From Jill Russell:
On 15th May we had a visit from Chas Tibble on behalf of Skegness RNLI.
He gave us a very enlightening presentation and slide show starting with the history of the lifeboat service, on our part of the east coast, beginning with the first boats manned by ten and then twelve oarsmen, up to the most modern Shannon class fibre glass boat, ‘The Joel and April Gunnill’, which went into commission in 2017.
He stressed that the majority of crew are volunteers, often with family tradition, who give up their time and risk their lives to save people at sea, regardless of the conditions. Statistics from 2016 show 431 lives were saved and 8643 people rescued for one reason or the other.
He showed us some amazing early photos of the rowing boats setting out in ginormous seas, a lifeboat first stationed at Gibraltar Point from 1825 then moving gradually up the coast to Tower Esplanade in 1990.
The first boat to be powered by an engine was the Anne Allen from 1932 – 1953 and it had a simple engine to get it into the water. Before that Shire horses were used so response times could only get better! All modern boats are self-righting now and are tested extensively. The main lifeboat was supplemented with an inflatable inshore lifeboat from 1964 which is much quicker in certain circumstances. The lifeboat also links with the Lifeguards and Air Sea rescue.
Chas told us how he had served very willingly for over twenty years and I think he would have wanted to carry on if he had not been forced to retire at 65. He obviously continues his connection and reveals his pride in the service by giving these talks and helping fund raise.
Chas stressed that all this is very expensive to run and maintain. Unfortunately there are times when the call outs are hoaxes and some people can be really unpleasant when being rescued. However, they have to respond to every call just in case and deal with the public with due deference.
It is an amazing service that is being provided and we are very proud as a club to be doing our bit towards it as our charity this year.
Next month’s Cameo meeting is on 19th June at 7.30pm in Roughton Hall. The subject is ‘Lincolnshire Ladies and the Vote’ which should be very interesting.
Reporter Jill Russell.
Kirkby on Bain 