Teesmouth, September 14, 1986: Tees Dock quay space is normally full of steel ready for export. This particular Sunday, however, saw a small oasis of colour appear as the site was made ready for the naming ceremony of Teesmouth's 47ft Tyne class lifeboat Phil Mead. Thankfully the weather was kind, and rain clouds skirted the area. Some 500 people made their way through Teesport industrial heartland to be greeted by Mr R. J. Hulse, chairman of Teesmouth station, and to see Coxswain Peter Race's two delightful daughters, Emma and Kate, make a bouquet presentation. Lt Cdr A. J. Mead represented a Nautical Trust and the supporters of the local appeal when presenting the lifeboat to Mr Gilbert Gray, QC, a member of the committee of management. Mr Gray gave a most graphic description of the sea hazards in the area, and concluded by handing the lifeboat into the care of Teesmouth station.

Following the acceptance by Mr J. L.

Drewitt, honorary secretary of the station, the Reverend Peter Ellis conducted a service of dedication. Mrs Rosemary Walters, honorary secretary of Middlesbrough (Teesmouth) guild, gave a vote of thanks to everyone who had assisted in the organisation of the day and Mrs Muriel Mead then named the lifeboat Phil Mead in memory of her late husband. The assembled company were next to witness the impressive sight of RNLB Phil Mead putting to sea. Cheering and ship's sirens rang out as Hartlepool's Waveney lifeboat The Scout and Redcar's Atlantic 21, Guide Friendship III escorted her down the river.

photographs by courtesy of Jeff Morris.