RNLI Cornwall Magazine Issue 1 by Newsquest South-West

Summer 2012

Remember the RNLI

RNLI Events this summer

The Lizard lifeboat launched

RNLI - the charity that saves lives at sea

Issue 1

n exhibition Saving lives

n news The Lizard lifeboat celebration

n news Meet the young fundraisers

n news An unforgettable night

n news Off duty rescue

n news RNLI in action

n news Supporting SOS

n news Toby is all heart

n news Coast to Coast

n appeal Remember the RNLI

n events Sea Shanty festival

n events A cracking day out

n news Author visits school

n news Supporting the RNLI

Cover picture RNAS Culdrose

Thank you - one and all HELLO and welcome to the very first edition of the Cornwall RNLI magazine, with thanks to the Packet Newspaper group who have generously helped us to produce this at no cost to our charity. This is an appropriate moment to also thank all those advertisers who have kindly supported this inaugural edition. I now hope you will enjoy the read and that you will find out more about the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, and the extremely hard work and commitment shown by our many fundraising volunteers in particular. After all without their efforts there would be no lifeboats, no equipment and no training for our volunteer crews and our lifeguards all around Cornwall. 2011 was another busy year for the RNLI in Cornwall. Volunteer lifeboat crews at the 14 lifeboat stations around the county launched 434 times last year and assisted 406 people. The busiest lifeboat station was Newquay on the North coast where the volunteers launched 102 times, spending 586 hours at sea, with 39 of their rescues happening in the dark. On the south coast the busiest lifeboat station was Falmouth where the crews of the all-weather and inshore lifeboats launched 93 times, assisting 85 people. Next busiest was neighbouring lifeboat station Fowey where the volunteers put to sea for 57 emergencies, assisting 42 people. The RNLI lifeguards in Cornwall were busy too. Across the 57 beaches patrolled by the charity, lifeguards dealt

advertising Denise Orchard telephone: 01326 569615 e-mail: denise.orchard@packetseries.co.uk design & page layout Packet Newspapers telephone: 01326 213333

with 8,086 incidents and assisted 8,942 people. They also saved 39 lives. The busiest beach not surprisingly, was the hugely popular Perranporth beach. But none of that lifesaving work is possible without you! As a charity, the RNLI relies on public donations to provide a 24/7 lifesaving operation and that is thanks to the donations and legacies you provide us with, and the money you put in buckets and tins at events, open days and when you have spare change and see a collecting box to put it in. Thank you. I hope this magazine will give you an insight into the work we do, the events our volunteer fundraisers organise to help keep the RNLI afloat and the commitment of our many supporters, from celebrities to businesses and individuals. Our main story captures the theme beautifully - the opening of the RNLI's new lifeboat station at The Lizard and the naming of the new Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Rose that's based in it. The build represented the biggest such project in the country for the RNLI and also the charity's determination to protect and support the many seafarers who pass by this treacherous part of the coast on a daily basis. We would love to see you and thank you in person this year so we also include a list of the many lifeboat days and weeks that are being run across Cornwall throughout the summer and hope you might be able to come along to one or more of the fun-filled, action packed events. We also want you to stay safe so there's some useful tips for those of you visiting the coast. To find out more about the RNLI please visit our website at www.rnli.org.uk and if you'd like to make comment on our new magazine please feel free to drop us a line at feedback@rnli.org.uk Tamsin Thomas RNLI Public Relations Manager for the south west

fax: 01326 212084 e-mail: editorial@packetseries.co.uk Newsquest Cornwall, Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4SZ The opinions expressed by the RNLI are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

Published by the RNLI. Produced by Newsquest Cornwall (part of the Gannett Group) from its office at Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4SZ. Printed at Newsquest Print Centre, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD. 3

Risking their lives to save those of others NATIONAL Maritime Museum Cornwall has officially opened its eagerly anticipated Search and Rescue exhibition with a show stopping air sea rescue demonstration by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and HM Coastguard in front of a crowd of hundreds. Honouring the work of the heroic men and women who risk their lives at sea and around our coast, the new exhibition, the first of its kind, invites you to be a part of their world, where ordinary people lead extraordinary lives. As you enter the exhibition you discover you have walked into a central hub for all Search and Rescue operations. A Sea King helicopter dominates your eye line inviting you to climb aboard; to the right an RNLI Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat rides high above you; in front the interactive Coastguard Operations room asks you to respond to a Mayday while a cliff rescue team descends a wall above you. Spend some time on the ‘beach’ astride the quad bike and keep the surfers and swimmers safe, relive childhood dreams by dressing up in flight suits, helicopter helmets, RNLI and coastguard clothing and lifesaving equipment. Be entranced by the film footage and audio 4

descriptions of rescues well-known and some untold and take a step back in time to the founding years of the lifesaving charity the RNLI and the Coastguard. All around you are major objects, artefacts, personal effects, photography and film footage from the past and present sharing the lives of those who come to the rescue when we’re in trouble at sea. Clothing and equipment from the past including rocket lines, horse and cart wagons, wicker helmets and cork lifejackets clearly communicate advances in today’s technology and the impact it now has on numbers of lives saved. Time influences many things. However there are many elements within the exhibition that show that although decades have passed, the grit and determination of individuals, who are in some cases volunteers, to risk their lives to save others has not changed. The drive then was as passionate as it is today, time does not stand in the way of human perseverance and dedication. This couldn’t be more evident than when revisiting Cornish rescues from the past. The exhibition looks at the wreck of the Suevic in 1907, the largest rescue operation in the

RNLI’s history, saving 524 lives and at the 1981 Penlee disaster when 16 lives were lost including the volunteer RNLI crew from the Solomon Browne and passengers and crew from aboard the Union Star. The Fastnet disaster on 14 August 1979 saw an emergency response from official coastguards and civilian naval vessels, lifeboats and helicopters and was the largest rescue operation at sea since World War II. Freelance journalist and photographer Andrew Besley had just started working at RNAS Culdrose and puts the conditions on that day into context when he recalls the rescues: “On a couple of occasions we would go down so low to a boat to effect a rescue that we would be in the trough of two waves and I would look up from the small window on the side of the helicopter and see a wave, often beginning to break, 30 or 40 foot above us. At the time I just numbly accepted it. Looking back it was horrendous.” Within the exhibition, film footage and accounts from rescues at sea and land, including the Boscastle flooding, highlight the approach to the mammoth rescue effort and the co-ordinated work of all the maritime res-

n Pilots and observers of 771 Naval Air Squadron took time out to man the new exhibition at the Maritime Museum and talk about their experiences on the front line of cue services. Jonathan Griffin, Director of National Maritime Museum Cornwall concludes: “Prior to this exhibition I hadn’t fully appreciated the combined work of all the organisations and services around our coast. Their team work, dedication and commitment to each other and the public has to be admired. They have worked together to help fund and develop this exhibition and we can’t thank them enough. Only by working with them have we been able to share their story with our visitors and create further awareness of the work they do.” Joanna Bellis, RNLI Heritage Curatorial Manager says: “This is the first time the RNLI and RNLI Heritage Trust has worked as a partner with a national museum for an exhibition and this is the most significant 'presence' we, as a charity, have had in the West Country. We’re delighted to be part of it and to be able to present our heritage collections alongside items from the modern day RNLI. We hope our contribution to the exhibition will be a fun and inspiring way to find out about the charity and will go some way to giving back to all those that have supported us over the years by showing what their support and funding has enabled us to achieve.” Search and Rescue, the new blockbuster exhibition from National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth is now open and invites you to enter the world of the maritime rescue services. Experience the drama of a rescue, climb aboard a Sea King helicopter, meet the crews, explore a lifeboat, revisit rescues from the past and discover what it takes to bring you home safely when the worst happens at sea and around our coast. 29

n The crowd gathered in the main boathouse for the official opening ceremony and service of dedication

Pictures: PAUL RICHARDS

Lizard station celebration SATURDAY 5 May saw The Lizard RNLI lifeboat station celebrate its official opening and dedication of Tamar class lifeboat Rose when more than 500 invited guests packed into the new lifeboat station in Kilcobben Cove, The Lizard. After months of planning, the crew, shore crew and station personnel welcomed their invited guests, all of whom had in some way enabled the station to be rebuilt or had helped to provide the new lifeboat. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has invested over £10 million in The Lizard and all the money has come from public donations, through generous legacies, individual donations or from fundraising activity. One unusual visitor and a very special guest also added to the day, when a basking shark suddenly appeared off the lifeboat station and seemed to entertain the awaiting crowds before the start of the ceremony. During the service, the Barnett class lifeboat The Duke of Cornwall, which was on station at The Lizard from 1961 until 1984, made a very welcome return visit. Then at 2pm, almost two years after the start of the rebuild project, the station was officially opened by the Chairman of the RNLI, Admiral the Lord Boyce, with Lady Mary Holborow, the recently retired Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and Patron of The Lizard Tamar Lifeboat Appeal, naming the lifeboat, Rose. The service of dedication was followed by a presentation of awards to four volunteer members of The Lizard lifeboat station. Crew mem6

n The climax to the ceremony was when the bottle of champagne was broken over the bow of Rose as she was named and then launched down the slipway ber Steve Tattersall was presented with a 20 years’ service badge, Head Launcher Jeff Ashby a 30 years’ service badge, Deputy Launching Authority John Harris a 40 years’ service badge and Ken Bright received a service certificate after retiring as Deputy Head Launcher at the end of last year. The climax to the ceremony was when the bottle of champagne was broken over the bow of Rose as she was named and then she was

launched down the slipway. The guests then made their way up to a marquee in the top car park where they were served with a traditional Cornish cream tea. In May 2010, the old lifeboat station was demolished and teams of builders set about rebuilding a larger more modern facility, which would house the Tamar class allweather lifeboat. This is the most ambitious building project undertaken by the RNLI; Kilcobben Cove

is in a very remote location and 200 feet over a cliff with limited access. During the 20 months it took to rebuild the station, the lifeboat was placed on a mooring off Cadgwith or Polpeor, Lizard Point or during times of poor weather was taken to the shelter of Falmouth Harbour. In July 2011, The Lizard’s Tyne class lifeboat David Robinson was replaced with the new Tamar class lifeboat Rose. The local fundraising branches in The Lizard, Coverack,

n Lady Mary Holborow, the recently retired Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and Patron of The Lizard Tamar Lifeboat Appeal, naming the lifeboat, Rose

n John Harris receives his 40 years service badge Helston and Porthleven, along with the local community had been given the challenge of raising £300,000 in three years and after a fantastic response from all sorts of clubs, organisations and individuals, raised £385,000 in only two years. In October 2011, the new station was handed over to the RNLI by builders BAM Nuttall. Work then began to furnish the inside of the station. Although the lifeboat was now safely housed and able to respond from the station, the build-

n The service of dedication was followed by a presentation of awards to four volunteer members of The Lizard lifeboat station

ing required finishing off. The funicular lift and winch house were now also refurbished. Ned Nuzum Lifeboat Operations Manager at The Lizard lifeboat station said: “Accepting our new lifeboat into the station’s care at this ceremony, attended by so many former crew, including two very distinguished retired coxswains, helpers and committee was a moment I’ll personally privilege forever more. “This day ultimately celebrated the end of an exciting journey for us

all here at The Lizard station, a day we’ll surely remember for the rest of our lives. “So much has happened here over the past three years, big changes to cope with, difficult decisions for many and big challenges for others. “As we now embark on the next chapter of this station’s proud history, with a magnificent new boathouse and a sensational new Tamar lifeboat, let us remember that generations of lifeboat men

(and women now too), have saved lives from here and the surrounding shores for 153 years and this is a tradition we are all really proud of, something that we will be privileged to take into the future. “With these new excellent facilities our volunteer crew will be better equipped, committed, selfless and courageous when necessary, as they place the lives of others before that of their own, in the best traditions of the RNLI, saving lives at sea.” 7

n The champagne waiting for launch

n The lifeboat is launched

n Grade Ruan School Council treasurer, Verity Freeman, and deputy treasurer, Ben Rudd, present a cheque to The Lizard lifeboat coxswain Andrew Putt Picture: BERNICE PUTT/RNLI

Coxswain meets young fundraisers

School presents cheque to RNLI THE Lizard lifeboat coxswain Andrew Putt visited Grade Ruan School, Ruan Minor, to accept a cheque for the RNLI SOS Day. At the special school assembly Andrew met the pupils and staff before being presented with a cheque for ÂŁ220.21. The children at Grade Ruan Church of England School had hosted a cream

tea organised by Mrs Nicky Jose, at the school on Friday, January 27, with all the proceeds going towards replacing the lifejackets currently worn by the crew of The Lizard RNLI lifeboat. At the cream tea event, retired Lizard coxswain Phil Burgess and crew member Brett Jose talked to the children about the work of the RNLI and showed

them the foul weather gear the crew have to wear when going to sea in an emergency. The pupils put together an SOS Day board with pictures of different lifeboats and information leaflets about the RNLI, which was then displayed in the school hall. Andrew thanked the children and teachers for raising the money before inviting them to visit the lifeboat station early in March.

n More information about The Lizard RNLI lifeboat station at thelizardlifeboat.org.uk

n Ardgarry order of service at the remembrance ceremony

n The 1962 lifeboat and its crew

n The monument in memory of the Ardgarry crew

n The Ardgarry which was lost with all hands

Ceremony remembers crew of the Ardgarry MANY visitors to the naming and opening ceremony at The Lizard RNLI lifeboat station stopped to pay their respects at a special monument sited at the top of the cliff above Kilcobben Cove. The stone was placed there in 2008 when the lifeboat station played host to an extraordinary gathering of families who lost relatives in a shipping disaster in December 1962. This May flowers were place at the monument for the occasion this May, but back in August 2008 when the memorial was first unveiled around 100 people came together for the first time since the Ardgarry capsized off The Lizard in a ferocious gale with the loss of the whole crew. Events in 2008 began with a private church service, before the families walked to Kilcobben Cove where the present day RNLI lifeboat is stationed, to unveil a memorial stone in memory of both the Ardgarry crew, and the members of the 1962 Lizard/Cadgwith lifeboat, The Duke of

Cornwall, who spent 14 hours at sea searching for the Ardgarry. The Memorial Day began with a moving church service* attended by the families of those lost when the Ardgarry capsized. Many were meeting each other for the first time, and there were also relatives from within the same families who had never met before. The shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bell, recovered by divers two years ago, lay in front of the altar. Also in the congregation were two of the 1962 RNLI lifeboat crew, Peter Mitchell (Mechanic) and Bob Roberts. The assembled families then walked to nearby Kilcobben Cove where they watched a helicopter and lifeboat exercise* involving The Lizard lifeboat, before unveiling a special memorial stone in remembrance of both the Ardgarry crew and The Lizard lifeboat volunteers who put to sea to search for them. Some of the immediate family members then cast flowers into the sea from the lifeboat slip-

way and watched in silence as two of the group placed a wreath in the water from the lifeboat lying just off the boathouse. The commemorations finished with a special Cornish tea at the Reading Room in Lizard village, organised by the ladies of The Lizard Lifeboat Guild. It was at 8.14pm on the 29 December 1962 when the coastguard told the local RNLI that the motor vessel Hollandia had reported a ship in distress three miles southwest of The Lizard. The wind was east north easterly, force 9 to 11 with a very rough sea. Later reports said the 600-ton ship had appeared to have capsized. The ship was the Ardgarry, a coaster carrying a cargo of coal that had left Swansea and was making its way to Rouen in France. All twelve men lost their lives and were never found. The ship lay hidden until two years ago when divers discovered the vessel and her bell. 11

n The Royal Marines band with the Gilbert and Sullivan companies performing at the Hall for Cornwall

An unforgettable performance THE RNLI and the Royal Marines have so much in common - not just the sea but the sheer professionalism and dedication in everything they undertake. Added to that the two have worked together closely since 1991 in producing a number of recordings to benefit the RNLI and, to date, over 45.000 copies have been sold and £250,000 funds have resulted from the Institution’s sales of them. So, with the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth based in Cornwall and the Plymouth G&S Fellowship, the oldest and finest of Gilbert and Sullivan companies in the country, nearby what better than to get them together, for the first time ever, in the Hall for Cornwall, Truro to undertake a very special RNLI concert for Cornwall. And after weeks of meticulous planning it took place to a full house and great acclamation as the programme, playing and singing was quite exceptional even by these performers’ very high standards. With the fine music of the Gilbert & Sullivan medleys of HMS Pinafore; The Mikado; Iolanthe; and The Pirates of Penzance together the Band’s great pieces, including The Seafarers; Kaleidoscope; Sounds Like Sinatra, by the Big Band, and The Lifeboatmen and Padstow Lifeboat marches, all culminating in the Sunset Ceremony with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope & Glory, it made a performance the audience will never forget. Above all, it was not only the audience which thoroughly enjoyed it –the performers were unanimously of the opinion that something very special happened that afternoon! After the hours of rehearsals, including only two hours together beforehand, they produced a complete gem of a performance and all, without exception, thought it was such an especially happy occasion for everybody and, not in the least, for the performers too. So with an audience, who was more than generous in the many compliments both then and sent afterwards, having had a great afternoon the concert raised some £5000 for the two charities. Another unexpected result – a universal request from both the public and the performers alike that it be repeated next year at the same time! So be it, the planning is well underway once again. Look out for Sunday 27th January 2013 when, at 2.30 pm in the Hall for Cornwall it will be even better if everyone has their wishes met! It follows the concept of the RNLI, the Royal Marines and the Fellowship. Tickets will be available from Hall for Cornwall later in the year.

n Concert organiser Brian Williams, honorary Life Governor of RNLI, and guest Cmdre Miller CBE RN 13

Off duty lifeguard rescue RNLI lifeguard Jamie Smith rescued a novice surfer who was caught in a dangerous rip current on Gwithian Beach in Cornwall Jamie who is from Illogan near Portreath had been debating whether to go in for a surf himself, he said: “I’d pulled up at the beach and was deciding whether or not to go in, it was about 5 to 6 foot and a bit messy, with visible rip currents, but the fact that we’d had no surf for about two weeks gave me the motivation needed. “I’d just paddled out the back when I looked over to see two people bobbing around about five to six hundred metres off shore. I immediately thought it was a little strange to be so far out and could see just in front of them a big rip, which had obviously taken them out that far. They were attempting to paddle directly back into the same rip and were not getting anywhere. “I paddled closer and shouted to them to paddle towards me, away from the rip and then back into the shore. One of them started to do this and in no time he was clear and making his way back in, but the other had jumped off his board and was trying to swim into the rip again. “I paddled closer, he looked shattered and close to exhaustion. I spoke calmly to him and explained the situation and how he could help himself out of it if he could get back on the board and paddle out towards me. But I could see he

was giving up and he said he didn’t have anything left. I continued to reassure him and convinced him to keep paddling, and we slowly started making some headway, but he was really tired. “He was on a six foot short board and I was on a 5ft 10in, both too small to put him on and paddle us both in as I would normally do on a rescue board. Instead I got him to hang onto my leash and effectively towed him the last 400 metres. It was pretty hard going, but we made it slowly back to shore. “He was completely exhausted and quite emotional. It was only his second time surfing and wasn’t aware of what rip currents were, I stayed with him for some time and explained how to spot one and what to do should he get caught again.” Jamie, who is 21 and studying Marine Sports Science at Falmouth Marine School, has been an RNLI lifeguard for a year and will be back on the beaches in Hayle this summer. He said: “My lifeguard training instantly kicked in, I normally patrol the bottom end of Hayle

Towans, but surf regularly at Gwithian where it really picks up the swell and is notorious for rip currents in those conditions. But I felt completely comfortable with my level of fitness and the knowledge that I had the training behind me, and just really grateful that I had decided to go in. There was no one else around who could have helped and even his other mates who were surfing in the white water hadn’t noticed what had happened.” Phil Drew, RNLI lifeguard manager is impressed by Jamie’s quick and calm reactions to the unfolding emergency. He said: “Jamie did a great job. “Alongside intensive training, RNLI lifeguards are committed to maintaining a certain level of fitness which means that they can cope in all kinds of conditions and situations and despite a having the winter off, its commendable that Jamie continues to demonstrate this level. “It’s essential that anyone taking up surfing or any other water sports should get professional instruction, when as part of the lesson will be taught about the dangers associated with their sport. Out of lifeguard season, people should always be prepared to make a judgement on the suitability of the conditions in regards to their capabilities, and if unsure ask locals for their knowledge.”

Six out of ten lifeboat launches are funded by legacies. Small or large from boots to boats, gifts in wills all help our volunteers stay safe and save more lives. Go to page 25 to see how 15

OLUNTEER lifeboat crew from Newquay RNLI gave up several hours of their time on, Monday, May 7, to assist a local fishing boat crew after they got a rope caught in their propeller. The lifeboat crew were launched at 1.30pm and were on scene in a matter of minutes, but in a fresh south westerly wind it then took more than two hours to bring the stricken vessel back to the harbour. The initial call to the lifeboat station came at 1.15pm reporting that the local fishing boat Tiz-Ardly-On, with three people onboard, had a rope caught in her propeller between Cliggar Head and Perran. RNLI volunteers Matt Robins, Mike Martin and Nick Kearton immediately responded onboard the Atlantic inshore lifeboat Gladys Mildred. Swiftly on scene, they then began the slow journey back, towing the 32-foot vessel. Graham Mountford, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority and tractor driver at Newquay RNLI lifeboat station, said the incident was yet more proof of the commitment of the charity’s local lifeboat team. He said: “This is a well-practised scenario for Newquay RNLI. Training is very important and our volunteer crew regularly rehearse the various skills needed to respond to incidents like this one. They give their time to do this and I have to praise their dedication as even on a Bank Holiday they again gave up their own time to help others.”

OLUNTEER RNLI lifeboat crew members from Penlee and Sennen Cove responded to reports of a woman in the water at Porthcurno Beach on the

n St Ives RNLI crew members race to another emergency incident afternoon of May 8. Penlee’s inshore lifeboat crew launched on the request of Falmouth Coastguard at 12.40pm, to initial reports of a person in the water calling for help. The allweather lifeboat from Sennen Cove was also tasked due to further reports of several people involved in the incident. On arrival at the scene the volunteer lifeboat crews found a group of people on a rock, known as Mussel Rock (also known sometimes as Fraggle Rock). It was apparent that just one of the group had been in the water for some time and was possibly suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion. A woman, who was in her early 30s, was rescued from the rocks onto the inshore RNLI lifeboat by the Penlee crew, from where she was airlifted by Rescue 193 from RNAS Culdrose and transferred to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Truro. With the remaining members of the group not requiring any further assistance, both RNLI lifeboats and their volunteer crews were stood down.

NLI lifeguards on Perranporth Beach rescued two bodyboarders caught in a strong rip on Wednesday, March 21. The group of 12 RNLI lifeguards were on the beach training on the Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) and four-wheel drive vehicles. Calum Findlay and Toby Farnes were on the water in the IRB, when they noticed the two bodyboarders (a man and woman) caught in a really strong rip current waving their arms and calling for help. They immediately went to assist. At the same time, Pete Carr and Bruno Martin, who had just come back into shore, noticed the same bodyboarders and began swimming out to them. Calum and Toby grabbed the woman who had lost her bodyboard and pulled her into the IRB, taking her swiftly back to shore, while Pete and Bruno took hold of the man and swam him into the beach. Pete Carr said: “The water looked especially inviting, the sun was shining and there was about four foot of surf, with an offshore wind. However, at low tide, the rip currents at Perranporth are particularly strong, which caught out these bodyboarders, who were relatively inexperienced. “Once the bodyboarders were back on shore, they were really grateful for our help, as there wasn’t really anyone near them and I don’t think they could have got back to shore by themselves. “They both commented on how powerful the current had been. It was real life training for us though and meant we were able to put the skills we’d been practising all day to good use.”

n St Ives RNLI crew members clean vehicles large and small for SOS Day

Public support SOS Day THE volunteer crew of the St Ives lifeboat spent Saturday 11th February up to their armpits in water cleaning cars. They were supported by other volunteers and the Guild who set up stalls in the boathouse to keep people busy while they were waiting which also raised money. Between them they raised a fantastic £2,200 for the “Lifejackets for Lifesavers” campaign for SOS Day. On top of that there were also two donations made on the day, with the Concrete Society presenting a cheque

for an amazing £2,579 for the “Lifejackets for Lifesavers” campaign, and Richard Glanville from Tremovah Industries gave the crew polo shirts which he had sponsored. The day began for the crew at 9am when car washing began. Customers were charged a minimum donation but many donated far more. The crew soon found that they had seven or eight cars on the go or waiting to be cleaned, and this is the way it continued all day. Vehicles came in all shapes and sizes,

from the local Tesco home delivery van to a family's toy cars which the coxswain Paul Whiston gave a wash. The crew even cleaned the wheels and undercarriage of a wheelchair. Paul said: “We were amazed at the generosity of the public and pleased with how they entered into the spirit of the event.” The crew thanked W J Winn and Travis Perkin for sponsoring the cleaning equipment and PELs of St Ives, Ferrells and The Cornish Bakehouse for supplying food for the stalls.

Hottest April for RNLI THE hottest April in 100 years proved demanding for RNLI lifeboat volunteers and lifeguards in the south west in 2011, with August remaining the region's busiest month of the year. Annual statistics show that RNLI lifeboat crews in the region launched 1,586 times and rescued 1,571 people. The charity’s lifeguards in the south west had their second busiest year on record, assisting 13,639 people on 94 beaches. 2011 was in fact, the second busiest year on record for the RNLI around the coast of the UK and Ireland and the crew of the Weymouth lifeboats aided the most people nationally, bringing 176 people safely to shore. They were the second busiest lifeboat station in Dorset (113 launches) after Poole (140 launches). In Devon it was the volunteer RNLI crews of the Plymouth lifeboats that were busiest with 118 launches. In Cornwall Newquay lifeboat station notched up 102 launches and in Somerset the busiest volunteer crews were at Weston super Mare (42 launches). In the Channel Islands the St Helier lifeboats launched the most times with 47 call outs. The RNLI lifeguards across the south west experienced another action packed season, only slightly down on 2010, which was their busiest year on record. The beaches with the highest number of incidents were all in Cornwall, including Perranporth where 827 people were assisted. In North Devon 463 people were assisted by the lifeguard teams at Woolacombe and in Dorset Bournemouth was the predominant beach with the life-

guards assisting 227 people. The RNLI took over the lifeguard service in Jersey in 2011, patrolling four beaches where they provided assistance to 207 people. Adrian Carey, RNLI Divisional Inspector, says the figures illustrate the continuing commitment of the charity’s teams across the south west: “The statistics show just how dedicated our lifeboat crew volunteers and our lifeguards are in the region, providing cover in foul weather and fair. For instance, in 2011 the lifeboat crews spent 37,380 hours at sea on rescues and training exercises, that’s a substantial gift of time to the RNLI and that’s as well as wearing their pagers 24/7 in winter and summer. I notice that we had our busiest November in 20 years with 77 lifeboat call outs around the south west. The lifeguard figures prove their value, but on top of this were the many volunteer lifeguards who provided cover throughout the year, more especially in 2011 on Fistral Beach in Newquay for the whole of March and November and at Gwithian and Sennen over the double bank holiday period of the royal wedding. “That dedication also applies to the families of our lifeboat and lifeguard teams who provide unwavering support, even in the busy summertime when they are trying to enjoy their holidays too. I must also pay tribute to the overwhelming generosity of the public who continue to provide valuable support for our charity despite the current economic pressures. Our recent SOS day activities proved very successful across the south west and have helped boost the fundraising

n Weymouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat Ernest and Mabel standing by the dismasted sail training vessel Leader in September for the new state-of-the-art lifejackets that will be arriving at lifeboat stations throughout the summer and early autumn. “A lot is said about our front line rescue work, but we also put a good deal of effort into the prevention of accidents with dedicated education programmes and campaigns featuring our lifeboat crews and lifeguards. “We constantly analyse our statistics and last year’s showed an increase of 14% in people having to be rescued by lifeboat after becoming cut off by the tide (86). “We’ll also be investigating the rise in the number of people being rescued from out of the water (299). This will include those thrown into the water by boats

capsizing or falling overboard, and people in danger off the beaches. The message is clear, plan your trip to the coast and make sure you are aware of the local conditions, and importantly, local tide times – it could save your life.” April 2011 was the busiest April in RNLI history, probably due to it being the warmest April in the UK for 100 years with over 200 hours of sunshine. “In comparison during August, the peak summer season, the number of hours of sunshine in the UK were the lowest in three years. However, this didn’t put people off visiting the coast and for both the south west lifeboat crews and lifeguards this is still their busiest month of the year.”

Padstow crew awards honour PADSTOW’S RNLI lifeboat station saw four crewmembers being presented with awards for their service to the RNLI. Tim Norfolk who has been a volunteer helper at the station for over 20 years received a letter of thanks from the RNLI thanking him for his help with fundraising. Tim can be seen at all the Lifeboat fundraising events dress in his lifeboat apparel and carrying his own lucky collecting bucket and has successfully collected many thousands of pounds, vital for the running of the lifeboat and lifeboat station. Tim was presented with his award by Coxswain Alan Tarby who said: “That the crew and station were very appreciative of Tim and all his hard work in

all weathers to raise much needed funds for the RNLI to help maintain the role of saving lives at sea.” Coxswain Alan Tarby along with Head Winchman Peter Poole and Head Launcher Robert Norfolk were then presented with gold bars to their long service medals. Alan Tarby received his award for thirty year service, Peter Poole for 44 years service and Robert Norfolk for 40 years service. Presenting their awards RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Captain Trevor Platt said: “I found it humbling presenting three long service awards which totalled 114 years of dedicated service.”

n Head winchman Peter Poole, head launcher Robert Norfolk, fundraiser Tim Norfolk, Coxswain Alan Tarby and operations manager Capt Trevor Platt with their awards. 19

n Toby Anstis (second right) with the RNLI lifeguards (L to R) Dickon Berriman, Lee Griffin, Josh Ward and Martyn Ward

Toby Anstis is all Heart FM RNLI lifeguards preparing for another summer season on Cornwall’s beaches, were joined by Heart FM presenter Toby Anstis on Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth on Thursday, May 3. The charity’s lifeguards put the triathlete through his paces to show him what it takes to work as a lifeguard on some of the UK’s busiest beaches. All RNLI lifeguards, who patrol 57 beaches across the county, apply to work for the charity with a lifesaving qualification. They must then pass the RNLI’s vigorous fitness tests before they undergo two weeks of intensive RNLI training which ensures all RNLI lifeguards are trained to the highest standard before they can start on the beach. Toby, who alongside Emma Bunton and Jason Donovan is part of the Heart FM team which will launch in Cornwall from Monday 7 May, joined the team of RNLI lifeguards training on Gyllyngvase beach this morning. After a warm up session on the sand, RNLI lifeguards Martyn Ward, Lee Griffin and Josh Ward showed him the techniques and skills required for rescuing casualties in the water using a rescue board and he was soon ready to give it a go himself. 20

Dickon Berriman, RNLI Lifeguard Manager who was overseeing the training said:”A rescue or paddle board is the lifeguard’s primary piece of equipment because it’s a really quick and effective way to reach the casualty and get them back to shore safely. Toby played the role of a casualty first, then Lee showed him how to paddle and control the board effectively so that he was able to rescue Martyn. “He was good, his overall fitness and ability in the water really helped, but he was in full control of the rescue board and managed to bring Martyn back to shore on his own, which takes both strength and skill. The team awarded him an eight out of 10, which is very impressive for his first rescue.” Toby was also given a tour of the RNLI lifeguard facility, from where he was shown how to spot a rip current and other potential hazards, how to assess conditions on the beach, and how identify the safest area on to place the red and yellow bathing flags.Dickon continued: “There’s a saying that a good lifeguard should never get wet, and this is because 95 per cent of the role is preventing incidents before they happen by responding

to changing conditions and providing beach goers with safety advise, that’s why training and developing skills in observation and prevention are just as essential as the water based training for the lifeguards. “The lifeguards training and equipment is funded though voluntary donations from the public and we would not be able to offer the level of service we do without their generosity.” Toby Anstis added: “What a great experience, I’ve had a fantastic time down here on Gyllyngvase Beach. The lifeguard training was much harder than it looks, but the RNLI lifeguards gave me some top tips and it was fun both being rescued and then having a go myself. However the sea was nice and calm today and the lifeguards often work in much more challenging conditions on much busier beaches, I’ve a lot of respect for what the guys and girls do to keep people safe on Cornwall’s beaches. “I’m looking forward to a good summer and really proud to be part of Heart’s launch across the county.”

n The youth spring orchestras at the Launceston Town Hall who went under the umbrella name of Music Cornwall

Family thanks RNLI with dance THE family of a man who was given lifesaving first aid by RNLI lifeguards on Polzeath beach in North Cornwall in July 2011 hosted a barn dance at Launceston Town Hall on Saturday 17 March to thank the charity’s lifesavers. The event, which was attended by dancers aged from two months and upwards, raised an amazing £600 for the RNLI lifeguards who patrol the north Cornwall beaches throughout the season. Barbara Degener and her son Mavi organised the barn dance to thank the RNLI lifeguards who gave first aid to Mavi’s dad, 57 year old Alan Cowan from Tinagel who suffered a cardiac arrest while out surfing last July. The event’s folksy music was provided by three youth string orchestras, who play under the umbrella of Music Cornwall; Triggshire String Orchestra from Camelford, run by Barbara and Hywel Webley, Caradon Strings

from Liskeard with Philip Montgomery-Smith and Olivia Loewendahl and Launceston Strings accompanied by Verna Jones on the keyboard. Barbara said: ‘It was an amazing event;. Everyone bought their dancing shoes and were full of enthusiasm. Launceston Town Hall was a fantastic setting with the lights provided by Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society and the dancers filled the hall as soon as conductor Hilary Littlewood raised the baton. “For the grand finale all the musicians from all three groups shared the space on the stage while the dancers built a huge snake across the hall, the music from the youngsters was beautiful and made it a very special event. “Thanks to the caller Christine Judge, who was so inspiring with her instructions and encouraged everyone to have a go. There was a lot of laughter and joy accompanying the

almost perfect choreographies, coupled with an amazing amount raised for the RNLI, we’re just delighted.” Vicky Shearman, an educational volunteer from the RNLI provided essential beach safety information alongside lots of fun activities for the children. While Brian Norris and Leonore Morphet from Heartwise+ demonstrated a special exercise programme designed to prevent heart conditions, with equipment funded by the British Heart Foundation. It was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of keeping fit, and to let people know about the course they are offering at the Town Hall on Thursday mornings. Barbara gave thank Blakes Bakery in Liskeard who provided the delicious pasties and Harvey’s from Liskeard who made sure nobody was short of a drink.

n Steve McFadden enters the water at the start of one of his Castle to Castle swim challenges

In the swim for a good cause THE fourth RNLI Castle to Castle swim across the River Fal in Cornwall has attracted hundreds of swimmers, with the charity hoping to encourage even more participants to take part in the event in June. More than 240 people have signed up to make the mile-long swim from Pendennis Point to St Mawes on Sunday, June 3. The fundraising event, which is supported by EastEnders star Steve McFadden, who has competed twice, continues to be a popular swim, and organisers are hoping more people will sign up for the challenge. Steve McFadden said: ‘I’m gutted to miss the RNLI Castle to Castle swim this year. It’s always a fantastic challenge for a brilliant charity. I will, however, be flying the flag for the RNLI at the Jubilee Pageant and send all my best wishes to the swimmers flying the flag in Falmouth.” The 2012 event will include the optional ten-kilometre crosscountry run. Following a circular route, the cross-country run starts near St Mawes Castle and follows the coastal footpath to St Just in Roseland, before climbing up over the peninsula and back down the Percuil River to the finish line in St Mawes Harbour. Local BBC Radio Cornwall presenter, Laurence Reed, will start the swim at 4pm and hand out trophies and medals to every one of the successful participants.

The 2011 Castle to Castle event, in which more than 400 people took part, helped raise in excess of £50,000 for the charity helping to support the RNLI lifeguard service in the Devon and Cornwall area. RNLI Event Co-ordinator, Sarah Cheers, and RNLI Legacy Manager, Kate Ireland, will be entering the swim and helping to raise money for the RNLI through sponsorship. Sarah said: This is our first time taking part in the event. Although we’re both quite nervous about the currents, we’re really looking forward to getting across to St Mawes, and know that we’ll be in safe hands with the RNLI lifeguards and volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew from Falmouth, who will be on-hand monitoring the safety of the swimmers.’ Dave Nicoll, RNLI Area Manager for South West and South and West Wales, said: “We’re looking forward to yet another great Castle to Castle swim and are urging potential participants to register soon to avoid disappointment.” More information on the event can be found on the RNLI website www.rnli.org.uk/castle2castle, where the public can sign up for just the swim.’ For more information, or to enter the event, visit www.rnli.org.uk/castle2castle. For entries to the 10km run email cornwall@rnli.org.uk. 23

Remember the RNLI in your will ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S easy to forget how important legacies are to charities but six out of ten RNLI launches are only possible thanks to people who remembered the RNLI in their Will. Thankfully 74% of the UK population support charities and when asked, 35% of people say they'd happily leave a gift in their will once family and friends had been provided for, the problem is only 7% actually do. Kate Ireland, the RNLI Legacy Manager for the South West says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really easy to update your Will to guarantee your wishes are fulfilled. For the month of October, people over the age of 55 are being given the chance to have a simple or mirror Will written for free. A consortium of ten charities, which includes the RNLI, participates in the scheme in and around the south west. Every legacy is a lifesaver, small or large, funding boots to boats, they all help our volunteers to stay safe and save more lives. For more information on your THE volunteer crew of the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat from Padstow were launched May 11 after a fishing vessel suffered engine failure. They launched the Spirit of Padstow. The fishing vessel had broken down 20 miles north of Padstow off Bude.

nearest participating solicitor visit www.freewillsmonth.org.uk. or contact Kate Ireland on kate_ireland@rnli.org.uk The RNLI free Wills page will be up and running by September at www.rnli.org.uk/freewills Remember the RNLI Week is 10-16th (Monday to Sunday) and Remember a Charity Week (RAC) is 17-23 September. Bring our crews home safely in the future with a gift in your Will.

On arrival to the casualty the lifeboat crew fixed a tow and then proceeded to tow the fishing vessel back into Padstow.

Shiver your timbers with a shanty PREPARATIONS are already well advanced ahead of the ninth International Sea Shanty Festival in Falmouth that will be held on the weekend of June 15-17 this year. The organisers are once again delighted to confirm the valuable support of event sponsors, Skinner’s Brewery of Truro and that the festival will continue to raise funds for the RNLI. 29 acts (305 performers) will be entertaining the 2012 crowds, including a 40-strong shanty group from Norway and the now world famous Fisherman’s Friends from Port Isaac. Organisers have deliberately timed the festival during the shoulder period ahead of the main season and it has consistently drawn many thousands of visitors keen to sample its unique mix of music, tradition and fun. With more groups than last year and superb support from many local businesses and organisations, the event maintains its proud boast as the largest free maritime music event in the world. One of the organisers of the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is John Warren. John was one of three members of the Falmouth based shanty group Falmouth Shout who came up with the original idea for the festival. The other two were former RNLI Coxswain Alan Barnes and Phil Slater. John says he’s really pleased to see the event reach its ninth year; ‘We are truly delighted, though not wholly surprised, with the amount of enthusiasm shown by the town to the event, especially in these challenging economic times. We have long believed we had a winning combination of a fantastic free festival that also raises many thousands of pounds for the RNLI. I have yet to meet anyone who has failed to enjoy the atmosphere and I very much look forward to welcoming everyone back to 26

Falmouth this year. I’d also like to thank all our supporters and Skinner’s Brewery in particular, for helping ensure another successful year.’ Last year (2011) the organisers presented the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) with a superb £5,500. This means that to date the festival has raised more than £25,000 for the charity that saves lives at sea. 2012 is already shaping up to be another successful festival for everyone concerned. Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager and Chairman of the festival’s organising committee, says: ‘We’re already building on the success of last year’s festival with a huge amount of interest being shown by many shanty groups based in the UK and abroad. We’ve developed a vibrant and eye catching new logo, which has been commissioned by the Business Improvement District and we also have a new website that people can visit to find out more about the festival at www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk “The committee have been working hard throughout the winter months to put the planning in place for a great event and look forward to welcoming many residents, visitors and of course groups, to Falmouth to support the RNLI and to enjoy the entertainment and surroundings.”

n Performers at The Front in Falmouth at last year’s festival

n Betty Stogs is an annual fixture at the event

n Members of Falmouth Shout perform at the opening ceremony for the 2011 festival

n Period costumes add to the colour

n The Sherinham Shanty Men performed for the crowds on Falmouth’s Custom House Quay

n Above – pupils from Falmouth’s King Charles and Marlborough schools sang in the marquee at last year’s Sea Shanty Festival. n Left – Many singers dressed up for their performances 27

n Lifeboats from yesteryear lined up with their modern replacement

Ex-lifeboat rally THE RNLI never forgets its heritage and once a year the port of Fowey celebrates the lifeboats of yesteryear with an Ex Lifeboat Rally. Kindly sponsored by Keltic Fuels, the event is on Saturday, June 16 with the lifeboats open to the public from 11am to 4pm at Berrills Yard Pontoon right next to where today's RNLI lifeboat is moored. There's no admission charge but donations are most welcome as are all visitors who often find themselves climbing aboard these life saving vessels of the past to be shown round by their private owners. The event ends with a parade of the former lifeboats on the river, dressed overall in bright flags. The event is also supported by the RNLI's Sea Safety team, the local Coastguards and the National Coastwatch Institution.

n A rescue demonstration at Fowey Lifeboat Week

RNLI Lifeboat Week THIS is a hugely popular week that celebrates and supports the work of the volunteer crews who operate two lifeboats, the Trent class allweather lifeboat Maurice and Joyce Hardy and the D class inshore lifeboat Olive Too. This year the activities start on Wednesday, July 18 with a Pennant Race for cruising yachts and at 7.30pm a special lifeboat week barbecue supper at the Royal Fowey yacht Club, non members being very welcome. Also starting on the Wednesday night will be the three evening house to house collection (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights) with

a D class inshore lifeboat in tow. The main event is Lifeboat Day itself on Saturday 21 July. From 10am to 1pm there'll be all sorts of stalls on Town Quay, as well as a bouncy castle, a hog roast and a Pimms Bar. Turning toward the water, there'll also be a helicopter and lifeboat exercise in the harbour at midday. Throughout the week the BAFTA winning BBC Wildlife Photographer Ian McCarthy will be running a special photographic competition. To find out more call in to his gallery situated right next to the lifeboat station in Passage Street.

Son’s gift in mother’s memory A SON’S generous donation to the RNLI in memory of his Mum will pay for the purchase and care of three new lifejackets for volunteer crew members at Padstow lifeboat station. David Rickard from Honiton makes a donation to charity each year in memory of Mary Rickard who died one day before her 95th birthday six years ago. David, who does a weekly paper round for five hours every Wednesday to raise the money, always chooses a Cornish based charity as his mother lived in the St Austell area all her life. In previous years he has given money to charities such as the Cornwall Air Ambulance and the Precious Lives Appeal. This year he nominated the RNLI saying; “I am pleased to support the work of this wonderful charity and the volunteer team at Padstow in particular. “The 1981 Penlee lifeboat loss serves to remind us that the lives of the dedicated lifeboat crews who rescue thousands of people every year, are at risk when 28

undertaking rescue missions, quite often in extremely hostile weather conditions.” David presented the cheque for £1,250 to Steve Conium, RNLI Deputy Coxswain at Padstow and Michael England, RNLI Mechanic at the lifeboat station who said the very kind donation would make a big difference as they raise the £5,000 needed to buy their new lifejackets. He said: “We need £350 for each of these new state-of-the-art lifejackets, which will provide increased safety for all sizes and shapes of volunteers with a comfortable, secure fit leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness in lifesaving. “They are fitted with crotch straps, which prevent the lifejacket riding up over the wearer’s head when in the water, and an integrated harness, designed to pull the lifejacket away from the neck allowing greater freedom of movement while rescuing people. “There are also zipped pockets for casualty care kit, torches, gloves or knives and a spray hood

n (L to R) - Steve Conium RNLI Deputy Coxswain at Padstow, David Rickard and Micheal England RNLI Mechanic at Padstow designed to protect the wearer from sea spray. With all this in mind, we thank David very much

for his kindness and generosity in making this donation in memory of his mother.”

RNLI Lifeboat events

n Penlee RNLI lifeboats in Porthleven Harbour

A cracking day out FANCY a cracking day out with plenty to do and see? One of the biggest RNLI lifeboat days in Cornwall is actually held around a harbour that no longer houses a lifeboat. It doesn't stop the hardworking committee of volunteers at Porthleven putting on a full day of activities that last year raised the charity a whopping £9,888. In fact since Porthleven Lifeboat Day started back in 1976, the event has secured more than £128,711 for the charity that saves lives at sea! This year the annual bonanza will be on Sunday 26 August from 11am to 5pm with all the main

activities happening around the harbour. There'll be lots of stalls, including an RNLI one selling Christmas cards - well you can never start your festive shopping too early can you? There'll be music with the Porthleven Town Band, a choir and a boy band, Morris and Line Dancing, Punch and Judy and a bouncy castle. On the water, the gigs will show off their skills, the working boats will take part in their annual parade, there'll be a water polo match and the famous little lifeboat Dash II will take people on a mini slipway launch into the harbour (great fun for all ages!).

Of course a Lifeboat Day wouldn't be the same without a lifeboat and as usual, it’s the volunteer crews of the Penlee RNLI lifeboat station who will put in an appearance (operations permitting) to show people how the RNLI spend their money helping to save lives at sea. They bring the all-weather and inshore lifeboats into the harbour before carrying out a search and rescue exercise with a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose. A programme of events will be available on the day for a small donation and car parking will be at the Porthleven Football Club. So here's to seeing you on Sunday 26 August.

Events supporting the RNLI n RNLI Castle to Castle Swim 2012 June 3, 4pm Falmouth n Plymouth Half Marathon June 3, 9:30am Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth n Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival June 15 - 17 Falmouth

n Exotic Open Garden in Mullion, Cornwall July 15, 1pm Trevesco, 7 Commons Close, Mullion n Potager Garden and Cafe in Falmouth July 17, 11am Potager Garden and Cafe, High

Cross, Constantine, Falmouth n Falmouth Dragon Boat Race July 22 Falmouth n Lawithick open garden July 29, 11am Lawithick, Penarrow Road, Mylor Churchtown, Falmouth, Cornwall n VOTWO - Atlantic Coast Challenge September 21, 6am

Padstow RNLI tows in yacht THE volunteer crew of the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat from Padstow were launched May 8th after a yacht suffered engine failure. The emergency pagers sounded for the crew at Padstow at

7.23pm when they launched onboard the Tamar class allweather lifeboat Spirit of Padstow.

The yacht had broken down 6 miles north off of Trevose Head. On arrival to the casualty the lifeboat crew fixed a tow and then proceeded to tow the yacht back into Padstow.

n Fowey Lifeboat Week Sunday 15 July 2012 - Saturday 21 July 2012 n Penlee - Sunday 19th August - RNLI Lifeboat Day in Mousehole - annual lifeboat service in the evening 18.30 in Mousehole Harbour n St Agnes - Friday 10th August - RNLI Lifeboat Day in St Agnes, Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes n Newquay - Sunday 12th August - RNLI Lifeboat Day in Newquay n St Ives - Thursday 16th August - RNLI Lifeboat Day in St Ives n Padstow - Thursday 16th August - RNLI Lifeboat Day in Padstow Harbour - Harbour Days (more low key) 15th June / 30th July / 13th September n The Lizard - Sunday 19th August - RNLI Lifeboat Day at The Lizard Lifeboat Station n Rock - Sunday 19th August RNLI Lifeboat Day at Rock Lifeboat Station n Bude - Saturday 25th August Charity Day / Sunday 26th / Monday 27th - RNLI Lifeboat Weekend at Bude Lifeboat Station n St Ives - Lifeboat Day is Thursday 16 August from 10am onwards all along the seafront. A live band will perform on a stage on the beach outside The Sloop in the evening. n Sennen Cove - Lifeboat Day Sunday 26 August from 10am onwards. n Penberth - Lifeboat Day Sunday 15 July from 2pm to 5pm n Land's End - Lifeboat Day Thursday 26 July n Falmouth - Quayside service on Sunday 19 August, 6.30pm at Customs House Quay n St Mary's, Isles of Scilly Lifeboat Open Day Sunday 1 July - RNLI Flag Day Wednesday 25 July n Looe - RNLI Open Day at Looe lifeboat station and Raft Race - Sunday 15 July - RNLI Open Day at Looe lifeboat station - Sunday 26 August - RNLI Open Day at Looe lifeboat station - Sunday 16 September n Coverack - Lifeboat Day is Saturday 18 August

n Headteacher of Landewednack School, Sue Wilson, accepts a copy of Geoff Squibb’s fascinating book Kilcobben’s Rose, at a recent school assembly watched by appreciative pupils

Geoff presents book to his old school CHILDREN and Staff at Landewednack School, near Helston, welcomed local photographer Geoff Squibb to a special assembly on Friday, April 27. Geoff called in at the school to present the pupils and teachers with a copy of his recently published book Kilcobben's Rose which is about The Lizard Lifeboat Station. Geoff, who grew up at The Lizard and is a former pupil of Landewednack School, has been following the demolition and then the rebuild of The Lizard Lifeboat Station at Kilcobben Cove. His fascinating book also captures the arrival of the new Tamar-class lifeboat Rose and the departure of the very faithful Tyne-class lifeboat David Robinson. Geoff explained to the children that over a period of two years he would visit 30

the station nearly every day in all weathers to research and capture images for his book. The children were fascinated to learn that even though Geoff is a wheelchair user, he was still able to capture unique photographs by using his quad bike in the surrounding fields to get to the less accessible areas of the build, and was even lifted by a crane in a cage above the build site to get his magnificent aerial shots. Sue Wilson, headteacher at the school said: ‘We are all so grateful to Geoff for donating a copy of his book to our library. ‘Many of our children and staff have family members involved with The Lizard lifeboat so this is of great interest to them and indeed everybody in the school. We have been closely following the new era of the station and are great supporters of the lifeboat and her crew.’

Yorkshire supports RNLI YORKSHIRE Building Society’s Newquay branch is on a mission to raise funds for its chosen Charity of the Year, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). And to celebrate the launch of their 2012 fundraising, staff have been joined by RNLI volunteers from Newquay lifeboat station as they take part in the charity’s biggest annual fundraising event, SOS Day. Yorkshire Building Society staff will all be wearing Spots Or Stripes for RNLI SOS Day and are encouraging customers and members to join the fun as they kick off their year of fundraising for the charity that saves lives at sea. Tara Oakes branch manager, said: ‘I am delighted that we have chosen the RNLI as our 2012 Charity of the Year and that we are starting the fundraising by getting involved in RNLI SOS Day. The RNLI ‘s volunteer crews and lifeguards in this area play a vital role in keeping our seas and beaches safe so I’m proud that we will be doing our bit in supporting them and giving something back to thank them for all their hard work. I am hoping our customers and members of the public in Newquay are going to get behind us in 2012 and help us raise a fantastic amount of money for the RNLI.’ The Yorkshire Building Society – the UK’s second largest building society - are calling their fundraising campaign Come Rain Or Shine, to acknowledge the fact that RNLI volunteers head out to sea to rescue people whatever the weather. All members of staff at the Society’s branch on Bank Street will be undertaking fundraising for the charity which will be added up throughout the year to make one fantastic donation to the RNLI at the end of 2012. The Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, which is the focal point for all Yorkshire, Barnsley and Chelsea Building Society’s charitable giving, will also be making a significant contribution to the total raised. All funds raised by the team at the Newquay branch and through the support of customers and members of the public will mean that the RNLI can train more of its vital

n From left to right Tim Stokes RNLI Newquay, Jenny Laity, Frankie Wood and Tara Oakes from the Yorkshire Building Society volunteer lifeboat crew and lifeguards who are called to the rescue – no matter what the weather, come rain or shine! Catherine Kaye, RNLI Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “We are all thrilled that the Yorkshire Building Society have got on board with the RNLI to raise funds which will help provide vital training for our volunteer crews and lifeguards. Charity of the year partnerships like this are essential to the work of the RNLI as we rely on voluntary contributions to continue our lifesaving work. “RNLI SOS Day is our charity’s biggest annual fundraising event and so it is fitting that

St Ives RNLI station receives £1,000 gift A GROUP from the Ridayh branch of the Royal Naval Association stopped off in St Ives recently to make a donation of £1,000 to the charity, the funds being raised by the 250 members of the branch. Elspeth Couling from the RNA Riyadh Branch explained that the Riyadh branch of the RNA has been in existence since the mid 1980s when a few ex Royal Navy people working in Ridayh, Saudi Arabia, got together to form the branch initially with 6 members. This swelled quickly and the branch now has 250 members, comprising men and women who are ex Royal Navy, ex members of other services and civilians. The branch meets weekly and raises money

for their three nominated charities, one of which is the RNLI. Each year when members fly home for a vacation, they are allowed to take a donation to the RNLI lifeboat station of their choice, in this case Elspeth Couling giving a donation to St Ives. St Ives Lifeboat Operations Manager Derek Hall thanked them on behalf of the RNLI, saying that the RNLI being a charity relies totally on donations for our volunteer crew to be able to save lives at sea. After receiving the cheque, Derek took them for a tour of the lifeboat station and the lifeboat, giving them the opportunity to see what their donation is spent on.

the Yorkshire Building Society campaign is launching today. The building society’s staff are already showing great enthusiasm and commitment to our cause and I feel sure that their fundraising for the RNLI is going to be a huge success.” The RNLI was chosen as the Charity of the Year through a member vote. Last year, Yorkshire Building Society staff managed to raise £175,000 for the 2011 Charity of the Year, Alzheimer’s Society - the largest amount raised by staff in the Society’s history.

Yacht’s prop tangle THE volunteer crew of the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat from Padstow were launched late night on Saturday May 12th after a yacht became entangled in fishing gear. The emergency pagers sounded for the crew at Padstow at 11.18pm when they launched onboard the Tamar class all-weather

lifeboat Spirit of Padstow. The 10metre yacht with two persons onboard fouled its propeller on fishing gear a mile west off of Pentire. On arrival at the scene the lifeboat crew managed to free the yacht’s propeller, then fixing a tow to the lifeboat, brought the casualty back into Padstow. 31