July 28th - News from the station The volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews will turn out for any person in trouble on the sea, whoever they are, whenever or why ever they are in trouble, day or night, work day or holiday, and are never judgemental. Their private thoughts about any emergency situation never get in the way of their professionalism, as was the case on 25th July when roused from their sleep just after four in the morning they set off to retrieve the abandoned ‘yacht’, for want of a better name, which got into trouble ‘somewhere in the Bristol Channel’ (see below). The rescue involved the air/sea rescue helicopter from Chivenor, the Coastguards and Appledore All Weather Lifeboat. Altogether the rescue cost tens of thousands of pounds saving someone who should probably have never left the estuary. Most of the time we help people who get into genuine difficulties, such as yacht Gemini who picked up the ropes from a lobster pot off Saunton sands on 23rd July. However having cut himself free, the ropes were still stuck around his propeller and although he could sail, was not making enough speed to get back into the estuary against the ebbing tide. The inshore rescue boat happened to be in the vicinity at the time, heard the radio conversation between Gemini and the Coastguard and offered assistance following their own trials. They brought the yacht back in and safety left it on its moorings near Instow. Several other rescues have also taken place since our last column and it is for this reason we are so very grateful for all those who help support the RNLI financially in all sorts of ways, not the least by organising fund raising events as the RNLI is entirely reliant on public donations. Following a talk from our Chairman John Pavitt to Wiltshire Summer Masons Lodge at Bideford, the Mason’s raised over £400 in the one evening which was presented to Appledore RNLI before their regular practice on 22 July. We are very grateful for their generosity. Tea at Tapeley Park takes place on Saturday 9th August. This includes entry to the gardens, cream tea, souvenir stall, tombola, face painting and entertainment. For tickets, which are only available in advance, please phone Pat on 01271346560 or Rachel on 07989747163. Between 2 – 5 pm on 23rd August, First In Last Out on Clovelly Road, Bideford hare holding a fundraising Family Fun Day. There will be a BBQ, Bouncy Castles, Craft Activity Sessions, Face painting and Glitter Tattoos, Party Games and Disco Fun, Irish Dancing, cake, gift and craft stalls, visits from Minnie Mouse, Dorothy Small, Mickey Mouse, Peppa Pig, Mario, Iggle Piggle and Woody throughout the day, and much else to entertain you. Please do not forget the Clovelly / Appledore Sponsored walk on 13th September. This is a 16 mile walk between Clovelly and Appledore Lifeboat Stations with a barbeque and cold beer waiting for all walkers on arrival at Appledore. For details please contact Rachel Hannam on 07989 747 163. This is a great way to stay fit and raise money for both lifeboat stations. If you do not want to walk but would like to help with stewarding, or sponsor those who are walking, please get in touch. Picture: The Masons’ Wiltshire Summer Lodge donate £400 to Appledore RNLI
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:10:26 +0000
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