ISSUE 641 | AUTUMN 2022 A NARROW ESCAPE The Manx crew saving lives between a rock and a hard place BLOOMING LOVELY Your peek behind the scenes at the RNLI Garden at Chelsea withTrainingflare welCOme tO the hOme Of the rNli pAGe 52pAGe 26pAGe 8pAGe 6 fOreCaStS tO SaVe liVeS WEATHER WARNING lifeboat iSSUe2007–8582 the sAvinGpLus Lives FroM tHe BeAcH to tHe open seA From lifesaving education to technology and rescues, find out how the RNLI is combating the problem of drowning Tackling drowning SUmmEr 2013 PLUS THE RNLI IS THE CHARITY THAT SAVES LIVES AT SEA RESCUE Heavy seas and tidal cut-off GIVE IT A GO Find yourself fossil RNLI.org READY, SET, GO Kitting kids out with the smarts to stay safe PLUS THE RNLI IS THE CHARITY THAT SAVES LIVES AT SEA THE PERFECT STORM How your support is saving lives this winter LIFEBOAT DISASTER Together we remember the lost crew of Fraserburgh RNLI.org MAYDAY MAYDAY Capsized kayakers in 3m waves ISSUE 639 SPRING 2022 YOU DESERVE A MEDAL Epic 12-hour battle in fierce gale LABOUR OF LOVE Restoring a classic lifeboat to its former glory Keeping your children safe for a summer of fun READY ADVENTUREFOR THIS IS OUR WATCH You stepped up and answered the call for Mayday THE FORCE BEHIND THE LAUNCH Discover the teamwork and technology that powers all-weather lifeboats to the rescue I DROWNING’WAS ramatic rescue accounts from lifesavers and survivors YEARS OF THEIR LIVES Trace the history of RNLI awards and find out what’s next
It’s a joy for our team to produce the RNLI’s flagship publication for you. Please tell us what you think of Lifeboat in the reader survey (page 21). Your feedback is vital. There’s nothing stopping us improving with age!
Welcome.
2 Lifeboat autumn 2022
ThompsonTimbypaintingaFrom
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. We do so by providing a rescue service, safety education, and supervision on beaches. We also influence other organisations, policy-makers and regulators. Our crews and lifeguards have saved over 143,900 lives since the RNLI was formed in 1824. Our Water Safety teams help keep people safe at the coast and our International teams work to reduce drowning around the world where it’s a major risk. We are independent from government and rely on voluntary contributions and gifts in Wills for income. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney
Would you believe Lifeboat magazine has been sharing RNLI stories of adventure, kindness and courage since 1852! We’re celebrating 170 years since the first issue was published (page 18).
Also in this issue, we guide you through the exquisite RNLI Garden at Chelsea Flower Show (page 22). And can lifeboat crews save three sailors from certain death, two teenagers from icy waters and two walkers and their dog from the marshes (from page 10)? It’s a snapshot of what our lifesavers face day in, day out. They certainly couldn’t do it without you. For more RNLI rescue stories, don’t forget you can catch the new series of Saving Lives at Sea on the BBC. Thank you, Bethany Hope Email: lifeboat@rnli.org.ukPSTogive us your feedback on Lifeboat magazine now, simply scan in this QR code or go straight to RNLI.org/surveyLB
CONTACT US If you have any enquiries – or would prefer not to receive Lifeboat magazine –please email us Alternatively,supporterexperience@rnli.org.uk.at:pleasecall0300300 9990 (from the UK), 01 511 9836 (from Ireland) or +44 1202 663234 (from any other country), or write to us at RNLI Support Centre, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. Blind and partially sighted people can choose to receive a free CD or mp3 of the magazine.
AUTUMN 2022 ISSUE 641 © RNLI 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction is permitted with the prior consent of the RNLI. Opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Care is taken to ensure that editorial information is correct at the time of going to press but is subject to change. Acting Chair: Janet Cooper Chief Executive: Mark Dowie Lifeboat Editor: Bethany Hope Lifeboat Design: Stacey Grove, Emily Scott, David Constant Front cover: Covers of Lifeboat through the ages, celebrating your magazine’s 170th birthday
Lifeboat autumn 2022 3 REGULARS RESCUEIN DEPTH 1410 3642 4 NEWS AGM round up, Birthday Honours and more 28 GIVE IT A GO Sea shanties 30 BOOKS Good reads 38 SPECIAL DELIVERY Your letters 42 RNLI FAMILY You’re the heart of the charity 18 LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE: AN EPIC SAGA Charting 170 years of adventure, kindness and courage 22 THE RNLI GARDEN AT CHELSEA Meet the man behind our medal-winning show garden 41 UNSUNG HEROES Volunteering for the RNLI’s 200th anniversary 8 RESCUE ROUND-UP Action stations 10 NO SAFE HARBOUR Nail-biting shout to three sailors in peril 14 A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE A timeless tale of cockles, mud and rising tides 16 BLOWN AWAY ‘Scoop, scoop, go’ –a speedy rescue of paddleboarding brothers In this issue 2218
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Congratulations to our six RNLI volunteers and staff members, recognised in the 2022 Birthday Honours for their contribution to saving lives at sea: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British EmpireGuy(MBE)Addington is recognised for lifesaving efforts as a crew member in Margate and RNLI water safety lead for the south east of England. Guy has served the RNLI for 27 years.
John J MacLennan’s been an integral part of lifesaving in the Outer Hebrides for over 50 years, serving in seagoing, safety and fundraising roles – most recently as Stornoway’s Lifeboat Management Group chair.
Your Mayday
Magnificent Mayday fundraising by lifeboat crews at (top to bottom) Howth, Eyemouth and Walmer
Frankie Horne served Peel RNLI as crew and coxswain for 28 years, receiving commendations for his courage. A former commercial fisher, Frankie has been part of the RNLI’s Fishing Safety Team since 2008.
Lifeboat autumn 2022 Your guide to everything RNLI A huge thank you to all of you who ran, clowned, CrossFit-ed and even inverted your bodies on aerial hoops to complete our Mayday Mile challenge – and to all who sponsored someone who did. You’re amazing! You’re helping fund the intensive training and hard-wearing kit our lifesavers need in an emergency. Here’s a flavour of what you got up to for Mayday.
Lynn Spillett is recognised for 16 years of incredible fundraising efforts for Torbay Lifeboats Fundraisers. The group has helped bring in more than £718,000 in the last 6 years alone. Angus Watson is former volunteer crew and RNLI engineering and supply director. Angus oversaw bringing all-weather lifeboat production in-house, saving the RNLI around £10M since 2016.
Patricia Browne is recognised for 42 years’ service, the last 27 of which have been as chair of Portaferry Fundraising Branch. The branch has raised over £221,000 in the last 10 years.
The RNLI would also like to congratulate RNLI Clinical Operations Manager Richard Faulkner, who is being admitted into the Order of St John for services to event communication and clinical development for his work with St John Ambulance.
4
HONOURSBIRTHDAY
RNLI volunteers and friends celebrate the Platinum Jubilee at (clockwise) Whitby, Buckingham Palace and Whitstable
From street parties, fetes and duck race fundraisers to jubilee RNLI Shop merchandise flying off the shelves, RNLI people showed up and showed out for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. We’d like to extend our congratulations to the 4,500 RNLI volunteers and staff whose dedication to saving lives at sea was recognised with a commemorative Platinum Jubilee Medal. Our friends from the Black Swimming Association join us at the RNLI AGM
Lifeboat autumn 2022 5
Monday 25 July marked the second ever World Drowning Prevention Day, with the theme of ‘Do One Thing’. This offered an opportunity to highlight the RNLI’s nearly 200 years’ lifesaving work, and for us to join with organisations around the world to call for more action on drowning prevention. As part of the UK Water Safety Forum, the RNLI is supporting the new Respect the Water campaign. We’ve also organised activities and events with partners in Bangladesh and Tanzania, and with the World Health Organization, including an event at the United Nations in New York, with ambassadors from Ireland andToBangladesh.findoutmore visit RNLI.org/international Marking the special day at the Headquarters of the United Nations, New York
Photos: @nickbradshawphotos, Natalie Jose, RNLI/(Chris Davey, Gemma Hole, Mike Lavis, Wendy Lorimer, Ceri Oakes, Christopher Winslade)
Jubilations!
PreventionWorldRECAPDrowningDay
Thank you to all who attended our Annual General Meeting in July, chaired by RNLI Deputy Chair Janet Cooper. Janet was joined on stage by Black Swimming Association Chair and Co-founder Danielle Obe, and Trearddur Bay Crew Member Mark Smith, who both shared their experiences. We also celebrated World Drowning Prevention Day, 25 years of the Severn class all-weather lifeboat, and your wonderful fundraising successes! You can watch a recording of the charity report at RNLI.org/AGM2022 AGM
6 Lifeboat autumn 2022 NORTH OF ENGLAND AND ISLE OF MAN
Welcome to your selection of community news for the North of England and Isle of Man. For all the latest from where you are, head to RNLI.org/news Hartlepool
Hundreds of people joined Hartlepool Lifeboat Station volunteers and Water Safety Officer Jayne Mandeville at a special RNLI Sea Safety event this summer at Seaton Carew. Everyone enjoyed a variety of activities, all centred around being safe at the coast. Jayne says: ‘It’s been an amazing day. We have had a great response from the public, who asked lots of questions about the RNLI and took part in some of the events such as learning resuscitation techniques and how to use a throw Representativesbag.’from Cleveland Fire Brigade, Hartlepool Coastguard, Cipher Medical, On Water Training, Hartlepool Youth Service, Hartlepool Beach Lifeguards and Puddle Ducks Tees Valley helped make the day a big success.
Most of us know the story of how the band kept playing bravely as the Titanic sank. This year it is 110 years since the disaster and the Colne community came together to pay their respects to one of those musicians, local man Wallace Hartley. Wallace, who was the bandleader, was found dead the day after the disaster, with his beloved violin strapped to his chest. This year, people gathered by Wallace’s statue and storyteller Simon Entwistle told Wallace’s tale, while Trawden String Quartet graced the event with music that would have been played on the Titanic. Christina Cope, who organised the day thanked everyone who attended and says: ‘I am delighted to say we raised £115 for the RNLI – a very appropriate charity.’
TITANIC REMEMBEREDMUSICIAN
Remembering Wallace Hartley, who played music to calm fellow passengers as the Titanic sank
SAFETY IN NUMBERS
Sea Safety Officer Jayne Mandeville with RNLI mascot Stormy Stan and the Puddle Ducks mascot, Puddle
Colne
Seahouses Lifeboat Station
STAMP OF APPROVAL
Saturday 17 December, 11am–1pm
Seahouses Lifeboat Station
RNLI PEAKS AND WATERS
Seahouses
A warm welcome
Saturday 24 September, 9am–4pm
RNLI Fundraising Branch for this cycle event in the Peak District, featuring a choice of routes, including a family fun ride. Register at eventbrite.co.uk. To find out more, contact Rod Shiers at rodneyshiers@gmail.com or on 07850 479861
Carsington Sailing Club, Nr Ashbourne
focusing on major public works by the world-renowned sculptor and printmaker Michael Sandle RA. Michael was brought up on, and studied on, the Isle of Man. The first stamp is a detail of the Lifeboat Memorial bronze relief in the sunken gardens on Loch Promenade, Douglas. Michael’s sculpture captures the drama and sheer physical effort of the crew rowing out to rescue those on the stricken ship St George in 1830. Village Voices Choir supported the event, singing outside the lifeboat house
Lifeboat autumn 2022 7
The Whitby Fish and Ships Festival is back, with stalls, displays and live performances. Whitby RNLI will be there with lifeboats and boathouse open days, plus the Blessing of the Boats on Sunday at 2pm. To find out more, contact Howard Fields on 07799 657791 or at SEAHOUSEShoward_fields@rnli.org.ukAUTUMNCOFFEE
People flocked to the Annual Fete Day at Seahouses Harbour in June. They were welcomed by the lifeboat crew and other volunteers for a day of fun. As with many towns and villages, it was the first time the fete had happened for a few years. There was music, refreshments, RNLI souvenirs, a popular tombola and many other stalls. The RNLI Face to Face Team enjoyed speaking to visitors about the charity too. The crew would like to thank everyone who supported the fete and raised more than £6,500.
FISH AND SHIPS WITH WHITBY RNLI Whitby Lifeboat Station 24–25 September
MORNING
Douglas
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Did you go to a fete or a lifeboat open day this year?
Enjoy a tea, coffee and cake, or some warm soup and a roll. Fun for all the family with children’s Halloween activities too. To find out more, contact Lynsey Carr on 07449 453999 or at SEAHOUSESlynsey_rogerson@rnli.org.ukWINTERFAYRECOFFEE
Join the friendly bunch at Matlock and Bakewell
The stamp featuring the RNLI memorial at Douglas
Photos: Christina Cope, Isle of Man Post Office, RNLI/(Ian Clayton, Tom Collins, Steve Lowe)
A celebratingsculpture the significance of the RNLI on the Isle of Man is now a design on a landmarkunveiledPoststampcommemorativeset.TheIsleofManOfficehasasetofsixstamps
WHAT’S ON Here’s your quick guide to events happening in your area. Details might have changed since going to print, so please check in advance to avoid disappointment. To find out what else is on near you, visit RNLI.org/events
Saturday 22 October, 11am–1pm
Do you want to share your RNLI news and events with other Lifeboat readers in your area? Please email supporterexperience@rnli.org.uk
A festive coffee morning with a raffle and a visit from Father Christmas! To find out more, contact Lynsey Carr on 07449 453999 or at lynsey_rogerson@rnli.org.uk
SPORTIVE
MORNING
1 SIX PEOPLE SAVED LOUGH DERG | 8 MARCH In squally weather and force 4 winds, the lifeboat crew launched to an 11m cruiser with six people onboard. The cruiser had run aground near Hare Island and was rocking from side to side with its bow up on the rocky shoal. The volunteers checked everyone was safe and unharmed. One crew member climbed aboard to check there was no water coming in. Once they were satisfied the cruiser hadn’t suffered damage, the crew set up a tow and pulled the boat safely off the rocks. 6 PORT ST MARY | PAGE 10 7 WELLS | PAGE 14 8 LARGS | PAGE 16 You can also watch and read the latest rescues online at RNLI.org/news or facebook.com/RNLI. As a supporter, you are helping our lifeboat crews and lifeguards carry out thousands of rescues every year. Here are some highlights, and you can read full accounts of other rescues on the following pages: 8 8 Lifeboat autumn 2022
5 NINE LIVES GREAT YARMOUTH AND GORLESTON | 22 FEB Icicle the cat had a lucky escape after falling from a wall along the River Bure. He clung onto the wall and, just as the lifeboat crew arrived in the inshore lifeboat, the poor cat fell into the water. Volunteers quickly pulled him aboard. Once ashore, Icicle was given salmon and reunited with his owner. Enjoy a light-hearted take on the rescue at RNLI.org/icicle
SNAPSHOTS
During a pre-season training session, RNLI lifeguards spotted a large set of waves breaking over a group of surfers, violently throwing them off their boards. Lewis Timson, Lead RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, could see one surfer was in distress and brought her into shore using his rescue board. The other lifeguards helped guide the rest of the surfers to safety.
2 THE LIFEBOAT FAMILY EASTBOURNE | 21 MAY
3 FROM EXERCISE TO EMERGENCY NEWQUAY | 11 MARCH
4 STRANDED ON AN ISLAND SKERRIES | 25 APRIL
When a yacht with two people aboard ran aground while leaving Sovereign Harbour, three members of the Needham family came to the rescue on the inshore lifeboat. It was the first time that Dave, his brother Pete and Dave’s son Ryan had been on the same call out. They took one person ashore to be assessed by the station doctor and the yacht was refloated.
Lifeboat autumn 2022 9
When two kayakers found themselves stranded on Shenick Island, they immediately raised the alarm. RNLI volunteers waded into the shallows and discovered one of the casualties was becoming hypothermic after capsizing. They were both brought back to station and, after warming up with blankets, thankfully didn’t need further medical assistance.
Photos: RNLI/(Gerry Canning, Eastbourne, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Eleanor Hooker)
BAD WEATHER AND BAD LUCK Gathering at the station, the crew all heard that three experienced sailors onboard a 12m yacht were travelling Volunteer Crew Members Mike Keggen (left) and Richard Leigh (right) ‘If the yacht went, we would too’
More than 20 men and women at Port St Mary had a rude awakening on Saturday 6 November 2021. It was 6am when their pagers sounded and it was pitch black. Experienced volunteers like Mike Keggen and Richard Leigh took it in their stride. They’d just get to the station quickly and safely, and find out soon enough what’s going on. Plus Richard admits he had more basic concerns: ‘Where have I put my trousers?’ from Liverpool to Ardrossan when the rough weather hit. The sailors had decided to head for some shelter at Port St Mary. It was dark and they didn’t see the lobster pot rope that fouled their rudder and propeller. They drifted towards the Carrick. ‘That’s a big lump of rocks off past the breakwater in Bay Ny Carrickey,’ explains Richard. ‘You can see it, about three-quarters of a mile out from the station.’ Between them, Mike and Richard have more than 72 years of lifeboat volunteering under their belts. That day, Mike was in command of the Trent class all-weather lifeboat Gough Ritchie II and Richard was at the helm of the D class lifeboat Spirit of Leicester.
RICHARD LEIGH
| HELM 10 Lifeboat autumn 2022
NO HARBOURSAFE
Three yachtsmen were seeking a safe haven in rough weather, when bad luck nearly cost them their lives
The inshore lifeboat was ideal for the shallows by the rocks
‘That would be the yacht gone,’ states Mike. ‘And those three fellows on the rocks.’
A CATCH-22 SITUATION When they reached the scene, the D class crew went in to take a closer look. The stern of the yacht was coming out of the water, so the lifeboat crew could see that ‘It wasn’t long after the men were evacuated that their yacht smashed onto the rocks’ ‘I would like to praise the crew of the yacht for raising the alarm when they did. If they had delayed the call to Belfast Coastguard the outcome could have been totally different, because it wasn’t long after the men were evacuated that their yacht smashed onto the rocks. Plus I’m very proud of all the lifeboat crew. Their determination, training and teamwork saved three lives.’
SARAH KEGGEN LIFEBOAT MANAGEROPERATIONS|PORTSTMARY
Bronze Medal rescue action shots: the crew on the D class head into the shallows to evacuate the three men
The lifeboats launched into conditions that would challenge many of us afloat. Richard describes it as ‘a bit lumpy’ and Mike calls it ‘heading towards rough’. The all-weather lifeboat led the way, protecting the smaller lifeboat from the worst of the weather. En route, the mechanic on the all-weather lifeboat communicated with the yachtsmen on the VHF radio. The yacht’s anchor and the lobster pot line were keeping the vessel from crashing onto the Carrick. The yacht was sitting broadside to the waves, getting battered. The swell was already up to about 3m. At any point, the lobster line could snap.
Alongside, the crew held on tight to the yacht while the sailors climb down With the sailors safely on the all-weather lifeboat, the crews head for home
RESCUE Lifeboat autumn 2022 11
‘It was absolute bad luck for those men,’ says Mike. Richard agrees: ‘If it had been daylight, they’d have probably seen the lobster pot line and then avoided it.’ Winds were force 5, gusting force 7. The Trent class would handle those conditions with ease, but they were borderline for the inshore lifeboat. Mike and Richard knew they’d need both lifeboats for the rescue – only the D class would be able to get close to the yacht in the shallows. After a careful assessment and authorisation from the lifeboat operations manager, off they went.
Their paid jobs include:
• electrician • doctor • plumber • funeral director • office worker • teacher • bartender • train master • fire fighter • osteopath. bigger waves meant more stress on the lobster pot line. A tow might save the crew and the yacht, but taking up the anchor would also increase the chances of the line snapping. Even if the lobster pot line held, the yacht and its crew might still be stuck. ‘It was a catch-22 situation,’ says Richard. Mike made the call: ‘I decided that the only sensible thing to do was to get the men off the yacht as quickly as Evacuatingpossible.’themen onto the D class wasn’t risk-free. Richard explains: ‘The main difficulty was the way the boat was pinned. The lines were running off out to sea, so we had to go around the shallow side to go and get them. That would put us between the boat and the rocks. If the yacht went, we would too.’ Richard talked through the plan for evacuating the yachtsmen with the two D class crew before the approach: ‘With two boats next to each other
12 Lifeboat autumn 2022
Richard felt confident that they could do it: ‘You know you can rely on the lifeboats, kit and training, so was I particularly worried? I’ll be honest, no.’
the rope was wrapped around the propeller. That meant it couldn’t be removed easily.
ABANDON SHIP!
The yachtsmen were ready and willing to evacuate; their lives were in the balance. Richard praises the actions of the yachtsmen: ‘They knew exactly what they were doing. They had sensibly called for help early, they had all the right kit on, lifejackets
The lifeboat crew kept calm and talked through their options. They knew time was against them. The weather was getting worse and doing different things with the waves, we would put two crew members on one side, to help hold onto the yacht while the yachtsmen climbed down.’ Mike had to remain in deeper water, about 50m from the yacht. He positioned the Trent class lifeboat to provide as much shelter as possible for the D class and watched closely. As coxswain, Mike was acutely conscious that he was responsible for the lives of the crew and for the lifeboats.
It was an early start for the volunteers on the Spirit of Leicester (left) and Gough Ritchie II (right)
Crew day jobs
The men and women of the Port St Mary crew are volunteers and come from all walks of life.
Mike (centre) and Richard (third from right) with some of the crew from the rescue
TAKE ACTION TOGETHER For superb boathandling, seamanship and courage, Richard is to be awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry. Coxswain Mike Keggen, Mechanic Gareth Watt, Lifeboat Operations Manager Sarah Keggen, and Crew Members Laura Cordner, Daniel Grace, Chris Hill, Brian Kelly, Robert Marshall and Mark Pendlebury will receive officialRichardcommendations.stresseshow everyone played their part: ‘It’s not just us out on the boat. It’s everybody back at the station, it’s the guys at Belfast Coastguard. It’s the fundraisers rattling a bucket in Solihull or serving cups of tea in Edinburgh. It’s one big effort from everybody.’ ■
What made you join the lifeboats? Mike has been a lifeboat crew member for 48 years and Richard has been saving lives at sea for 24 years. Mike’s partially retired now as a builder and Richard’s a primary school teacher. Mike joined the lifeboat with a friend back in 1974 and Richard was later encouraged by Mike to join the crew. Richard has a vivid memory from childhood: ‘It was 26 August 1981. I stood in my wellies and pyjamas and watched with awe as the Arun class lifeboat launched to the rescue. Mike was on that shout.’
The all-weather lifeboat shielded the inshore lifeboat from the worst of the weather one point the deck of the yacht was towering above the inshore lifeboat’
‘At
RESCUE
Words: Bethany Hope Photos: David Hill, Stephen Lawson, RNLI/(Port St Mary, Nathan Williams)
Lifeboat autumn 2022 13 and emergency bags.’ ‘We got the first chap off without any bother,’ remembers Richard. They took him to the Trent class and the yachtsmen climbed up easily into the safe hands of the all-weather lifeboat crew. ‘The second time around, I didn’t get it quite right. I had to back off and go in there again,’ says Richard. Back alongside, and at one point the deck of the yacht was towering above the inshore lifeboat. The crew waited for the right moment to grab onto the rails of the yacht allowing the remaining two yachtsmen to slip down into the lifeboat. The three yachtsmen were reunited aboard the Trent class. Without delay, the lifeboat crews headed for safe harbour – three livesMike,saved.Richard and the crew were still washing the boats down and refuelling when they heard from the harbour master that the yacht had gone, smashed on the Carrick. The whole crew at Port St Mary extended sympathy to the crew at the loss of their yacht. Mike reflects: ‘After the service, you replay these things in your mind a bit, because it was my decision to take them off and leave the yacht. But the yachtsmen understood.’
WILDONWALKTHESIDE
Between its two buttresses at Hunstanton and Cromer, the Norfolk coastline lies flat and vulnerable to the North Sea. Much of it is inaccessible, consisting of twisting creeks and tidal runs, marshes and muddy basins, inlets, fens and salt flats. The unique geography around Stiffkey, along with its abundant wildlife, make it a destination for walkers and nature lovers alike. But because the salt marshes are subject to daily flooding and the volume of water in the creeks varies greatly throughout the day, it’s easier than people realise to get stranded by the tide. ‘The area has a lot of channels, which can be crossed at low tide,’ says James Betteridge, volunteer helm at Wells Lifeboat Station. ‘While the crew is fully trained and familiar with our constantly changing landscape –and its dangers – visitors must also be aware that as the tide turns and the sea comes in behind them, they won’t be able to get back across without help from the RNLI.’ Local folklore echoes James’ sentiment with a tale of a young cockler from Stiffkey, who failed to heed the warnings about weather and tides.
North Norfolk’s windswept coast has an abundance of rural, rugged charm. But the features that make this stretch of shore so attractive to visitors can catch out the unwary
James Betteridge Gary Yarham Simon Parkes 14 Lifeboat autumn 2022
A
The Screaming Cockler Like most women in 18th century Stiffkey, Nancy Cley made her living collecting Blacknock Sandbank’s famous blue cockles, Stewkey Blues. On one particular day, having only half-filled her sack, Nancy stayed and continued her cockling despite warnings from the other women about the incoming tide and poor weather. As a thick fog developed, Nancy tried to find her way back, but became lost and trapped. The men on their fishing boats could hear her swearing at ‘the roke [vapour] and the tide, even James, Gary, and Simon launch the lifeboat Peter Wilcox to the stranded couple and their dog
Photos: RNLI/(James Betteridge, Ray West), Shutterstock against God himself’, but were unable to find her in time to save her life. Folklore tells us that on an autumn evening when the fog rolls in, you can hear Nancy’s cries above the sound of the waves – a warning to those who wander here today. This is our watch, we won’t stand by On Easter Sunday 2022, a couple set out to enjoy a brisk walk with their dog at Stiffkey Saltmarsh. It was a chilly 6˚C, but when the sun broke the clouds the vast skies and vistas were stunning. Like Nancy 300 years earlier, the walkers didn’t realise the trouble they were in until it was too late. The creeks and channels they gingerly picked their way across earlier, were rapidly filling up. They stayed put and called for help. In Wells, the volunteers headed to the lifeboat station, passing the construction site of their new lifeboat station. James arrived along with Gary Yarham. While the entire crew train regularly in and around Stiffkey, Gary is particularly knowledgeable about the marshes and muddy creeks hemming the village. So James selected Gary as crew, along with Simon Parkes. They launched the Wells inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox at 7.15pm, just before high tide. Gary’s local knowledge immediately proved valuable. With high tide approaching, he knew the lifeboat wouldn’t make it under the bridge between the station and the casualties. So they reached the marsh from the sea. Twenty-three minutes after launch they spotted the couple, ankle deep in icy water, and took them to safety. The crew arrived safely back at the boathouse by 8pm. Neither the walkers – nor their dog – needed medical help. It was a textbook rescue, one that highlights how vital the right equipment, knowledge of local conditions, and regular training are to saving lives.
– a maze of muddy creeks and channels
•
• Take care when walking in dark and slippery conditions. Always take a means of calling for help. Always check the weather and tides.
•
All’s Wells-next-the-Sea that ends well RNLI lifeboat crews are always ready to rescue, and they won’t stand by if more can be done to save lives. So volunteers like James are keen to spread safety advice to the public, preventing tragedies. ‘I’m pleased that this incident ended well,’ James says, ‘but I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for walkers to check the tide ‘Thistimes.couple did exactly the right things. They remembered to bring a mobile phone, which also had a location app installed, making them easier to find. They kept their dog under control and out of the water. And they stayed where they were –the instinct is to wade across a channel, but it’s never worth it. The combination of fast-flowing water and soft, slippery mud could have seen them swept out to sea.’ He adds: ‘If you’re enjoying a walk on the marsh, always ensure you’re back on the mainland at least 4 hours before high tide. It’s also important to bring a form of communication –ideally a mobile phone in a waterproof case – and tell someone where you’re going and what time you’ll be back, so if you do get into trouble, someone else can raise the alarm.’ Saltmarsh
Words: Niki Holt
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
■ Stiffkey
TIPS FOR COASTAL WALKERS
• Be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls from walking and running are the biggest cause of death on our coastlines.
Lifeboat autumn 2022 15 RESCUE
Onlookers watched in horror as two teenage boys were blown offshore on paddleboards at Ardneil Bay, North Ayrshire. Thankfully, someone dialled 999 and within minutes, volunteers were hurrying to Largs Lifeboat Station to launch their Atlantic 85, R A Wilson
The Atlantic 85 lifeboat at Largs
On the lifeboat that day, 2 March 2022, was Brian Rankin. ‘With two people in the water, we knew it was a very urgent shout,’ he says. It was a windy day, gusting at 35 knots from the east, with challenging sea conditions to contend with too. ‘The sea that day was like the surface of a pot of boiling water,’ Brian remembers. ‘There was a lot of spray. We knew we needed to much better eye on the situation,’ says Brian. ‘They came over the radio and said: “We’ve got a visual”. So we made a beeline straight for them. It cut down a lot of time.’ But when the Largs crew arrived on scene, they only saw one person on a‘Automaticallypaddleboard. you’re thinking: “Where’s the other person?” And you start scanning,’ says Brian. ‘Then we saw the second person about 300m away from us. Because of the sea state, we couldn’t see him properly.’
The second paddleboarder was in the water, clinging to his board. Knowing how dangerous the cold water can be, Helm Dave Stevens decided to rescue him first. Within a matter of seconds, the crew were by the paddleboarder’s side. ‘It was a textbook recovery,’ says Brian. ‘I went An afternoon of fun on the water turned nasty for two teenagers who found themselves pulled out to sea by strong winds get to them quickly – they could be in dire straits. We didn’t know what they were wearing, whether they had their paddles, or if they were communicating with the Coastguard.’ In a situation like this, every second counts. ‘Speed was required and our Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which can go 35 knots, is great. I love that boat,’ Brian says. ‘The Atlantic can do anything an all-weather lifeboat can – except make cups of tea.’ As they powered through the choppy seas, the crew were joined in their search by a Coastguard helicopter. ‘We were about half a mile away when we saw it. Being high up, they had a 16 Lifeboat autumn 2022
‘Like every sport, paddleboarding has a level of risk. Enjoy yourself but understand there are limitations – on yourself as well as your board. Before you head out, make sure you look at the weather conditions –not just the next hour, but the advanced forecast. And have a means of calling for help on you.’
The crew set about making sure the two boys were warm and safe, and made their way to a nearby harbour near Portencross Castle.
‘It was scoop, scoop, go,’ recalls volunteer Brian – the crew get the second paddleboarder to safety board was pretty cold. He was shaking and his lips had started to go blue – the effects of hypothermia were setting in.’
RESCUE
‘The Atlantic can do anything an all-weather lifeboat can – except make cups of tea’ Lifeboat autumn 2022 17
For your paddleboarding safety tips, visit RNLI.org/SUP.
Photos: RNLI/(Largs, Nick Mailer) to the front of the boat, grabbed onto him and pulled him into the lifeboat. As he’d been in the water, we tried to make sure he wasn’t getting any colder and started doing a quick assessment of his condition. We sat him at the front of the boat, where there’s more protection from the wind.’ Fortunately, the boy had only been in the water for a minute. A wave had caught him off-guard and flipped him into the water just before the crewWhilearrived.the crew recovered their first casualty, Helm Dave kept his eye on the other boy – the paddleboarding pair were brothers, it turned out – to make sure he was safe. The crew quickly got him onboard too. ‘It was scoop, scoop, go – literally that quick,’ says Brian. ‘The second boy had been out on the water for quite some time and was feeling the effects of the cold more than his brother. They were both wisely wearing wetsuits, but the guy on the
The crew later learned that it was the boys’ parents who’d called 999. ‘Because they called so quickly, that got us on scene a lot sooner. And we were lucky to have the helicopter, which was on its way to a rescue up in the WithoutHighlands.’thefast intervention of the crew, the boys would have been in real trouble. ‘There was no more land,’ says Brian. ‘The next stop for them would have been the Isle of Arran, which is about 14 miles away.’ Reflecting on the rescue, Brian says: ‘It was two lives saved that day – and that was a good feeling. We’re quite proud of that one. There are a few rescues which make you think: “That was a really good job that day”. This is one of them.’ ■
BRIAN RANKIN LARGS RNLI
The volunteers pull one paddleboarder out of the water and into the lifeboat
Words: Nikki McMullen
‘We got into the harbour in less than 5 minutes,’ says Brian. They were met by the local Coastguard as well two police officers. An ambulance was also requested to make sure both boys were alright after their ordeal.
The crew power to the rescue and spot a boy in the distance They approach the readypaddleboarder,torescue
The first issue dives straight into a rousing editorial to help galvanise support 1911 Fancy typography and woodcuts introduce readers to a new world of ‘motor lifeboats’ Celebrating the RNLI’s centenary with a feature on our founder Sir William Hillary 1924 THE COVER STORY 1852–2022
18 Lifeboat autumn 2022 LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE: AN EPIC SAGA
LAUNCH The story of Lifeboat starts back in 1852 – the year that Napoleon III declared himself emperor of the French. In the UK, naval officer John Washington had a more altruistic endeavour in mind. He believed the National Shipwreck Institution (now RNLI) should capitalise on the public’s growing interest by launching a ‘well-timed and useful publication [to] advance the great cause.’ With approval from his colleagues on the charity’s Committee of Management, and on a strict budget, Washington launched the first issue on 1 March.Initially a monthly journal of record, The Life-Boat or Journal of the National Shipwreck Institution had a print run of around 750 copies. It shared reports of new lifeboats and stations, shipwrecks, remarkable rescues and medal awards. It was priced at 1½d to be ‘within the
This year marks a milestone in the history of what must surely be one of the oldest in-house publications in existence. Your magazine, Lifeboat, celebrates 170 years of continuous publication. And, although it may have changed somewhat over the years, its purpose remains the same: to bring people together in support and celebration of the RNLI’s lifesaving mission.
With countless stories of extraordinary courage, kindness, heartbreak and hope, Lifeboat magazine has charted a legacy of lifesaving throughout the generations
1852
Today’s readers may find some of the early content curious. For example, the December 1852 issue included a dense five-page article on UK fisheries, complete with boat and catch statistics. But with a fishing fleet of 14,700 vessels and almost 60,000 ‘men and boys working the boats’, it illustrated the demand on lifeboat volunteers at the time. Most rescues were to fishermen whereas now, the majority are to people using the sea for pleasure. Today’s content reflects that, with a growing emphasis on personal water safety. Design followed the trends and printing technology of the day. The December 1852 issue boasted a simple woodcut of a lifeboat cross-section. Reproductions of intricately engraved rescue scenes came later, often steeped in Victorian sentimentality. The first photographs appeared in the early 1900s but colour didn’t make a permanent appearance ‘A life-boatNorthumberlandlauncher’– one of the first women to feature on the cover 1948
Lifeboat autumn 2022 19 called to the aid of a steamship, which had struck rocks by the sea. Margaret helped drag the lifeboat along the sand for ½ mile to launch. The coxswain realised they needed to send for extra help, and chose Margaret as the Shemessenger.ran5miles and swam through strong currents. She was pushed back to shore several times and crawled on her hands and knees. Bleeding, with torn clothes, she reached Newbiggin Coastguard. Thanks to Margaret, the remaining 10 survivors were brought to Margaret’ssafety.bravery was described in the February 1922 issue of The Life-Boat : ‘She deserves a high place among the heroes, [her] daring deeds make the heart beat fast with pardonable pride and joy.’ Bringing you the story of Margaret Armstrong, aged over 70 here A record of bravery: volunteers line up to receive RNLI gallantry medals from The Duchess of Kent, December 1948 Treasures from the Lifeboat journal: a careful giver at Worthing LifeboatMarchStation,1926 reach of every boatman’ but, with the majority of the working classes unable to read, its audience would typically have been wealthy philanthropists, shipping magnates, and the admiralty. The following year, RNLI Secretary Richard Lewis took the helm and developed the quarterly publication cycle you’re familiar with today.
CHANGING TIMES
Introducing the first RNLI all-weather lifeboat capable of 25 knots 1995 until well into the 20th century, with the first colour cover in 1971. Today, no issue of Lifeboat would be complete without the range of rich and emotive photography we have come to expect on everyCirculationpage. and tone have shifted too – moving from a modest public newsletter to an exclusive membership magazine which rose to ¼ million readers around the turn of the 21st century. Its grandiose language of the 19th century fell into a more formal tone until the 1930s when, for the first time, a trained journalist was appointed editor. By the millennium, it had settled into the clear, inclusive language we now take for granted –sharing honest stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And ultimately demonstrating how your kindness and support make a real lifesaving difference.
Explore the Lifeboat archive at: lifeboatmagazinearchive.rnli.org
20 Lifeboat autumn 2022
HAYLEY WHITING, RNLI HERITAGE TEAM
Days to remember: HRH The Duchess of Kent meets the crew on the Whitby lifeboat The White Rose of Yorkshire, autumn 1975
Words: Jon Jones and Jasmin Downs
Today, Lifeboat is a magazine for all RNLI lifesavers. And that includes you! ■ 1971 Coxswain William Sheader from Scarborough is the hero of the first ever full-colour cover
‘Lifeboat has collected heroic rescue stories, inspiring fundraising initiatives, lifeboat developments and important anniversaries over the last 170 years. Now, all of this remarkable history has been collated into a special online library, ready for you to explore, read and download for free.’
‘The Lifeboat archive is a treasure trove of information’
What's in this lifesaving library? ‘It’s a treasure trove of information and gives a real flavour of the RNLI’s people and work across the centuries. If you’re anything like me, you’ll get lost exploring! You could start by researching your family history to find a deeper connection to your lifeboat family. Or you could look up something specific, like a rescued vessel, an old photograph or a crew member’s name. You’ll discover lifeboat station histories, community events, lifesaving innovations, even music and drawings.’
Photos: Peter Hadfield, Topical Press Agency, Kenneth J Wining, RNLI/Central Press, 118
What is the archive?
Any recommendations? ‘I’ve loved discovering in-depth Lifeboat articles of major changes in our lifesaving history, such as lifejacket development and the introduction of motor lifeboats. It’s fascinating to read the impact the RNLI made during both World Wars, the creation of the Irish Free State and how we’ve helped other lifeboat organisations around the world.’
What will Lifeboat, the RNLI’s flagship publication, look like in the future? With the charity’s 200th anniversary approaching, you can shape your Lifeboat magazine at a pivotal point in RNLI history. Please fill in this short reader survey about Lifeboat. This is your magazine, so please take a few minutes to tell us what you think. Your feedback will help steer us in the right direction for years to come. We’ll review your feedback and listen to what you and other readers want from Lifeboat That might be a few updates or a complete overhaul. All feedback is welcome. The survey closes on 12 October 2022.
Lifeboat autumn 2022 21
2002 The
A special dual cover, marking the 150th anniversary of the magazine Lifeboat magazine as you know it, featuring exciting rescues and introducing the All-weather Lifeboat Centre 2014
HERITAGE ‘One of the best things I’ve discovered in the Lifeboat archive is the photo of “collecting seal” from 1933,’ says Hayley. ‘The seal was rescued by a Montrose fishmonger, after it got caught in the salmon nets, and it went on to help raise funds for local lifeboat crews for 13 years!’
Capturing the moment: the crew of Shoreham Harbour lifeboat launch the Watson class Dorothy and Philip Constant, spring 1981
FAVOURITEFIND
HAVE YOUR SAY
The future of magazine is in your hands
To fill in your survey, simply scan here or head to RNLI.org/surveyLB .
lifesaving sustainable:and THE ATGARDENRNLICHELSEA Come inside the RNLI Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and find out how it will continue to spread hope and joy long after the last havebloomsfaded
Lifeboat autumn 2022 23 FEATURE
‘I wanted the design to reflect, not only the long and incredible history of the charity, but also the professionalism, innovation and forward-thinking character of the charity today.’
Meet the man behind the RNLI Garden – plantsman, award-winning garden designer, horticulturalist, broadcaster, author, speaker and RNLI Ambassador ChrisChris’sBeardshaw.stunning garden, celebrating nearly 200 years of RNLI lifesaving, was the RNLI’s first ever Show Garden at Chelsea. What’s more, no RNLI donations were used to pay for it. The garden was entirely funded by the charity Project Giving Back (see panel overleaf).
CHRIS BEARDSHAW GARDEN DESIGNER
We were so lucky to have a garden designer of Chris’s calibre at the helm, and now we’re thrilled to share his design with you. So step over the viewing ropes and join us, on a walk through our Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea garden.
PROJECT GIVING BACK: GARDENS FOR GOOD CAUSES
inherbaceousdifferentperennialsourgarden
24 Lifeboat autumn 2022 A lifesaving garden As with any garden, the stars of the show are the plants. But the first thing you’ll notice is the classically inspired, oak pavilion at the rear of the garden. With its traditional columns, the pavilion echoes the charity’s Georgian origins and features a carved inscription of the RNLI motto ‘With courage, nothing is impossible’. Sustainably sourced from the New Forest, oak was used for its historical connections to traditional lifeboat building. What you don’t see is a lifeboat, or any plants in the RNLI’s trademark orange, yellow or red. Rather, designer Chris Beardshaw paid homage to our origins and traditions, and the innovations that make the RNLI what it is today, through more calming hues of blue, pink and white, and his choice of hard landscaping materials. Standing inside the pavilion, or on the paved area in front of it, you’re immediately aware of a feeling of calm and restfulness. Chris says: ‘Being able to walk into this arcade and pavilion and feeling enclosed and secure, feeling as though you’re a part of something and that you belong in that space. For me that was something that came out very strongly from my conversations with the crews.’ Hundreds of stone pavers were used to create the textural path that flows sinuously through the garden’s richly planted borders. As you walk through the garden, the surface beneath your feet feels solid and reassuring. Local Purbeck stone was chosen for its strength and durability. ‘It reflects the permanence and longevity of the RNLI,’ explains Chris. Each stone was carefully cut, finished and aged in a tumbler to replicate two centuries of wear and tear. The intention is to reuse them at an RNLI lifeboat station or other facility in the future. The planting of perennials, ferns and grasses is luxurious. But getting the plants in their prime for Chelsea week was anything but easy. ‘If you
All the costs of designing and building the RNLI Garden were met externally, and no RNLI supporter donations were used. This is thanks to the generosity of a charity called Project Giving Back. Set up during the pandemic, Project Giving Back gives good causes like the RNLI the chance to raise awareness through the medium of a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and at the same time supports the horticultural industry. We are extremely grateful to them and to Chris Beardshaw for this wonderful opportunity to create something so special in the lead up to our 200th anniversary in 2024.
The two inRNLIrehome–themChristhroughlifeboathullside,maritimum)seawiththeornamentalhandcraftedurnstowardsfrontofthegarden,depictionsofholly(Eryngiumontheirrepresenttheofanall-weatherasitcutsthewaves.commissionedaslegacypiecestheintentionistothemattheSupportCentrePoole.
Lifeboat autumn 2022 25 ask a gardener, every season is the most challenging season they’ve ever had,’ says Chris. ‘But this has been the most challenging season we’ve had, without a doubt.’ Up above Chris’s planting, your eye is caught by his collection of statement trees. These include three Chinese elms (Ulmus parvifolia) and two 6m-high Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris). Adding height and drama to the garden, they are a further reminder of the traditional building materials used for lifeboats in the past. The Rock Tree One feature of the garden surprised even its designer Chris. ‘A design is always carefully considered and planned,’ he explains. ‘But it is often a spontaneous moment that gives the greatest pleasure in the process. One element which was not in my original plans, is what we have come to call the Rock Tree (pictured left). ‘I was on a tree selecting trip in Holland. I came around a corner and spotted a multi-stemmed hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), which was transformed from the ordinary into a completely extraordinary tree, as it had been grown to envelope a large rock placed within the centre of its stems, to form an incredible naturalChris’ssculpture.’RockTree is symbolic of a hand reaching out to pull someone from the water. ‘As soon as I saw it,’ Chris says, ‘I knew it had to be in the garden.’ A garden for the people RNLI volunteers braved downpours to be on hand to answer questions and hand out information about the garden during the 5 days of the flower show. Volunteers helped in other ways too.
At the end of the show, all the plants had to be moved, quickly and carefully. While Chris Beardshaw’s team was responsible for constructing the garden and dismantling it afterwards, a top team of RNLI volunteers potted up hundreds of plants in preparation for their onward journey to the RNLI College in Poole, and the grand Chelsea plant sale. More volunteers were needed in Poole to receive the plants and get them back to looking their Chelsea best. volunteers gave their time to support the RNLI at the show
DAVE SLACK LIFEBOAT OPERATIONS MANAGER | PORTISHEAD FEATURE
‘The lantern in the garden pavilion is like a beacon of light, reassuring people who need our rescue that help is on its way.’
CHRIS BEARDSHAW MULTI-CHELSEA GOLD MEDAL WINNER AND LIFE-LONG RNLI SUPPORTER
crew could be provided lifejacketswithfromtheproceedsoftheplantsale
For special gifts for you and your loved ones, why not browse our Chelsea-inspired Garden Range of products! From kneelers and scarves to candles and home scents, you’ll find all these, and more, at shop.RNLI.org. ‘I hope this garden will inspire the next generation of lifesavers and supporters.’
The plant sale drew visitors and plant hunters from far and wide, and raised an incredible £15,000, which will be used to support RNLI lifesavers. If you missed out, here’s another way of having a bit of Chelsea in your outdoor space. Check out Chris’s plant list for the RNLI Garden at RNLI.org/PlantList . Who knows? You may already have an RNLI Chelsea plant growing somewhere in your patch. And if you haven’t, maybe you can organise a plant swap with a friend or neighbour!Theplant sale was just one of many fundraising events organised by RNLI home-grown heroes this summer. The RNLI Gardens fundraising scheme saw lots of you opening up your outside spaces for others to enjoy. If you hosted or supported such an event, thank you! You helped save lives at sea during our lifesavers’ busiest time. ■ 26 Lifeboat autumn 2022 Chris Beardshaw (centre), and a band of RNLI volunteers, made the garden a lifesaving success Words: Rob Westcott
GARDEN GIFTS FOR EVERYONE
Photos: John Campbell, RNLI/(Harrison Bates, Eleanor Driscoll, Rob Westcott, Nathan Williams), Shutterstock
‘For me, a personal connection is paramount when designing any garden. I have enjoyed a lifetime of watersports including sailing, kayaking and diving. As a consequence, I have been a long-term admirer of the RNLI. ‘It has been a huge honour and a fantastic opportunity for me to give back to the charity and hopefully inspire the next generation of lifesavers and supporters. ‘We wanted the garden not only to reflect the long and incredible history of the RNLI, but also to highlight the professionalism, innovation and forwardthinking character of the charity today. ‘We began by visiting the RNLI College in Poole to see how the RNLI build their own lifeboats. We then visited a lifeboat station in Portishead and met with a crew of volunteers and learned what it means to them to be at the forefront of the hugely varied, lifesaving work of the RNLI.’
and Chiswick Crew Member Andy Mayo was
HELEN LAZENBY RNLI GARDEN VOLUNTEER AND LIFEBOAT PRESS OFFICER | LIFEBOATPORTISHEADSTATION
Whitstable proud really has done an amazing job creating such a beautiful haven. It showcases our crew perfectly.’
to tell visitors about the charity at the show ‘Chris
If you have pictures of your outside space in bloom, perhaps taken during an RNLI Gardens fundraising event hosted by you, we’d love to see them. We may even use them in a future issue of Lifeboat. Please email any photos you’d be happy to share to the Editor at lifeboat@rnli.org.uk .
Give it a go: SEA SHANTIES
autumn
It quickly went viral on TikTok. People from all over the world shared and added to his song, layering it with harmonies and different instruments – even Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber joined in! The trend took off outside of social media too, with Wellerman hitting the number 1 spot on the Official UK Singles Chart in March 2021. More and more people are giving singing sea shanties a go – and our volunteers are no exception. Crew Member 28 Lifeboat 2022
During the pandemic, many of us turned to a new hobby to keep ourselves occupied. Some became bakers, some made themselves virtual quizmasters and others sang sea shanties
Sea shanties were once sung by sailors to accompany their laborious, gruelling, and repetitive tasks, like hoisting sails, scrubbing the deck and hauling rope. Perhaps it’s not too surprising that people returned to them during the pandemic, looking to lift their spirits and connect with others. This nautical resurgence began with a cover of the Wellerman sea shanty, posted on social media by Nathan Evans, a postman from Airdrie in North Lanarkshire.
You could give Wellerman or Sloop John B a go from the comfort of your own home! Words: Nikki McMullen Photos: John Campbell, Shutterstock
Listen up Tone deaf? Listen online! There are plenty of playlists on music services like Spotify and videos on YouTube. Try live Watch a live performance. Shanty groups are back to performing and many of them raise money for the RNLI and other charities. Fisherman’s Friends even sang at the RNLI Garden at Chelsea (pictured).
Inspired to give sea shanties a go? Here are four different ways to get involved
GIVE IT A GO
Paul Weston from Portishead RNLI describes how he got involved: ‘Three years ago, a few of us were out in the Isles of Scilly for the Cornish Pilot Gig World Championships. Jem, a crew member at Portishead, suggested we learn a couple of shanties we could sing on an evening in the pub. We did Sloop John B, South Australia and Blow the Man Down We sung a few late in the evening and had some fun –people even joined in at the pub! ‘Roll forward to January 2021, and a few of us crew decided to record a shanty during lockdown. We each sung a part and recorded it on our phones. Someone clever merged the parts together and it all sounded rather wonderful! We then recorded separate film clips of us singing in various locations around Portishead and created a video which we put up on Facebook. As a result, we got asked to take part in Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, for the End of the Show Show. It was very exciting. We sang a slight variation of Wellerman – socially distanced of course! ‘After lockdown, we got together in people’s gardens to sing sea shanties and did a few charity gigs. Singing together is great fun and it sounds quite good too! We’re called The 85ers, named after our Atlantic 85 lifeboat at Portishead. We recorded a song for the virtual Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival in 2021 and this year we were invited to perform at the festival again – this time in person!’
How to get involved
Head to a festival
There are currently sea shanty festivals in Bristol, Falmouth, Harwich, London, Sligo, Teignmouth and Whitby, to name just a few. They seem to be growing in popularity too – so look out for one near you! Join in Feeling brave? Join a local shanty group. There are plenty around that will welcome new members. Plus there are groups that cater to different needs and skills, like the dementia-friendly Shalder Shanty Crew, or the no-audition London Sea Shanty Collective.
Superyacht Captain by Brendan O’Shannassy
RMS Queen Mary by David Ellery RMS Queen Mary was Britain’s first superliner and a recordbreaking vessel. Author David Ellery’s passion for this historic liner is clear in his compact but comprehensive guide, which will take you back to the golden age of transatlantic travel. This book charts the journey from the 1930s builder’s yard, through her ocean-going days, remarkable war service, to becoming a museum in Long Beach, California. Technical details are in abundance alongside a selection of fantastic photos and facts about the many unique aspects of RMS Queen Mary that make her such an important part of British seafaring history. Published by Adlard Coles ISBN 9781472993113 Price: £9.99 Buy these books online via RNLI.org/amazon and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price. Recommended retail prices may vary from the time of writing. Post and packaging costs may apply to online orders.
All Hands on Deck by Lisette Vos
Do you know any budding young sailors? Perhaps the next Ellen Macarthur, keen to learn more about the sailing world? Aimed at children between ages 6 and 12, this book is chock-full of lessons on sailing and boating, alongside engaging and educational activities. Through the beautiful and informative illustrations, children will learn about everything from naming parts of a boat and the rules of good seamanship, to how to create their own wind vane and building their own raft. There’s even a sea shanty to sing along to! And space for kids to keep their own logbook of adventures. One for curious explorers with an interest in becoming sailors themselves. Published by Adlard Coles ISBN 9781472987471 Price: £12.99
Have you ever wondered what goes through the mind of a superyacht captain? Brendan O’Shannassy is here to tell you. From humble beginnings to commanding yachts that cost more than most people will make in a lifetime, Brendan gives us a captivating insight into his varied career. Even those who are not familiar with the industry will enjoy his tale. You get a real sense of his humility and hard work, and how that has earned him a place at the top of the superyacht industry. It’s not often that an ordinary person gets a glimpse into the world of superyachts and billionaires, so this insightful book is well worth a read!
Published by Adlard Coles ISBN 9781472992666 Price: £12.99 30 Lifeboat autumn 2022
Six of the best
Trained and Trusted by Philip Green, Dagfinn Paust and Anne Perkins
In the Wake of the Gods by Sam Jefferson Join Sam Jefferson as he takes on a legendary cruise around 30 destinations in Greece. Set sail from Odysseus’ Island of Ithaca and head towards Ammoudia, the gateway to the underworld, then follow Theseus’ journey to Athens and finish at the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. This guide perfectly balances poetic landscapes, entertaining stories of gods and goddesses, and advice that helps you shape your cruising itinerary. It has first-hand tips on mooring, anchorages, weather, and lots of lovely places that are well worth a visit. Alongside scenic depictions of statues, paintings, and landmarks, Jefferson’s passion for sailing and mythology stands out in this extraordinary voyage in Mediterranean waters. Published by Adlard Coles ISBN 9781472975362 Price £20
Reviewed by Hayley Whiting, Nikki McMullen, Tony Karoly, Kevin Hill, Lydia Cooke and Simona Matache
The college students designed, built and crewed their own inshore lifeboats and pioneered new techniques in coast and cliff rescue, running their station for over 50 years. Many of them were teenagers and included the first RNLI female crew members. The students are a shining example of what young hearts and minds are capable of, given trust and opportunity.
Waveney Fast Afloat Lifeboats by Nicholas Leach
John F. Kennedy, which went on service at Dun Laoghaire in 1966, was a Waveney class motor lifeboat. She had originally been developed for the US Coast Guard, but her impressive speed and self-righting abilities meant that variations appeared all over the There’sworld. plenty of technical information crammed into this latest instalment from Leach’s fascinating series. You’ll learn all about the Waveney’s innovative design, its medal-winning rescues and life after the RNLI. With plenty of illustrations and photographs of the Waveney in action, alongside her courageous crews, this book brings history to life.
for cosy armchairs, crackling fires, and books to whisk you away on adventures. Where will you travel? Back in time with a historical yarn or across Europe in a yacht?
REVIEW
legendaryTakeacruise Lifeboat autumn 2022 31
Published by Foxglove Publishing Ltd ISBN 9781909540231 Price: £12
Did you know there was once an RNLI lifeboat named after a US President?
Published under licence by Brown Dog Books and The Self-Publishing Partnership Ltd ISBN 9781839524004 Price:
Autumn£14.99calls
Atlantic College has long been recognised as a place of innovation, committed to the development of young minds. When they recognised the need for a lifesaving service along their treacherous stretch of coast, they quickly helped establish an RNLI lifeboat station.
Behind every launch, new lifeboat and naming ceremony listed in this section is a community of volunteers, fundraisers and supporters. Whatever you do to keep our crews ready to rescue, thank you.
ABERDOVEY B-896: Apr 13, May 21,28, Jun 3,4,19
Clogherhead Shannon class lifeboat Michael O'Brien ON 1338 (13-31)
32 Lifeboat autumn 2022
1 APRIL TO 30 JUNE 2022
MillardRNLI/NigelPhoto:
RNLI RESCUE CRAFT LAUNCHES
ALDERNEY ON1199 (14-04): Apr 20, May 8,13,16,27, Jun 30 AMBLE D-736: Jun 12 ON1323 (13-16): Apr 13, Jun 12 ANGLE ON1286 (16-06): Apr 3,4, May 2,3,29(x2),30, Jun 3,6, 7,24,25 ON1291 (16-11): Jun 16 ANSTRUTHER D-802: Apr 2(x2) ON1174 (12-17): Apr 2 APPLEDORE B-861: Apr 17,18,22, May 5, Jun 2,27 D-717: May 15 ON1296 (16-16): Apr 15 ARAN ISLANDS ON1217 (17-06): Apr 7, 20(x2),27, May 1,3,11(x2),14, 22,24,30,31, Jun 4,11,22 ARBROATH D-759: Apr 28,29, May 25 ON1194 (12-35): Apr 30, Jun 1 ARKLOW ON1223 (14-19): Jun 6,9,16 ARRAN (LAMLASH) B-876: Apr 20, May 11 ARRANMORE ON1244 (17-22): Apr 7, 29,30, May 1(x2), Jun 29 BALLYCOTTON ON1233 (14-25): May 19, Jun 28 BALTIMORE B-910: May 21, Jun 16, 21,22 ON1302 (16-22): Apr 22, May 19, Jun 5,26 BANGOR (CO DOWN) B-805: Apr 23,24, May 7,9, 11,12,25, Jun 17,20,26 BARMOUTH D-814: May 26,31, Jun 2 ON1337 (13-30): May 26 BARRA ISLAND ON1230 (17-12): May 19 BARROW D-733: Apr 11, May 25 D-866: Jun 19 ON1288 (16-08): Apr 11, Jun 22 BARRY DOCK D-820: Apr 2, May 5,13, 20,28, Jun 15,16(x2),17(x5), 20,21 ON1245 (14-29): Apr 30, May 13, Jun 2,13,16(x2), 26(x2) BEAUMARIS B-838: Apr 5,9,20, May 8, 20,21,23, Jun 3,8
2,363
ABERSOCH B-886: May 12,13, Jun 6, 23,29
ABERYSTWYTH A-78: Jun 30 B-822: May 30(x2), Jun 15, 17,30 ACHILL ISLAND ON1240 (14-28): Apr 5, May 2,13,22,25 AITH ON1232 (17-14): Jun 29
The launches listed here are those for which returns had been received at the RNLI Support Centre and processed by 12 July 2022.
ABERDEEN D-768: Jun 7
B-918: Jun 28 BROUGHTY FERRY D-768: Jun 21,25 D-834: Apr 27,28, May 22, Jun 5 ON1252 (14-31): May 22 BUCKIE ON1268 (17-37): Apr 18, Jun 10,12,29
BUDE D-756: Apr 10,16(x3),17, May 16 RWC-128: Apr 16(x2),17 BUNDORAN B-834: Apr 26, May 8,13, Jun 18 BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH B-849: Apr 16,24(x2), May 12 BURNHAM-ON-SEA B-914: Apr 18,24, Jun 15 D-755: Jun 15 D-801: Apr 18, Jun 27 BURRY PORT B-915: Apr 18,30, Jun 2,22 D-749: Apr 11,23,24,27,30, May 5,17(x2), Jun 1,2,22,27 CALSHOT B-929: Jun 15,18,25,28 D-748: Apr 27, May 15,17, 22, Jun 16,17(x2),18,25(x3)
CAMPBELTOWN D-737: Apr 12 ON1241 (17-19): Apr 12, May 23, Jun 1,25 CARDIGAN D-776: Jun 9,10,14,17,29 D-845: Apr 29
BEMBRIDGE D-778: Apr 9, Jun 1,22,25 ON1280 (16-01): Jun 19, 23,25(x2) ON1297 (16-17): May 3, 25(x2) BLACKPOOL B-867: Apr 16 D-862: Apr 15,18,24 D-864: Apr 18,24, May 1 BLYTH B-923: May 17 D-746: Jun 13,18 BORTH D-760: Apr 21 BRIDLINGTON D-852: Apr 3, May 20, Jun 24 ON1329 (13-22): Jun 9,17 BRIGHTON B-852: May6,12,15,16,18,23(x2),25,29,Apr2,28,29,Jun11,17
ALDEBURGH D-808: May 16,29, Jun 7, 16,17 ON1193 (12-34): Apr 20, May 29, Jun 7,12,16
newEE-##lastMerseyON####(12-##)classbuilt:1993classcost: £560,000/€666,800
DART B-825: Apr 10,15,16, May 9, 10,12, Jun 2,5,10,19(x2) D-838: Apr 10,30, May 3(x2),9,12, Jun 19
FISHGUARD D-755: May 9,15(x2) D-789: Apr 6 ON1198 (14-03): Apr 4,6,24, May 9,26, Jun 9,10(x2) FLAMBOROUGH B-820: Apr 16, May 2(x2), 6,8, Jun 3,15,17 FLEETWOOD D-853: May 28, Jun 7,14 ON1321 (13-14): Jun 17 FLINT D-795: May 15,24 FOWEY D-817: May 22, Jun 23 ON1222 (14-18): Apr 6,16, May 15, Jun 2,7,17,22,30 FRASERBURGH ON1259 (14-34): Jun 9 GALWAY B-853: Apr 17,22,23,24,25, May 29,30, Jun 4,14,17 GIRVAN ON1330 (13-23): May 14, Jun 27 GRAVESEND B-827: Apr 7,8,12,16, May 11(x2),17,2127,28,30,6,7(x2),8,15,16,18,23,Jun1,2,3(x3),9, GREAT YARMOUTH AND GORLESTON B-925: Apr 20,21,24, May 13,16,21,26, Jun 2,13, 14,15,22(x2),29 ON1208 (14-10): May 17 HAPPISBURGH B-899: Jun 17 HARTLEPOOL B-881: Apr 28, May 12,15, Jun 17 ON1274 (14-37): May 12, Jun 11,14,27 HARWICH B-907: Apr 17,18, May 18(x2),20(x3),21,24,30Jun9,11(x2),15(x2),20,22,30,31,5,2,12(x3),16,17(x3), ON1202 (17-03): Jun 18, 20,30 ON1278 (17-45): May 15,30 HASTINGS D-835: Apr 3,5, May 9,15, 22,29, Jun 18(x2),22,23, 28,30 ON1335 (13-28): Apr 2,3, 13(x2),14,15, Jun 23,26
newRescueRWC-###watercraftcost: £10,000/€11,900 Additional rescue craft: BB-### Boarding boat Y-### Y boat X-### X boat XP-### XP boat
ON1205 (14-07): Apr 10, May 4,19,20,25, Jun 16(x2), 18,22 COURTOWN D-846: Apr 20 COWES B-880: Apr 6,21,23, May 1, 13,15,30,31, Jun 7,9,11,14, 16,18(x2) CRASTER D-839: Jun 4,16 CRICCIETH A-76: May 24 B-823: May 24 CROMER D-780: Apr 5, Jun 26 CULLERCOATS B-811: Apr 10,18, May 7,20, 22,26,29, Jun 3,18,19,22
lastTrentON####(14-##)lastTamarON####(16-##)classbuilt:2013classbuilt:2003
CARRYBRIDGE B-904: Apr 16,24, May 16, Jun 12,20
lastSevernON####(17-##)classbuilt:2004
Lifeboat autumn 2022 33
CASTLETOWNBERE ON1277 (17-44): May 23, Jun 24,25 CHISWICK E-07: May 5(x2), Jun 14,15 E-08: Apr 24(x2),26,11,12,15,18(x2),20,23(x3),1(x3),2,3(x4),6,8,May29
FILEY B-928: May 22 D-859: May 10,12, Jun 11,17
newintroducedShannonON####(13-##)class2014cost: £2,263,000/€2,695,000
HAYLING ISLAND B-829: Apr 4,13,16(x3),20, May 15,16,18,21,23, Jun 2, 4(x2),8,10 B-898: Jun 15,18 D-779: Apr 13,15,16, May 16,21,23, Jun 2(x2), 4(x2),8,15,17
newBB-###classcost: £285,000/€339,400 newDD-###classcost: £86,000 / €102,400
InshoreH-### rescue hovercraft new cost: £500,000/€595,400 InshoreA-## rescue boat new cost: £13,000/€15,500
E-09: May 25(x2),26,28,29,30(x2)18(x2),19,20,22(x3),23(x2),4,5,6,9,11(x2),12,13,16(x3),20,22,23,24,25,31,12(x2),13(x2),15(x2),17(x2),2(x3),4,7(x2),Jun2,3, CLACTON-ON-SEA B-863: Apr 18,29, May 20(x2),25, Jun 3,13 D-849: May 16 CLEETHORPES D-757: Apr 18,19,30, May 2, 16,23,28, Jun 2,11,17(x2), 25(x3) CLOGHERHEAD ON1338 (13-31): May 24, Jun 10 CONWY D-765: Apr 25,30, Jun 14, 17,19,20,22
HARBOURCOURTMACSHERRY
DONAGHADEE ON1267 (14-36): Apr 25, May 17,19, Jun 7,9(x2), 12,15,17,19 DOUGLAS ON1169 (12-12): Apr 13, 19,30, May 28,29, Jun 3,12 DOVER ON1220 (17-09): Apr 15, 16,19,21,30, May 2,4,7, 21(x2),22,30,31, Jun 13,14(x2),16,17(x3),21,22,301,4, ON1279 (17-46): Apr 12,14, May 14(x3),15,17,19(x2) DUN LAOGHAIRE D-865: May 27,28(x3), Jun 2 ON1200 (14-05): May 13, 14(x2), Jun 2 ON1215 (14-17): Jun 3 DUNBAR D-844: Apr 16,27, May 19, Jun 20 ON1266 (14-35): Apr 27, May 18, Jun 22 DUNGENESS ON1309 (13-02): Apr 26, May 17,22, Jun 3,4,10,14, 15(x3),29 ON1319 (13-12): Apr 2,3, 13,14(x2) ON1347 (13-40): Apr 16,19, May 2,3,15(x2) DUNMORE EAST ON1348 (13-41): Apr 25, May 8, Jun 4,9,15,23 EASTBOURNE D-744: Apr 2,5,7,26, May 22,28,1(x3),3,9,12,13,14,18,Jun1 D-836: Jun 12,13,14(x3),16, 25,26,29 ON1303 (16-23): Apr 16,24, May 1, Jun 1,18,26 Y-240: Jun 21 ENNISKILLEN B-912: Apr 18,20, May 25, Jun 6,15,16 EXMOUTH D-805: Apr 4,14(x2),16, 17,26, May 10,15, Jun 2(x3), 13,17,28 ON1310 (13-03): Apr 14,15 EYEMOUTH D-745: Jun 18 ON1336 (13-29): Apr 10, Jun 18,22 FALMOUTH B-916: Jun 10,18,25 B-926: Apr 21,30, May 12, 19,26,29(x2) BB-679: Apr 10 ON1256 (17-29): Apr 19, Jun 5,8,18 FENIT D-860: Apr 24, May 14,30, Jun 7,28 ON1239 (14-27): Jun 12 FETHARD D-819: Apr 25,26, May 1, Jun 23,29
LAUNCHES
HORTON AND PORT EYNON D-824: Apr 3,16, May 13,27, Jun 1,12,23 HOWTH D-796: Apr 30, May 15, 28,31 D-815: Apr 16,21 ON1258 (14-33): Apr 15,21, May 25, Jun 16,20
PETERHEAD ON1282 (16-03): Apr 2,14, May 12, Jun 13,14(x2),18,20
SCARBOROUGH D-856: Apr 29, May 1,4,9 ON1340 (13-33): Jun 27,29 SEAHOUSES D-828: Apr 30, May 26, Jun 2,11 ON1343 (13-36): Apr 14,30, May 9, Jun 9,11,23
INVERGORDON ON1344 (13-37): May 19, Jun 14 KESSOCK B-873: Apr 26, May 2,12, Jun 11,17 KILKEEL B-812: Apr 22, May 18 KILMORE QUAY ON1298 (16-18): Apr 4,16, 22, May 21,31, Jun 7,15 KINGHORN B-836: Apr 2,3,10,12,13,20, 23,24, May 27,2823,26,13,15,18(x3),20(x2),22(x2),1,2,4(x2),7,10,Jun4,7(x2),12,14,17,
HOLYHEAD D-791: May 19,22, Jun 2,7 ON1272 (17-41): Apr 19, 27,30, May 1, Jun 1,7,15
ROSSLARE HARBOUR ON1276 (17-43): Apr 4, May 17, Jun 17,24 RYE HARBOUR B-900: Apr 5 SALCOMBE B-905: Apr 16, Jun 3(x2), 8(x2),12,17 ON1289 (16-09): Apr 1, 22,30, May 23,28,30(x2), Jun 3(x2),10,12,14,18(x2)
PORT ERIN B-813: May 15 PORT ISAAC D-843: Apr 11, May 2, Jun 15 PORT ST MARY D-742: Apr 20, May 10, Jun 18 ON1234 (14-26): May 10, 15,29 PORT TALBOT D-816: Apr 5, May 2,4 PORTAFERRY B-833: Apr 4, May 14,15,28, Jun 4,8 B-875: May 28,29, Jun 18(x2),20,25 PORTHCAWL B-832: May 7,28, Jun 2,3 D-861: Apr 16(x2),17, May 12,13, Jun 3,14
PORTISHEAD B-884: Apr 16,18,20,25, May 4,7(x3),15,30, Jun 26 PORTPATRICK ON1301 (16-21): Apr 19, May 7, Jun 1,20,21(x2) PORTREE BB-683: May 11 ON1206 (14-08): Apr 6, May 11,17,22,30(x2), Jun 4,5,6,15,22,23 PORTRUSH ON1257 (17-30): Jun 5 PORTSMOUTH B-846: Apr 23, May 20 D-850: Apr 11,16, May 25, Jun 22(x2),26 PWLLHELI D-811: Jun 14 QUEENSFERRY B-851: Apr 11,28(x2),30May17,18,19,21,24,29,3,4,12,15(x2),4(x2),18,19,23,Jun2,4, RAMSEY ON1349 (13-42): May 22 RAMSGATE B-878: Apr 2,3(x2),6,24(x2), May 20(x2),21(x2),25,29, Jun 3,14,18 ON1213 (14-15): Apr 2,24, May 19,23, Jun 13,14(x2),16
RED BAY B-843: Apr 26, Jun 13 ON1253 (14-32): Apr 26, Jun 25 REDCAR B-858: Apr 5,18,24, May 5, 8,17,20,21, Jun 5,17, 21(x3),29 D-786: Apr 18,24, May 1, 4,17, Jun 5,17,21(x2) RHYL D-770: Apr 5,6, May 21, Jun 7,17(x2) ON1341 (13-34): Apr 5, May 7, Jun 7
HOYLAKE H-005: Apr 18,27,29, May 15,20,21(x2),29,31, Jun 20,30 ON1313 (13-06): May 3, Jun 17 HUMBER ON1216 (17-05): Apr 3, 15(x2), Jun 9,22,29 HUNSTANTON B-848: May 9,17,28, Jun 12,15,17 H-003: Apr 14,16 ILFRACOMBE D-812: May 1,10,19, Jun 3,14 D-863: Jun 16(x2) ON1316 (13-09): May 1,28, Jun 14,15
34 Lifeboat autumn 2022 HELENSBURGH B-903: Apr 29, May 4,17, Jun 4,9,15,27,28
LYTHAM ST ANNES D-800: May 31, Jun 9,10, 12,29 ON1331 (13-24): Jun 9,10, 17,29 MABLETHORPE B-887: May 7, Jun 22 D-790: May 7, Jun 17,22,25 MACDUFF B-804: Apr 2 MALLAIG ON1250 (17-26): Apr 4,9, JunMay14,16,18,20(x2),24,30,2,7,9,10,11,16,18,3,5,7,13
B-926: Jun 12,15,18(x4),22, 24,26 ON1264 (17-35): Apr 3, Jun 1,14,23,26
POOLE B-826: Apr 1,2,8,11,13,24, 30, May 2(x2),7,19,25, Jun 1,2,17(x2),21,22(x4) D-804: Apr 8,15,18,19,21, 23,24,30, May 2(x2),7,15, Jun 1,11(x2),18(x3)
HELVICK HEAD B-874: May 4,15
KYLE OF LOCHALSH B-856: Apr 23,25, May 10, 11,17,22, Jun 4,18,23 LARGS B-854: Apr 7,14,19,22, 24(x2),30, May 10,13,14, 15,21, Jun 5(x2),9,11(x2),12 LARNE D-783: Apr 3,10,25, May 8, Jun 4 ON1246 (14-30): Apr 18, 25,26 LERWICK ON1221 (17-10): May 6,19, 20,30 LITTLE AND BROAD HAVEN D-766: Apr 21,27, May 29(x2) LITTLEHAMPTON B-891: Apr 10,15(x2),16(x2), 17,18, May 3,8,23, Jun 22,29 D-769: Apr 16,21, May 3,20, Jun 4,22 LITTLESTONE-ON-SEA B-922: May 21, Jun 10,14 LLANDUDNO D-793: Apr 15,24,28, Jun 23 ON1325 (13-18): Apr 13, May 7, Jun 19 LOCH NESS B-902: Apr 18, May 18, 28,29, Jun 4,18 LOCHINVER ON1271 (17-40): Apr 5, May 27 LOOE B-894: Apr 3, May 18,21, Jun 7,8,15,21 D-741: May 18,21,29, Jun 7,21 LOUGH DERG B-911: Apr 8,13,17, May 26, Jun 4 LOUGH REE B-920: Apr 1,15,18,19,23, 24,29,30, May 1,8,14,23,30, Jun 2,7,12 LOUGH SWILLY B-819: May 30, Jun 17 B-901: Apr 27 ON1315 (13-08): May 7, Jun 17,30 LOWESTOFT ON1312 (13-05): May 30, Jun 6,10 ON1340 (13-33): May 6 LYME REGIS B-857: Jun 2,3,17,18 B-927: Apr 11,16,18(x2),21, May 5,12,13,19 LYMINGTON B-882: Apr 4,5,17, May 2, 13,31, Jun 1,12,25,26
MARGATE B-930: Apr 18,29, Jun 2, 12,22 D-762: May 19,22,29 D-841: May 1,6, Jun 11,12, 22,26(x2),30 MINEHEAD B-824: Apr 12, Jun 9,10 D-847: Apr 19,20,22, Jun 9, 10,25,26 MOELFRE D-825: Apr 14, May 7,10, Jun 1,11,28 ON1305 (16-25): May 29, Jun 27 MONTROSE D-764: Apr 26, Jun 29 ON1317 (13-10): Apr 26, Jun 29 MORECAMBE D-855: Apr 30, May 6,31, Jun 7,10 H-002: Apr 8(x2),12,14, 15,17, May 6,30 MUDEFORD B-806: Apr 9,18,21, May 2, 14,28, Jun 4,9,18,21(x2),28
KINSALE B-909: Apr 6, May 4,6,19, 25,29(x2), Jun 10,21 KIRKCUDBRIGHT B-814: May 30, Jun 6,8,14, 15,27 KIRKWALL ON1231 (17-13): May 6, 18,20, Jun 2,12,27
OBAN ON1227 (14-23): Apr 4,23, May 22(x2),23,25,2629,30,5,7,10,12(x3),14,16(x3),Jun15,18,19(x2),21, PADSTOW ON1283 (16-04): Apr 12,13, Jun 15 PEEL ON1342 (13-35): Apr 16, May 3, Jun 6,8 PENARTH B-839: Apr 9, May 5,22 D-822: Apr 3,9,13,28, May 5 PENLEE B-893: Apr 15,19,25, May 22,29, Jun 3,11,13, 14,27 ON1265 (17-36): Apr 15, 25,29, Jun 7,17,25,27
PLYMOUTH B-908: Apr 14,16,22,23,29(x2),18,19,27,29(x3),2,3,9(x2),15(x3),May7(x2),Jun4
NEW BRIGHTON B-837: Apr 3(x2),5,17,25, 27,29, May 2,20,24,29, Jun 17(x2),22(x2),24 NEW QUAY (CEREDIGION) D-754: Apr 12,17,20, May 4(x2),15, Jun 12,20,28 ON1170 (12-13): Apr 28,29, May 4, Jun 12
PORTHDINLLAEN ON1293 (16-13): Apr 8,16 ON1304 (16-24): May 21, Jun 26
NEWBIGGIN B-864: Apr 10, Jun 9,16,22 NEWCASTLE D-775: Apr 23 ON1177 (12-20): May 24, Jun 4,26 NEWHAVEN ON1243 (17-21): Apr 23,24, May 5(x2),9,23,24,30,31, Jun 2,6,22 NEWQUAY (CORNWALL) B-821: Apr 2,5,16(x2), May 12,17(x2),31, Jun 14,17 D-773: Apr 2,16, May 12,15, 17,31
WEST MERSEA B-879: Apr 2(x2),15,17, 23(x2), May 1(x2),20,25,28, Jun 4(x2),16,17(x3),26,27(x2) WESTON-SUPER-MARE B-830: Apr 17, May 17 D-832: Apr 17, May 8,17,25, Jun 15 WEXFORD D-782: Jun 12,13,16,20 WEYMOUTH B-917: Apr 16(x5), May 2, 8,31, Jun 18,20,25,30 ON1261 (17-32): Apr 16, May 2,17,24, Jun 12,13,18, 21,25,28,30
SELSEY D-827: Apr 30, May 4, 22(x2), Jun 17,19 ON1319 (13-12): May 28, Jun 18(x2),19 ON1327 (13-20): Apr 16,18, May 10 SENNEN COVE D-763: Apr 26, Jun 2,12 ON1290 (16-10): May 7, 8,19(x2), Jun 2,4,10,12 SHEERNESS D-762: Apr 10,13(x2),15, 16,21 D-799: May 8,11,14,16(x2),17(x2),2121(x2),23,27,28,29,1,8,14,15,16,17,Jun5,
ST MARY’S ON1229 (17-11): Apr 18, May 4(x3),18,28,29, Jun 12(x2),17,24
SHOREHAM HARBOUR D-784: Apr 23, May 5, Jun 11,16,17,18(x3),20,25 ON1295 (16-15): Apr 18,24, May 26, Jun 11,27 SILLOTH B-828: Apr 16 SKEGNESS D-842: May 31, Jun 3,14, 17,28 ON1324 (13-17): Jun 3
SKERRIES B-866: Apr 10,18,25, May 14,22,25, Jun 6,10 SLIGO BAY B-888: Apr 30, May 1,3, 10(x2),16(x2),28, Jun 20,26
TIGHNABRUAICH B-862: Apr 4,19, May 13, Jun 2,12,17 TOBERMORY ON1270 (17-39): May 17, 18(x3), Jun 9,11 TORBAY D-788: Apr 13,16(x2),20, May 13,14,23,28,29(x2), Jun 2,3(x2),4,6,8,14,29 ON1255 (17-28): Apr 9,18, 26, May 13,27, Jun 2,4,18, 19,20 TOWER E-07: Apr 14,15(x5),17(x2),19,20(x2),211(x3),11(x2),13, E-10: Apr 22(x3),23(x2),24(x5),25,2815(x4),16,17(x4),18,20(x3),11(x4),12(x3),13(x5),14(x2),5(x3),6(x2),7(x3),9,10(x3),31,23,25(x2),26,29(x3),30(x4),19(x4),20(x3),21(x3),22(x3),14(x6),15(x2),16(x4),18(x2),8(x3),9(x3),11(x2),12,13(x4),29,30(x2),24(x2),25(x4),26,27(x3),28,8(x5),10(x2),12,21,22(x3),23,2(x2),6(x4),7,May1(x2),2(x2),6,Jun1(x2),3(x3),4(x5),
NAMING CEREMONIES D-850, The Dennis Faro, Portsmouth, 2 April 2022 B-917, Jack & Phyl Cleare , Weymouth, 9 April 2022
ON1345 (13-38): Apr 1, 13,17, May 1,22, Jun 4(x2), 12,19(x2)
ST PETER PORT B-889: May 17, Jun 13,14, 16,26 ON1203 (17-04): Apr 1, May 17,19, Jun 10,12,13,14, 25,26 STAITHES AND RUNSWICK B-897: Apr 7,29, May 15 STONEHAVEN B-919: May 8,11,30, Jun 3, 12,29 STORNOWAY ON1238 (17-18): Apr 2(x2), Jun 1,3,13 STRANRAER D-833: Apr 9 STROMNESS ON1236 (17-16): May 7, 21,23, Jun 12,17,23 SUNDERLAND B-817: Apr 11, May 7, Jun 10,11,17,24 D-747: Apr 16,17, May 8,23, Jun 9 SWANAGE D-752: Apr 1,9,16(x2), May 4,7(x2),31, Jun 11 ON1320 (13-13): Apr 1,9,16, May 4,21, Jun 2,11(x2) ON1347 (13-40): Jun 18(x2),25 TEDDINGTON D-743: Apr 1,11(x2),20, May 7,14,19(x2), Jun 2,12, 13,15(x3),17,27(x2) D-812: Jun 15 TEIGNMOUTH A-67: Jun 8 B-809: Apr 1,2,15(x2),20,21, May 4,5, Jun 8,17,28 TENBY D-858: Apr 16,18,21,26,30, May 1,19,21,22,25,31, Jun 4,11,17 ON1281 (16-02): Apr 18, 19,21,25,26, May 2 ON1293 (16-13): May 12, 21,25,26, Jun 2,4,11
TREARDDUR BAY B-847: Apr 20, May 1,6,10, Jun 19,21,24,27 D-753: Apr 25, May 6,10, Jun 21 TROON D-821: Apr 18,24(x2),27, May 14,31, Jun 3,4(x2),13, 18,27,30 ON1275 (14-38): Apr 18, 24(x2),27,28, May 14(x2), Jun 4(x3),9,12,13,19
ON1342 (13-35), Frank and Brenda Winter, Peel, 14 May 2022 D-859, The Rotarian , Filey, 14 May 2022 B-927, Dylan Rotchell , relief fleet, 27 May 2022 D-846, Frank , Courtown, 28 May 2022 D-860, Lizzie , Fenit, 29 May 2022 B-920, Tara Scougall , Lough Ree, 11 June 2022 D-865, Joval , Dun Laoghaire, 12 June 2022 B-924, Christine and Raymond Fielding , Union Hall, 25 June 2022 ON1348 (13-41), William and Agnes Wray, Dunmore East, 26 June 2022
WHITBY D-810: May 20,30, Jun 2, 12,23 ON1212 (14-14): May 30, Jun 12 WHITSTABLE B-877: May 3,10,17,21, Jun 4,17,27 WICK ON1224 (14-20): Apr 21 WICKLOW D-806: May 3,29, Jun 4 ON1328 (13-21): May 31, Jun 4,27(x2) WITHERNSEA D-837: Jun 2 WORKINGTON D-767: Apr 16, May 11, Jun 15 ON1332 (13-25): Apr 16, May 14, Jun 4 YARMOUTH (IOW) ON1249 (17-25): Apr 28, 30, May 24,29(x2), Jun 5,7, 25(x4),27,28 Y-189: Jun 2 YOUGHAL B-890: Apr 21, May 3,17,20, Jun 5,10,14(x2),23 LAUNCHES
ON1344 (13-37), Agnes A P Barr, Invergordon, 10 April 2022 D-861, Hugo Missen , Porthcawl, 24 April 2022 D-854, Ronnie Sinclair, Kippford, 30 April 2022 B-922, Jean McIvor, Littlestone-on-Sea, 7 May 2022
Lifeboat autumn 2022 35
TRAMORE D-781: Apr 23, May 21,25, Jun 6,16,19
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA B-885: Apr 20, May 3, Jun 2 D-818: Apr 21,24, May 3,12 H-004: Apr 2
THE LIZARD ON1300 (16-20): Apr 11, 19,25, May 3, Jun 3,16 THE MUMBLES D-761: Apr 28,29(x2)24,31,27(x2),30(x3),2,8,14,15,18,25,May5,8(x2),Jun1,3,11,17,26, ON1307 (16-27): Apr 18, 25,26,30, May 24 THURSO ON1273 (17-42): Apr 10,23, Jun 17,23,26
ON STATION D-862, Phyllis Rowan , Blackpool, 7 April 2022 D-864, Blackpool Endeavour, Blackpool, 7 April 2022 ON1350 (13-43), St Christopher, Clifden, 15 May 2022 D-866, Raymond and Dorothy Billingham , Barrow, 18 May 2022
TYNEMOUTH D-829: Apr 24, May 15,21, 23,25, Jun 11,13,18(x4), 19,21 ON1263 (17-34): Apr 5,10, May 7,14,17, Jun 11,17,18 UNION HALL B-924: Apr 24, Jun 13 WALMER B-808: Apr 5, May 4,8, Jun 13,28 D-762: Jun 12,13,26 D-794: Apr 3,5,28, May 8 WELLS D-797: Apr 16,17,21,23,30, May 14,16,28, Jun 2,15,24 ON1161 (12-003): May 15, 16,25 WEST KIRBY D-751: Jun 14,17,19,26
SOUTHWOLD B-868: May 4, Jun 7 ST AGNES D-787: Apr 16,23,30, May 2, Jun 13,17,21 ST BEES B-831: Jun 21 ST CATHERINE B-841: Apr 3, May 2, Jun 19 ST DAVIDS D-840: Jun 19 ON1306 (16-26): Apr 3,4, May 14, Jun 17,19 ST HELIER B-816: Apr 10,16,17,18, May 8,12,13, Jun 23,30 ON1292 (16-12): Apr 3,10, 17,18, May 19,28, Jun 3 ST IVES D-803: Apr 20, May 26,31, Jun 10 ON1318 (13-11): Apr 2,7, May 21,26,31, Jun 6,10
36 Lifeboat autumn 2022 Puzzle time
Friends of the RNLI
TOM KAY FINISTERRE FOUNDER
MillardRNLI/NigelPhoto:GuestFinisterre/MikePhoto:
‘I can’t really think of a better partner than the RNLI – with a shared love and respect for the sea that is deeply ingrained into both Finisterre and the RNLI.’
Think
Lifeboat spotting
P R H Q X H Z E L L E U G O Z O N A U X G O C F S A L P K W R S S R B T I H I P U W E A E N A H P I P Z E L A T M Y U N S L F B Y I T V Q T F O Z F X R E U G A G E R A N I U M B C Y N O E P S J R V K
BUTTERCUPCATNIPFLEABANEGERANIUMHOSTAIRISLUPINPEONYPHLOXSPURGE
Tom Kay has been a volunteer at St Agnes Lifeboat Station for 20 years and he’s passionate about the partnership between the RNLI and Finisterre. It was 2003 when Tom founded Finisterre – an outdoor clothing company born from the needs of hardy surfers. Finisterre designs functional and sustainable products for those who share a love of the sea. Now there’s an RNLI + Finisterre clothing collection, drawing inspiration from British seafaring heritage and the hardiness of the human spirit. A generous 10% of every sale from the range is donated to the lifesaving charity. With courage, nothing is impossible These flowers were all found in the RNLI Garden at Chelsea Flower Show. Can you find them today in the jumble of letters below? you know your lifeboats? What class of lifeboat is this? (Answer on page 40.)
ANSTRUTHER REMEMBER A LOVED ONE YOU MISS, ON THE ANSTRUTHER LIFEBOAT
SCAN ME
Your loved one’s name will be proudly displayed within the letters and numbers of a new Shannon class lifeboat. They will be part of every launch, every rescue and every life saved by Anstruther lifeboat crew on the east coast of Scotland. Scan this QR code or visit RNLI.org/LAMAnstruther to make a donation and add the name of someone you love to the Anstruther lifeboat. Or you can call us on 0300 300 0061 from the UK or 01 511 9871 from Ireland. The last date to have your loved one’s name added is 24 October 2022.
ON 1297 (16-17) Feb 20,21, Mar 9,14,21’. The dates bit is obvious as is the D for a D class boat but what does the rest mean? I am sure all the crews know but I don’t!
The numbers you mention are printed on the side of lifeboats – a shorthand way of identifying a lifeboat. You’re right that the D stands for D class. As they are built, the D class will have a number allotted – the first one was D-001 and the second was D-002 and so on.
SHOOTINGRickard
Charlie
QUEST FOR ANSWERS
The Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2022 is also a useful companion to the Launches section. I couldn’t do without it! You can look up the number of the lifeboat and it will tell you all about the specific lifeboat. It’s a 132-page booklet, costing £7 including p&p. Send a cheque payable to ‘RNLI’ to: Tony Denton, Dawn, Upper Battlefield, Shrewsbury, SY4 4AA.
Did you know Bertram Rickard, or know someone who might? Charlie Rickard wrote in, hoping that some readers could help with information about his late father, who used to work at the RNLI: Bertram Rickard retired from the RNLI at the age of 60 in 1964, after working for the RNLI for 40 years. He never talked much about his work and he died in 1972, before I had a chance to learn more about his career.
Thank you for the continuingly interesting Lifeboat magazine. I am still a bit confused when I get to the Rescue Craft Launches pages. For example in summer’s magazine for Bembridge it states ‘D-778 Feb 12, Mar 5.
Michael Gale Editor: I’m sure others feel the same – it can be hard to decipher the Launches information (pages 32–35). We have to fit in a huge amount of information in a relatively small space.
The ON number is the official number of an all-weather lifeboat. ON1297 is the 1297th all-weather lifeboat commissioned. The number in brackets (16-17) is the operational number, which appears on the side of the lifeboat. Traditionally both numbers are used to identify a lifeboat. 16-17 is printed on the side of the lifeboat. Any lifeboat with 16-xx will be a Tamar class lifeboat. 16-17 will be the 17th Tamar built. On page 33 you’ll find a key to working out the class of lifeboat from the operational numbers.
LIFEBOAT LAUNCHES –TRANSLATION PLEASE!
Whitby RNLI lifeboat posted this photo when the BBC Countryfile film crew came to visit in June. Presenter Sean Fletcher added a lick of paint to the 103-year old restored lifeboat Robert and Ellen Robson, ready for the re-opening of the Whitby Lifeboat Museum. If you missed the episode, called At the Seaside, you can catch it on iPlayer.
Living on the Isle of Dogs, he would have been close to the RNLI Poplar Depot, and I think he must have gained an apprenticeship there. I believe he went on to work at the RNLI Depot at Borehamwood. While there, he met my mother. In the early 1940s they moved north to the coast of East Yorkshire, by which time he was a District Engineer, travelling extensively. By the time I was growing up in the 1950s, his area of operations was confined to the east coast, extending as far south as Southend. Later on, his remit was solely tractors. If anyone can add to this rather thin biography, please contact me through the Editor at lifeboat@rnli.org.uk .
COUNTRYFILE
38 Lifeboat autumn 2022
On 7 May 2022 we got married in Whitby. The whole day was a celebration of the things we love: Whitby, Morris dancing and our personal chosen charity, the RNLI. Two Whitby lifeboat crew members attended in full rescue kit. While we were dancing, we managed to collect £102 for the Whitby lifeboat. We are eternally grateful not only to the Whitby crew but to the RNLI as a whole, who do such a sterling job.
‘WE WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL’
As the 200th anniversary of the RNLI approaches, you can help us in our mission to save every one by sharing your story. Go to RNLI.org/YourStory
Frank Editor:Webb
I would like to mention a rescue of my two children, Richard (12) and Lorraine (11). It was August 1993 at Newquay, Cornwall. Our nephew David (17) was with us on holiday. My wife and I were relaxing on the beach looking out to sea. We saw the three swimming and acting daft. We were talking and did not see the kids go further out. That was until they came running along the beach and all three were really scared. They told us that Lorraine, the youngest, got swept out and her brother and cousin went to save her. Unfortunately, they also got into trouble. They told us how a lifeboat saved them and brought them back to shore. We will always be grateful for that rescue. We’ve always supported your amazing courage. Thank you.
OUR BIGGEST FAN?
ALL THE THINGS WE LOVE
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Nick and Helen Appleyard
Editor: Congratulations Nick and Helen, and thank you for letting the RNLI be part of your special day.
The C class lifeboat, saving lives at Newquay in 1984–95
Please take a moment to admire the handsome Bertie. He posed for this photo with his smart new RNLI dog tag after a visit to Bembridge Lifeboat Station and RNLI Shop. Dan Mitchell told us that Bertie is a big fan of the Thecharity.RNLI sells a great range of gifts for your furry friends, including this engravable metal dog tag for £3.50. You can find an RNLI shop near you by heading to RNLI.org/shops or go to shop.RNLI.org to do your lifesaving shopping online.
THIS IS OUR WATCH
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so glad it was a happy ending. These days there are many RNLI lifeguarded beaches for us all to visit – Newquay included. Swim between the red and yellow flags and lifeguards will help keep you and your family safe. Remember if you do spot someone in trouble, tell a lifeguard or call 999/112 and ask for the coastguard.
. Did you or someone you love get rescued by the lifeboat crew? Did you follow our water safety advice when you were in peril? By telling your story, you can help us spread our safety messages and save more lives. Our friendly Case Study Team look forward to hearing from you.
TomlinsonRickDolan,JohnBrown,PaulPhotos:
Lifeboat autumn 2022 39
Enter the Christmas Lottery from 3 October to 1 December 2022. Call 0300 300 9920 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm) or email lottery@rnli.org.uk. The draw date is 19 December. Every £1 ticket you buy powers our lifesaving. Find out more at RNLI.org/LotteryLB For a full list of winners of the summer 2022 Lottery, visit RNLI.org/LotteryWinners WIN UP TO £10,000 AND HELP SAVE LIVES
terms
Lifeboat spotting answer (page 36): It’s a Tamar class lifeboat, named Killarney ON1298 (16-18), from Kilmore Quay.
Simon O’Keeffe read the tale in Lifeboat magazine (issue 639) about the restoration of Louisa Heartwell and sent his ‘matching story’. In 1902 his great grandfather Maurice O’Keeffe launched his Lady Min, a gaff cutter that Maurice designed and built. Simon and family had her restored and this is a picture of her recent relaunch with four generations of family aboard. Channel full details, including and conditions, visit RNLI.org/LotteryLB
LIFEBOAT LOTTERY CHRISTMAS SUPERDRAW Please note that due to tax and gaming laws, to play the Lifeboat Lottery you must be a resident of England (excluding the
RESTORED TO FORMER GLORY
Islands and Isle of Man), Scotland or Wales. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. For
DuncombeStephenPhoto:
There could be an RNLI musical on the horizon –it’s one of many great ideas we’re supporting. We’d love to take the show to towns and cities as well as the coast, to places where people may have never seen a lifeboat, to give them a connection to the RNLI. What will the RNLI look like in another 200 years’ time?
I hope we’re recognised as a global humanitarian organisation like the Red Cross. We have nearly 200 years of experience and are the gold standard in saving lives at sea. In 200 years we should still be independent, with volunteers making serious inroads into the 260,000 people who drown annually around the world. At its beating heart, the RNLI will still be about our lifesaving work.
Mark is an RNLI trustee and former lifeboat crew member, with exciting plans for the RNLI’s 200th anniversary
MillardRNLI/Nigelphoto:Inset
Unsung heroes Mark Wordsworth
What first inspired you to get involved?
JOIN US Find out more about the RNLI’s events, exhibitions, and roadshows to mark our anniversary at RNLI.org/2024.
The Penlee lifeboat disaster in 1981. I was at university then and it was covered in the newspapers for days. I read about it and thought: ‘If I can, I’ll be a lifeboat volunteer one day’. I became a crew member in 2006 in Alderney. I did that for 11 years around my job –it was the best thing I’ve ever done. You’re chair of the steering group that’s got big plans for the RNLI’s bicentenary. Tell us about it. The group recognises that the RNLI saves lives in the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man –all these different entities form our family. We’re planning and hosting an exciting series of events in these individual nations and regions to mark the RNLI’s bicentenary. Are the rumours of an RNLI musical true?
Working from home
Huge congratulations to Ruaridh McAulay, who was recently appointed full-time coxswain in his hometown of Campbeltown.ClareLamont, Ruaridh’s partner, was a volunteer for the RNLI and introduced him to the charity. Ruaridh joined in 2016 as a crew member – and 6 years later, he is the newAftercoxswain.working at sea for years, he’s glad to be based in Campbeltown. ‘As I got older, I always missed home more especially after meeting Clare and having our two wonderful children,’ Ruaridh explains. ‘So, when the opportunity came up to work from home doing something I love, it was an easy choice for me to make.’ He adds: ‘I’m excited to take over and lead a dynamic and experienced crew that has been superbly trained by my predecessor DavidGoodCox.’luck with the new role, Ruaridh. We know you’ll be brilliant.
Celebrating the RNLI family, past and present
A milestone shout
Amelia Luck, Fowey RNLI’s first female helm
42 Lifeboat autumn 2022
Campbeltown Coxswain Ruaridh, his partner Clare, and their two children
Over in Fowey, the crew celebrated 21-year-old Amelia’s first shout as lifeboat helm. The crew rushed to help a motorboat with engine failure, which had drifted into Par Harbour. Amelia and her crew, brother Oli Luck and Luke Watts, set up a tow and the lifeboat returned the vessel and owner safely to the Ameliadocks. says: ‘It was a great first shout for me and it was ideal to have two crew who I have previously trained with onboard. They both know how I like the boat to be set up, so it all ran very smoothly. A good outcome all round.’Congratulations, Amelia!
Canon David Smith – April 2022 Chaplain at Whitby Lifeboat Station
John Davies – March 2022
David Alan Bowen – May 2022
RNLI Governor and Souvenir Shop Volunteer at Littlehampton David J Cox – April 2022
Michael Doherty – May 2022 Chair at Craster Lifeboat Station Captain Tony Dorkins – April 2022
Former Chair at the Charnwood & North-West Leicestershire Fundraising Branch
Joan Griffiths – April 2022 Souvenir Secretary at Swindon Fundraising Branch
Wife of William Hadden, who died in Fraserburgh Lifeboat Disaster in 1970
Lifelong supporter and fundraiser at Basingstoke
Williams)NathanWells,Jackson,CarlaBruce,RNLI/(KTBannister,AustenPhotos:
Norman Daniels – March 2022
Jack David Parker has been collecting for, and donating to, the RNLI for over 60 years. This year, Rye Harbour volunteers welcomed Jack to the station to celebrate his 99th birthday.
Joan’s love of the RNLI continued into adulthood and in 1985 she joined the RNLI Basingstoke and District Branch and was Box Secretary for many years.
Former Honorary Secretary for the Wickford Fundraising Branch
Former Treasurer at Burry Port Lifeboat Station
Former Coxswain at Wells Lifeboat Station
In May 2022, the RNLI lost a special family member when Joan Webb passed away at the age of 102. Joan helped save lives at sea from the age of 4, collecting funds for the charity with her mother.
Chairman of Porthcawl RNLI Events and Fundraising Group
Happy birthday Jack
A lifelong passion
Lifeboat autumn 2022 43
Richard Maldwyn Gower – April 2022
Join us in remembering our RNLI family members who have recently passed away.
Volunteer at the Southend-on-Sea RNLI Shop
Wells RNLI are paying tribute to the renowned Coxswain David J Cox, who passed away earlier this year at 96 years old.
David joined the crew in 1945, aged 19, and became coxswain in 1960, a role he kept until 1986 when he retired.
Celebrating life
Former Crew Member at New Quay Lifeboat Station David Dawson – March 2022 Boathouse Attendant and Boathouse Manager at Littlehampton Lifeboat Station
In his 41 years on the lifeboat, he received five awards from the RNLI, including a Silver Medal. In 1979, his crew went to the rescue of the ship Savinest. Fighting through snow, heavy swell, and sub-zero temperatures which froze their radar, the crew managed to save all 29 people onboard the ship.
Douglas (Spider) Blackhall – June 2020 Shore Crew at Berwick-upon-Tweed Lifeboat Station
Michael (Mickey) Davies – May 2022
John Nettleton – May 2022
Lifeboat Operations Manager Chris Hardy says: ‘David was an inspiration as coxswain to all lifeboat crew – he was a legend!’
Former Treasurer at Enfield Branch, Box Secretary and Committee Member at Hertford and District Branch
Joan made an outstanding contribution to the RNLI’s fundraising and in 2016 she was awarded the RNLI Gold Badge. As a centenarian, Joan was still taking part in street collections. Her achievements, charm and warmth will be remembered.
Steve Cronin – April 2021
Joan Webb – May 2022
A huge thank you to the brilliant crew who gave Jack a special birthday. They’ve already given him an invitation to return next year and celebrate turning 100!
Glynne Collins – March 2022
RNLI FAMILY
Treasurer of the Stratford Branch
Jacob Clarke – April 2022 Legacy Senior Marketing Manager
Legendary coxswain
David Cox BEM during his time as coxswain
Joan was the guest of honour at the bell-ringing ceremony of a new lifeboat in 2019 Jack celebrates his 99th birthday
Former Crew Member at Burry Port Lifeboat Station Agnes Hadden – February 2022
Muriel Knowles – February 2022
Former Chairman of the Rustington and East Preston Fundraising Committee Frank Shaw – December 2021 Stalwart Fundraiser and Vice Chair at Leamington Spa Fundraising Branch David Shillaw – May 2022
5 7 3 2 6 4 1 1. RNLI Jonty Map Tote Bag | Ref: RS2147104VAR | £12 2. RNLI Icons Mugs, Pack of 4 | Ref: RS2172109 | £30 3. RNLI Icons Map Biscuit Tin | Ref: RS2151304 | £13 4. RNLI Icons Weekly Planner | Ref: RS2163208 | £6 5. RNLI Icons Magnetic Pad | Ref: RS2163121 | £4 6. RNLI Icons Coaster Notepads, Set of 2 | Ref: RS2263107VAR | £6 7. RNLI Organise Your Crew Whiteboard | Ref: RS2263201VAR | £8 For enthusiastslifeboat Volunteer Crew Member Jonty has designed a bright, colourful, illustrated range of goodies to help show your support for your lifesavers. With an iconic selection of tote bags, notepads and mugs, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Visit shop.RNLI.org/jontyEvery item you buy from this range will help save lives at sea. LBEN/09/22 Online Visit shop.RNLI.org/lifeboat for our full range of products. On the phone Call 0300 300 9916 or +44 1375 484577 from outside the UK to order. We’re here to help Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm. UK standard network rates apply. Always get the bill payer’s permission. Free UK delivery on orders over £50 Standard UK delivery is FREE when you spend £50 or over. Visit shop.RNLI.org/terms for terms and conditions. How to buy
