Roger Rother

Good news.........

I heard on Sunday that Martin had spoken with Roger and that he intends to come to Swanage with the J.Reginald Corah once more in August for our Lifeboat week. We are of course absolutely delighted as Roger is a true friend of ours and he would have been sorely missed had he not made it. By all accounts he is in good form and has an interesting proposition from a museum in Holland who wish to help him look after the Rother. I will try and get full details and get more information.

Of course I'd quite forgotten that I'd had this conversation with Martin until I idly browsed YouTube this evening and came across this recently posted clip including the J.Reginald Corah .

Best wishes Roger!

Day tripping

I've mentioned Roger and the Rother class lifeboat J.Reginald Corah a number of times. Today I had the true pleasure of spending some time with Roger as I took my kids for a trip around the bay on her.She really does look splendid, a credit to Roger.The kids loved every minute of it......you can probably tell?And of course Roger is the same as ever, a true gent and friend to everyone.And he works dam hard, trip after trip all day.So,thanks Roger. For a great day and for all that you do for us here in Swanage.

When generations collide

Look carefully at this smashing photo (taken by Dave Corben this evening as we were waiting to launch on a shout) and you will spot the J.Reginald Corah in the background. She arrived yesterday evening skippered by Roger of course and looks to be in even better shape than last year. He certainly keeps a tight ship. As I was putting out to sea this evening to check my lobster pots I happened to spot him sitting on the bench outside of the angling club looking every bit as if he hadn't left since last year. Indeed, he has already done a handful of trips on our behalf. Welcome back Roger!

The shout this evening deserves a post all of it's own. Indeed, tired as I am perhaps I'll do just that.............something in the morning about what has to be the most weird and depressing shout ever.......a real window upon the human condition.

Goodnight.........

Old friends

Out of the blue on Sunday I had a call from Roger Pardy-Bryan (known to us as Roger the Rother), present owner of Swanage's previous lifeboat the J.Reginald Corah. Now I have mentioned Roger a few times previously, mainly because it had come to our attention that he was selling her and thus would not be able to attend Lifeboat week with her as he has done ever since I can remember. Indeed, I had even been contacted by a broker of historic lifeboats asking for photos of her.

Well, today I am delighted to tell you that I spoke again with Roger this morning and he confirmed that he has taken the J.Reginald Corah off the market and he will be (in his own words) here in Swanage during lifeboat week if it is the last thing he does. Fantastic.........this means that once again, throughout the week, there will be trips available from the boathouse on the J.Reginald Corah to raise money for the station. As ever, this will be a highlight of lifeboat week for many visitors (and locals)!

Of course I am doubly delighted because Roger is a true friend of ours and this news means that he is in good spirits and health. One of life's consummate Gentlemen, Roger embodies all that makes one proud to be British: he gives without counting the cost, his loyalty to the RNLI and Swanage is un-swerving, no favour is too great and of course.......he knows the importance of a cup of fine coffee. Roger. We'll get the supplies in!

End of an era?

Each summer during lifeboat week, Roger, the current owner of our last ALB, the J. Reginald Corah has returned her to Swanage and conducted pleasure trips around the bay in her for the RNLI's benefit. He has in many ways become a key part of our weeks celebrations. Sadly, due to Roger's ill health he will probably not bring her this year as she is on the market. We hope she finds a sympathetic and caring new owner and perhaps returns again to Swanage?Here Swanage lifeboats past and present perform for the crowds. Stormy Stan can be seen on the bow!And relax, the end of a hard day?