Barrow, September 27, 1986: from model lifeboats to the real thing! The model lifeboat rallies organised by Des Newton since 1979 helped provide the funds to pay for Barrow's new 16ft D class inflatable lifeboat, Modeller I. The handing over ceremony was opened by Mr W. Eccles, OBE, president of Barrow branch, who welcomed the Mayor of Barrow, Councillor Mrs Bernice Mounsey and her Mayoress, Mrs Irene Lucas. Mr Newton then handed the lifeboat, and also a commemorative book containing the names of all the donors, over to the RNLI represented by Mr Anthony Hannay, a member of the committee of management. Mr Terry Downing, station honorary secretary, received the lifeboat on behalf of the station, saying that she had already saved 17 lives since being placed on station in April. The dedication service was conducted by the station chaplain, the Reverend J. L. J. Tail, with the lesson read by Alec Moore, assistant mechanic. Following the service Mrs Dorothy Newton unveiled a commemorative plaque in the boathouse. photograph by courtesy of Barrow Evening News and Mail.