Harbour fest newspaper

RNLI MINEHEAD HARBOUR FEST. AUGUST 8TH & 9TH 2015 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

ALL ABOARD! RNLI RAFT RACE READY TO ROLL

Minehead’s biggest outdoor fund-raising event the annual RNLI raft race – is back with a completely new look this year.

The event now covers two days and will be the centrepiece of a festival of live music, entertainment and competitions based on the harbour.

Minehead lifeboat crew have been running the race for nearly 40 years – the first one raised money to equip them with personal call-out pagers.

But this year the event is being staged in partnership with The Old Ship Aground and local kayak manufacturers Fat Yak. As well as a completely different format the course is also being changed.

Traditionally the race has been run from Blue Anchor – though bad weather meant it had to be cancelled last year - with a separate course for fun rafts across Minehead Bay. Now because of growing concerns over safety cover both sections of the event will be staged within the bay, starting from Warren Road, though with a longer seaward course for the serious rafters, many of whom travel for over 100 miles to take part.

Organisers’ spokesman Phil Sanderson said while the new-look event would be more manageable from a safety point of view it would be no less enjoyable for spectators.

“Much depends on the weather on the day as to the actual course we set but it’s our intention that its furthest point will be well to the west of the harbour, which means the whole of the sea front right out to Quay West will provide a good view

of what’s going on,” he said.

“And we have every confidence that the serious raft teams who come down looking for a bit of a challenge will still find one.”

Over the years the race has raised more than £300,000 for lifeboat funds and at times has attracted more than 50 entries.

“It’s really become one of the fixtures in the annual rafting calendar and we are extremely grateful for the fact that there are local teams that have been taking part and raising money for us for more than 20 years,” said Phil.

The race is on Sunday August 9 but the activities get underway on Saturday August 8th with the first of an impressive line-up of bands playing outside The Old Ship Aground.

As well as music, arts and crafts stalls, children’s entertainment and kayak races while on the Sunday commentary on the raft race starts at 2pm.

The day will be rounded off with the traditional fireworks display, this year sponsored by local businesses and organised by Fat Yak, while Minehead lifeboat crew members will be running non-stop barbecues on both days.

Minehead RNLI chairman Bryan Stoner said the new organising team had done a terrific job extending and enlarging the programme.

“For the last 30 years it’s been virtually a one-man show, organised by Derek Williams. He decided 30 years was enough and that it was time for a break and we all worried that he would be a very hard act to follow,” he said.

“But all the signs are that the new team have taken up the challenge and are delivering great things. I wish them all well.”

Lifeboat FAQ’s

P7 The Bands

P12

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FATYAK

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

ALL ABOARD!

www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk 3

Serving excellent Food and Real Ales 7 days a week Bed & Breakfast available Mike and his team are always pleased to support the Raft Race every year - look out for our 3 rafts!

Tel: 01984 640223

James and Associates Financial Services Ltd are pleased to support the RNLI and Minehead Raft Race We cover all aspects of: Personal Financial Planning • Investments • Life Assurance Retirement Planning • Savings Schemes 13 Bancks Street • Minehead • Somerset TA24 5DJ Tel: 01643 706888 Fax: 01643 702227 Email: info@jamesandassociates.co.uk Website: jamesandassociates.co.uk

Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

stove & chimney shop Exmoor Industrial Units 22-25, Mart Road, Minehead TA24 5BJ

01643 706514 07723 379642 Email: bennosmoke@aol.com www.benbowman.co.uk

Supports the RNLI

Supports the RNLI

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QUAY STREET, MINEHEAD Supporting Minehead Branch RNLI and Local Charities

An Evening Menu from which to choose one of many Starters and Main Courses USING FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE

FIREWORK DISPLAY 9.00PM SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST

Ring/Fax: 01643 705917 or call in for a menu and reservation

Sunday Lunches and Evening Meals must all be pre-booked www.theoldharbourhouserestaurant.co.uk

Mart Road, Minehead

01643 703265 Best Wishes to all the Rafters!

Cheeky Cherubs Day Nursery

01643 700033 Follow us on Facebook www.cheeky-cherubs.co.uk A purpose built nursery offering a welcoming, secure and happy environment for children aged between 0 – 5 years Monday – Friday 7.30am – 6.00pm - 51 weeks of the year All children are provided with a free homemade cooked meal 2 year old and 3 year old funding accepted Our Holiday Club is for children aged between 5 – 12 years Fun filled days throughout all school holidays “Good Luck to everyone who is taking part in this year’s raft race! And a big thank you to the RNLI for all that you do to help keep us safe”

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

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DISCOUNT BAGS & LEATHER GOODS Established for over 20 years as a retail outlet, we specialise in quality Leather Bags, Fashion Bags, Leather Belts, Suitcases, Leather Wallets & Purses and Rucksacks

Open 10am - 5pm 7 days a week 44 The Avenue Minehead Somerset TA24 5AZ

Tel: 01643 702949

Proud to support Minehead Harbour Fest 2015 3 The Parks, Minehead.

01643 702983 www.brjames.co.uk BR James Opticians 'Quality in Optometry'

Working in Partnership with West Somerset Council Veolia ES 14 - 16 Brunel Way Minehead Enterprise Park Minehead TA24 5BY Skanska Infrastructure Services Highway maintenance partner to Somerset County Council Proud to be supporting the Minehead Raft Race since 2006 www.skanska.co.uk

Tel: 01643 707593 www.veolia.co.uk Proud to sponsor the Minehead R.N.L.I. Raft Race

6 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

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RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

Wheelhouse Snack Bar Trevor & Katherine Willmetts

41 The Avenue Minehead TA24 5AU

Tel: 01643 703435 THE

WHEELHOUSE R E S TAU R A N T

27 The Avenue Minehead Tel 01643 818245

‘Serving delicious homemade food at sensible prices’ We are proud to support the RNLI on Raft Race Day

Travis Perkins are pleased to support the 2015 RNLI Raft Race

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

FAQ's

MINEHEAD LIFEBOAT STATION: FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS How old is the lifeboat station?

The station was built and opened in 1901 to close a perceived gap in lifeboat cover between stations at Lynmouth to the west and Watchet to the east. It operated conventional wooden lifeboats until 1973 when the last of them was replaced with faster inshore lifeboats.

How big an area does the station cover?

Both Lynmouth and Watchet stations have since closed so Minehead lifeboats are responsible for providing rescue cover along some 30 miles of the Somerset and Devon coastline from Lynmouth in the west to Hinkley Point in the east. Its ‘flank’ stations are Ilfracombe to the west and Burnham-on-sea to the east though Barry Dock on the coast of South Wales, at some 11 miles distant, is actually closer than either.

Why do you need two boats?

Because we have some particularly difficult coastline to cover. At low tide there are dangerous mudflats to the east of us and at high tide the sea comes right in to the foot of the highest sea cliffs in England. So we need the large, Atlantic 85 class boat for general work but the smaller D class, which has a very shallow draught, for specialist rescues close inshore or among rocks.

Why is the Atlantic 85 so called?

Because it’s the latest version of a class of rigid inflatable lifeboat originally developed at Atlantic College over on the South Wales coast and which until recently maintained its own lifeboat station.

How long does it take to launch?

We are generally at sea within seven or eight minutes of being called. All the volunteer crew carry pagers and are on call 24 hours a day. We are normally called out in response to a 999 call to the coastguard service which then requests our assistance, though the decision to launch is actually taken by the station’s Local Operations Manager or one of his deputies.

Why do you no longer fire maroons to call the crew?

Partly because pagers are more reliable, partly on grounds of cost but mainly because over the years the institution experienced a number of misfires (including one at this station) with unfortunate consequences. We realise that this means fewer people now know when the lifeboat is being launched but the RNLI is introducing audible alarms – klaxons – at some stations and may well do so here.

What equipment do the boats carry?

The D class is fitted with radio, night vision equipment and a comprehensive first aid kit, including oxygen. The Atlantic 85 comes with radar and VHF direction finding equipment and also has intercom communications between the crew and VHF radio via their helmets. It too carries a full first aid kit and oxygen. Both boats have hand-held searchlights and carry illuminating parachute flares for night-time rescues.

How do you launch?

The Atlantic 85 is kept permanently hitched to a waterproofed tractor which pushes the carriage down into the sea. The engines can be started up on the way down fed by water contained in a tank on each side of the carriage and once the boat is afloat the helmsman simply opens the throttles and the boat drives out.

Launching at low tide takes longer because the boat has to be pushed quite a long way out to find deep water. The D class is launched similarly with its own tractor, kept in a tractor house at the rear of the main building. Recovering the Atlantic 85 in rough weather

involves driving the boat into a net rigged across the carriage. The boat is then towed up the beach, jacked up and turned round ready for launching again

How many times a year do you launch for rescues?

That varies according to the weather, though in an average year we expect to receive between 20 and 30 calls for assistance.

What sort of rescues do you carry out?

With the second highest tidal range in the world the Bristol Channel is a particularly hazardous stretch of water. A lot of our work involves people cut off by the rising tide or who are caught out when the weather turns nasty and they can’t return to harbour because the tide is out. We may need to bring injured fishermen or ship’s crew ashore, search for missing persons, or tow in broken-down motor boats – though we are not a towing service. Sometimes, sadly, we have to recover bodies of people who have drowned, or fallen or jumped off cliffs.

Do you work with helicopters?

Frequently. Helicopters are invaluable for search and rescue missions and for winching people off inaccessible locations such as cliff faces. Sometimes it’s also necessary to take casualties off the lifeboats in order to get them to hospital for urgent treatment.

This is a difficult manoeuvre: if either of our boat were stationary underneath the aircraft they would be blown around by the downdraught from the rotors so the transfer has to be done at speed with the boat keeping station precisely underneath the aircraft’s starboard side hatch so the winchman can be put down safely. It’s something which we practice as often as possible during joint exercises – in the station you can see some photos of this being done.

Is it ever too dangerous to launch the boats?

Yes it can be. Each boat has its own operational limits – in theory. In reality they could cope with rougher conditions once at sea. Our real challenge here is whether they can be safely launched and recovered – both critical operations because the boats are most vulnerable in breaking waves. On occasions we have been able to launch safely but the weather has deteriorated during the rescue mission and conditions on the beach have been too dangerous for the boat to be recovered, so the crew have had to stand off until things improve. But much depends on the wind direction here. We are particularly vulnerable to easterly and northerly winds but the hill behind the station provides almost total shelter from anything between SW and SE so while a strong southerly gale may create appalling sea conditions on the Welsh coast here we could still have a calm sea. Ultimately the decision whether to launch or not rests with the Local Operations Manager or one of his deputies.

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How do you join the lifeboat crew?

What happens if they capsize?

Most people join because they like the idea of volunteering and of playing an important role in the local community. Once they come and see us and express an interest we’ll take them out for a familiarisation trip – which gives them a taste of what the job’s all about. If they then like us and we like them they are signed up to start their training as probationers. Once they do join they generally find they have become members of what has been called ‘the best club in town’ with an excellent social life offsetting the demands of training and operational calls.

The D class can be righted by the crew climbing on to the upturned hull and using their weight to pull it over. The Atlantic 85 is fitted with an air bag inflated by a gas bottle activated by the crew once they have swum clear of the boat. It generally rights itself in 11 seconds.

What kind of people join?

All kinds. The current crew have all sorts of jobs from blacksmith to optician. We have engineers, shopkeepers, drivers, salesmen, a security guard and a care assistant. In the past the crew has included doctors and an accountant. These days relatively few people who join already have sea-going experience but the training soon remedies that.

What are the qualifications for joining?

The age range for joining is from 17 to 45. You need to be fit and active, a reasonably good swimmer and fairly strong. You have to be prepared to get wet and cold and to learn new skills. You also have to live reasonably close to the station. Above all you have to be someone who can fit in and work as a member of a team because the lifeboat service runs on teamwork.

Retirement is compulsory at 55 because of the risk of injury, particularly back injury, thereafter.

What’s the training like?

Pretty intensive. There’s an awful lot to learn from navigation to first aid, radio procedure and knots to how to handle a boat in rough weather. The crew also have to have a detailed knowledge of the entire stretch of coastline, including navigation marks and how the tide runs in certain places so they always know the conditions and challenges they are likely to encounter in various kinds of weather. Most of the training is carried out at the station with regular assessments

by RNLI inspectors and before anyone can be fully passed out as crew he or she must complete a week’s intensive training at the RNLI College in Poole. Once qualified they may return there for further specialised training, for instance if they want to qualify to helm (or drive) either boat. Then there are regular training launches every Sunday morning and two evenings a month throughout the year. Training a lifeboatman costs £1,404.

What kind of clothing do they wear?

In these types of lifeboat getting cold is always a risk, and being cold can impair your ability to work quickly and efficiently in an emergency. So the crew wear one-piece thermal suits topped by one-piece dry suits with seals at the cuff and neck and built-in boots.

They also wear crash helmets, and lifejackets fitted with flashing lights activated by sea water and gas canisters to inflate them automatically should they fall overboard in rough weather.

What’s the pay?

How many crew are there?

We currently have a pool of around 18 sea-going crew, including probationers. We also have shore crew who are responsible for launching and recovering the boats. It’s also the crew’s responsibility to keep the boats, equipment and station in good order.

Are they all men?

No: four of those 18 are women and we are proud to have a higher proportion of women crew members than most lifeboat stations. Nationally women make up some eight per cent of the total of the 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crews. Women must pass the same demanding tests as men to become crew members – and so are every bit as capable of doing the job expected of them. Our women crew members have been welcomed in the last three years and have made a great contribution to the life of the station.

All the crew are volunteers. They do receive a small payment of a few pounds for each mission they go out on, to defray loss of earnings, but do not take the money. It goes into a crew fund to pay for the annual barbecue and Christmas dinner – a tradition established when inshore boats were first stationed at Minehead 40 years ago.

How many crew do the boats carry?

Three on the D class, four on the larger, Atlantic 85.

How fast do the boats go?

The D class has a 50hp outboard motor and does 25 knots. The Atlantic 85 has twin 110hp outboards, a top speed of 35 knots and can remain at sea for four hours before needing to refuel.

Where are the boats built and what do they cost?

Both classes are built at the RNLI’s workshops in East Cowes. The current cost of the D class is £41,000 and the Atlantic 85 costs £214,000.

How do you raise money locally?

Through sales in the shop and through street collections and various events the crew themselves organise such as dances, barbecues and the annual raft race. This amounts to around £33,000 a year – roughly one-third of the station’s annual running costs.

How many lifeboat stations are there?

The RNLI has 235 operational stations with 346 boats (some stations, such as ours, have more than one). It covers 19,000 miles of coastline around the whole of the UK and Ireland. There are also three stations on the Thames at Tower, Chiswick and Teddington: Tower station is actually the RNLI’s busiest.

How many calls a year do lifeboats answer nationally?

In 2013, the last year for which full statistics are available, lifeboats launched 8,304 times, rescued 8,384 people and saved 325 lives.

What does the RNLI cost to run?

Annual running costs are around £144 million plus another £40 million-plus capital costs. Income in 2013 was £182.7 million, £118 million of it from legacies.

What is the nearest point on the Welsh coast opposite?

It’s Aberthaw power station (coal-fired) which is usually clearly visible and is a little over 11 miles away.

What’s that concrete structure 200 yards off the beach?

It’s the surviving end of the Victorian pier which was in place until the second World War when it had to be demolished because it was in the line of fire of coastal defence guns on the harbour. The guns were never fired but the pier was never rebuilt. The approach ramp to the pier can still be seen to the east of the concrete apron in front of the lifeboat house.

Atlantic 85 Net Recovery

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RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

BRIAN HOBBS & SONS General Blacksmiths

Modular Access, Ramping, Handrails, Balustrades, Wrought Ironwork, General Steel Fabrications and Steel Sales The Forge, Post Office Lane, Minehead

01643 702782 Email: m.hobbs51@btinternet.com

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

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Hedley Price Funeral Directors Family Established Independent Funeral Directors 24 Hour Personal Service covering all of West Somerset

Mart Road, Minehead 24 hour Phone

HARVEY JONES

01643 703111

18 Park Street, Minehead 01643 702231

Comprehensive range of Menswear Stockists for: Magee, Wellington, DG’s, Bruhl, Viyella, Double Two, Peter Gribby, Classic Italian Knitwear, Johnstons, Failsworth, Sunspel, HJ, Jockey

10 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

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Minehead Watchet Williton Porlock Nether Stowey

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

01643 706666 01984 632167 01984 632167 01643 706666 01278 733050

All the Staff at Chanin & Thomas would like to support the invaluable work done by the Minehead RNLI Unit 4A Minehead Enterprise Park Mart Road Minehead Somerset TA24 5BJ Tel: 01643 702660 Fax: 01643 706424

8 Park Street Minehead TA24 5NQ

01643 709 000

Specialists in:

Contract Glazing, Double Glazing, Patio Doors, Leaded Lights, Louvres, Mirrors

Roman Glass are please to support the 2015 Raft Race

4 Floyds Corner, Minehead TA24 6UF

Tel: 01643 706944 This publication was created by Add-On Media e: adam.james7@icloud.com Printed by Newbury News Limited Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury Tel: 01635 564516 www.weprintnewspapers.co.uk

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

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Award winning national estate agents offering a comprehensive Service including Valuations, Sales, Financial Advice, 13 The Parade, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5NL Tel: 01643 702281 Email: Minehead@sequencehome.co.uk

We are proud to sponsor the 2015 RNLI annual Raft Race

Echo Beach Cafe On Minehead Harbour

Breakfast Hot & Cold Drinks Sandwiches Homemade Cakes Light Lunches Ices Ideally situated on Picturesque Minehead Harbour Tel: 07747482422

Proud To Sponsor the 2015 RNLI Raft Race

12 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

THE BANDS / SHOUTS

THE BANDS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MINEHEAD LIFEBOAT STATION

THE OLD SHIP AGROUND The Thatchers Formed in 2012, this high energy band is an acoustic three piece from the heart of Somerset who enjoy nothing better than playing music, stomping their feet and making the crowd laugh…and sing along. Combining the sounds of genres such as folk, southern rock, blues and a hint of bluegrass (and the tiniest smattering of acoustic metal) The Thatchers bring us a unique ‘stomping’ style music with so much energy you could power a city!

SAT 17:30 til 19:00

The Band is: Henry Dyer - Vocals, Guitar | Jessica Dyer - Vocals, Percussion | Chris Baker - Vocals, Cajun Box, Percussion

Soulville Express Soulville Express is a vibrant five-piece soul band, playing a huge selection of classic soul, motown and disco that’s bound to blow you away. With their wealth of experience and talent the band brings us their outstanding versions of everything from The Blues Brothers to Cee Lo Green, Aretha Franklin to Adele, and much more in between. Colourful, dynamic, skilled and powerful, Soulville Express are not a band to be missed!

SAT 19:30 til 21:30

The Band is: Julia Greenland - Vocals | Alec Stansfield - Guitar | Clive Atkins - Bass | Steve Rose - Keys and Vocals James Farrell - Drums

Latest List of Shouts Date

Details

07/06/15

Minehead's D class lifeboat launched to a fishing vessel aground just off Minehead. The vessel managed to 'unground' itself. The vessel and crew were confirmed ok and proceeded back to Watchet in company with another fishing boat.

Both boats were launched to 4 people cut off by the tide at Kilve. The D class managed to veer down into the cliff and safely recover all 4. They were then all transported back to Watchet Marina.

Minehead's Atlantic lifeboat launched to some kayaks in trouble off Foreland Lighthouse. Seven kayakers located in two groups ashore - all requiring assis tance, one with an injured ankle. Crews from Minehead and Ilfracombe life boats recovered all kayakers and kayaks safely to Lynmouth harbour and a waiting ambulance.

Atlantic lifeboat called out to join a search with Barry Dock Lifeboat to a report of red flares sighted off Minehead. Search stood down by coastguard as a false alarm with good intent.

Both boats were launched to 2 fishermen cut off by the tide near the waterfall in St Audries Bay. The D class crew recovered the men who were then trans ferred to Watchet Marina by the Atlantic 85.

D class launched to a unattended boat just off Minehead following concerns from the public, boat confirmed moored and safe.

While out on exercise the D class helped a fishing kayaker who was struggling to make it back to shore in the strong tide and wind.

Pearl & The Diamond Geezers

31/05/15

Pearl & The Diamond Geezers Pearl are a well established 5 piece band with experienced musicians who have played in various groups over the years. With their varied musical interests and zesty delivery they play a mixture of vintage and new from the 60’s through to today - with a great blend of danceable rock, blues, reggae and popular songs to please everyone.

03/05/15

SAT 21:30 til 23:00

16/04/15

The Band is: Natalie - Vocals | Art - Guitar | Dave - Bass | Tommy - Drums | Rob - Lead Guitar

Acoustic Roots Another local favourite, Acoustic Roots are a 5-piece who play classic songs with an acoustic feel - fabulous for some crowd participation as you’ll want to sing along!

SUN 17:00 til 18:30

The Band is: Joey Rodgers - Guitar and Lead Vocals | Sean Walsh - Guitar and vocals | Bryan Howe - Drums and percussion | Paul Hepburn - 6/12 string guitars, harmonica and vocals | Simon Cook - Bass guitar

Little Betty Formed in 2009 Little Betty are a well known and much loved local 4-piece band. They play a wide variety of covers from numerous different genres, but in their own unique style - blues, disco, ska, blues rock, funk, some conventional pop and even the odd ballad is part of a typical Little Betty gig.

SUN 19:00 til 20:30 The band is: Charlie Griffiths - Vocals | Jerry Allen - Guitar | Simon Cook - Bass | Bryan Howe - Drums

06/03/15

05/03/15 22/02/15

31/08/14

21/08/14

16/08/14 02/08/14

14/07/14 11/07/14 03/07/14 25/06/14

The Salt Flat Rats Bridgwater’s premier blues rock band will be finishing off the weekend with spectacular style and fantastic skill as they deliver their versions of a variety of covers including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Arc Angels, Storyville, Robert Randolph, Doyle Bramhall, Jimmy Cliff, The Black Crows, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Rory Gallagher, Free, The Faces and a whole world more!

SUN 21:30 til 23:00

Tha Band is: Bill Smith - Vocals | Duncan Clarke - Guitar | Mark Kirby - Bass | Andy Potticary - Drums | Neil Bryant Piano

01/06/14

25/05/14 18/05/14 04/05/14

While on exercise Minehead's Atlantic 85 crew spotted a dog stranded on the cliffs just below Foreland Light House. The D class was launched and the dog safely extracted from the cliffs. The dog 'Sprigg' who has been missing since the 22nd August was reunited with its delighted owner.

Atlantic 85 launched to a kayaker in difficulties off Lilstock. The casualty was relayed from local fishing boat Scooby Doo 2 to Watchet Harbour into the care of Ambulance crew.

Both Minehead lifeboats launched to assist local coastguards, Police, and RAF Chivenor with the recovery of a body from Selworthy Sands.

Minehead's D class launched to a confused woman entering the water in Minehead Bay. The crew managed to to talk the lady back out of the water and handed her over to local coastguards, police and ambulance crews.

D class launched to assist a jet ski with engine failure off Warren Point. Both riders and the craft were recovered safely to Minehead Harbour.

Atlantic 85 launched to a disabled yacht just off of Doniford. Yacht and 2 peo ple towed safely back to Watchet Marina.

Atlantic 85 launched to a disabled fishing boat in Porlock Bay. The boat and 4 people were towed back to Minehead for repairs Atlantic 85 launched to a small motor boat with engine difficulties. The boat with 2 people on board was safely towed back to Watchet marina.

Atlantic 85 was tasked to an inflatable tender found drifting and unoccupied off Foreland Point yesterday morning. A search was initiated for casualties from the location until Swansea CG was able to confirm that the tender had broken loose from a yacht on passage to Lundy. The crew recovered the tender to Lynmouth Harbour.

D class launched to a couple who had been cut off by the tide while walking their dogs at Blue Anchor. Walkers and Dogs recovered safely to back to shore.

D class asked to check on 2 swimmers in Minehead Bay. Both were ok and no assistance given.

D class assisted a swimmer whilst on exercise. Despite being fit, experienced and well equipped he was tiring in an offshore current several hundred metres from the shore and requested recovery.

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

FATYAK RACES

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FATYAK RACES SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST

Fatyak Kayaks will be having races on Saturday 8th August from the harbour along a 1km course with ÂŁ500 cash to the fastest paddler, and 100% of the proceeds go to the RNLI. Fatyak Kayaks are pleased to be assisting this event and helping raise money for our local RNLI station and supporting the volunteers

who give up their own time to help keep our waters safe.

You can enter the Fatyak races and find out more about our great products at www.fatyak-kayaks.co.uk Pop over and have a chat on our stand, looking forwards to seeing you all!

11793

The Affordable Way To Install Beautiful New Windows & Doors In Your Home

Dont Compromise On Quality Minehead 01643 709392 Email: alderwindows@btconnect.com

www.alder-windows.co.uk

4B Mart Road Enterprise Park, Minehead TA24 5BJ

14 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

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RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

AE Autos

Summerland Place, Minehead

01643 703939 Andrew and staff are pleased to support.

MUNCHIES CAFE

Mart Road, Minehead

Eat-In or Takeaway Quality & Value

01643 703905

Periton Projects tel: 01643 704760 www.daisynailandbeauty.co.uk

Friday Street Minehead TA24 5UA

Home and Garden Renovations and Development

James Bosley 01643 702 620 07789 437 129

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

BRAND new HOW MUCH FUN CAN YOU FIT INTO A DAY? There’s so much to do on a day visit to Butlins Minehead! Why not join us for a day full of fun and see how much you can see and do!

DISCOUNT

OFF

IF YOU PRE-BOOK

IF YOU BRING THIS ADVERT ON THE DAY

FROM PER ADULT

FROM PER CHILD

Visit

BUTLINS COM/DAYVISITOR or call There are some dates when we’re not open to day visitors so please check our calendar before visiting. Prices shown don’t include discount and are based on April 2015 off-peak pricing.

For other pricing please visit the website. A child is aged (2 – 14 years old). Persons under 16 must be accompanied by someone 18 and over. Offer is subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Calls cost 2p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary.

MINEHEAD

ALL ABOARD!

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C J Lynch & Sons (Minehead) Ltd Civil Engineering Surfacing & Utility Contractors

Are Happy to support the 2015 Minehead Harbour Fest Breenagh Works, 7 Mart Road Minehead Enterprise Park, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BJ Tel: 01643 704124 email: info@cjlynch.co.uk

16 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

PROGRAMME

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 8th & 9th AUGUST SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST

SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST

11.00 RNLI Harbour Fest Minehead Opens!

12.00 ONWARDS

Throughout the day

Bouncy Castle, Parrot Treasure Trail, Magical Music Bike and more. With more special appearances by our own Exmoor celebrity, Johnny Kingdom.

Stalls and Street Entertainment including: Bouncy Castle, Parrot Treasure Trail, Kid’s Activity Workshops, Stilt Walker, Magical Musical Bike, Commotion on the Ocean Storytelling Show and more.

With special appearances by our own Exmoor celebrity, Johnny Kingdom

Throughout the day

14.00 - 16.00 RNLI RAFT RACE - from Warren Point to Minehead Harbour

16.30 - 17.00 RAFT RACE Prizes & Presentations

12. 30 - 15.30 Fat Yak Races in Minehead Harbour and Fat Yak Presentations

17.30 - 19.00

17.00 - 18.30

Live Band - ACOUSTIC ROOTS - feel-good acoustic covers from across the decades

Live Band - THE THATCHERS - a high energy, acoustic, foot stompin’, hand clappin’ trio

19.30 - 21.00

Live Band - SOULVILLE EXPRESS - a skillfull dose of Soul, Motown, Disco & Stax

21.30 - 23.00

19.00 - 20.30

Live Band - LITTLE BETTY - covers in a variety of genres in their own fantastic, unique style

20.30 - 21.30

Live Band - PEARL & THE DIAMOND GEEZERS - a fabulous blend of Rock, Blues, Reggae and more, with a mixture of vintage and new

DJ Drew, Music & FIREWORKS!

With added music and entertainment by Tone FM DJ Drew Haddon throughout the day and night on Saturday & Sunday.

Live Band - THE SALT FLAT RATS - a leading blues rock band to finish off the weekend with spectacular style & skill

21.30 - 23.00

FIREWORK DISPLAY SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST 9.00 PM

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

RNLI RAFT RACE

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RNLI RAFT RACE 2015

Raft Race Prizes First serious raft Team Derek Williams’s cup and bottle of rum.

First local raft home

The Old Ship Aground OSA cup and barrel of ale.

First fancy dress

Channel Adventure cup and team Sunset Session.

Most original raft

Mike Arnold cup and bottle of rum.

Best dressed support boat Home Doctors Cup.

Team raising most funds (awarded after the event) 6 Honno boards from Fatyak, article in paper.

18 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

ALL ABOARD!

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk 19

ALL ABOARD!

DEREK MERSON New & Used Car Specialist

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE RNLI RAFT RACE

The Metropole Garage North Road Minehead Somerset, TA24 5QW

Sales: 01643 702345 Workshop: 01643 702678 fax: 01643 707848 email: sales@derekmerson.co.uk www.derekmerson.co.uk

20 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

ALL ABOARD!

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

BEAVER

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

ALL ABOARD!

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22 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

ALL ABOARD!

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

maitlandwalker SOLICITORS CLEAR AND EFFECTIVE LEGAL ADVICE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES เข เข เข เข เข

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22 The Parks - Minehead - TA24 8BT t: (01643) 70777 www.maitlandwalker.com

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

ALL ABOARD!

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24 www.mineheadraftrace.co.uk

OLD SHIP AGROUND

RNLI Minehead Harbour Fest. 2015

THE OLD SHIP AGROUND Mineheads Iconic Harbourside Pub The Old Ship Aground food is very much a part of what we do and is very much ‘River Cottage' in style - if we cannot raise it or grow it, you can be sure its locally sourced, from home raised Mutton to oven fired hams you can be assured it’s the very best of quality.

With our small farm on the hills of Exmoor we have a real connection with traditional farming and understand the true importance of good produce to make good food.

With this in mind we have created menus which are both varied and interesting, We also run with daily Specials - a wide range of interesting dishes & tastes to match, such as our own cured Pork Crackling with a Sweet Chilli Dip or Beans on Toast the Old Ship Aground way, with our own Baked Soda Bread, toasted and topped with Beans & Cheddar melt with a spicy Lea & Perrins sauce. Fish always has a big presence on our specials, we are by the sea after all.

With the addition of our very own smoker we can cure and smoke such things as bacon, fish and meats, which is always a great way to enhance our offering.

You can check what's happing in our kitchen through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus or on our web site www.theoldshipaground.co.uk Hope to see you soon Julian & Team

Great Beer

Great Food

Enjoy our traditional pub meals and ‘river cottage style’ dishes.

See our trip advisor reveiw for food.

Curry Carvery

You can be sure to find a variety of Real Ales, Ciders & Wines.

Have a look in our CAMRA entry in the good pub guide

Traditional Carvery

Accommodation

Our 12 en-suite bedrooms are all individually decorated.

See our trip advisor reveiw for accommodation.

Live Music

Live Music every Friday night from 9.00 pm - FREE ENTRY. Allways a great night out

Pie & Mash Night

Special Menu

(EMP] 7TIGMEPW A DIFFERENT CHOICE EVERY DAY...

A real taste of the east every Tuesday night with our curry carvery.

Enjoy our traditional carvery every Wednesday evening & Sunday lunchtime.

Home made Old english pie & mash every Thursday night.

Look out for our special menu a different choice every day.

Our contact details The Old Ship Aground , Quay Street Minehead TA24 5UL , Tel O1643 703 516 E: info@oldshipaground.com www.theoldshipaground.co.uk Opening hours From 11.00 every day , full menu always available seven days a week