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Beer provides a boost for new Shoreham RNLI lifeboat station

Volunteer crew members at Shoreham RNLI lifeboat station have raised a glass in thanks to a West Country brewery that has raised more than £3,500 to help save lives at sea.

Dorset-based Palmer’s Brewery, which has been brewing ales since 1974, have raised the funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution by pledging five pence from the sale of every pint of its popular beer, Copper Ale, in Hampshire and Sussex.

In the last year, sales of the beer in pubs across the two counties have raised a £3,593 for the Shoreham RNLI lifeboat station appeal, which aims to raise £1M towards the total cost of a new lifeboat station and boathouse for Shoreham.

Work is well underway on the new station, which will house the latest class of RNLI lifeboat, the Tamar, as well as feature improved facilities for the volunteers who give up their own time to assist those in peril at sea.

Cleeves Palmer, Sales and Marketing Director at Palmers Brewery, said he was delighted that the company has been able to raise so much for the charity that saves lives at sea: ‘There is a history of support for the RNLI in my family as my father, Tony Palmer, was the President of the Bridport branch from the 1970s until 1986.

‘There is a huge appetite for real ale at the moment and currently there is a massively renewed interest in it. You hear of microbreweries and craft breweries cropping up all over the place, meaning there is wide variety of different types available. Our Copper Ale was a relatively new beer when we began supporting the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal, but its popularity has grown and grown.’

Indeed, the ale’s popularity has seen sales increase, along with the amount the company were able to donate to the RNLI appeal. Kate McBride, RNLI Corporate Partnerships Administrator, said: ‘This is a fantastic amount and is more than double what Palmers Brewery raised last year, so we are really grateful to them for their help and support.

‘Everyone who has purchased their Copper Ale has helped to make this donation possible so they can rest assured that while they’re drinking a fine beer, they’re also helping to save lives at sea.’

Any pubs interested in selling Copper Ale, and therefore helping to support the RNLI Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal, should contact Palmers Brewery on 01308 422396.

More Cash Support from Local Conservative Club for Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal

Members of Shoreham Conservative Club decided for the second year running to support the RNLI’s local £1 million appeal to build a new lifeboat station in Shoreham as one of its chosen charities this year.

Members at the club’s base in Shoreham High Street have again spent eight months fund-raising hard by holding different events including tombolas, an auction, a talent show, an Antique Roadshow event, prize draws and a giant bottle collection.

Club chairman Colin Nowlan said: “We supported the appeal last year and raised £1,860 and when we asked our members to vote for their chosen charities this year, they wanted to support the Shoreham lifeboat and its crews again.

“They do a fantastic job and we are aware that they desperately need new facilities.”

Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, the club’s president, presented a cheque for £1,600 to Shoreham lifeboat coxswain Peter Huxtable and second mechanic Simon Tugwell.

Mr Loughton said: “This money will go towards providing a new state-of-the-art lifeboat station for Shoreham, which is what the volunteer crews need and deserve.”

The appeal, which has so far raised about £460,000, will see a modern, new lifeboat station built for Shoreham and this will house a new Tamar-class lifeboat next year.

To donate to the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal, ring 0845 1214999 and quote ‘SLSA’ or send a donation to RNLI Shoreham Appeal, Admail 4071, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZU

Lifeboat Model Makers Help Raise Money for the Real Thing

Southern Model Lifeboat Society has raised £2,000 for the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal.

Members Tony Olliff and Reg Woodcock have been collecting donations for the appeal at the exhibitions they attend with their model lifeboats and displays they hold for the last year.

The Society has been in existence for 21 years and its 14 members have always raised money for the RNLI – around £12,000 so far.

The money will go to the RNLI’s £1 million community appeal to build a new modern lifeboat station in Shoreham and to house a state-of-the-art Tamar class lifeboat.

The Society supported the previous RNLI community appeal in 1989 to raise money towards the current Shoreham Tyne-class offshore lifeboat Hermione Lady Colywn.

Mr Olliff spent hours making a replica model of that Shoreham lifeboat and is now working on a model of the new Tamar-class lifeboat, which will arrive at Shoreham lifeboat station next year.

He said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal and the lifeboat crew.”

The cheque was presented to Shoreham lifeboat crew members by Mr Olliff and Mr Woodcock at the temporary lifeboat station.

To donate to the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal, ring 0845 1214999 and quote ‘SLSA’ or send a donation to RNLI Shoreham Appeal, Admail 4071, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZU

Grand Ball Raises Thousands of Pounds for Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal

A GRAND ball held in aid of the RNLI Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal proved to be a rip roaring success.

Shoreham lifeboat fund-raisers and supporters spent months organising the special event at the Copthorne Hotel in Effingham Park, Gatwick.

Held last month, the evening attended by more than 200 people included Shoreham MP Tim Loughton who acted as auctioneer at the event’s charity auction. It also featured a magician, photographer, casino tables, raffle and dancing to the live band Max’s Taxi.

The event raised more than £18,500, which will go towards the £1 million community appeal to fund a new lifeboat station for Shoreham Harbour with modern facilities for the volunteer crew and to house a new state-of-the-art Tamar lifeboat.

The new station will consist of a larger boat hall, crew training room, proper drying facilities for wet crew kit, changing facilities and a viewing platform for the public.

RNLI appeal manager Tracey Harris said: “The ball was a fantastic success and raised a huge amount for the appeal. I want to thank all those involved in organising the event and all those who supported it.

“This new boathouse will provide the crew with a facility that will last for at least 50 years and be able to accommodate future generations of lifeboats.”

To donate to the Shoreham lifeboat station appeal, ring 0845 1214999 and quote ‘SLSA’ or send a donation to RNLI Shoreham Appeal, Admail 4071, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZU

Shoreham Lifeboat Crew Make Dream Come True for Brothers Sam and Owen

Two little boys had one of their wishes granted when they were taken out on Shoreham’s offshore lifeboat on Sunday (Sept 27).

Sam and Owen Elliott, who both suffer from muscular dystrophy, donned lifejackets and were given a trip out on the lifeboat to Brighton Marina.

The excited boys were joined by their mum and dad, Laura and Steve, and big sister, Heather, 13, and the Shoreham family watched the inshore lifeboat being launched first before getting on to the bigger, all weather lifeboat.

Sam, six, got a chance to drive the lifeboat while little brother, Owen, two, watched the crew in action.

Mum Laura said: “The boys were really excited about going on the lifeboat. Since we found out they both have muscular dystrophy, a family friend has been organising lots of things for them to do – trying to make their dreams come true.”

Muscular dystrophy causes the muscles to waste and weaken and is a long-term progressive disease.

Shoreham lifeboat coxswain Peter Huxtable said: “We were only too happy to take the boys out on the lifeboat to fulfil one of their wishes.

We had a beautiful day weather wise and the family really seemed to enjoy it.”

The RNLI launched a community fund-raising appeal to raise £1 million towards a new lifeboat station at Shoreham with modern facilities for the crew and to house a new state-of-the-art Tamar lifeboat.

To donate to the Shoreham lifeboat station appeal, ring 0845 1214999 and quote ‘SLSA’ or send a donation to RNLI Shoreham Appeal, Admail 4071, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZU

Rescued Teenagers Say A Big Thank You To Lifeboat Crew

Two teenagers revisited Shoreham Lifeboat Station to thank three RNLI lifeboat men for saving their lives.

Troy Phillips, 13, and his friend Elana Jones, also 13, found themselves lost, cold, wet and disorientated after rowing out to sea in a dinghy on September 7th.

What started out as a bit of fun in the water off Hove turned into a life-threatening ordeal when the pair realised it was dark and they didn’t know where they were.

Troy said: “I thought I had tied the dinghy off but then I realised we were being taken out to sea. I only had a pair of shorts on and it was getting cold and dark. The sea was a bit choppy and I phoned my mum in a panic, I then phoned the coastguard and they launched the lifeboat to look for us.

“l was getting really scared and my heart nearly stopped with relief when I heard the inshore lifeboat and a man shouting that he had found us. We want to say a big thank you to them.”

The three lifeboatmen Adam Cairns, Mark Hayes and Simon Williams were in Shoreham’s inshore lifeboat and found the pair within nine minutes of launching near the King Alfred leisure centre, after coastguards attempted to locate Troy’s mobile phone signal to give them a starting point for their search.

Lifeboat helmsman Adam said: “As soon as the pair were taken on board the inshore lifeboat their condition suddenly deteriorated. The two other crew members attempted to keep them warm and conscious using lifejackets, ponchos and body heat.”

Troy had to be carried from the lifeboat to the lifeboat station as he became increasingly disorientated and the pair was then taken to Worthing Hospital by a waiting ambulance to be treated and checked over.

Troy’s dad, Andy, brought Troy and Elana back to the lifeboat station on Kingston Beach, Sunday (Sept 13) to thank the three crew members.

He said: “I want to say a million thank yous to these guys. They saved my son and his friend’s lives and I dread to think what would have happened if they had not been around.

“When I realised they were in trouble I was phoning Troy and walking along the beach looking for them. All I can say is thank goodness for mobile phones and for the RNLI.

“We have definitely learnt our lesson with dinghy inflatables. I always told my kids to respect the sea. Hopefully Troy has been taught a valuable lesson.”

RNLI lifeboat crews and shore helpers are volunteers and the charity does not receive any government funding.

There is currently a £1 million community appeal launched by the RNLI to fund a new lifeboat station at Shoreham with modern facilities for the volunteer crew and to house a new state-of-the-art Tamar lifeboat.

To donate to the Shoreham lifeboat station appeal, ring 0845 1214999 and quote ‘SLSA’ or send a donation to RNLI Shoreham Appeal, Admail 4071, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZU

September 2009

Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal Reaches Another Milestone

THE appeal to fund-raise towards the costs of building a state-of-the-art new lifeboat station for Shoreham has now passed the £400,000 mark.

The old lifeboat station was built in 1933 on Kingston Beach to house an eight-tonne lifeboat but the present Tyne-class lifeboat weighs 28-tonnes causing the slipway at the boathouse to sink and collapse.

Also facilities within the old building meant there was no dedicated changing facility for the volunteer crew and much of the lower floor flooded at high tide.

So in November, 2007, the RNLI sent out its own SOS by launching a £1million community appeal for a new lifeboat station at Shoreham.

This will fund the brand new boathouse with modern facilities for the crew and house a new state-of-the-art Tamar lifeboat.

The new station will consist of a larger boat hall, crew training room, proper drying facilities for wet crew kit, changing facilities and a viewing platform for the public.

The old lifeboat station was demolished in January this year and work is progressing on the new lifeboat station on the same site. RNLI appeal manager Tracey Harris said: “It is fantastic news that the appeal has passed the £400,000 target, although we still have a long way to go.

“The redevelopment of Shoreham lifeboat station is a priority for the RNLI. This new boathouse will provide the crew with a facility that will last for at least 50 years and be able to accommodate future generations of lifeboats.

“Our volunteer crew members readily exchange leisure, comfort and sleep for cold, wet and fatigue. Their life saving work is essential, often difficult and dangerous. We need the local community to help make this appeal a success and to support the vital work that the volunteer Shoreham crew does day in and day.”

To donate to the Shoreham lifeboat station appeal, ring 0845 1214999 and quote ‘SLSA’ or send a donation to RNLI Shoreham Appeal, Admail 4071, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZU

August 2009

A GRAND ball is being held to raise funds for the RNLI Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal.

Shoreham lifeboat fund-raisers and supporters have organised the special event at the Copthorne Hotel in Effingham Park, Gatwick, on Saturday, October 10 from 7.30pm to 1am.

As well as a charity auction, hte evening features a three-course meal, magician, photographer, casino tables, raffle and dancing to the fabulous live band Max’s Taxi.

Funds raised on the night are to support the £1 million community appeal to fund a new lifeboat station for Shoreham Harbour with modern facilities for the volunteer crew and to house a new state-of-the-art Tamar lifeboat.

The new station will consist of a larger boat hall, crew training room, proper drying facilities for wet crew kit, changing facilities and a viewing platform for the public.

RNLI appeal manager Tracey Harris said: “The redevelopment of Shoreham lifeboat station is a priority for the RNLI. This new boathouse will provide the crew with a facility that will last for at least 50 years and be able to accommodate future generations of lifeboats.

“We hope as many people as possible will enjoy a great night out and support the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal at the same time by coming along to the ball.”

Tickets for the black tie event cost £55 each and are available from Michael Manning on 01342 327587 email Michael@homestall.co.uk or from Geraldine Huxtable on 01273 454545.

August 2009

PADDLE Round The Pier Event Makes £10,000 Splash for Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal.

Last month’s Paddle Round The Pier, which has been hailed the best ever, raised a record-breaking £30,000 between three charities – The RNLI Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal, SurfAid International and local children’s charity, The Rockinghorse Appeal.
Around 23,000 people from across the globe visited the event, which was held on Hove Lawns.

Dave Samuel, Paddle Director said: “What a fantastic weekend. Good weather and great sea conditions made this the best and biggest Paddle Round The Pier event ever.

“All of the events in the water and on the land were really well supported, but what was hugely satisfying was to see a record number of people take part in the ‘Paddle Round The Pier’ itself on Sunday afternoon.”

The events organisers presented £10,000 to the RNLI Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal, which aims to fund a new lifeboat station with modern facilities for the volunteer crew and to house a new state-of-the-art Tamar lifeboat.

The new station will consist of a larger boat hall, crew training room, proper drying facilities for wet crew kit, changing facilities and a viewing platform for the public.

RNLI appeal manager Tracey Harris said: “We were thrilled to receive this generous donation from the organisers of the Paddle Round The Pier. The redevelopment of Shoreham lifeboat station is a priority for the RNLI.”

August 2009

GOLFERS Swing into Action to Aid Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal

A corporate golf day organised by Family Investments in Brighton scored £4,300 towards the appeal to build a new RNLI lifeboat station in Shoreham.

A staff member at the firm chose the charity after watching TV coverage of the old Shoreham lifeboat station being demolished to make way for a new state-of-the-art one earlier this year.

The company in West Street, Brighton, invited corporate clients to play in a golf day at Brighton and Hove Golf Course in June and the raffle and ticket entrance raised the money to help the appeal.

Last week Family Investments staff presented the cheque to Shoreham lifeboat coxswain Peter Huxtable in driving rain and winds before being given a trip on the lifeboat to the Brighton Pier to say thank you.

Family Investments chief executive John Reeve said: “We are delighted to support the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal. Our office in Brighton overlooks the sea and we value highly the work done by the RNLI and its volunteers who give their time to protect us.”

The £1 million community appeal was launched by the RNLI to fund a new lifeboat station with modern facilities for the volunteer crew and to house a new state-of-the-art Tamar lifeboat.

The new station will consist of a larger boat hall, crew training room, proper drying facilities for wet crew kit, changing facilities and a viewing platform for the public.

RNLI appeal manager Tracey Harris said: "The redevelopment of Shoreham lifeboat station is a priority for the RNLI. This new boathouse will provide the crew with a facility that will last for at least 50 years and be able to accommodate future generations of lifeboats.

Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal benefits from firm’s final charity donation

STAFF at Worthing’s Norwich Union site have raised £3,000 towards the appeal to build a new RNLI lifeboat station in Shoreham.

But it will be their last donation as the insurance company, now known as Aviva, announced last year it was closing the site in Warren Road by the end of 2010.

Norwich Union worker Hayley Petts, who was responsible for sponsorship and fund-raising at the firm, said staff had voted for the three local charities which they wanted to support in the last year.

One of those was the RNLI’s £1million community appeal to help fund a new state-of-the-art lifeboat station in Shoreham.

They held a series of events such as raffles, jewellery sales, cake sales at work to raise the money.

Hayley presented the £3,000 cheque to Shoreham lifeboat coxswain Peter Huxtable and was given a tour of the lifeboat.

Hayley said: “The staff felt this project was a worthwhile one and the plans for the new lifeboat station look amazing. I am looking forward to returning in the future to see it once it is finished.”

The appeal has now reached £380,000, with a series of fund-raising events planned for this year but more is still needed to reach the £1 million mark.

To donate to the Shoreham lifeboat station appeal, ring 0845 1214999 and quote ‘SLSA’ or send a donation to RNLI Shoreham Appeal, Admail 4071, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZU

Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal gets a fiery funding boost from curry house event.

A special fundraising evening at a popular Shoreham curry house has ‘bhuna’ huge success, raising £500 towards the new RNLI lifeboat station being built in the seaside town.

The Millan Tandoori restaurant in Upper Shoreham Road recently held a fundraising evening in aid of the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal. The appeal is being held by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to raise £1M towards a new lifeboat station to replace their ageing premises.

Millan Tandoori proprietor and manager, Abdul Mohit Noor – known as Mo – was pleased with the turnout on the evening, raising £220 from sales of a special dining deal. And he was so keen to help support the RNLI’s volunteer crews, he more than matched the amount from his own pocket, donating a cool £500 to the appeal.

Building work on the new lifeboat station in Shoreham is already underway following the demolition of their 76-year-old station earlier this year. The new facility will feature dedicated changing facilities for the volunteer crew, an improved slipway, and room for training, briefings and meetings. More importantly, it is designed to house Shoreham’s new Tamar lifeboat, the latest class of lifeboat which will help the crew respond more quickly to emergency calls.

Mo said he came up with the special fundraising evening in the first instance because the crew are regular diners and he is always impressed by their volunteer commitment to saving lives at sea. He said: ‘I know what a responsibility it is to put yourself in perilous conditions for the good of others – I myself am a retained fire fighter for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. What makes the RNLI even more impressive is that they are volunteers and receive no financial rewards for giving up their own time and risking their own lives.’

In the last few weeks alone, Shoreham’s lifeboats have assisted a fishing boat which was drifting without power, a vessel which had been cut from its moorings by vandals, a three-strong crew in difficulty when their steering failed, and a man whose vessel had ran aground on mud flats.

Tracey Harris, RNLI Appeals Manager who is managing the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal, said she was delighted with Mo and Milan Tandoori’s support: ‘I can’t thank Mo enough for his kindness in both organising the evening to support us and making the donation up to £500 with his own funds.

‘Shoreham RNLI Lifeboat Station is very much a community station – members of the local community volunteer their time to man the lifeboat, and when businesses in the community show their support in this way it is extremely gratifying. Thanks go to Mo and all those diners who helped raise this amount.’

Anyone wishing to find out more or make a donation to the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal can call 0845 1214999 or log on to www.rnli.org.uk/shorehamappeal

New Shoreham RNLI Lifeboat Station starts to take shape

Supporters of the charity that saves lives at sea are being given reason to smile with the news that work on the new RNLI lifeboat station in Shoreham is progressing well.

Builders Dean & Dyball Civil Engineering moved onto the site in Brighton Road, Shoreham, shortly before Christmas to install temporary buildings and an entrance onto the beach, before the slipway and old boathouse were demolished in early January.

Project manager Nigel Lorraine said the build of the replacement Royal National Lifeboat Institution station is progressing well with the footings and foundations now complete. Work has also started on constructing the walls of the new building and the two new slipways for the inshore and the offshore lifeboats.

The old lifeboat station was built in 1933 on Kingston Beach to house an eight-tonne lifeboat but the present Tyne class lifeboat weighs 28-tonnes and was causing the slipway at the boathouse to sink and collapse. Also facilities within the old building meant there was no dedicated changing facility for the volunteer crew and much of the lower floor flooded at high tide.

So in November 2007, the RNLI sent out its own call for help by launching a £1M community appeal for a new lifeboat station in the town. This will fund the brand new boathouse with modern facilities for the crew and house a new state-of-the-art Tamar lifeboat.

The new station will consist of a larger boat hall, crew training room, proper drying facilities for wet crew kit, changing facilities and a viewing platform for the public.

RNLI appeal manager Tracey Harris said: ‘The redevelopment of Shoreham lifeboat station is a priority for the RNLI. This new boathouse will provide the crew with a facility that will last for at least 50 years and be able to accommodate future generations of lifeboats.

‘Our volunteer crew members readily exchange leisure, comfort and sleep for cold, wet and fatigue. Their life saving work is essential, often difficult and dangerous. We need the local community to help make this appeal a success and to support the vital work that the volunteer Shoreham crew does day in and day.’

The appeal has already reached its £350,000 milestone and there is a series of fund-raising events planned for this year but more is still needed to reach the £1M mark.

To donate to the Shoreham lifeboat station appeal, telephone 0845 1214999 and quote ‘SLSA’ or send a donation to RNLI Shoreham Appeal, Admail 4071, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZU. More information about the appeal can be found by logging on to www.rnli.org.uk/shorehamappeal

Indian restaurant’s support for Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal is second to naan

Curry lovers in Shoreham are being invited to a popular Indian restaurant to take part in a special fundraising evening in aid of the town’s new lifeboat station.

The Millan Tandoori restaurant is offering a special deal on Sunday 19th April, with a third of the profits benefiting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s public appeal for funds to build a replacement lifeboat station. Chefs at the restaurant are hoping for a packed house on the night, inviting punters to help save lives at sea at the same time as enjoying an Indian meal that is second to naan.

The Upper Shoreham Road curry house, oft-visited by the volunteer lifeboat crew members of Shoreham RNLI lifeboat, is offering diners the chance to pick a starter, main dish, side dish, and a rice or naan bread from the menu, all for £14.95 per person. £5 from each cost will go towards the £1M public appeal to help build a replacement lifeboat station in Shoreham.

Millan Tandoori proprietor and manager, Abdul Mohit Noor – known as Mo - said the desire to support the appeal was borne out of his own experience responding to emergencies in his role as a retained fire fighter for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. He said: ‘As a retained fireman at Shoreham fire station I know what it is like to always be prepared for the pager to go off, and respond within minutes to assist in saving people’s lives.

As I am retained, I do get some payment, but the volunteer lifeboat crews who do it for no financial reward are an example to us all. ‘I’ve had the restaurant for 17 years so I know several of the Shoreham RNLI crew and the fact their station was in need of modernisation. It’s a small town and we saw the old station get demolished and work begin on the new one. I was thinking about how I could support the appeal and this just seemed and ideal way.’

The old Shoreham lifeboat station was demolished in January, 76 years after it was first built. Building work is already underway on the new station, which will feature dedicated changing facilities for the volunteer crew, an improved slipway, and room for training, briefings and meetings. Most importantly, it will be big enough to house the new Tamar lifeboat, the latest class of lifeboat which will help the crew respond more quickly to emergency calls.

Millan restaurant has 70 ‘covers’ – room for 70 diners – and Mo is keen to fill the place to maximise the donation to the RNLI. The fixed menu costs £14.95 per person and places can be booked by calling the restaurant on 01273 440699.

Lou Purdy, RNLI Area Fundraising Manager, said: ‘Mo’s idea to offer this special deal to help support the lifeboat station appeal is a great idea. I have heard great reports from the crew about the food, so it definitely promises to be a good night out. I have no doubt the places will fill up quickly so I would encourage people to book their places early and help us get closer to our appeal target for the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal.’

Anyone wishing to find out more or make a donation to the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal can call 0845 1214999 or log on to www.rnli.org.uk/shorehamappeal

Shoreham RNLI lifeboat crew make a front page splash in Belgian newspaper
Lifeboat crews are no stranger to making headlines for saving lives at sea, but the volunteer crew from Shoreham RNLI lifeboat station got a huge surprise this week after they made the front page of a newspaper – in Belgium!

The actions of the lifeboat crew are splashed across the front page of “Het Nieuwsblad”, after they came to the aid of a Belgian fisherman desperate to rush home to his pregnant wife after she developed serious medical complications.

The incident took place on Wednesday 11th February, when the Belgian fishing trawler, FV Jasmine, was fishing approximately six miles off the coast of Shoreham, West Sussex. The fisherman, John Meyers, from Knokke Heist, near the port of Zeebrugge, was onboard when he learned that his wife, Janice, had been taken into hospital. Janice was pregnant with the couple’s twins at the time, and was taken to hospital on the night of Tuesday 10th February after going into labour, but experiencing “serious medical complications”.

The skipper aboard FV Jasmine contacted the Coastguard requesting assistance in evacuating John as the tide made it impossible for the trawler to come ashore. Shoreham RNLI lifeboat was asked by the Coastguard to assist and the decision was made to carry out a “compassionate evacuation” and bring John to shore. The lifeboat, Hermione Lady Colwyn, was launched at 8.25am and was back on service at 10.30am.

David Cassan, Lifeboat Press Officer at Shoreham RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘The call was somewhat unusual for the station, but our Lifeboat Operations Manager took the decision to launch because, if the fisherman was preoccupied and unable to concentrate on his work, he posed a potential risk to the safety of himself and others onboard. Given that there was a safety element we felt it was right to launch the lifeboat.’

But the story, and indeed the kindness of the RNLI, didn’t end there. Peter Huxtable, Coxswain of Shoreham Lifeboat, used his own connections in the fishing industry to arrange a lift for John Meyer to Dover, where he was met by his father and whisked home to be reunited with his wife.

John Meyer said: ‘I was informed that my wife had to be taken to a hospital as there were serious complications with her pregnancy. I informed the captain and the owner of the ship that I wanted to get off as fast as I could so I could go to my wife, and the next morning they contacted the coastguard, because it was impossible to go ashore in Shoreham due to the tide.’

John was onboard Shoreham lifeboat for all of 20 minutes, but he said his gratitude to the crew will last a lifetime. He said: ‘'I really have to thank the coastguard and the RNLI. They did everything they could to make my 'journey' as quick as possible. And I am eternally grateful to the coxswain at Shoreham who arranged for the lift to Dover. They were really friendly and even offered me something to eat, even though I didn't eat anything. I just wanted to get back to Belgium as soon as I could.'

The story had a happy ending for all concerned, as John arrived at the hospital at 7.30pm later that evening and his wife gave birth to twins, Hayley and Naomi. John said: ‘The girls are doing alright, even though they have been born six weeks premature. They weighed 1.4 and 1,05 kilograms, but I’m pleased to say they’ve gained some weight already.’

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Volunteer crew members at Shoreham RNLI lifeboat station experienced a mixture of sadness and excitement today when they launched on service on the same morning that their lifeboat station was demolished.  

Contractors began pulling down the building in Brighton Road this morning, to make way for a new, modern lifeboat station which will meet the needs of a 21^st century sea search and rescue service.   But, in a poignant reminder of the RNLI’s fundamental aim of saving lives at sea, the crew were alerted to an emergency by HM Coastguard just moments before their station was to be knocked down, meaning they missed the historic occasion.  

Shoreham’s all-weather lifeboat, Hermione Lady Colwyn, launched at 8.40am to assist a French fishing vessel that had run aground near Worthing. The lifeboat crew soon ascertained that, of the three crew members on board the 40-foot boat, the skipper was missing, believed to have fallen overboard while on watch in the early hours of the morning.  

Despite an intensive search operation involving Shoreham RNLI lifeboat, Coastguard helicopters and a police spotter plane, the man was still missing when the lifeboat was stood down at 1.08pm.  

The events of the day resulted in a stark contrast of emotions, as coxswain Peter Huxtable explained: ‘On the one hand it was an emotional day because we were saying goodbye to the lifeboat station that has existed since 1933, but we were also really excited about the prospect of our new lifeboat station being built. We have overcome many hurdles in the last 12 months to get to this point, so we are all looking forward to the new lifeboat station and the arrival of the latest class of lifeboat, the Tamar.’  

Peter continued: ‘However, just as were preparing to watch the contractors begin the demolition, the pagers went off. Of course, that’s what we’re here for, no matter where we are or what we’re doing – launching that lifeboat is our number one priority.’  

The timing of the rescue attempt exemplifies the core aim of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution – that the charity’s volunteers put saving the lives of others above all else, often risking their own safety to safeguard that of others.   While the lifeboat was on service, building contractors Dean and Dyball began demolishing the lifeboat station.

Tracey Harris, RNLI Appeals Manager South East, was present as the walls were tore down. She said: ‘Today really does mark the end of an era for Shoreham RNLI, but also the beginning of a new and exciting one. We are in the midst of our public appeal to raise £1M towards the total cost of the new lifeboat station in Shoreham and we continue to fundraise towards this target.   ‘We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to the appeal so far and helped us get to the current total of just under £300,000. The fact that the lifeboat was called out on the very day that the old station was demolished just highlights the need for a modern lifeboat station.’

Volunteer crew’s delight as new Shoreham Lifeboat Station gets the final thumbs up

Plans for a replacement RNLI lifeboat station in Shoreham are well and truly underway after planners gave proposals the green light

The aim to build a new lifeboat station and boathouse to meet the needs of a 21^st century sea rescue service has taken a leap forward with the resolution of an issue concerning land.

The good news means that the demolition and subsequent rebuild of the station will begin in January, bringing the volunteer lifeboat crew members another step closer to their much-needed new home.

The RNLI launched a public appeal to raise £1M towards the total cost of a new station and boat a year ago, but work on the new station was delayed due to concerns by some residents. Although negotiations to resolve these concerns were deemed a success, an issue with the legal status of the land at the site in Brighton Road related to its designation as a “village green” - delayed full permission from being granted.

But as Peter Huxtable, Coxswain of the Shoreham Lifeboat, said, the ball is now well and truly rolling: ‘This is just fantastic news and myself and the crew are so pleased. It has been a long and winding road to get to this point, with a few false starts along the way. But, I am pleased to say that all the negotiations, concerns and planning issues have been resolved – this means green for go for Shoreham.’

The current lifeboat station in Shoreham was built in 1933 and is no longer suitable to meet the needs of its volunteer crew and lifeboats. The station has no dedicated changing facilities or drying facilities, meaning crew members often have to don clothing which is still wet from previous rescues. The building often floods with seawater, the slipway is crumbling and there is scant room for training, briefings and meetings.

Peter said: ‘The new lifeboat station and boathouse will put an end to all those problems. Apart from that, it will also pave the way for the new Tamar lifeboat, the latest, most advanced addition to the RNLI fleet. This can only increase our capacity for saving lives at sea - ultimately, the crew deserve decent facilities as they give up their own time and risk their own safety to save lives at sea.’

Building contractors Dean and Dyball are already at work at the site of the station to create an access road and carry out the necessary preparations for the building project. While the new station and boathouse is being built Shoreham’s inshore and all-weather lifeboats will be temporarily based nearby. The work will not affect the station’s capacity to respond to emergencies.

Tracey Harris, RNLI Appeals Manager, said she is thrilled at the recent news. She said: ‘The RNLI is really pleased that the plans for the new lifeboat station are in full swing. I am very grateful to all those people who have responded so kindly to our appeal to raise £1M towards the cost. The current total of the £1M appeal stands at almost £300,000 so a huge thanks to everyone who has donated and supported us. We’re hopeful that despite the troubled financial climate we can continue with this success in the new year and we look forward to a much improved RNLI lifeboat station in Shoreham.’

The RNLI is a charity which relies on voluntary contributions and legacies to save lives at sea. In 2007 Shoreham Lifeboat launched 64 times, rescuing 94 people. In 2008, the lifeboat had already exceeded the previous year’s number of rescues by September. Anyone wishing to find out more or make a donation to the Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal can call 0845 1214999 or log on to www.rnli.org.uk/shorehamappeal

Conservative club’s cash boost for Shoreham Lifeboat Station Appeal

Shoreham Conservative Club decided to support the RNLI’s £1 million appeal to build a new lifeboat station in Shoreham as one of its chosen charities this year.

Members at the club’s base in Shoreham High Street have spent eight months fund-raising hard by holding different events including tombolas, an auction, a talent show, an Antique Roadshow event, prize draws and a giant bottle collection.

Club chairman Colin Nowlan said: “We wanted to support the RNLI locally so we felt the appeal to build a new lifeboat station in Shoreham was ideal. The lifeboat crew does a fantastic job and we are aware that they desperately needed new facilities.”

Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, the club’s president, presented a cheque for £1,860.23 to Shoreham lifeboat medic, Dr Tim Stevenson.

Mr Stevenson said: “I am so grateful that the Conservative club decided to support the lifeboat appeal. The lifeboat crew are all volunteers and they do a superb job in rough conditions. They are absolute heroes. It is only right that the local community support them and help to raise money for the appeal.”

The £1 million community fund-raising appeal was launched by the RNLI a year ago and has raised £300,000 so far.

The current Shoreham lifeboat station on KingstonBeach has no dedicated crew changing facilities and their kit often doesn’t dry out before it is needed again. The lower part of the building regularly floods during high tide and the slipway is collapsing under the weight of the lifeboat.

FORMER CREWMAN PASSES AWAY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former crew member Dave Wainwright, who died on Sunday 4th May, aged 68.

Dave served on the lifeboats at Shoreham during the 60's, 70's and 80's and was a lifelong supporter. He knew many of the current crew and was always a welcome face at functions and events.

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

WE'RE APPEALING!

An appeal has been launched to raise £1 million for a new building to house Shoreham harbour lifeboat.

The slipway of the boathouse, which has been at the harbour since 1933, has started to sink under the weight of the 28-tonne Tyne-class lifeboat.

Inside, the boathouse facilities are also in need of updating. There are no changing facilities for crew members and the lower floor floods at high tide, leaving the mechanic's workshop and inshore lifeboat shed full of sea water.

The new station will include a larger boat hall, a crew training room, proper drying facilities for wet crew kit, changing facilities and a viewing platform for the public. The appeal has already received a donation of £5,000 from Sussex Police.

Chief Inspector Lawrence Hobbs, Adur district commander, said: "It's always a pleasure to support worthy local charities with monies we have seized from criminals. The RNLI is an exceptional organisation, staffed by incredibly brave and dedicated volunteers who provide a very valuable emergency service to the local community."

To find out more about the RNLI's £1 million Shoreham Harbour Appeal and how you can support it, visit www.rnli.org.uk/shorehamappeal, or call Tracey Harris on 01825 761466.

2008 CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE

Our 2008 Calendar is now available now. Help us raise the vital funds we need to run our service - our useful calendars include monthly tide tables so you'll always know how much water there is to play in!

They are available from: Suters Yard, The Royal Sovereign, The Buckingham Arms, Lighters , The Waterside Inn, The Duke of Wellington, The Schooner, The Ship in Southwick, The Co-op at Windmill Parade Southwick, The Sussex Yacht Club and of course Shoreham Lifeboat Station.

Our thanks to all these retailers for their support.

Crew member Ian Cosham, who until recently filled the vital 3rd mechanic role aboard the ALB, celebrated 20 years with the Institution this month.

In a private ceremony, Ian, who served as an ILB helmsman and ALB crew member during his career, was presented with the coveted 20 years service badge to mark the occasion.

At the same time, Ginger Landale, who has served as a Deputy Lanching Authority for 15 years, was presented with a silver statuette to recognise his contribution and commitment. pic

Well done from everyone at the boathouse!

Former 2nd Coxswain Peter Lowe died on the evening of 19th May. Peter served on the lifeboats at Shoreham for 31 years.

Less than two days later Ken Voice, who served as coxswain from 1976 to 1981, also passed away after a brief stay in St Barnabas Hospice.

They will be remembered as two experienced and dedicated crewmen who served during some of the busiest periods for the lifeboats at Shoreham. They will be sadly missed by friends and colleagues.

Our thoughts are with their families at this time.

The parade was snapped by the Shoreham Herald photographer as we marched past. pic

The RNLI is trialling a series of podcasts until the end of the year. Why not listen in? November's episode features the opening of the new Lymington lifeboat station by the 1965 crew and medal winner Alan Coster speaks about life as one of the original volunteers. Listeners can also find out more about RNLI awards. Click here to listen

RNLI charity trustees have approved measures that will lead to a doubling of RNLI lifeguard units on UK beaches over the next five years. The announcement coincides with new research indicating that over 25M adults visited the beach at least once* during 2006, an increase of 30% on 2005. This new information on rising seaside visitor numbers is extremely timely as the RNLI expects to provide lifeguard services on potentially another 60 beaches around the UK coastline by 2011.

RNLI National Lifeguard Manager, Peter Dawes explains: 'Although we’re not experts in climate change, our weather does appear to be changing and one of the effects is an extended summer season. In addition, advances in equipment and clothing technology mean that more and more people are visiting the seaside for leisure pursuits at other times of the year.

‘The RNLI is a charity that exists for one purpose: to save lives at sea. Ultimately the aim of our lifeguard expansion is to save even more lives by providing a coordinated rescue service from the beach to the open sea using RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crews in the most effective manner. The advantages of this approach have been clearly demonstrated in the south west of England where RNLI Lifeguards have been operating since 2001, helping more than 47,500 people. As a sea rescue charity with a national presence, the RNLI is well placed to extend this to other areas of the UK and save more lives, particularly on beaches where there is a clear need and no co-ordinated safety measures in place.’

The most visited seaside** area is the south west of England where RNLI lifeguards already patrol 62 of its most popular beaches. Here the number of adults and children needing help has risen again, reflecting the increasing visitor numbers. During 2005, 9,930 adults and children were assisted, rising to 10,286*** this year (2006).

* Ipsos MORI base 2,057 UK adults September 2006
** 28% of seaside visits were made to the south west of England
*** Provisional figure as at 19 October 2006

Preliminary figures for June, July and August 2006 reveal that RNLI lifeboats launched a total of 3,830 times, making it the most demanding Summer season on record for our volunteer lifeboat crews. The figures illustrate a continuing upward trend in lifeboat rescues and the increasing demand on RNLI resources.

The busiest RNLI lifeboat station this Summer was Tower (River Thames), with a total of 109 launches. The busiest RNLI stations on the coast were Rhyl (Denbighshire) with 78 launches, Poole (Dorset) with 74 launches, and Southend-on-Sea (Essex) with 73 launches.

These figures represent a 4% increase on 2005, the RNLI's previous busiest summer. The latest statistics also reveal that 70% of these launches were performed by the RNLI’s fast and rapid response inshore lifeboats, reflecting the fact that more people than ever before are using the sea for leisure pursuits such as sailing, kite surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, angling, surfing, diving and coasteering.

RNLI Sea Safety Manager, Peter Chennell says:

‘Our volunteer crews are still being called out to the typical types of Summer holiday rescues of children being swept out to sea on inflatables or people cut off by the tide, indeed our busiest coastal stations are located in the traditional busy seaside resorts. However, our crews also appear to be helping people who, more and more, are using the sea as a recreational environment.

‘Together, a greater range of water-based activities and hobbies, access to relatively cheap or pre-owned equipment, and what seems to be year-round improved weather patterns mean that more people are now using the sea for leisure. While the majority enjoy their watersports without getting into trouble, some do end up needing the help of the RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers.'

The RNLI is launching a month-long campaign in August to raise awareness among parents and children about the dangers at the seaside.

More people visit the seaside in August than any other time in the year. In fact of the 1,153 children rescued by the RNLI in 2005, nearly 50 per cent of these rescues took place in August.

The RNLI’s Beachwise campaign aims to educate families about some of the key steps they can take this year to ensure they enjoy a happy and safe holiday.

A special website – www.rnli.org.uk/shorething – has been set up to help launch and support the event. This is a fun-packed site filled with games - e.g. building a lifeboat, an electronic sandcastle competition and a Beachwise competition where people can win a family Mediterranean cruise. In addition there are features such as meeting a crew member, a virtual tour of the lifeboat, some cool downloads and good safety tips on how to stay SAFE* which contains the key safety messages.

RNLI East Division Sea Safety Manager Guy Addington said: ’The greatest tool we have for improving safety at the beach is education. The RNLI has discovered an alarming lack of awareness of some the basic safety rules** and some concerning misconceptions of seaside risks.

‘One of my particular concerns for the school holidays involves the latest craze of ‘tombstoning’ – which involves jumping into the sea off groynes, piers and promenades. Also the use of inflatables – if these have to be used, please take great care. A sudden change in the wind direction could mean a child could be swept out to sea and this is the last thing we want.’

The research, carried out by the RNLI, identifies a number of particular hazards some real, others perceived. For instance over a third of all children surveyed*** use an inflatable in the sea. Yet despite the popularity of inflatables and bodyboards there is relatively low awareness on how dangerous they can be – in fact most children consider inflatables to be as dangerous as sharks.

The actual reasons for RNLI rescues are:

Rips – a strong current that can carry the strongest of swimmers out to sea.

Inflatables – should not be taken into the sea but if people insist on using them, they should have a line attached, held securely by an adult. Even a slight offshore wind can quickly sweep an inflatable out to sea. They should never be used in strong winds or large waves.

Tides – changing tides can be deceptively rapid and can easily cut people off. Always check the local tide tables.

Parents are advised to visit lifeguard-patrolled beaches and to ensure that if swimming they do so between the red and yellow flags.

The ‘Is your family beachwise’ safety messages are summarised by the word ‘SAFE’

Spot the dangers – check the weather, the area and where the help points are based

Always go with a friend – If you get into trouble they can call for help

Find and read the safety signs and flags – obeying them will keep you safe

Emergency? Stick your hand up & shout, or ring 999/112 and ask for the coastguard

RNLI Training Divisional Inspector for the East, Richard Wynn, said: ’Safety is normally the last thing on people’s minds when they visit the beach but following a few simple steps will ensure everyone has a great and safe time on holiday.’

A new IB1 class inflatable inshore lifeboat has been generously donated by the Woodland family and was named by Mrs Marilyn Lazell, wife of the late Barry Lazell.

Mrs Lazell from Essex, who has been an RNLI supporter for many years, decided to name the lifeboat in memory of her husband Barry Lazell who died in 1998.

Mrs Lazell said: ‘I have been a supporter of the RNLI for many years and I am very pleased to have provided Shoreham lifeboat station with a lifeboat. This will ensure that the station can continue saving lives at sea.’

The ceremony consisted of the formal handing over of the lifeboat by Mrs Lazell to Dr Dand of the RNLI's Council who then delivered it into the care of the Shoreham Lifeboat Operations Manager.

A service of dedication was held by Father Marcus from the Good Shepard, Shoreham beach, and finally Mrs Lazell named the lifeboat. Afterwards a reception was held at the station for guests.

Shoreham Lifeboat Operations Manager Chris Bunby said: ‘This is a better equipped lifeboat that will enable us to respond more quickly when the call for help comes.’

The new IB1 inshore lifeboat replaces an older-style D class. The improved lifeboat has an increased top speed of 25 knots, better handling and a satellite navigation system. Shoreham RNLI station is also equipped with a 47ft Tyne class lifeboat.

In 2005 the station’s lifeboats were launched on service 61 times, rescuing 69 people.

Using unique telephone and fax numbers dedicated to the RNLI, any sailor or seafarer using the facility will make a contribution to the Institution's funds every time they request a forecast. Typically, from the billed cost of each call, 60% will be credited to the RNLI.

Speaking on behalf of the RNLI, Philippa Thompson, said: "Safety at sea is a priority for both the RNLI and Marinecall. By launching this joint initiative we are confident that, not only will the seafarer's favourite charity benefit, but those putting to sea will be able to do so knowing that they are in possession of the most recent weather information accurately interpreted by the world's leading weather forecasting service, the Met Office."

Hayley Turnbull, Marinecall Brand Manager, was joined by Paul Mills from the Met Office, who previewed new and improved services coming on stream early in 2006, including greater use of easily assimilated graphics and making full use of the very latest technology both in terms of data gathering and distribution - both of significant benefit to the leisure and professional sailor.

Every day Marinecall customers have access to 260+ individual forecasts for coastal locations, inshore waters, offshore and European areas.

To receive details of the RNLI's unique telephone numbers, phone 0871 200 3985 or pick up a copy of RNLI's Lifeboat Magazine.

This means Steve can take command of the all weather boat and crew on service, providing essential back-up to the overall coxswain Peter Huxtable.

Congratulations Steve!

As well as being a crew member for many years, Jack was well known for giving talks and presentations to enthusiasts both young and old. This included many visits to local schools.

Jack will be fondly remembered by all his friends at the boathouse, and our thoughts are with his wife Peggy, and the rest of the family.

We are asking for your help to make SOS a fantastic success by making sure all, work colleagues, friends and family take part. Get everyone to wear their favourite trainers for the day and donate at least £1 to the RNLI.

If you would like to take part, register for a SOS fundraising pack now at www.rnlisos.org.uk/howtotakepart.

With your support SOS can be bigger than ever and help to RNLI to fund our services saving lives at sea, last year we saved 486 lives and we rely on voluntary contributions to fund our vital service.

The new boat is capable of up to 30 knots - half as fast again as a standard D Class. She is also more manoevrable and better equipped.

The increase in speed will enable us to reach casualties much quicker, cutting down response time by crucial minutes.

The boat was funded by the Woodland family, who are long time supporters of the RNLI. The new boat is named 'Barry Lazell' after Mrs Joan Woodland's son-in -law who died suddenly in 1998.

The new ILB page is here.

A long time supporter of the Shoreham Lifeboats, landlord Keith and the staff and regulars had raised over £1600 for the station, via a number of initiatives including a swear box!

Our thanks go to all involved for this generous donation, which will fund vital lifesaving equipment for Shoreham. pic

Peter has held the trophy for longer than many of the crew can remember - one day someone will cross the line before him but not this year!

The RNLI tub, rowed by Tim Fox and Ben Coe, managed a very creditable 3rd. pics

Coxswain Peter Huxtable accepted the cheque on behalf of the RNLI from association president Chris Oakley. pic

The money will help fund equipment and training for local lifeboats and crews, and shows how much support exists for the RNLI from local businesses.

The parade marked 60 years since the end of hostilities.

Throughout the war years, the RNLI played a vital role saving the lives of sailors and airmen stranded in the waters around the UK. The Shoreham Lifeboat Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn took part in the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk.

They were then given a tour of the main ops room at Solent Coastguard, and given the chance to see how incidents are managed prior to, and during our involvement.

Many thanks to the Captain, crew and staff of the helicopter, and the Watch Officer and staff at the Coastguard centre.

Pete's father, Kenn Everard, was coxswain at Shoreham from 1981-1990.

Our congratulations go to Peter.

The panes were broken during a spate of vandalism in the summer (except for one which appears to have been a genuine accident with a football).

The generosity of this local company means a big saving - money which will go directly towards funding equipment and training for our boats and crew.