Cowes

COWES CUTS ITS PLASTIC

As well as saving lives at sea, Cowes lifeboat crew are playing their part in saving the planet – by cutting down on plastic. Small changes can make a big difference and, in switching from pre-bottled water to tap water in reusable bottles, the station will prevent hundreds more pieces of plastic waste going to
landfill each year. Conscious of the growing issue of plastic pollution in our oceans, Lifeboat Operations
Manager Mark Southwell says: ‘Our crew members generally take water with them when on exercise or a shout, especially during the warm weather. Although they never throw anything overboard, they still have to end up in landfill.’ The change was suggested by Boathouse Manager Dave Davies and readily adopted by both seagoing and shore crew. Dave says: ‘It’s only a small step but we think it’s important to do all we can not to use these bottles anymore.’ In future the only plastic bottles carried aboard the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Sheena Louise will be reserved for rescued casualties.

Dart

B CLASS ON TRIAL

Dart Lifeboat Station in Devon will be receiving a B class inshore lifeboat later this year, on a 2-year trial
following a coastal review in 2017. The station currently has a smaller D class lifeboat that is sometimes operating at the limit of her capabilities in strong wind and tide conditions. Area Lifesaving Manager Simon Crayfourd says: ‘This is an important change for the RNLI in Dart as we continue to improve the lifeboat service around the coast. The capability and standards of our lifeboats are constantly developing and improving, resulting in safer, more advanced lifeboats for our volunteer crews.’

London

HILLINGDON JUNIOR CITIZEN SCHEME

In March, 3,790 children from 56 schools across the London borough of Hillingdon visited Brunel
University to learn invaluable life skills in its specially designed learning centre. This was part of the Junior Citizen Scheme. RNLI education volunteers led by David Banger were thrilled to join educators from the London Fire Brigade and other groups, providing children with a 10–15-minute scenario on water safety. RNLI Youth Education Manager Sam Johnson says: 'These community-led events are
a great way for us to engage with young people across the capital, highlighting the dangers of inland and coastal waters.’ This was the fourth year the RNLI has been a part of the programme, so far reaching more than 10,000 children. In the months between the annual events, education volunteers will make follow-up visits to schools that have requested longer sessions.

Ramsgate

CAKES FOR THE CREW

First year students from East Kent Catering College in Broadstairs made a special delivery of homemade goodies to the volunteers at Ramsgate Lifeboat Station in April – and enjoyed a tour of the all-weather lifeboat Esme Anderson. As part of their Community Week, they also visited Ramsgate Fire Station, Bradstowe Court and Margate Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department with their Easter-themed cakes and savoury food. A second team of students hit the streets of Broadstairs, delivering food to homeless people and charity shop volunteers. Needless to say, the crew at Ramsgate were very happy to receive their gifts – and they didn’t last long!

What's On

Summer is the season for lifeboat open days so be sure to check with your nearest station to find out when theirs is.
COFFEE AND CAKE
14 July, 11am–2pm
West Bridgford Young People Centre (next to the library)
West Bridgford Branch is teaming up with South Youth Link, a group for young people with disabilities, to welcome visitors for a break from their shopping with coffee, cakes and souvenirs. For more information contact Wendy Jean Hurst on 01159 748801.
BEER AND SHANTY FESTIVAL
4 August, 2pm
The Safe Harbour, Fowey Beers, ciders and barbecue ahead of Fowey’s annual lifeboat week. For more information, visit Fowey Lifeboat Committee’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
VINTAGE AND CLASSIC VEHICLE MEETING
9 August, 4pm
Pirton Recreation Ground, near Hitchin, Hertfordshire
All classic and vintage cars welcome. Refreshments, bar and entertainment – bring along a picnic. Free entry with bucket collection. Contact Mike Frisby on 01462 433716.
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
28 July–7 October
The Shipwreck Centre, Arreton Barns Craft Village
A remarkable collection of images shot on glass plate negatives by Beken of Cowes, who’ve created a significant visual record of local industry and RNLI lifeboats. Admission: adults £5, children £2.50, concessions £3.50.

Send details of your events for the autumn issue (mid-October onwards) to
[email protected].