A touch of brass can lead to so much more The names of RNLI boats give tantalising hints of their origin. Here, Carol Waterkeyn takes the rare opportunity to meet the man behind one such name When news of a legacy arrives at RNLI Headquarters, staff and volunteers often wonder why the charity was special to the deceased person. But in the case of the recently acquired Robert S Ellsmoor, her eponymous donor is alive and well, and able to enjoy seeing his namesake used in crew training.

Mr Ellsmoor, now aged 68 and retired, has always had a keen interest in the RNLI. From an early age he watched the lifeboat launch in his home town of Hoylake county. ‘As a teenager in the early 1950s, I knew all the names of the crew and regularly visited the station, even helping to polish the brasses. The boats were so lovingly cared for by the crew and shorehelpers, something that has stuck with me throughout my life.’ Unsurprisingly, the sea later beckoned and, in 1955, Robert joined the Merchant Navy as a cadet and served as an apprentice, progressing to the role of deck of? cer (pictured).

‘I quali? ed in 1960 and sailed out of Liverpool mainly, but also Hull, London and ports in mainland Europe serving the west African trade routes and even further a? eld. I took my Masters Certi? cate in 1966, which allowed me to eventually gain command.’ After substantial restructuring of the merchant shipping business in the 80s, Robert was made redundant but was not to be separated from the sea. He worked on ferry services between Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire and for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

‘During my time on the ferries, we took part in exercises with the emergency and search and rescue services, so I saw fi rst hand the type of rescues that the RNLI were involved in. I am amazed by the number of call outs the lifeboats and hovercraft respond to each year and I have enormous respect for what the crews do.

I admire their professionalism and also that of the volunteer sea safety offi cers who carry out boat checks and give advice to sailors.

‘Now I have my own boat, a Beneteau Antares 7.10, it is good to think there are RNLI volunteers on hand should I ever need them – you never know what might happen. But I know that crew training is essential. That is why I decided to help fund an RNLI training boat.’ During construction, Robert was delighted to visit Hardy Marine’s boatyard in Norfolk and witness craftsmen there make the fi nal touches. The RNLI’s two Hardy Commodore 42 motor yachts were built to its own specifi cations but some ‘off the peg’ craft were at earlier stages of construction and on view at the same time: ‘It was fascinating!’ The Robert S Ellsmoor and her twin the Ian and Ann Butler can now both be found at The Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset.

They are already booked up for the year for training personnel from across the UK and RoI in boathandling, navigation and other key skills (see the Spring 2007 issue of the Lifeboat for details). The proudest moment for this donor came in June this year when, as the Lifeboat went to print, he took part in the offi cial naming ceremony at The Lifeboat College for the Robert S Ellsmoor. ‘We are so grateful for Mr Ellsmoor’s generosity. Over the past months, we have had the pleasure of getting to know Bob well – he really is part of the RNLI family.

‘Everyone who gives to the RNLI helps keep the service running, both now and for years to come. It’s not just boats we need, though: training, equipment and shoreworks always need funding and are just as important.

If you would like to help please give me a ring on 01202 663115.’ Sarah Sleigh, RNLI Personal Donations Manager.