tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38460391165213903812012-02-05T19:35:18.656ZA scrapbook of the lifeboat year in Swanage as it appears to me: the characters, the boats, the shouts, training, thoughts and funlifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.comBlogger8341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-10168357248029363052012-02-05T18:43:00.005Z2012-02-05T19:35:18.668Z

Every once in a while we have a photograph taken of the crew. Boathouses around the country are full of this sort of thing...mostly sepia toned photographs of men in flat caps and wooly jumpers from the days when men were men and lifeboats had oars.Today we had a new one taken as there have been many changes to the crew since our last one. Paul(Shilo), one of our resident photographers,

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-14662910077454267292011-12-25T19:10:00.001Z2011-12-25T19:10:08.239Z

This morning, a dozen or so brave swimmers entered the water for a bracing Christmas Day dip. Generously they each gave a kindly sum to the RNLI. So thank-you all...!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-26911228438855330402011-08-28T15:20:00.001Z2011-08-28T15:20:14.961Z

After a shout yesterday, it's now looking like a busy bankholiday weekend...not for me though. Both boats have just launched to assist a small yacht caught by a pot rope round it's prop. Meanwhile I am spending the day alone with my kids as Mrs G is taking part in a 12 hour mountainbike race...so no lifeboating for me!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-42556820747734032022011-08-23T19:20:00.002Z2011-08-23T20:09:59.673Z

So, over the last 10 days, our crew have spent many tens of hours busy fundraising and doing demonstrations to support the work that they do as volunteers for the RNLI. Imagine then, how gutting it was for Gav to be on his way home from the shout and the lifeboat service on Sunday only to have his bike stolen as he popped into a local shop to grab a pint of milk. Sometimes peoples selfishness

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-42493996547133562912011-08-23T10:56:00.001Z2011-08-23T10:56:39.577Z

One of the great things about this years lifeboat week was the number of kids who were around. Everywhere I looked there seemed to be little people  enjoying themselves, taking an interest and having fun. The number present was of course helped by the number of recent babies born to our Swanage lifeboat family. Happy times...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-15578221714222804842011-08-22T16:42:00.003Z2011-08-22T16:51:55.503Z

I forgot to mention the results of the annual RNLI window dressing competition. After a number of attempts, our wonderful local florists, Bloom, has won the RNLI window competition. Tor, who owns the business, is a great supporter of the lifeboat and has obviously put a huge amount of effort into her display this year. It even had a boat and a sea safety message...well done Bloom and Tor (and

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-69246881797479424712011-08-21T19:22:00.003Z2011-08-21T20:33:10.219Z

So, in it's traditional way, lifeboat week has come to an end with our lifeboat service on the pier. Typically, the ALB got a shout 20 minutes before the start and missed the whole thing! Never mind though, this was more than made up for by the enormous number of people who had come to take part (helped perhaps by announcements on radio solent and radio 2 this morning). Our thanks in particular

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-72450866954059276672011-08-21T11:20:00.002Z2011-08-21T20:30:19.976Z

Wahay! One of the great things about lifeboat weekend is getting the chance to work with our local coastguard helicopter. Noisy but loads of fun...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-70366325232387541632011-08-20T22:39:00.001Z2011-08-20T22:39:18.863Z

So Tim, who used to be on our crew and now works for the RNLI, has a Honda goldwing, and take a look at the amazing artwork! I love the detail and the fact that it is our boat...nice one Tim.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-68183086536861093582011-08-20T17:01:00.001Z2011-08-20T17:01:21.587Z

Handsome Dan in his new red shirt...like it?

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-78452154146543447062011-08-20T16:38:00.001Z2011-08-20T16:38:57.671Z

And they're off, the annual raft race is underway. No one has sunk...yet!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-6884009115113184572011-08-20T12:02:00.002Z2011-08-21T20:35:42.273Z

Williamson tea donate 7p from every box of tea to the RNLI. That means, if everyone in the UK chose to drink only lifeboat tea, a quarter of a million pounds would be raised daily! So do your bit please...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-87059119472425757222011-08-20T11:33:00.001Z2011-08-20T11:33:05.728Z

Once again we have the wonderful wareham whalers here to entertain us. If shanties are your thing then get down here and have a listen, they're awesome!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-74000151716830844822011-08-19T23:38:00.001Z2011-08-19T23:38:37.107Z

what an awesome night!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-61432783525255649762011-08-19T17:54:00.001Z2011-08-19T17:54:27.374Z

The bands are on stage...let the fun begin!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-50580672916888076242011-08-19T16:47:00.001Z2011-08-19T16:47:17.649Z

Your thoughts please!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-30488371391939746132011-08-19T15:29:00.001Z2011-08-19T15:29:57.047Z

Lifeboat week wouldn't be lifeboat week without Stormy Stan appearing. Luckily he is here helping us collect.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-33365605997054902942011-08-19T10:37:00.001Z2011-08-19T10:37:07.758Z

After all the planning, the final preparations are fully underway for this weekend. Marquees are going up, the beer is onsite and there sun is shining...please don't forget to turn up now!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-82877646052597856032011-08-18T21:23:00.004Z2011-08-18T21:34:11.706Z

It's not every evening that we get the pleasure of the company of a hugely talented and renowned artist coming to sea with us, but, tonight, we had the real pleasure of Rebecca Lardner onboard as we acted as guard boat for the Swanage Sailing Club RNLI pennant race. Rebecca's paintings have, of course, been hugely popular for a long time and the Mulberry tree gallery in town sells much of her

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-79413626967987191452011-08-16T09:17:00.008Z2011-08-16T09:36:31.996Z

On Friday evening Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage is going to be the place to be. Cliff Lift & the ZigZags begin the entertainment with a lively set from 6pm. We've not had Cliff Lift & the ZigZags to play for us before, but they are a local band form the Bournemouth area and have an excellent reputation as a live band. As ever there will be a fabulous bar with local beers and ciders and

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-7127740762489944732011-08-15T20:30:00.002Z2011-08-15T22:31:40.400Z

Just as we stepped out of our oilskins from the previous shout, our pagers went off once more. This time for a motor cruiser south of Anvil point. Despite having two engines, both had failed leaving him powerless and drifting as darkness was falling. No doubt he needed a tow. Once again, in a pretty short time, we were on scene and had a couple of crew aboard and a tow rope rigged.  Indeed, a

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-24438923070784801082011-08-15T20:12:00.002Z2011-08-15T22:33:18.126Z

With almost perfect timing my pager went off this afternoon just as I pulled onto the drive having returned from a very pleasant bike ride with the kids. In less than 10 minutes I was on the ALB as it slipped into the sea. Portland coastguard then instructed us to make best speed towards a Dutch trimaran which had lost its rudder 3 miles South South East of Peveril point. On arrival Gav and

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-49883014271444978712011-08-14T10:04:00.001Z2011-08-14T10:04:33.901Z

It's official, lifeboat week has started! The guild had set up its bookstall on the seafront and Robin is also there selling raffle tickets for the Rebecca Lardner painting. Head on down if you are in town...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-7532132822222399832011-08-14T07:22:00.004Z2011-08-14T20:35:06.160Z

So today is the annual Swanage triathlon. A few of the crew are taking part, including Becky and Steve. By the time you read this they will have finished and will be tucking into a well earned breakfast! Go guys... Off course, as always, the ILB is on the water as part of the safety cover for the event. This morning Gav, Matt and Tom were there bright and early and making sure that everyone was

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-76247259678178641652011-08-10T20:17:00.002Z2011-08-14T09:04:41.215Z

A mixed exercise tonight, combining an engine run, boat handling practise and then some planning for various demonstrations during lifeboat week. All good fun!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-8684845272969629322011-08-10T10:56:00.001Z2011-08-10T10:56:27.716Z

Once more an unusual shout today.  Not that rescuing drifting inflatables is unusual, it's just Dave T doesn't do many shouts as ILB helm!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-84458312114735227502011-08-09T08:55:00.004Z2011-08-09T09:42:53.192Z

So I've been away on holiday for a week or so and, with the wonders of facebook, twitter and e-mail knew that I was missing lots of action. This is normal when I am on holiday and generally it is followed by a quiet patch when I return! Not this time...no sooner had I unpacked my bag and put in the first load of washing than my pager went off. I hitched a lift to the boathouse with Des

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-16287950607560523262011-05-13T20:34:00.000Z2011-05-13T20:35:58.075Z

and it looks awesome. Rebecca has done us proud and produced a really stunning painting in her fabulous and distinctive style...thanks Rebecca!And of course, if you are liking what you are seeing, get along to the Mulberry Tree Gallery website (or their actual shop!) and buy some raffle tickets. Alternatively you can also pick them up from the Boathouse or the RNLI shop in town.Unfortunately

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-62161369155965716832011-05-08T18:19:00.006Z2011-05-08T19:11:05.744Z

One fantastic new fundraising initiative this year has been organised by the Mulberry Tree Gallery in Swanage. They have very kindly agreed to organise this on our behalf and the money raised will be donated to the RNLI. We anticipate that it could raise many thousands of pounds. However, this will only happen if tickets sell well and for this we need your help. With this in mind, once you

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-6457477235633191482011-03-18T16:07:00.000Z2011-03-18T16:08:12.989Z

Hi, On April 3rd I shall be running the Giant's Daughter with good friends Tim, Steve and Charlotte.  Two pupils at my school, Will and Ollie, lost their father in 2003 when the helicopter in which he was travelling crashed in Iraq.  This year my Tutor group have been raising money for Help for Heroes in his memory – we thought that we'd try to add a little to their effort.  The Giant's Daughter

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-27043439995226592052010-11-18T21:43:00.001Z2010-11-18T21:43:57.830Z

To finish the week we ran through a few scenarios thoughtfully provided by Jen.  Lucky Chad ended up as a diver with a bend in his favourite position...clenched between another chaps thighs!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-63249217749957639092010-11-18T19:38:00.001Z2010-11-18T19:38:06.554Z

Bet you can't guess what we're doing tonight!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-91255123055469073592010-11-17T20:23:00.001Z2010-11-17T20:23:44.176Z

Tonight is our first scenario night.  So far it seems to be going well, but we are only being drilled on what we've learnt so far, so pretty simple stuff.  In this photo Chad and Tom are dealing with an unconscious sailor who has been hit on the head with a boom.  As taught they are working through their check cards and trying hard not to panic!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-28537071112840055922010-11-16T21:36:00.000Z2010-11-16T21:37:02.921Z

It seems like no time since we did our last first aid course.  However, it's three years now so here we are again.  This time we have a lovely instructor called Jen who seems to know what she is talking about...which is encouraging! It's always tough to concentrate at the end of a long working day but of course, there's a great incentive when doing first aid...the understanding that you are

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-89207281611458982002010-10-07T06:10:00.003Z2010-10-07T06:14:20.197Z

This quarter's Lifeboat, Offshore and Compass magazines have just fallen on the door matt. There's a couple of photos and mentions of Swanage Lifeboat inside due to the service we performed in August with the local trip boat. It's always nice to get a mention!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-38872388549148541992010-10-02T17:36:00.004Z2010-10-02T17:51:34.881Z

So, I went for a paddle with a few mates this afternoon. A classic trip in our parts, K-Bay to Swanage. A 2 1/2 hour trip if you play the tides right and usually a few lumpy spots of fun around the headlands.Steve also came with us as I have two lovely sea kayaks at the moment...we even managed to practise a few Shanties!And then, before we really knew what was happening we had been sucked into

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-33281413005135503872010-09-25T20:19:00.003Z2010-09-26T09:03:43.140Z

Sadly, due to having to eke a living working out of town, I now miss more shouts than I like. Truth be told, many of them are not terribly exciting and, ultimately I don't lose much sleep over them. However, every now and then one comes along which I am gutted to have missed. Friday's shout was one such...Sat at my desk marking books, the first I knew was that I got a text to say the boat had

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-84559000479374893252010-09-24T20:03:00.001Z2010-09-24T20:03:54.192Z

So it's Gav's birthday party tonight. It seems most of the crew is present...along with Jim Etherington playing some tunes and a substantial number of the rugby club.  I'm guessing it might get messy? Happy birthday Gav....

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-16131217938268051812010-09-22T20:22:00.001Z2010-09-22T20:22:08.793Z

Paul Savage came and provided a medical scenario this evening. Once again it was a juicy exercise, this time to a casualty who'd fallen down the cliff.... As always there are lessons to be learnt...perhaps most of all, we learnt that in certain situations speed is of the essence.  Hopefully, next time we have this situation, we will understand more clearly what is needed! That said, those

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-89422644283059194782010-09-20T06:07:00.001Z2010-09-20T06:07:50.003Z

one of the great things about being part of the crew is that there is always a handy gang available to help you lift stuff.  Sometimes, what goes around takes a long time to come around...but yesterday I finally repaid Gav for his help when moving 7 years ago! Fine work...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-77087605309411258712010-09-18T14:16:00.001Z2010-09-18T14:16:29.967Z

so the ILB has just launched to assist a dog owner recover their unfortunate hound from the base of Old Harry. No real news yet....I'll let you know if it's an interesting story.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-16904150946710670352010-08-26T13:52:00.002Z2010-08-26T13:56:22.935Z

It seems like every year we manage to add more to our already busy lifeboat week. One fantastic addition to our event this year was a raffle for a lovely big lobster. Swanage Bay Fish proprietors Julia and Terry very kindly donated the prize and I believe arranged the raffle. In total their customers raised £145 for the RNLI. The lucky winner being a local lady, Mrs Cotterell. Well done Mrs

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-9933920991415140952010-08-21T19:09:00.001Z2010-08-21T19:09:49.334Z

Here

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-52968372265461649892010-08-21T14:22:00.001Z2010-08-21T14:22:21.405Z

Ollie's better half, Kate, has been busy this spring making this awesome chap. He's doing his bit for raising funds during lifeboat week due to having a mystery name...can you guess it? I for one really want to win him as he is certainly  the most detailed knitted lifeboating I've ever seen. Thanks Kate...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-2385830054747940422010-08-10T09:05:00.003Z2010-08-10T09:13:37.747Z

Men wore tweed jackets, Oilskins, Kapok (whatever that is) Lifejackets and Sowesters. I love the detail of old photos...spot the head launcher with the hammer, one dangerous looking chap with a pistol (varey pistol?) and another rather lucky chap with a couple of flags! Somehow these guys look rather heroic and stoical...compare this to our motley crew who turned up to the shout on Saturday

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-67419749882908272632010-08-07T12:32:00.001Z2010-08-07T12:32:24.189Z

And I forgot the dog!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-49883983737519758362010-08-07T12:31:00.001Z2010-08-07T12:31:23.499Z

just as the Red Arrows finished their routine over the bay our pagers went off once more. This time to a local pqssenger ferry had run aground while scattering ashes. Once on scene near old harry we began taking all 34 passengers onboard and transferring them on to another passenger boat.  The tally included on old fella in a wheelchair and a babe in arms! Anyway, they all ended up safely onto

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-38805613279598145032010-08-06T14:52:00.002Z2010-08-06T14:56:24.818Z

So, we are sat in the crew room drying off and warming up after a quick shout to a yacht in difficulty off Anvil point.  Doing so we are reflecting on the unfortunate chain of events which led to this shout.  Sometimes the difference between happy sailing and crisis is nothing more than a broken shackle and some dirt in the fuel...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-27520378644885090652010-08-05T17:49:00.003Z2010-08-06T14:55:43.982Z

Tonight is the pub gig rowing regatta In the carnival.  The crew has entered 3 teams and thing are going well so far.  A good bit of healthy competition can't be bad! And, a quick update...I'm delighted to report that we won...(well, sort of, one of the RNLI boats won, my boat came second and the WAGS came sixth. Good result.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-29090584717972628612010-08-04T20:59:00.001Z2010-08-04T20:59:47.824Z

Tonight men fell from the sky. As part of the Carnival we were asked to provide as many boats as possible to act as rescue boats for the Red Devils parachute display team. Dave, JFL, Matt and myself had the privilege of being there on the water in the landing zone ready to pick the guys up as they landed on the water. Just one of the great joys of living here...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-90465273341942528392010-08-01T11:57:00.001Z2010-08-01T11:57:23.142Z

So, here we are on the carnival start line ready to go. The boat is looking fab and she generating a huge amount of interest.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-92171185575988842112010-07-31T09:30:00.003Z2010-07-31T15:46:18.641Z

So, after a considerable journey and no small number of emails and phone calls, the 'William Riley of Birmingham and Leamington' is finally here. Now we've just got to work out how to pull her around town and row her! In any case, for the moment she looks wonderful parked up at the Middle School....

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-85074385110936676502010-07-30T14:14:00.002Z2010-07-31T15:46:56.313Z

And they just keep coming...towards the bottom of the M3 we passed the 'William Riley" on a Low-loader heading for HQ in Poole. Hopefully Deasy will then tow her over to Swanage tonight ready for the Carnival procession on Sunday.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-67335190120497017672010-07-30T11:50:00.002Z2010-07-31T15:47:24.234Z

So we are heading home on the M3 and pass yet another lifeboat.  This time it is Margate's Mersey 12-20.  Our own, 12-23 was out again last night, this time for a shorter trip. Looking forward to getting home...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-73688076729485358812010-07-29T22:14:00.001Z2010-07-29T22:14:13.672Z

so, I'm in London with the family for a mini cultural break but of course there is no getting away from lifeboating...I might have missed last nights shout but I still got to witness a bit of action here!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-71124614727260354002010-07-24T19:38:00.001Z2010-07-24T19:38:45.173Z

The ILB has just launched for a quick job in the bay...not sure what it is, yet but probably not terribly epic.   Keep you posted.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-25217503338627242832010-07-21T13:50:00.001Z2010-07-21T13:50:34.886Z

The ILB has just launched to assist three swimmers in the water.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-48975830797861214672010-07-18T13:34:00.001Z2010-07-18T13:34:53.178Z

This Afternoon we've all been busy at the Christening of Chad and Jane's son Cameron.  The weather held and there were loads of folk dressed up for the occasion.  Even the pagers managed to stay quiet!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-74361060906375074992010-06-23T19:54:00.001Z2010-06-23T19:54:17.025Z

So, we're out on exercise training Daz and Barren how to use the Drogue.  All good fun and they're doing very well!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-50543442208586041192010-06-21T22:06:00.001Z2010-06-21T22:06:11.332Z

So tonight was the final of the lifeboat darts competition.  We had three crew teams entered and Sam and Charlotte were the secret weapon of the C team!  John F Gilmour via HTC legend

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-15057059140786289002010-06-21T10:56:00.001Z2010-06-21T10:56:29.668Z

Here's a shot of last nights casualty taken from the ILB helmet camera.  Luckily for the occupants some of it seem to have remained afloat.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-49452187541089788032010-06-21T06:02:00.003Z2010-06-21T06:08:39.636Z

So last nights shout wasn't quite what we expected. And that happens sometimes...the initial information from the Coastguard leads you to form an opinion about the shout which eventually turns out to be completely wrong. Last night was one of those occasions. Anticipating a drifting kids inflatable, what the ILB crew actually found was a 12 foot inflatable with a 25 horse-power engine on the

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-43164310514708247652010-06-20T18:27:00.002Z2010-06-21T06:02:41.221Z

No sooner had I put my fork down after Sunday diner than the pagers went off.  A typical Sunday evening shout, inflated dingy drifting out to sea...hopefully all well.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-85936522034320593832010-06-14T21:19:00.001Z2010-06-14T21:19:59.840Z

The shout was a pretty straightforward tow of a yacht into Pooled harbour.  The only real excitement was the fact that our VHF broke!  Still, we've always got a back up and the lads coped just fine.  They arrived at Poole at tea time but sadly had no money for chips on.the quay...luckily the Poole DLA came up trumps with chocolate cake!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-40651651705116466412010-06-14T19:47:00.001Z2010-06-14T19:47:26.730Z

It's always frustrating to miss a shout. I've been ill recently so missed a frustrating amount of action. Today  I returned to work then got home to find the boat out. And here they are just returning to the slip.  More later...

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-64715500914782032162010-06-07T13:49:00.001Z2010-06-07T13:49:25.454Z

I meant to post this on Saturday but forgot.  This was the scene in the car park at the end if the day after the OK classic fishing competition.  I believe that Dave was there to receive the donation of 500 pounds (the combined entry fees rounded up by the nice folks at Johnson outdoors).

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-4392006989238737702010-06-05T09:54:00.001Z2010-06-05T10:14:51.150Z

So the kayak fishermen are in town for a fishing competition. Nearly 50 of them are out on the water and their entry fee of a tenner is being donated to the RNLI (the competition is being sponsored by Ocean Kayaks with a brand new kayak as the first prize. Good on you folks and have a good days fishing.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-5166070856276010892010-06-03T14:43:00.001Z2010-06-03T14:43:26.622Z

is days like this!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-40015255196483445492010-06-03T08:12:00.002Z2010-06-03T09:11:56.880Z

It was another great exercise last night, in the wheelhouse Deasy and Dave grappled with the new Foruno plotter. Meanwhile, up on deck, Shi, Kev and myself anchored the boat and paddled ashore in the x boat for a bit of landing practise. We used the ILB as our method of escape and the video shows a skillful bit of boathandling from Andy Lyons assisted by useful 'spotting' from Becky.I'm still

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-66504122352477111232010-06-02T18:01:00.001Z2010-06-02T18:01:39.726Z

A good crowd of watchers tonight.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-8077255960606433572010-06-02T16:26:00.001Z2010-06-02T16:29:06.085Z

Lunch today was a sociable event down at the Boathouse. We had a group of folk visiting us being shown a real life lifeboat station by various staff from HQ in Poole (and Divisional base South). It was our pleasure to show them around the station and talk to them a little about the work we do.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-15975430719498447252010-06-02T16:20:00.002Z2010-06-02T16:22:33.654Z

I've just been informed by Dave that we have a shiny new chart plotter onboard (the top one in this rather poor photo. This replaces both the old Navstar plotter (which acted as our back-up GPS) and also our echo-sounder. I suspect that the idea behind this is to free up a bit of space for some other new piece of kit...watch this space.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-2001577105821250242010-05-31T13:12:00.000Z2010-05-31T13:14:07.273Z

Despite it being a bank holiday, the weather has held up and Swanage is once again full to the gunnels.  Quiet so far on the lifeboating front, I've been out in the bay with the girls getting a bit of time on the water.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-63962694608653592642010-05-30T20:19:00.004Z2010-05-30T20:51:57.335Z

OK, so I wasn't there for the shouts today, so I might as well get someone who was to write this one up...introducing Becky:The bank holiday brought its usual flurry of visitors to the town and shouts. Following a quiet Saturday the pagers sounded for the first time on Sunday at 13.45. The town was heaving and crew had to negotiate the crowds and queuing traffic to make it to the station in

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-12312580469356908502010-05-30T17:42:00.004Z2010-05-30T17:44:12.359Z

So, it has been a busy  lifeboating day here in Swanage.  Not that I can tell you what's been happening.  I been busy driving to Somerset and back to rescue Liz who has just completed the second of two 120 mile bike rides. Unfortunately her lift abandoned her today hence a rather long drive for me.  I'll fill you in on the details of the shouts once I know more!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-15193928033301661822010-05-29T19:50:00.004Z2010-05-29T20:12:23.646Z

...was the lucky one who had a ride in the helicopter on Wednesday. It was a short ride but, judging by the grin on his face, a great deal of fun!On the rather cramped afterdeck of the Mersey the winchman, Kev and Tom (who was tending the high-line) prepared for the lift.It struck me that this new helicopter hovers much lover than the old Whiskey Bravo so the actual trip us was very short. Once

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-90515671864526768132010-05-27T21:31:00.003Z2010-05-27T21:44:47.462Z

I wasn't really expecting to take the boat out as Cox'n last night but somehow that's what happened. With little warning I found myself out there with a solid crew but not the most exciting plans of what to do. Imagine my delight then, when I heard over the radio one of our local Coastguard helicopters (Coastguard Helicopter 104, from Solent) calling to tell Deasy (navigator for the evening)

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-42123663868919982332010-04-16T06:14:00.005Z2010-04-16T06:21:03.043Z

Wednesday was a particularly busy day for the ILB who had a shout in the early afternoon. Apparently a person was threatening to jump off the cliffs near Old Harry. The ILB was paged and quickly launched. At the same time the Coastguard proceeded to search the top of the cliffs. Nothing was found so all units were returned to base or station and stood down. Crew were Gav (helm), Ant and

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-55021143735289677852010-04-15T06:07:00.003Z2010-04-15T06:16:16.827Z

So last night was an inspectors exercise. We had the pleasure of going to sea with a very full boat which included our Divisional Inspector Adrian Carey and a colleague who is on the crew of a lifeboat on the North Island of New Zealand. He has recently won their award for volunteer of the year and has been rewarded with a trip to the UK to spend some time with the RNLI to see how we do things

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-31059297284275299852010-04-13T18:32:00.003Z2010-04-13T18:36:22.964Z

Here's the video from the ILB headcam worn by our very own Oli last night. Thanks to Dave T for editing it.

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-50666380437423910182010-04-12T21:23:00.005Z2010-04-12T21:34:58.550Z

Once again I was disturbed in the middle of my dinner (toad in the hole) and made my way quickly down to the boathouse (on the new 'Shout Bike') tonight.Linda, this weeks DLA, explained that we were being launched to a report of a deer stranded on rocks in Durlston Bay. The ILB made it's way round quickly with our Senior Helm, Tom, in charge. Once on scene they went ashore and made an

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-20514481845798379362010-04-07T20:22:00.004Z2010-04-07T20:33:37.931Z

Friend Mike Streeter sent this photo over a few weeks ago and I've been meaning to post it ever since.Hi John, Found this old girl resting peacefully in Mevagissey on a recent visit to Cornwall. (I never seem to get to these harbours when there is any water in them!) The boat is "Gertrude" and at the time I was not sure what class of boat it is. Research has shown her to be a 46ft. Watson,

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-62810191659829449872010-04-04T10:38:00.002Z2010-04-04T10:45:50.550Z

I was recently asked what it was about the design of a lifeboat which makes it self-righting. Now,I'm not very technical but my understanding is as follows:All the heavy stuff like engines,shafts and fuel are low down in the boat and all the light stuff, like a wheelhouse full of air are at the top. When it is upside down the heavy stuff wants to be back at the bottom and the light stuff wants

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-7270498528055370832010-04-01T08:02:00.006Z2010-04-01T08:20:07.992Z

So now that the clocks have gone forward I consider that the season has started. Last night was our first Wednesday exercise of the year since time was advanced and for the first time in a long time we launched in the light.To watch us there were even a few hardy souls braving the bracing wind to see us make our splash. I just hope they got a better photo of us than we got of them.And it was a

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-60951011619975888272010-03-31T08:16:00.003Z2010-03-31T08:28:42.897Z

When she left service the 'William Riley' spent a short time in store before being sold in November 1931 for just £35 to Mr B. Greenstreet of Walthamstow and was converted at some cost into a motor cruiser called 'Whitby II'. By the mid 70's she had moved inland to Stourport where she was fitted with a 2.2 litre engine. In the late 80’s or early 90’s the boat was moved to Devon and moored at

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-17047807534538107822010-03-30T17:06:00.003Z2010-03-30T17:26:12.281Z

We have secured the loan of the 'William Riley' historic lifeboat from Whitby to use for some fundraising activities this summer. The plan is that we will have her here for some of Carnival week in order to raise funds and raise awareness of our Lifeboat week which will follow on about a fortnight later."William Riley of Leamington and Birmingham" was one of a batch of light, shallow draught

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-17367919742981253262010-03-29T09:15:00.004Z2010-03-29T09:33:51.324Z

Amongst the many things that we discussed last week at RNLI Headquaters, Paul Boissier and I talked at length about the heritage of the RNLI and what it means for us and the institution. He used the expression 'Lifeboat DNA' which I liked very much. In Paul's view it is vital that the RNLI is not seen as merely a 'Victorian' institution which dwells entirely on it's past and fails to move

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-87960310432736934692010-03-27T12:03:00.004Z2010-03-27T12:16:08.666Z

Our boathouse is rather small and we often struggle to find space for training and storage. So when two old buildings behind the boathouse came up for rent it was decided to put a bid in for them. The first is the old Coastguard hut which we hope will in time become usable as a teaching space both for crew and for visiting school groups.The other is an old munitions store and toilet block for

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-5579648487208305912010-03-26T17:58:00.003Z2010-03-26T20:14:21.468Z

So my old 'shout bike' has breathed its' last breath. It's had one dunking too many and seized solid. So, for some time now I have been looking into sourcing a suitable replacement. Unaccustomed as I am to paying for shout bikes, I today responded to an advert in the Co-Op for a man's mountain bike and, £30 later, I was the proud owner of this little beauty (not to mention a full compliment of

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-10164688592848263712010-03-25T15:34:00.004Z2010-03-25T15:50:53.126Z

For some reason my waterproof camera was not behaving last night and the flash kept on deciding not to work. Consequently some of the photos were slightly odd. That said, I quite liked this one of the ILB launching. It looks fast and colourful and somehow exciting.We've still got 'Fishermen's Friend' at the moment. Dave nipped over to Poole to trial our boat last week and found it still

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-67145208967776655472010-03-25T00:06:00.002Z2010-03-25T00:08:41.489Z

Saw this on Facebook and love it. Created by Helen Peacock as part of a brief set by the Univeristy of Sunderland. Excellent stuff Helen!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-59622461120338619652010-03-23T16:06:00.002Z2010-03-23T16:17:24.461Z

I had the very real pleasure today of meeting the new CEO of the RNLI, Paul Boissier (who I nearly but not quite met in January). Kindly Paul gave up some of his time for a chat about his role and the state of the RNLI as he has found it. What quickly became apparent was how impressed he is with what he has found from speaking with both the Crews, fundraisers and employees that he has met...but

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-12730703466638457622010-03-22T17:11:00.002Z2010-03-22T19:09:57.472Z

A couple of photos from last night's shout taken by Dave Corb on his iphone I presume.Here's the ALB being recovered, note the amount of PPE being worn by the slipway crew.And here is what some of the other crew were up to while we were out...downloading the latest iphone apps I presume?!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-48443704554372710752010-03-21T22:35:00.002Z2010-03-21T22:43:11.144Z

There's nothing worse than sitting down to a Sunday roast only to be called from the table by a buzzing pager. However, needs must and it would seem that most of the crew left half eaten roasts to attend this evening's shout. Once we had assembled, it turned out that we were heading out to a 33ft yacht which had lost nearly all power in a dying breeze and so were unable to start their engine

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-5486729205028969942010-03-18T21:11:00.002Z2010-03-18T21:21:20.604Z

I woke up to this story on the radio this morning. Funny really because only last night a number of the crew were involved in singing some shanties after the exercise. Perhaps we are in at the start of a resurgence? Even Johnny Depp is doing it!

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-17478549745886827652010-03-14T22:14:00.003Z2010-03-14T22:23:02.128Z

Some days just take your breath away. Today was one of them. As a special mother's day treat I left Liz alone and went out for a paddle in the kayak.I put the boat in at Shell bay in Poole harbour and then paddled out of the harbour and across Studland bay towards Old Harry. The tide and wind were at my back and the sun in my face as I passed some riders out from Studland Stables on the

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-90586381864485412462010-03-13T16:58:00.004Z2010-03-13T17:05:59.337Z

It was a busier day here than normal yesterday, perhaps due to getting a little mention on the official RNLI facebook page. It never ceases to amaze me how interlinked and connected we can become in our online lives.It's been a nice day here in Swanage, quiet on the lifeboat front but there have been a few folk out on the water. I bumped into Dave T down at the boatpark busy preparing his own

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-79426136414232182052010-03-11T22:20:00.002Z2010-03-11T22:52:10.685Z

Well, last night's exercise was bit of an unusual one. Presently our own boat is in Poole at Headquarters having some work done to resolve an ongoing issue with coolant for the engines. So last night we put to sea in 'Fishermen's Friend', 12-33 one of the relief lifeboats. Within minutes it became apparent that we had a problem. Dave entered the engine room to check that all was well and

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-38761460615486112382010-03-07T22:35:00.002Z2010-03-07T22:41:55.697Z

Young Charlie here is a lifeboat fan. This 5 year old from Bristol has been a lifeboat enthusiast since he visited a 'B' class lifeboat last year. Since then he has been asking to visit a bigger lifeboat.So his Mother arranged for him to visit us on the day after his 5th birthday and these photos show his obvious delight at his visit.In an incredibly generous act he raised £125 from his

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846039116521390381.post-52357255578475118252010-02-26T20:49:00.002Z2010-02-26T21:04:03.278Z

Life remains busy and I am sadly very behind on posts here. The annual guild bowling extravaganza has finished and Colin Brixton was kind enough to send some photos over. Knowing such a little about the sport of bowling (thought I have heard that the definition of a sport is any activity which can't be undertaken while smoking a pipe so perhaps bowling isn't a sport but rather an activity?)

lifeboatjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470918952668384528noreply@blogger.com0