MUDEFORD, Hampshire, was on of the first stations to take an inshore life-boat in 1963.

It was operated on an experimental basis during the summer of that year. The boat was withdrawn for the winter and then Iudeford was re-allocated an ILB. Over the past ten years the Mudeford ILBs have been launched over 180 times and have rescued over 80 people.

Mr. Ken Derham, the honorary secretary, in recalling the station's early days, said that the men who formed the original crew belonged to his own 'rescue service' which he had been running for many years under the R.N.L.I.'s shore boat scheme.

Talking about local ILB services, Mr. Derham recalled: T think one of the most spectacular services was carried out on 22nd January, 1967.

A fishing boat with a party of anglers on entering the harbour was broached by the heavy seas running on crossing the bar. She was rendered helpless by damage to her rudder. Another fishing boat crewed and manned by John Batchelor (a crew member) was following and he managed to get a line aboard and towed the damaged boat away from the bar and out to sea, where it was anchored, the passengers taken off and brought into harbour. John Batchelor then rang me regarding the best way to deal with the disabled boat with her owner still aboard. I immediately went to the quay and we all had a consultation (all available crew- had been called).

Tt was decided that John Batchelor would proceed in his boat with Bill Foster and Roy Bishop as crew to the disabled boat, pass over a drogue and tow line and judge as best as able the right time to make the run in. Michael Parker in his boat with crew Stan Prichard and VV. Williamson would stand by a little astern with a tow line to pick up a tow if the first line parted and the ILB crewed by Andy Russell and Brian Collins would also stand by in case of emergency.

'While the tow line was made fast an 18-foot open launch was making for the entrance on its way in and the ILB kept a parallel course with her over the bar, stationed 10-20 yards seawards.

A breaking sea ran through them and when it had passed, the crew of the ILB noticed the one occupant of the launch in the sea and the boat turned over and almost submerged. The height of the sea prevented the ILB crew from seeing the actual capsize. The occupant was picked up and landed at the quay and the ILBreturned to sea. The disabled fishing boat was successfully towed into harbour. It was considered that the drogue was most useful in this operation, though it was damaged beyond repair.' Mr. Derham was awarded the silver medal of the R.N.L.I, for an outstanding-shore boat rescue on 30th March, 1959. Mr. Roy Bishop, one of the original crew, designed the special ILB shelter at Mudeford.

Mudeford ILB, because of its pioneer work, has been photographed many times. The station.

for instance, appears with others in Dr. William J. Guild's film Every Second Counts.

Mr. Derham pointed out that the title of the film reminded him of a service when the ILB was requested to retrieve a body off Highcliffe on 21st September, 1970. A blanket was put aboard the craft and on reaching the position off Highcliffe the body was sighted. It was thought, however, by the crew that the elderly woman involved was still alive. She was pulled aboard and quickly wrapped in the blanket, one member massaging her down with the blanket.

On reaching the shore the police suggested that it was better that the ILB returned with the casualty to Mudeford quay where an ambulance and doctor were already waiting. The casualty lived.

During the period 1963-1964, when the Mudeford ILB was on trials, Mr. Derham kept a log of the development stages.Of the 80 or so entries, a few are reproduced as follows: 10th May, 1963 Had meeting with Lieutenant E. D. Stogdon at Xe v Inn, Wareham. My son Victor present. Lt. Stogdon outlined the idea of the inflatable life-boat which the R.N.L.I.

intended to put on trial during the 1963 season. He asked if I would accept one to station at Mudeford. Xo time to contact crew, so said 'yes'.

llth May, 1963* Called crew together and had meeting at the Watch House, present: Roy Stride, Ken Stride, Norman Derham, Bill Foster. Gave them details of scheme as far as I knew.

Ve elected further crew members as follows: Michael Parker (Haven), Geoff Hall, Robert Braithwaite, John Blackaller, Victor Derham, Jim Worth, Jim Hawkins, Anthonv Stride.

12th May, 1963 Contacted most of above and all agreed to co-operate.13th May, 1963 Had meeting with Arthur Griffiths regarding sum of money collected by Round Table for boat house for previous scheme which was not used. Arthur agreed to bring matter up at the next meeting 21st May next.

Interviewed town clerk who offered to consult Beach Committee chairman (Aid. Richardson). Then interviewed borough engineer who brought in Mr. Blake and arranged for a meeting with town and county planning for next afternoon.

Had interview with Mr. Mead, Christchurch Times editor, who agreed to be a member of the committee and also to give good publicity in next issue of paper.

Had interview with mayor's secretary and later 'phoned mayor-elect (Councillor Bell) who agreed to serve on committee.

Called at Dr. E. W. Deanc's house to ask him to serve on committee, but away on holiday.

14th May, 1963 Had interview with Mr. Blake and another over idea of life-boat house and siting thereof. All very helpful. Came away with impression that everything would be done to hasten approval if necessary.

15th May, 1963 Saw members of crew with reference to asking if agreed to Brian Collins joining—all agreed. Later saw Brian who accepted invitation.

22nd May, 1963 Had telephone message from town hall that the Town Council had 'approved in principle' of the stationing of the life-boat at Mudeford quay and instructed the borough engineer to discuss with me convenient site.

31st May, 1963 Met Mr. Wise, borough engineer, on the quay and chose two positions for siting life-boat, one if building was contemplated and other in the open. The open position is adjacent to Michael Parker's house and here Mr. Wise said he could, with necessary approval, erect a temporary fence and make an enclosure.*AH of the crew in the early days were fishermen except Robert Braithwaite and John Blackalier, marine engineers now working and living away from the district. Others were: Victor Derham, beach operator; Jim Hawkins, beach worker, now away from the locality; Jim Worth has ceased fishing and now lives away from the district; Geoff Hall is now out of the country; Reg Sheppard, very experienced yachtsman and local business man. Enrolled in March 1964; Roy Bishop, architect, and Stan Prichard, very experienced yachtsman, one-time deep-sea trawlerman and local businessman.27th and 28th May, 1963 Had two days' trials at Gorleston with Lt. Stogdon, with the Zodiac; much impressed. Met Mr. Ling and had very useful talk over life-boat matters.

3rd June, 1963 (about) Called on Dr. E. W. Deane who was delighted to join committee. He suggested that when our initial training was over that he would ask a leading specialist on resuscitation to lecture crew.

23rd June, 1963 Zodiac craft delivered p.m.

24th June, 1963 Lt. Stogdon arrived p.m. and training started. Wind s.w. force 5—pouring with rain.

25th June, 1963 Continued with training. TV came a.m. Found floor giving way under heavy pounding received in sea conditions prevailing. Took floor up to Bemister's who carried out repairs as suggested.

26th June, 1963 Meeting with committee about life-boat site; present: the Mayor (Councillor Bell), branch secretary, Miss V.

Stuart Fraser; hon. treasurer, Mr. Hamblin, and Mr. B.

Mead.

Mentioned difficulty to call out through lack of siren, etc. Committee members taken out in craft, all enjoying experience. Early p.m. mayor returned with handoperated siren borrowed from the fire brigade.

Training continued all day and into evening when signs of screws shearing were noticed.28th June, 1963—10 a.m.

Mudeford life-boat put on service.

Appointment with borough engineer on site to decide about fencing arrangements.

'Phoned . . . Bournemouth police informing that fast rescue craft now on service. Bournemouth police have arranged to show smoke flares on beach opposite location of casualty at right angles to beach.

Made practice launches with Michael Parker, Brian Collins, Bob Braithwaite, Jim Hawkins and Jim Worth.

10th July, 1963 Call Out. Was talking to Bill Foster on Avon Beach car park when siren sounded, we both got in our cars and belted to the quay. Craft launched and already on her way with Jim Worth and John Batchelor. Launching— Ron Foster and Tony Stride. Also immediately available: John Blackaller, Bob Braithwaite, Brian Collins, Bill Foster, Michael Parker (glasses), Andy Russell, Tony Stride (launcher).

Call to dinghy capsized off Highcliffe.

Turned out to be a hoax (afterwards think Lt. Stogdon responsible!). However, a wonderful exercise in which helicopter co-operated. Rang H.Q. and reported.

To date ILBs, since their introduction, have saved over 3,500 lives..