Disaster survivor names new lifeboatA ceremony in New Quay, Wales on 7 May 2004 was steeped in history. On the 89th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat torpedo, it was a survivor of that tragedy who named a new lifeboat for the station. There were 1,965 people on board the 'queen of the seas' but only 764 were rescued - the Hon. Mrs Audrey Lawson-Johnston was amongst them, at the time a babe-in-arms.

Years later, Mrs Lawson-Johnston set about a mammoth fundraising effort for the RNLI, with much energy and enthusiasm and the support of her family, friends and local community. The final boost to her appeal fund came with a party to celebrate the Queen Mother's 100th birthday and a new lifeboat became a reality. One of the new 'IBV- type D class lifeboats, the Amy Lea was named in memory of Audrey's mother, who was herself saved from the Lusitania by a passing tramp steamer.

Mrs Lawson-Johnston said: 'The ceremony itself was very emotional. I feel that I have really achieved something and my late husband Hugh would have been very proud of me. My mother was actively involved with the lifeboats and raised a lot of money throughout her life. She was a very generous woman and that's why the lifeboat will be named after her.

The bravery of the lifesavers on that fateful day will stay etched on my mind forever, and that is why I want to help save more lives at sea today.1 Amy Lea has already proved her worth: the week after the naming ceremony she brought in four people and a vessel that was floating without power having suffered an engine failure.

Members of Mrs Lawson-Johnston's family who attended the naming ceremony were so impressed with the Welsh welcome and hospitality they received that they have now decided to fundraise for another lifeboat to eventually replace the Amy Lea. The new project is being coordinated this time by son-in-law Martin Hudson. Martin said:'I wanted to continue in my mother-in-law's footsteps as, without the lifeboats, none of this family would be here.' Fundraising has already started in earnest with a sponsored bicycle ride from Cornwall to London by Martin's eldest son Hugh - the fourth generation of the family to be involved.Appointments Mr Richard Dougherty - Number lifeboat station Second Coxswain Mr David Ham -Torbay lifeboat station Lifeboat Operations Manager Mr G Lawrie - Mallaig lifeboat station Lifeboat Operations Manager Retirements Mr Ian Jack - Buckie lifeboat station Deputy Launching Authority Mr Rob Bradbrook - Clacton lifeboat station Helmsman Mr Richard Fowles - Fishguard and Coodwick lifeboat station Crew Member and Honorary Secretary (LOM) Mr Neil Gudgeon - Lochinver lifeboat station Coxswain Mr Stuart Pimm -Yarmouth lifeboat station Second Coxswain Mr John Williams - Teesmouth lifeboat station Crew Member Mr Matear Wilson - Workington lifeboat station MechanicON STATION ALL WEATHER Longhope ON-1 149 (52-43) The Queen Mother, 18 June 2004 Castletownbere ON-1277 (17-44) Annette Mutton, 12 August 2004 Hartlepool ON-1274 (14-37) Betty Huntbatch 2 7 September 2004 INSHORE Southend-on-Sea H-004 Vera Ravine, 10 July 2004 North Berwick D-619 Blue Peter HI, 14 July 2004.

Little & Broad Haven D-628 Austin Burnett, 5 August 2004 Arbroath D-629 The Shannon, 12 August 2004 Montrose D-626 David Leslie Wilson, 12 August 2004 Conwy D-627 Arthur Bate II, 18August2004 Rhyl D-632 Godfrey & Desmond Nail 21 October 2004..