerous areas of station and went out on an exercise in Caernarvonshire ladies' guild, sur- all in bad weather. the lifeboat and the six-page feature is rounded by her family on the occasion The author's first advice is, listen to well illustrated with colour photographs of her ninetieth birthday, appeared in the forecasts. The first part of the book of the visit. the summer 1982 issue of THE LIFEBOAT; is devoted to how modern forecasts are The subjects of other articles in the it was published by courtesy of Nigel compiled, how they may be obtained annual range from Model Aircraft to Hughes and The Cambrian News. and matters arising from them, and British Reptiles and include a very Journal indexes includes chapters on terms used in unusual one on The Queen's Beasts, as A limited number of indexes are now forecasting, on gales, on waves, on fog, well as a good guide to camping. In available for the following volumes of on temperature, on visibility and on addition there are puzzles, games and THE LIFEBOAT: your own observations. This part of the an exciting map reading competition Volume XLII January. 1971. to April, book, in fact, answers the questions with prizes to be won. An ideal Christ- 1973, numbers 434 to 443. what and how. Alan Watts then goes mas present, in fact for seven to 11 year Volume XLIII, June, 1973, to April, on, in the second part of the book, to olds. 1975, numbers 444 to 451. answer the question why, giving ex- Costing £2.75, the annual is available They can be obtained, price £2 each planations of weather systems and thus from all Scout shops as well as W. H. including postage and packing, from helping the yachtsman to understand Smiths, John Menzies and other news- THE LIFEBOAT, RNLI, West Quay Road, the weather more deeply. The illustra- agents.—H.D. Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. 140 hauled him up the cliff to a waiting land supplies at Tresaith Beach. In the Lifeboat Services ambulance. meantime, however, Bird's Eye had from page 119 Helmsman Rimmer rejoined the gone on down the coast to Aberporth McLachlan lifeboat at Bovisand Fort at and brought back another dinghy man- 1921 and by 1930 the lifeboat was back ned by three Aberporth men. Waves on her mooring and once again ready also broke over this dinghy on her way for service. to Llangranog Beach with supplies from land the two fishermen on Sully Beach, For this service a letter of apprecia- the lifeboat, but she reached the beach to the north, but while on the way there tion signed by Commander Bruce safely. a helicopter from RAF Chivenor Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to It was 1845 by the time Bird's Eye arrived overhead. While Helmsman David Morrison. returned to New Quay and was re- Couper maintained steerage way into housed. The next morning, Wednesday the wind, the two men were quickly West and South West Division January 13, she was out again from 0830 lifted into the helicopter. The third man to noon, taking food and medical sup- was lifted off Bowqueen and all three Snow plies to Llangranog and Cwmtudu. The were landed at Cardiff Royal Infirmary. coxswain's dinghy was also recovered. The rescue completed, Penarth D IN THE SEVERE SNOW STORMS last January Coxswain David Evans himself took his class lifeboat returned to station at full lifeboatmen from several stations in fishing boat to Aberaeron to pick up a speed, but giving the confused waters of Wales played an important part in surgeon who was to operate on a patient Ranie Race a wide berth. She arrived at helping to get medical supplies and food in Aberystwyth. 1400 and a quarter of an hour later had through to villages which were cut off Aberystwyth D class inflatable life- been refuelled, washed down and re- by deep snow drifts and impassable boat was launched on the morning of housed ready once again for service. roads and could only be reached by sea. Tuesday January 12 to go out to meet a For this service letters of appreciation At 0700 on Monday January 11 the fishing boat bringing in people from signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of honorary secretary of New Quay New Quay and taking back medical operations, were sent to Helmsman (Dyfed) lifeboat station was asked by supplies and yeast. There were breaking Callum Couper and Crew Members the Coastguard and by the honorary seas on the harbour bar and the skipper Robert Ryan and Michael Hill. medical adviser for help in taking of the fishing boat had no knowledge of urgent medical supplies for children the area. The inflatable lifeboat, man- stranded in camp near Llangranog, ned by Helmsman Thomas Ridgeway South West Division seven miles south west of the lifeboat and Crew Members David Davies and station, and also medical supplies and Peter Heading, launched at 0900 and Injured boy bread for villages along the route. had returned to station by 1000. New Quay's 37ft Oakley lifeboat On the South Wales coast, Porthcawl IN THE EARLY EVENING of Monday May Bird's Eye launched at 0720 under the was isolated by an extremely heavy 10, a skin diver, David Morrison, was command of Second Coxswain Idris snow fall on Friday January 8 and the ashore at Bovisand Beach, 2!/2 miles Evans. Coxswain David Evans was roads in the surrounding area were south east of Plymouth lifeboat station, already making similar supply runs to blocked by deep drifts for six days. By when he saw a boy trying to attract the north east of the town in his own Tuesday January 12 the local chemist attention on the opposite side of the fishing boat. Bird's Eye took with her was out of a number of drugs urgently bay. Telling a girl who was with him the coxswain's outboard dinghy to help needed and Porthcawl station honorary that if he waved, help was needed, Mr with landing the supplies and three secretary was asked to help. Arrange- Morrison swam across the bay and extra crew members, David Holeyman, ments were made with the berthing found that the boy was injured; he had Mark Rees and Roger Davies. were master at Swansea for the necessary fallen from the cliffs and was cut off by embarked to man this boat. drugs to be available for loading at the tide. On seeing a wave the girl went It was a fine day with good visibility Swansea Dock entrance, and at 1400 for help while Mr Morrison made the and a gentle north-easterly breeze. The the station's D class inflatable lifeboat" boy comfortable, removed some of his sea was moderate. set out, manned by Helmsman Alan wet clothes and put his own wet suit top On the way along the coast a man was Edwards and Crew Members Philip on him. seen waving frantically on a cliff top. Missen and Victor Davies. She returned At 1803 Brixham Coastguard tele- Acting Coxswain Evans investigated with the drugs at 1630. The Town phoned the honorary secretary of Ply- and found that the man's six-month-old Mayor of Porthcawl wrote to thank Mr mouth lifeboat station. The crew of the baby had no baby food. This was R. D. Howell-Jones, station honorary 18ft 6in McLachlan lifeboat on duty at obtained in Aberporth and landed by secretary, and the lifeboat crew for their the boathouse prepared to launch im- the dinghy, together with medical sup- help and a donation to the station was mediately and the lifeboat slipped her plies and bread, on the open beach at received from the chemist. mooring at 1809; Emergency Mechanic Llangranog. It was 1630 by the time the Keith Rimmer was in command with lifeboat was back on station. Crew Member George Parker as his The next day, Tuesday January 12. South West Division crew. Bird's Eye had launched by 0840, and It was a fine evening with a moderate once again worked to the south west of Outboard failed to fresh, force 4 to 5, south-easterly New Quay under the command of wind. The sea was choppy with a slight Second Coxswain Idris Evans while A SMALL BOAT which had fired a hand swell; it was about two hours before Coxswain David Evans worked to the flare off Crackington Haven was re- high water. north east in his own boat. There was ported to the honorary secretary of Arriving off Bovisand Beach at 1820 a moderate sea with a heavy swell Bude lifeboat station by Hartland Helmsman Rimmer went ashore, leav- running and while ferrying food and Coastguard at 1500 on Saturday May ing Crew Member Parker to look after medical supplies ashore at Llangranog 29. Maroons were fired and at 1505 the the boat. He dressed the boy's injured Beach the dinghy was swamped and her D class inflatable lifeboat, manned by knee, used a boathook as a splint for his three crew that day, David Holeyman, Helmsman Jonathan Ball and Crew leg and wrapped him in a survival David Williams and Daniel Potter, were Members Timothy Marshall and Wil- blanket. Plymouth and Yealm Coast- thrown into the surf. A helicopter liam Cook, was launched into high surf. guard cliff rescue team then arrived. returning from another urgent supply It was a fine afternoon but a fresh With the help of Helmsman Rimmer mission later picked up the three men breeze was blowing from the south east. and Mr Morrison, they strapped the boy from the beach and landed them back The sea was slight but there was a swell into their Neil Robertson stretcher and aboard the lifeboat, after first helping to and the tide was ebbina so that at the 141 harbour entrance the waves were 2 (twice), 16 (twice) and 23 (twice) 44ft Waveney: March 3 rougher and the ground swell heavy. Arran (Lamlash), Buteshire Eastbourne, East Sussex Once out of the harbour the lifeboat D class inflatable: April 15 37ft 6in Rather: April 2 and 15 Arranmore, Co Donegal Relief D class inflatable: April 10 (twice), 12, made for the casualty, eight miles west 52ft Barnett: March 1. 7, 11, April 3 (twice), 26 and May 11 south west of Bude, at full speed. The May 3 and 27 Exmouth, South Devon small boat was found, with her crew of Atlantic College (St Donat's Castle), South 48ft 6in Solent: March 9 two, drifting towards Pencannow Point; Glamorgan D class inflatable: April 4, 24, 25. May 8, 23 her outboard engine had failed, the Atlantic 21: May 26 and 31 (twice). 27, 28 and 29 sheer pin broken. Baltimore, Co Cork Eyemouth, Berwickshire The casualty was towed out of im- 47ft Watson: April 18 44ft Waveney: March 1 and April 13 mediate danger and then, because of Barmouth, Gwynedd Falmouth, Cornwall the ground swell on Bude Harbour bar D class inflatable: March 25, April 27 and 52ft Arun: April 5, 7, 9, May 2 and 23 May 1 Relief 18ft 6in McLachlan: April 6 and the ebbing tide, she was brought Barra Island, Inverness-shire 18ft6in McLachlan: April 25 alongside the lifeboat, made fast and 52ft Barnett: March 28, April 28 and May 17 Filey, North Yorkshire towed the five miles to the nearest Barrow, Cumbria 37ft Oakley: April 16 harbour, at Boscastle. When they ar- 46ft 9in Watson: March 9 D class inflatable: March 28 rived, Boscastle Harbour had dried out, Relief D class inflatable: May 30 Fishguard, Dyfed so the casualty was beached and her Barry Dock, South Glamorgan 52ft Arun: March 11 and April 16 crew landed. Relief 44ft Waveney: April 10 and May 16 Flamborough, Humberside The lifeboat returned to station at Beaumaris, Gwynedd 35ft6in Liverpool: April 16 1715 and, as Bude Harbour had also Atlantic 21: May 15 Fleetwood, Lancashire dried out by that time, she was recov- Bembridge, Isle of Wight 44ft Waveney: March 1, 13, 28 and April 18 48ft 6in Solent: April 2, 7 and May 2 ered by Land Rover. She was rehoused D class inflatable: March 1, 27 and May 30 by 1750. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland Flint, Clywd Atlantic 21: March 1, April 4 Relief D class inflatable: April 25 and May 30 Relief Atlantic 21: April 24 Fowey, Cornwall East Division Blackpool, Lancashire Relief 46ft 9in Watson: May 17 D class inflatables: March 13, 25, 28, April 4, Galway Bay, Co Galway 11, May 9 (three times) and 29 52ft Barnett: March 1.2.21, April 15, 20 and Dinghy and canoe Relief D class inflatable: March 13, 25 and 28 May 27 Bridlington, Humberside Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk A SAILING DINGHY with two boys on 37ft Oakley: April 7 44ft Wavenev: May 3 and 22 board capsized in a fresh south westerly D class inflatable: April 10, 11, May 16 and Atlantic 21: March 2, 8, April 8 and May 28 breeze, force 5, about three miles west 22 (three times) Hartlepool, Cleveland north west of Redcar lifeboat station on Brighton, East Sussex 44ft Waveney: March 1 Atlantic21: April 3, 12 (twice), 24. May 2 Saturday May 22. The D class lifeboat Relief 44ft Waveney: April 5, 12 and May 12 (four times), 3, 5, 11, 15, 16, 21 and 29 launched at 1612 manned by Helmsman Atlantic21: March 7. April 12, May 14. 25 Broughty Ferry, Angus and 30 (twice) Paul Wilson and Crew Member David 52ft Arun: April 3 and 23 Harwich, Essex Cocks. They found that one boy had D class inflatable: March 7, April 3, 14, 23, 44ft Waveney: March 25 and May 31 been helped ashore by a canoeist; the May 22 and 29 (twice) Relief Atlantic 21: April 7. 9, 26. May 3 and other had righted the dinghy but could Buckie, Banffshire 28 not sail it in the increasing wind. The. 47ft Watson: May 9 and 30 Hastings, East Sussex boy was taken aboard the lifeboat and Bude, Cornwall D class inflatable: March 13. April 10, May 5 the boat taken in tow. It was then found D class inflatable: April 21 and May 29 and 30 that the canoeist was also having diffi- Calshot, Hampshire Hayling Island, Hampshire culty making headway, so this boy and 40ft Keith Nelson: March 10 (twice), April 18 Atlantic21: April 11. May 1, 22 (six times), and May 28 30 and 31 his canoe were taken into the lifeboat. Campbeltown, Argyllshire Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire The two boys were safely landed, with 52ft Arun: April 22 and May 1 Atlantic 21: April 4 and 10 their boats, at 1630 and the lifeboat was Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Holyhead, Gwynedd rehoused by 1715. 37ft Oakley: March 22 52ft Arun: March 17 and May 16 D class inflatable: May 15 D class inflatable: April 9 and 22 Clovelly, North Devon Howth, Co Dublin Relief 71ft Clyde: March 10, 27, April 11, 15, D class inflatable: April 19 and May 9 May 4, 11 and 29 Hoylake, Merseyside Conwy, Gwynedd 37ft 6in Rather: May 1 Relief D class inflatable: May 4 Humber, Humberside D class inflatable: May 21 and 28 54ft Arun: March 14, 29. April 6, 23. 25 and Lifeboat Services, Courtmacsherry Harbour, Co Cork 30 47ft Watson: April 24 Hunstanton, Norfolk March, April and Craster, Northumberland Atlantic 21: April 2, 16, May 15 and 31 May, 1982 D class inflatable: May 1 (twice) and 9 Islay, Argyllshire (twice) 50ft Thames: March 19. May 1,11 (twice) Criccieth, Gwynedd and 30 Aberdovey, Gwynedd D class inflatable: April 10 and 11 Largs, Ayrshire Atlantic21: May 3 Cromer, Norfolk Atlantic 21: AprilS, 11, 15, 23 (twice). May Abersoch, Gwynedd D class inflatable: April 10 10, 18, 23 (twice), 25 and 30 Relief Atlantic 21: April 10, 11 and May 13 Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear Lerwick, Shetland Aberystwyth, Dyfed D class inflatable: April 18, May 2 and 8 52ft Arun: May 3 Relief D class inflatable: April 8 and May 4 Douglas, Isle of Man Littlehampton, West Sussex Aldeburgh, Suffolk 46ft 9in Watson: April 10 and May 9 Atlantic21: March 21 (twice), April 4, 8 and 42ft Beach: March 28 Dover, Kent 17 D class inflatable: March 28 50ft Thames: March 10, 13, 28 (twice), May 2 Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent Amble, Northumberland and 19 Atlantic 21: March 31, April 24, May 2. 3 and 37ft 6in Rather: March 21 and 29 Dunbar, East Lothian 25 D class inflatable: April 10 D class inflatable: April 18 The Lizard-Cadgwith, Cornwall Anstruther, Fife Dungeness, Kent Relief 52ft Barnett: March 1 37ft Oakley: April 8 and May 22 37ft 6in Rather: April 24. May 2 and 30 52ft Barnett: April 3 Appledore, North Devon Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin Llandudno (Orme's Head), Gwynedd 47ft Watson: March 27 44ft Waveney: March 12 and May 23 D class inflatable: April 11 and May 20 Atlantic21: March 27 (twice), April 13, May Dunmore East, Co Waterford Longhope, Orkney 142 48ft bin Solent: April 4 Pwllheli, Gwynedd Staithes and Runswick, North Yorkshire Lowestoft, Suffolk D class inflatable: April 11 and May 2 Atlantic 21: April 2 and May 30 (twice) 47ft Watson: March 6 Queensferry, West Lothian Stromness, Orkney Lyme Regis, Dorset Atlantic 21: April 19, 21 and May 24 52ft Barnett: March 22 and April 12 Atlantic 21: March 2. April 10 and May 22 Ramsey, Isle of Man Sunderland, Tyne and Wear Lymington, Hampshire 37ft Oakley: March 28 47ft Watson: March 4 and 27 Atlantic 21: April 21 Redcar, Cleveland Swanage, Dorset Lytham-St Anne's, Lancashire 37ft Oakley :May 16 37ft 6in Rather: March 12, 18, April 11, 12, 46ft 9in Watson: May 19 D class inflatable: May 22 (three times) 21, May 1,3, 11 and 18 D class inflatable: March 28 (three times), Rhyl, Clwyd Teesmouth, Cleveland April 10 and May 30 37ft Oakley: March 13 47ft Watson: April 12 Margate, Kent D class inflatable: March 20, April 18, May Tenby, Dyfed 37ft 6in Rather: April 11 29 and 30 (twice) 46ft 9in Watson: May 20 D class inflatable: March 18, April 11,19, 20, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford D class inflatable: April 26, May 4, 6, 23 and May 17, 22 and 23 48ft 6in Solent: April 14 29 (twice) Minehead, Somerset Rye Harbour, East Sussex Tighnabruaich, Argyllshire Atlantic 21: April 5 and 9 D class inflatable: April 21 and May 31 D class inflatable: May 15 and 29 Moelfre, Gwynedd St Abbs, Berwickshire Torbay, South Devon 37ft din Rather: April 24 D class inflatable: April 10 and May 29 54ft Arun: March 18, April 24, 27 and May 3 D class inflatable: March 24, May 15 and 29 St Agnes, Cornwall 18ft 6in McLachlan: March 28, 31, April 4, Morecambe, Lancashire D class inflatable: May 22 and 30 May 6, 7 and 22 D class inflatable: April 14 St Catherines, Channel Islands Tramore, Co Waterford Mudeford, Dorset D class inflatable: March 20 and May 23 D class inflatable: April 12 and 28 D class inflatable: March 27, April 4. 10, St Helier, Channel Islands Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd May 2, 13, 17 and 23 44ft Waveney: April 24, 26 and May 2 D class inflatable: March 25, April 28, May The Mumbles, West Glamorgan St Ives, Cornwall 4, 5 and 30 47ft Watson: March 8 37ft Oakley: April 7 and May 11 Troon, Ayrshire New Brighton, Merseyside D class inflatable: March 28, April 7 and 8 44ft Waveney: April 19, May 9, 11 (twice) 16 Atlantic 21: April 5, May 14 and 29 Relief D class inflatable: May 2 and 11 and 23 Newhaven, East Sussex St Mary's Scilly Isles Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear Relief 44ft Waveney: March 21, April 6,11, 52ft Arun: April 7 52ft Arun: April 11 12, 20, 22, 24, 29, May 2 (twice) and 4 St Peter Port, Channel Islands D class inflatable: April 11, 17, May 2 Relief 46ft 9in Watson: May 2 52ft Arun: April 25, May 6 and 23 (twice), 8 and 26 44ft Waveney: May 30 and 31 Salcombe, South Devon Valentia, Co Kerry Newquay, Cornwall 47ft Watson: May 9 52ft Barnett: March 4 and 11 D class inflatable: March 4, 5, 27, April 22 Scarborough, North Yorkshire Walmer, Kent and May 1 37ft Oakley: April 9 37ft 6in Rather: April 14 New Quay, Dyfed Selsey, West Sussex D class inflatable: April 12, May 3, 11, 15 D class inflatable: March 27 48ft 6in Oakley: March 28 (twice), April 19, a'nd 23 (three times) North Sunderland, Northumberland May 22 and 27 Walton and Frinton, Essex 37ft Oakley: April 24 D class inflatable: April 10 48ft 6in Oakley: April 9 and May 3 D class inflatable: April 10 and 24 (twice) Sheerness, Kent West Kirby, Merseyside Oban, Argyllshire 44ft Waveney: March 15 and 21 D class inflatable: April 24 42ft Watson: April 12 and May 12 Relief 44ft Waveney: March 25 West Mersea, Essex 18ft 6in McLachlan: April 9 44ft Waveney: May 2 (twice), 3, 23 (twice) Atlantic21: March 30, April 6, 18, 23, May 2, Padstow, Cornwall and 30 3 and 23 (five times) 48ft 6in Oakley: March 27 (twice) and May D class inflatable: March 13, 21, 28 and April Weston-super-Mare, Avon 21 4 (three times) 18ft din McLachlan: March 27, April 4 and Peel, Isle of Man Relief D class inflatable: May 2, 22, 23 and 30 25 Atlantic 21: April 20 (twice) and May 8 Sheringham, Norfolk D class inflatable: March 27, April 4, 11, 25, Penarth, South Glamorgan 37ft Oakley: April 6 29 and May 22 D class inflatable: March 3, 23, 24, 26, May Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex Weymouth, Dorset 23 and 29 37ft 6in Rather: March 15, April 22 and May Relief 52ft Arun: April 7,13, 20, 25 and May Penlee, Cornwall 29 3 (twice) 46ft 9in Watson: April 8 and May 1 D class inflatable: May 22 (twice), 23 (twice) 54ft Arun: May 24 Peterhead, Aberdeenshire and 30 Whitby, North Yorkshire Relief 48ft 6in Solent: April 2 Silloth, Cumbria 44ft Waveney: March 3, April 2 and 8 48ft 6in Solent: April 9 Atlantic 21: March 19 D class inflatable: March 27, April 2, 4, 25 Plymouth, South Devon Skegness, Lincolnshire and 26 44ft Waveney: April 14 and May 2 37ft Oakley: March 30 Whitstable, Kent 18ft 6in McLachlan: May 10 and 17 D class inflatable: May 28, 30 and 31 Atlantic21: April 4, 17 (twice), 30, May 1 Poole, Dorset Skerries, Co Dublin (twice), 2, 15,23 and 31 44ft Waveney: March 14, April 21, May 12, D class inflatable: April 12 Wick, Caithness 22 and 23 Southend-on-Sea, Essex 48ft din Oakley: April 23 Dell Quay Dory: March 21. 29 (twice), April Relief Atlantic 21: March 29 Wicklow, Co Wicklow 7, 8,10, May 2,12, 21, 25, 29 and 30 Atlantic 21: April 10 (twice) and 13 42ft Watson: March 17 and May 21 Portaferry, Co Down Relief D class inflatable: March 14, 16, 27 Workington, Cumbria D class inflatable: March 13 (twice) (twice), April 24, 26 and May 1 47ft Watson: May 2 Port Erin, Isle of Man Southwold, Suffolk Yarmouth, Isle of Wight 37ft 6in Rather: May 8 and 14 Atlantic21: March 21, April 29, May 10 and 52ft Arun: March 1, 26, 27, April 5, 10, 21. Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd 14 22 and May 22 47ft Watson: March 14 and May 31 Port Isaac, Cornwall D class inflatable: April 25 and May 30 Portrush, Co Antrim SERVICES AND LIVES RESCUED BY THE RNLI'S LIFEBOATS 52ft Arun: March 10 January 1, 1982, to July 31, 1982: Services 1,501; lives rescued 446 Portsmouth (Langstone Harbour), Hampshire THE STATION FLEET Atlantic 21: March 14, May 2 (three times), (as at 31/7/82) 16,18, 19, 22 (three times) and 31 258 lifeboats, of which two Atlantic 21, three 18ft 6in McLachlan and D class inflatable: May 2 (twice) and 31 63 D class inflatable lifeboats operate in summer only Port St Mary, Isle of Man LIVES RESCUED 108,090 Relief 52ft Barnett: April 1 from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to 31/7/82, including shoreboat services Relief'52ft Arun: May 16 D class inflatable: April 12, May 5, 16 and 17 143 Index to Advertisers Page MISCELLANEOUS FUND RAISING Aegis Insurance Services (Group) Ltd.... 110 FISHERMENS' SMOCKS, 100% navy cot- ORGANISE A FIREWORK DISPLAY! Adventure Wear Lid 110 ton drill; all sizes £8.95. Corduroy Smocks, Hints and instructions supplied with every Birds Eye Foods Ltd Back Cover navy, rust or khaki; all sizes £il.95. All pack. Have fun and a happy social evening Fairey Al/day Marine Inside Front Cover prices inclusive of postage. Rockall Wear, 17 too. Please write or telephone for our Lists Mercantile Credit Inside Back Cover Fairfield Drive, Halesowen, West Midlands with Sample Programme and Contents RNLI Kensington Branch 110 B62 9PJ. Sheets. FIREWORKS galore! Ltd. 3 Market Place, Bulwell, Nottingham. Tel: (0602) BOAT REPAIRS 278619. Classified Advertisements Wordage: £5.50 per single column centimetre BOAT REPAIRS V^ (minimum charge £16.50). NB: The mini- FUND RAISING GAMES: mum space of 3cm takes about 45 words at 15 BRIXHAM N Teddy Bear's Picnic words per cm. • Marine & Electrical Engineering x • Private & Commercial Wembley Win a Football^ With illustration: £12 per single column cen- \ • Also specialist boat building Win a Panda timetre (minimum charge £36). \ «4 Slipways (up to 65ft l.o.a.) Hello Dolly Lifting up to 10 tons Clip-on Cuddlies ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PRE-PAID. • Superior Quality Pop Posters • Glass Fibre repairing Make-up Girl Brokerages Insurance Handyman Tools HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION UPHAM BRIXHAM DEVON Diamonds are Forever TEL: (08045) 2365 DORSET. Close to Poole with its harbour, Plus Many More miles of safe sandy beaches, dunes and cliffs. Free illustrated catalogue sent Golf 250 yards. Ride, walk or just relax in UPHAM on request small licensed hotel with fireside comfort and PEEKS OF BOURNEMOUTH LTD good fresh food. Open all year and special Everything for Fetes and Carnivals weekend rates. Fairlight Hotel, Broadstone THE GIFT OR PRESENTATION TUCKTON BOURNEMOUTH DORSET BH63LD BH18 8BE. Tel: 0202 694316. WITH A DIFFERENCE! TELEPHONE: 0202 429404/5 UNCANNILY ACCURATE MINIATURE DARTMOUTH—try an out-of-season short MODELS OF ACTUAL LIFEBOATS, or long holiday in my comfortable and well SAILING BARGES, YACHTS appointed maisonette. Town centre location, AND OTHER VESSELS on level close to Butterwalk. Colour TV, Commissioned by maritime museums, col- nightstore heating, all amenities; sleeps lectors, yacht owners and clubs. RNLI life- eight. For details telephone D. Wickers, boats a speciality for enthusiasts and crew FUND-RAISERS Exeter 215551 (day) or 78362 (evening). retirements. YOUR PROFIT RNLI WALL PLAQUES - a new high quality hand-crafted item with full-coloured RNLI £18.00 MOUNT LODGE HOTEL has a few vacan- per min. order cies for Christmas and will be open through- flag in relief, mounted on varnished shield out the winter for Bargain Breaks. Situated (,1/2" x SW'—£9.50 (P&P £2.25). Ideal for YNOW- between Bournemouth and Poole Town presentations with engraved plates with own YLATER Centres in quiet chine setting. We take pride wording £2.50 extra—Brian Williams, ; Seller | Details from *'*, M,l^ in our cuisine and offer warm, comfortable Marine Model Artist, 'West Rock', The LANE & PARTNERS LTD. rooms. Licensed. Sonia and Alan Norgan, 19 Cleave, Kingsand, Nr Torpoint, Cornwall Beaulieu Road, Alum Chine, Bournemouth PL10 INF (0752-822638). 59 South Audley Street, London W1 0202761173.

COOMBE BANK HOTEL, TEIGN- MOUTH, S. Devon. Family-run hotel within HOW YOU CAN HELP easy reach of three Lifeboat Stations and Exeter Maritime Museum. Good home cooking, TV lounge, 'Lifeboat' Bar. OPEN THE LIFEBOATMEN ALL YEAR. 10% off peak discount for Lifeboat Crew and their families. Write or phone for brochure 06267 2369. JOIN you local branch or guild SAILING HOLIDAYS IN MENORCA JOIN Shoreline, the membership Harbourside villa at Mahon with sailing dinghy. Superb view, close to yacht club, scheme three double bedrooms. Flights can be arranged. Details from G. S. Nell, 'Briar- HELP on flag days field', Hazel Grove, Orpington, Kent. Tel: 068955803. BUY RNLI gifts and souvenirs and Christmas cards PAINTINGS LIFEBOAT OIL PAINTINGS on canvas SELL lottery tickets 36" x 28". £52.00 post paid. Arun, Watson, Waveney, Oakley, etc, by well-known Life- GIVE a coffee morning boat artist John Lee. Storm and rescue situations a speciality. Ideal for retirement COLLECT used British or foreign presentations or Lifeboat Fund raffles. Satisfaction guaranteed. Send s.a.e. to 9 stamps and foreign coins Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset. Tel: (0305) 785960. For further information write to: APPEALS SECRETARY, Advertisement Rates ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION, Page £775 Half page £435 WEST QUAY ROAD, Quarter page £260 Eighth page... £165 POOLE, DORSET, BH15 1HZ. Series rates where appropriate Circulation of THE LIFEBOAT 103,000 When you have read your copy of THE LIFEBOAT, please pass it on to a library, a waiting room, a school, a friend. . . . Dyson Advertising Services, PO Box 9, Godalming, Surrey. 04868 23675 144 Help yourself.... and the R.N.L.I. horeline rates anstobuy u want- now! Every loan a Shoreline member takes out, under a special arrangement with Mercantile Credit Company Limited, means a welcome donation to the RN.L.I. funds. And you help your- self, too, because the loan will be arranged at preferential rates. Confidential Personal Loans are included in the arrangement, in addition to the complete range of plans to ; help with the purchase of boats of all kinds. With a Personal Loan you can go out and buy what you want, where you want... now, without waiting. Your loan will come to you directly as a personal cheque so you can enjoy all the benefits of paying cash when you make your purchase. You can apply for unsecured loans from £200 to £5,000 repaying by equal monthly sums, over periods between 1 and 5 years which you choose (subject to prevailing government controls on certain purchases). Typical example: Amount borrowed £2,000; repaid by 24 monthly instalments of | £107.50; total amount payable £2,580.70; APR 29.2%. To obtain full details of our Shoreline members loan facilities, tick the appropriate box, and complete and post the coupon. No stamp is needed.

To, Mr. L. Fraser, Mercantile Credit Company Limited. FREEPOST, P.O. Box 75, London WC2B 5XA. (No stamp required.) Please Send me details Of: (Please tick appropriate box.) Shoreline Shoreline I am a member Personal Loans Sailing Loans of Shoreline SEND FOR Name DETAILS NOW. Address -Postcode. WE PROMISE A Phone No. __I wish to borrow £^ (please state amount, SPEEDY ANSWER. A I Mercantile Credit if possible) I Fast friendly finance 1526 j The Captain takes his hat off totheRNLL