What's On in Lyme Regis 

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RNLI  (Royal National Lifeboat Institute)
 

        Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station & Shop
        and
       
Lyme Regis & Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters
  

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week
2024 
Saturday 27th July - Friday 3rd August

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station has a crew of some 30 men and women volunteers from all walks of life including builders, carpenters, students, decorators, an accountant, a developer and retired businessmen.

Led by the Duty Deputy Launching Authorities, (DLA's) under the supervision of the Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM).

Launches are initiated and co-ordinated by MCA. Every station member is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

Lifeboat Press Officer:  Richard Horobin

Normally carrying a crew of four the rigid inflatable is launched and retrieved by a Ro-Ro trailer and special tractor unit.
 

Lyme Regis  RNLI volunteer crew members operate an 8.5m Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat capable of speeds up to 35 knots. The Spirit of Loch Fyne  arrived on station in March 2012. 
She is fitted with the latest technology including radar and VHF direction finding equipment and carries a crew of four.
The Atlantic 85 can operate safely in daylight in a Force 6/7 and at night in Force 5/6 and is fitted with two 115hp Yamaha engines and has endurance at sea of three hours at maximum speed. 
Lyme Regis Lifeboat  Station, The Cobb, Lyme Regis,  
DT7 3JJ 
Tel:  01297 442230

 

 

Lifeboat Station Opening Times:  9am-5pm daily 

 

Latest News and Shouts

  Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week 2024   
 
 Saturday 27th July - Friday 3rd August

 

 

 

Lifeboat launched during England penalty shoot-out

RNLI Lyme Regis news release covering the launch of Lyme Regis lifeboat to search for a couple reported to be cut off by the tide between Lyme Regis and Charmouth. The couple were found fit, well and content to stay on the beach until high tide had passed.  The volunteer crew launched at the exact time of England's penalty shoot-out with Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter final.

 

 

July 4th 2024  

 

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week gets two extra highlights

 

On Monday July 29th at 7pm the popular shanty singers, the Chantry Buoys, will appear at the performance area on Marine Parade.

The group of eight men, from the Colyton area of East Devon, describe themselves as a light-hearted team of friends who simply enjoy singing together as they raise donations for charity.

And on Pirate Day Friday August 2nd Brian and Alison Davey from Axminster will be presenting their Punch and Judy show just as they have done for the past 50 years.

The show, on the sandy beach, will have a pirate theme, starring Captain Jack Sparrow. Curtain up for each 30 minute performance will be at 12noon and 3pm. 

 

Two new highlights have been added to the programme for Lyme Regis  Lifeboat Week which starts on July 27th.

 

 

June 23rd 2024     
     

Motor cyclists ride into town with donation for Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteers

 Thirty motorcyclists rode into Lyme Regis today (Sunday) after a 70 mile journey to present a donation to the volunteers of the town’s RNLI lifeboat.

The riders, all members of the Bath Classic Motor Cycle Club, were met by members of the lifeboat crew on the lifeboat station slipway and were presented with a cheque for £400 from the club’s treasurer Don Adams.

Don said: “We admire the lifeboat volunteers, and felt we would enjoy a Sunday ride to Lyme  Regis to make our donation and meet some of the lifeboat crew.”

 

 

June 15th 2024           

 

Lifeboat Week planners appeal for volunteer helpers

One of the town’s most eagerly awaited summer events – Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis - starts on July 27th, and organisers are keen to recruit volunteer helpers.

Anyone interested in giving even an hour or two to help with some of the many planned events is invited to a coffee morning at the lifeboat station on the Cobb at 11.30am on July 2nd.

Organiser Krys Lavery, volunteer manager of the lifeboat shop, said: “We are always on the look out for extra helpers and this year is no exception. We need people to help with our donation buckets, assist with events such as the book stall, the fun run, pavement art, the swim challenge and many other attractions. We would be delighted to welcome extra helpers to our coffee morning. We are a very friendly bunch of lifeboat supporters and it’s all great fun for such a good cause.”

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week regularly raises in the region of £35,000 for the lifesaving RNLI charity.

The souvenir lifeboat week programme , celebrating the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, is now available from the lifeboat shop and other outlets around the town.

 

May 20th 2024 
          

It’s a lifeboat quiz night to save lives at sea

 

Lifeboat crew volunteers in Lyme Regis are staging a special quiz night

 on June 7th as a fundraising event in the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year.

The quiz is being held at the town’s Woodmead Halls with doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

Teams of four to six are invited to make a donation at their discretion. Organiser Petrina Muscroft said: “This is a really special year for the RNLI, and in Lyme Regis we are doing our best to make it truly memorable. There will be a prize for the winning quiz team, and everyone taking part will know they are helping the RNLI to achieve its pledge to save lives at sea.”

To book a table for the quiz e-mail Petrina at petrina_muscroft@rnli.org.uk

 

 

ends

 

  • RNLI volunteers search coast for walkers feared cut off by the tide a

Monday 11 March 2024

 

Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers search coast for walkers feared cut off by the tide

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched today (10th March) to search for walkers reported to be cut off by the tide and stuck in mud in the vicinity of Black Ven between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

 Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’ at 4:39 pm in response to a tasking request from HM Coastguard to search for people reported to be cut off by the rising spring tide. An additional concern was that one of the casualties was trapped in mud. In relatively light winds and calm conditions, the RNLI crew was quickly on scene and commenced a shoreline search during which they contacted a man and woman walking towards Charmouth. The couple confirmed that it was them who had raised the alarm, but they had managed to extract themselves and were now safe, well and in no need of assistance. However, the couple informed the lifeboat crew that they had seen four other people on the beach closer to Lyme Regis who they believed may have been in danger of being cut off.

Once the lifeboat had reached the reported position two of the four volunteer crew swam ashore to locate the reported walkers. They found the group of four safe and well on higher ground part way up the cliff. Having confirmed that the group was in no danger and was intending to spend the evening in their current position, the two RNLI crew swam back to the lifeboat which returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 5:20 pm.

Volunteer lifeboat helm Jon Broome said, ‘It was relatively easy to find the reported casualties in today’s conditions which were a light south westerly wind and smooth sea state. They did well to extract themselves from the sticky mud in this area which can be very dangerous. We are grateful to them for alerting us to the possibility of other casualties along the coast.’

The RNLI advises that walkers and fossil hunters take great care when walking along this stretch of the coast. Frequent land slips and cliff falls cause the beach to narrow increasing the likelihood of becoming cut off by the rising tide. Walkers should never attempt to climb cliff falls or mud slides as these are generally unstable and very dangerous.

This was the sixth service call for Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat in 2024, the year in which the lifesaving charity celebrates its 200th anniversary.

 

 4 March 2024    

Lyme Regis RNLI crew applaud Dixie,10, for her fund raising swim

 A ten year old schoolgirl with brittle bone disease has set herself a swimming challenge to raise funds for the RNLI.

Dixie Tomlinson loves swimming, so she set herself a  challenge to swim 1,000 lengths of the Flamingo pool at Axminster, Devon, a total of 25 kilometres.

By Monday March 4 Dixie’s total was 932 lengths and she  had raised £1,115 , smashing her goal of £1,000.

Yesterday (Sunday March 3) Dixie received a standing ovation when she met the volunteer crew at Lyme Regis lifeboat station.

Mum Mrs Rose Tomlinson said: “Dixie really loves swimming and it is part of her rehabilitation after breaking bones. “

And Dixie, from Harcombe, near Uplyme,  added: “I wanted to do this fundraiser to help save the lives of people who get bad injuries while out to sea. I am swimming, which I love, but I am also raising funds for a great cause on the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.”

Dixie’s swimming pool distance is estimated to be the equivalent of the distance from Lyme Regis to Sidmouth.

 

 

22 February 2024      

Calling all former Lyme Regis RNLI crew members

The search is on to trace as many former members of the RNLI lifeboat team in Lyme Regis to help celebrate this year’s 200th anniversary of the life-saving charity.

A special event is being planned for August 1st during Lifeboat Week.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Mark Colley said :  “No matter what role they played at the lifeboat station we want to see as many former members of the crew as possible.

“Everyone in our team is regarded as a member of the crew so I hope plenty will get in touch as we are planning something rather special.”

Former members of the crew are asked to contact volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Richard Horobin by e-mail ...richardhorobin@googlemail.com or 07974 268504.

 

21 February 2024      


Eyes down for the RNLI’s 200th anniversary !

Crew members of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis are staging a family fun bingo evening on March 30th at Woodmead Halls in the town as part of their celebrations for the charity’s 200th anniversary this year.

It’s eyes down at 7.30pm with doors opening at 6.45 and organiser, volunteer crew member Dave Holland, said: “The emphasis is very much on fun for all the family.  We’ve got some great prizes, a raffle at half time and a big cash game at the end of the evening.”

There is no charge to take part and players have the opportunity to make a donation to the life-saving charity.

  ends

 

 

 

Lyme Regis RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launch to woman with broken ankle

Sunday 21 January 2024

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat responded to their first service call of 2024 to go to the aid of a female casualty on the beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

Shortly after having washed down and rehoused their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne after a routine training exercise, the volunteer crew received a request from HM Coastguard to launch again, this time on service. Their task was to locate a woman reported to have sustained a broken ankle whilst walking on the on the beach under Black Ven between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

The crew launched at 1:43pm and arrived on scene 10 minutes later. They located the casualty but due to poor weather conditions, with a strong south westerly wind and heavy surf, they were unable to approach the beach or put any crew ashore. HM Coastguard rescue teams from Lyme Regis and West Bay were also tasked to the incident and were able reach the casualty by walking along the beach from Charmouth. Because of the casualty’s injury, and the prevailing weather conditions, it was decided that safest means of rescue would be by Coastguard helicopter.

Volunteer helm Jon Broome said, ‘We quickly located the casualty who was part of a group of people walking on the beach. Due to very poor weather conditions on the shoreline, it was impossible to rescue her by sea, so we stood by offshore until the Coastguard helicopter had transferred the group to safety at Charmouth.’

Spirit of Loch Fyne was released from service at 4:07 pm and returned to Lyme Regis 15 minutes later. This was the first service call for the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI in 2024, the year in which the Charity celebrates its 200th anniversary.

 

  January 21st 2024

 

 Lifeboat crew plan 77 mile walk to launch 200th year

Crew members of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis are launching their programme of  projects during the charity’s 200th anniversary year with a fundraising walk along the town’s Marine Parade.

The walk, on February 11th will see teams of four   setting out from the lifeboat station to walk a combined total of 200 laps along the Parade to the Millennium Clock at Cobb Gate.

Four teams will take about ten minutes each for one lap and they reckon the event will take eight hours to complete, starting at 8am.

One of the organisers, senior helm Tim Edwards, said: “Originally the plan was for one person to do the walk, then we realised that would take around 30 hours so we decided on teams of four with each member’s lap counting towards the total.”

The total distance of the walk is an estimated 77miles.


  20th January2024

 

Small change is a big boost for RNLI in year 200

A couple who are visiting all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations with little jars full of 5p coins called in at Lyme Regis on the 13th leg of their marathon.

Julian Coles and his partner Debbie Claridge, from Didcot, Oxfordshire, plan to end their marathon in December having visited the lifeboat stations and donating three jars of the coins at each one. Their project is in memory of a close friend and  Julian’s father both of whom were supporters of the RNLI. 

By the end of their travels Julian and Debbie estimate they will have driven 35,000  miles, used 33 ferries, ten flights and handed over 720 Betty’s pots, the name of the little jars recognising the supporter who started the fundraising scheme.

Julian said: “We are using weekends and holidays to travel . We thought it  important to remember my friend and my father, and as keen supporters  of the RNLI we wanted to help raise funds in the charity’s 200th year.”

Julian and Debbie are members of the Marlborough Social Club in Didcot whose members raised the funds to buy a D class lifeboat in 1988.

 

 

7th January 2024

Lyme Regis lifeboat team launch RNLI’s big year

 Volunteers who operate the lifeboat in Lyme Regis are launching the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year in the town by hosting a public meeting.

The meeting, on January 18th, has been called by the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Management Group (LMG) and among the speakers will be representatives of local coastguards, police and fire and ambulance services.

Chairman of the LMG Mark Houghton said: “We have just had a record year with 55 calls for the lifeboat – including the first ever on a Christmas Day – and at the start of the RNLI anniversary year we thought it important to bring our emergency service friends together and invite the public with their questions.

“Many of the emergency calls we receive involve these other services as well, so, as we celebrate the RNLI anniversary with many events in the town, we thought it would be a good opportunity to explain our various roles and listen to the views of those people we all serve.”

A programme of events is being planned by both the lifeboat crew and the lifeboat supporters group throughout the year, including Lifeboat Week, which this year starts on  July 27th.

The public meeting is being held in the Lyme Regis Football Club clubhouse on Charmouth Road starting at 7pm. Liquid refreshments will be available.



Some 2023 shouts

 

Christmas Day shout to dog in red jumper is a record breaker for Lyme Regis RNLI

Tuesday 26 December 2023

A dog dressed in a red festive jumper is the latest casualty to be assisted by the volunteer crew of RNLI Lyme Regis in their first ever service call out on a Christmas Day.

Whilst most of the nation sat down to enjoy Christmas lunch, the volunteer crew of RNLI Lyme Regis headed out to sea to search for a dog which had fallen from the top of cliffs at Pinhay Bay, two miles west of Lyme Regis harbour. Emergencies services had been called by the dog’s owners after it had disappeared over the edge of the cliff and was unable to make its way back up to the top, or down to the beach 30 metres below.

The Lyme Regis crew launched their RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at 12:58 pm and arrived on scene seven minutes later and immediately commenced search of the cliffs towards Humble Point. The volunteer crew eventually spotted the dog, a beagle/pug cross named ‘Cook’, perched on a ledge 20 metres up the cliff face. Two crew members swam ashore and, once on the beach, attempted to coax the dog down to safety.

Volunteer crewman Andy Butterfield takes up the story, ‘The dog could see us and hear us, but he made it very clear he was not interested in leaving his ledge and making his way down to the beach. All he did was sit up there barking and howling at us. The base of the cliff was too unstable for us to climb up to him, so we quickly concluded that ‘Cook’ would have to be rescued from above.’

HM Coastguard Rescue Teams from Lyme Regis and Beer had also been tasked to the incident. They set up equipment to enable them to carry out a rope rescue. ‘Cook’, apparently uninjured by his Christmas Day drama, was eventually reunited with its grateful owners on the cliff top.

Once RNLI volunteer crew Andy Butterfield and Giles Bristow were confident that the dog was safely in the care of the Coastguard team, they made their way along the shoreline to Humble Point where they were able to swim back to the waiting lifeboat.

Spirit of Loch Fyne returned to Lyme Regis at 3:50 pm where it was met by shore crew for a fresh water washdown before all volunteers were able to rejoin their families for a delayed Christmas lunch. This was the 55th service call RNLI Lyme Regis crew have responded to this year, the highest number since the charity reopened the station in 1967.

The advice to dog owners from the RNLI and HM Coastguard is to keep your dog on a lead when you are close to a cliff edge or harbour wall.                                             

 

   29th November 2023

Ex police sergeant joins Lyme Regis RNLI crew

A former police sergeant has joined the volunteer management team of the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

Mark Hill, 58, spent 32 years with Hertfordshire Constabulary in the traffic department and as a major incident planning officer.

He has now joined the team of  DLAs – Deputy Launching Authorities – at the lifeboat station. The role involves managing the lifeboat volunteers during their life-saving missions afloat.

Mark said “We always used to have holidays in the area, and I love Lyme. I also admire the work of the RNLI volunteers so I thought I would do my best to help and I am proud to be part of the team.”

Mark, his wife Kenra and daughters Alice and Megan now run the Greenacres  caravan site on twelve and half acres at Marshwood

 

Monday 20 November 2023

The RNLI in Lyme Regis was one of 3 charities chosen by local Co-Op customers to receive support throughout 2023. A total of £1031 was raised for the lifesaving charity

Every year Co-Op customers have the opportunity to help local charities through the ‘Supporting your Local Communities’ scheme in which two pence in every pound spent in store is donated to local groups. For 2023 the RNLI, the charity which saves lives at sea, was one of three charities chosen to benefit from the scheme.

On Sunday 19 November the Co-Op's Jacqueline Hughes dropped into Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station to meet the volunteer crew during their regular training session, and to celebrate the fact that a total of £1031 had been raised by Co-Op customers for Lyme Regis RNLI. Jacqueline said, ‘We are very pleased with how our loyal customers have supported the Lyme Regis RNLI this year as part of our Supporting Local Communities Scheme. The other two charities chosen for 2023 were the B Sharp music charity and the King George V Playing Field in Uplyme.’

Joe Street, volunteer lifeboat crew at Lyme Regis RNLI said, ‘We are very grateful to the Co-op and its customers for raising this impressive amount. Our charity relies on donations such as this to help us provide the 24/7 lifesaving service at Lyme Regis. So far this year we have responded to 52 service calls to go the aid of people in trouble.’

 

Monday 13 November 2023

 

Remembrance Sunday Service for Lyme Regis RNLI


Just minutes after the Last Post had sounded on Lyme Regis’ Remembrance Day parade the volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew launched to go to the aid of a capsized dinghy.

Having just finished marching in the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade, and whilst still dressed in their best RNLI uniforms, at 11.58 am the Lyme Regis volunteer lifeboat crew received an ‘Immediate Launch’ request from HM Coastguard, the highest priority alert. Their task was to rescue two dinghy sailors who had capsized off Lyme Regis town beach and who were unable to right their upturned boat.

The lifeboat crew launched at 12.07pm and were quickly on scene 500m to the east of Lyme Regis harbour entrance. Here they rescued one of the two dinghy sailors from the water in the vicinity of the capsized boat. The crew then collected the second casualty from Lyme Regis Sailing Club’s safety boat which had rescued her a short time earlier. With both sailors safely on board the lifeboat the volunteer crew took them into harbour and into the care of Fire and Rescue Co-Responders. A Coastguard Rescue Team had also been tasked to the incident.

Volunteer Helm Tom Crabbe said, ‘There was a big swell running this morning, particularly over Broad Ledge to the east of the main beach area. Once their dinghy had capsized the swell made it very difficult for the two sailors to right their boat. Once we got them safely ashore we tried to recover the dinghy but this proved impossible in the conditions.’

This was the 51st service call Lyme Regis RNLI has responded to this year.

  

October 2023
 

Ship’s bell shines and chimes for Fred’s 99th birthday

 

A former RNLI volunteer who donated a magnificent ship’s bell to the lifeboat station in Lyme Regis today (Sun) returned to the station to mark his 99th birthday and to view the newly polished brass bell.

Fred Day, from Uplyme, was the man in charge as honorary secretary at the lifeboat station from 1987 to 1994. He was a merchant navy chief engineer in BP oil tankers and on retirement, after 32 years, he was presented with the bell from the 101,605 tonne oil tanker British Argosy.

 He later presented the bell to the RNLI to mark the opening of the Lyme Regis lifeboat station in 1997 and it hangs just inside the entrance to this day.

A few weeks ago Fred called in at the lifeboat station to check on the bell. He met Lifeboat Press Officer Richard Horobin who said: “Fred was pleased to see the bell but politely pointed out that it  needed a bit of a polish. As he was leaving the station he reminded me he would be 99 in a few weeks time, so we thought it would be nice to  give the bell a good polish and invite him back to inspect it on his birthday.”

Lifeboat station tour guide Chris MacDonald spent a few satisfying hours  bringing the bell back to its gleaming brilliance.  

And Fred, who still rides his battery-powered bicycle, said of his   his 99th birthday ‘present’ ?: “That’s much better I hope you can keep the bell shining for years to come.”

 

 11 October 2023
 

Hospital Catering Association fundraisers return to Lyme Regis RNLI to make large donation

In August two walkers from the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) visited Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station on completion of their sponsored walk from Abbotsbury. Yesterday evening (10 October) HCA members returned to make a sizeable donation raised from this and other fundraising activities.

A South West’s fundraising organiser Jane Wills and Abbotsbury walker Nick Cryer met with the volunteer lifeboat crew at Lyme Regis RNLI to make the final donation. Jane said, ‘Our South West region stretches from Gloucestershire to Cornwall with many hundreds of miles of coastline which means that our members are never very far from the sea. We chose the RNLI as our charity to support this year in recognition of the vital lifesaving work their volunteer crews do in all weathers and at any time of day or night.’

Tim Edwards, senior helm at Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station welcomed the HCA’s donation. He said, ‘This was an impressive effort by HCA members to raise £6200 for the RNLI. Our charity relies on donations such as this to fund our lifesaving work around the coast.’

  

4 October 2023

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station Volunteer to feature in upcoming episode of new RNLI podcast, 200 Voices

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) new 200 Voices podcast launched on Friday 18 August 2023 and, in the run-up to the charity’s bicentenary on 4 March 2024, an episode will be released every day for 200 days, exploring captivating stories from the charity’s history, through to the current day.

In her podcast, released on Saturday 7th October, Maria Barbashina from Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Station will be telling listeners about her project to paint the portraits of 25 Lifeboat Station volunteers during the Covid pandemic, and how she used the opportunity of painting sessions to get to know crew members as she started her RNLI lifeboat crew training.  She has since qualified as lifeboat crew and has taken part in numerous service calls.

The RNLI has been saving lives at sea since it was founded in 1824 and, in that time, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives. Funded by voluntary donations, and with lifeboats crewed by specially-trained volunteers, the RNLI is a truly unique rescue organisation with a remarkable 200-year story to tell – many highlights of which are shared through the podcast series.

Available across all podcast platforms and the RNLI’s website, listeners can hear from survivors, supporters, volunteers, lifeguards, celebrity ambassadors, historians and many more from across the UK and Ireland – and beyond.

The 200 Voices series also includes celebrity ambassadors such as The Sixth Commandment actor Timothy Spall, Gavin and Stacey actress Ruth Jones, Irish musician Phil Coulter, gold medal Olympian Sir Ben Ainslie and BAFTA-winning actress Joanna Scanlan.

Launch into a podcast like no other: Listen to the RNLI’s 200 Voices daily wherever you get your podcasts or at RNLI.org/200Voices.

To find out more about the RNLI’s bicentenary, visit RNLI.org/200.

·         An audio trailer for 200 Voices can be downloaded here and the video trailer here.  

 

1 October 2023

 

Friends walk the Liberty Trail in aid of Lyme Regis RNLI

Six friends arrived at Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station yesterday (1 October) on completion of a 30 mile hike along the Liberty Trail for which they raised £1787 in aid of the lifesaving charity. They were met by volunteer lifeboat crew who applauded the team’s impressive fundraising efforts.

2023 is the fourth year in succession the friends, who call themselves ‘Boots to Boats’, have completed the hike, each time raising funds for the RNLI through sponsorship and donations. This year the ‘Boots to Boats’ team comprised:  Mark Farrell (37) and son Lewis (16), Nick Perry (37), Jack Barrow (34), Ashley Clark (38) and Davey Thomas (26). The team was accompanied by their mascot, puppy ‘Ace’.

The team set off from Ham Hill, near Yeovil at 8:30am on Friday morning and arrived at Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station at 2:30pm on Sunday following the Liberty Trail, a route reputedly followed by villagers making their way to Lyme Regis to join the ill-fated Monmouth Rebellion in 1685.  The team’s journey included overnight camping stops at Misterton and Lamberts Castle.  On arrival at Lyme Regis the walkers were met by family and friends as well as the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat.  

Summing up their experience walker Mark Farrell said, ‘This is the fourth time we have completed this walk in aid of the RNLI, a charity which we truly believe in. Every year our team gets bigger, as does the amount of money we raise. We plan to do it again next year, the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the RNLI”.

Lifeboat trainee helm Mark Ellis welcomed the team to the lifeboat station. He said, ‘The Boots to Boats walkers have done an amazing job raising nearly £1800 for their weekend hike. Our charity relies on donations such as this to fund the lifesaving service we deliver. We look forward to meeting the team again next year on our 200th anniversary.’

 

 

1 October 2023

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew launch to yacht with engine failure

Volunteer lifeboat crew from Lyme Regis launched yesterday (30 September) to go to aid of a yacht which had broken down 8 miles south of Lyme Regis.

Yacht Opalessence was on passage from Dartmouth to Portland when her engine began to lose power as it crossed Lyme Bay. Eventually the engine stopped completely leaving veteran sailors Robin and Valerie Isaacs with no hope of rounding Portland Bill with a favourable tide in daylight.  Mr Isaacs was also suffering from severe seasickness as he struggled to find the cause of the engine failure in rough sea conditions.

The yacht crew clearly needed help and contacted HM Coastguard for assistance.  Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew were paged at 2:33pm and launched their Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne 8 minutes later. 

Arriving at the yacht’s position at 3:07pm the RNLI volunteers made a rapid assessment of the casualty vessel and her crew. They decided that the best course of action would be to tow the 10m yacht to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour. Two lifeboat crew were put on the yacht to manage the towline and keep watch over her crew. Once the towline had been set up the two vessels slowly made their way towards Lyme Regis arriving at 5:10pm.  Once the yacht had been securely moored to the harbour pontoons her crew was taken ashore to the lifeboat station.

In reviewing the day’s events yachtswoman Valerie Isaacs said, ‘We were making good progress across Lyme Bay when our engine failed, and we had difficulty with our mainsail. I was also becoming increasing concerned for the condition of my husband who was suffering with severe seasickness.  Once I decided to radio the coastguard for help it was a great relief to know that the lifeboat was on its way. The RNLI crew arrived very quickly and immediately took charge of the situation. We have supported the RNLI charity for many years, but this is the first time we have needed to call on their lifesaving service.”

 This was the 41st service call for the volunteers of Lyme Regis lifeboat station this year.

 

 

  26th September 2023

 

Cyclists saddle up for £1,400 donation for RNLI

A group of cyclists who raised more than £3,000 last year for the RNLI in memory of a friend have been riding and walking again this year, and boosted the life-saving charity’s funds by another £1,400.

Senior fitness instructor Matthew Payne organised the sponsored events...a 131mile cycle ride from Lyme Regis lifeboat station with five colleagues to the lifeboat station in Newquay, and a 41 mile walk along the East Devon Way from Exmouth lifeboat station to the Lyme Regis RNLI base with three of his friends.

The fund raising events were in memory of Matthew’s best friend Adam Bounds who died, aged 41, in 2021. Adam loved Lyme Regis, particularly Lifeboat Week, and the friends often visited Newquay.

  

 

  24th September 2023

  

Ex-Met detective is volunteer lifeboat station guide

A former London police officer and head of security for the NHS has become the first volunteer tour guide for the RNLI’s lifeboat station in Lyme Regis.

Chris MacDonald, 66, a retired detective constable with the Metropolitan police force, has started his role on Friday mornings but may extend the sessions while his wife, Avril, serves customers in the RNLI gift shop next to the lifeboat station.

Chris, whose various jobs took him to Kenya, Hong Kong and Uganda said: “I am delighted to help promote the RNLI’s terrific work. People are very keen to hear about our volunteers and how so many of them drop everything to go to sea to help those in trouble. Chris gives visitors a brief talk and then a walk through the lifeboat station to get a close up view of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne.

 

11 September 2023

 

RNLI Lyme Regis crew leavers honoured at summer family party

Volunteer lifeboat crew, their families and friends enjoyed an end-of-summer party at Lyme Regis Powerboat Club last Saturday.

 In glorious weather the crew’s children were entertained by a magician whilst all guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet supper.  The opportunity was also taken to present leaving mementoes and letters of thanks from the lifesaving charity to two crew members who have recently stepped down after a number of years on the lifeboat.

Rich Tilley volunteered as boat crew between 2017 and 2022. During his service he went to sea on 50 service calls and 67 training exercises spending a total of 155 hours at sea.

Kyle Knight’s lifeboat career covered the years 2019 to 2022. During this period he logged 115 hours at sea including 11 service calls and 72 training sessions.

In presenting the awards Lifeboat Operations Manager Mark Colley said, ‘Rich and Kyle can be justly proud of what they have achieved during their RNLI service. We are grateful for all the effort they put in during training, on shouts and in supporting the charity both on and off the lifeboat.’

RNLI Lyme Regis currently has 17 sea-going crew members of whom 5 are training to advance their skills under the two-tier training system recently adopted by the RNLI.

 

9 September 2023
 

Diver rescued by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew to feature in RNLI podcast

The RNLI’s new 200 Voices podcast launched on Friday 18 August 2023 and, in the run-up to the charity’s bicentenary on 4 March 2024, an episode will be released every day for 200 days, exploring captivating stories from the charity’s history, through to the current day.

On 18th September Jeff Everett, a diver who was rescued by volunteer crew from Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station, will be telling listeners about the day in April this year when he and his dive buddy Robin got into serious trouble whilst diving on a First World War wreck in Lyme Bay.  As they ascended from a depth of 29 metres Robin suffered the onset of a dangerous condition known as ‘The Bends’. In the podcast Jeff explains what happened next.

The charity has been saving lives at sea since it was founded in 1824 and, in that time, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives. Funded by voluntary donations, and with lifeboats crewed by specially-trained volunteers, the RNLI is a truly unique rescue organisation with a remarkable 200-year story to tell – many highlights of which are shared through the podcast series.

Available across all podcast platforms and the RNLI’s website, listeners can hear from survivors, supporters, volunteers, lifeguards, celebrity ambassadors, historians and many more from across the UK and Ireland – and beyond.

The 200 Voices series also includes celebrity ambassadors such as The Sixth Commandment actor Timothy Spall, Gavin and Stacey actress Ruth Jones, Irish musician Phil Coulter, gold medal Olympian Sir Ben Ainslie and BAFTA-winning actress Joanna Scanlan.

RNLI Strategic Content Manager, Rory Stamp said: ‘We knew we had to do something really special to mark the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, which is such a monumental milestone. 

‘200 Voices is an incredible collection of stories that are emotive, powerful, inspiring and heart-warming. The series gives us a chance to hear from a whole variety of amazing people who have played a part in or been touched by our lifesaving charity.

‘200 Voices is the first in a programme of activity planned to mark the RNLI’s bicentenary as we celebrate the world-class lifesaving service we provide today, remember our remarkable history and aim to inspire the future generations of lifesavers and supporters as we move through into the next 200 years.’

Launch into a podcast like no other: Listen to the RNLI’s 200 Voices daily wherever you get your podcasts or at RNLI.org/200Voices.

To find out more about the RNLI’s bicentenary, visit RNLI.org/200.

  

  4th September 2023

 

 How Florence,4, and Rupert,6, boosted the lifeboat charity

Donations are the lifeblood of the life-saving  charity, the RNLI, and they come from from a huge variety of sources.

But one donation that touched the volunteers running the lifeboat shop on the Cobb in Lyme Regis came from a very young source indeed...Florence Newman, aged 4, and her brother Rupert, 6.

They enjoyed watching the RNLI lifeguards in action and decided to raise   a donation selling some fossils and toys on the beach.

They  raised £32 and their dad, David, then doubled the total . The youngsters then went to the lifeboat shop and presented the cash to shop volunteer Lorraine Sivewright.

She said: “They were a lovely family and everyone was so impressed I just had to take a photograph.”

Dad David said: “It was all Rupert’s idea. He had been collecting fossils and some people gave him five and ten pound notes. But to increase his collection he decided to sell some old toys as well.”

 

  19th August 2023

 

How lifeboat week chairman was bowled over by donation

Chairman of the group who organise Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis, Ken Lavery has declared himself ‘bowled over’ by the generosity of sportsmen and women in the town.

Members of Lyme Regis Bowling Club today presented a cheque for £200 to Mr. Lavery, to further boost donations made during Lifeboat Week. The donation was raised during a bowls drive at the club.

Mr. Lavery, who is chairman of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, said: “We have already announced gross donations of £33,000 for the week and the bowling club have been very generous again this year adding a substantial amount to our total.”

 

16 August 2023

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launches to beached yacht.

Lyme Regis volunteer lifeboat crew had their regular Tuesday evening training session interrupted last evening (15 Aug) when they were tasked to go to the aid of a man whose yacht had grounded on the beach at West Bexington.

The 33 ft yacht had suffered engine failure during a passage from Weymouth to West Bay and was washed ashore at West Bexington.  The solo sailor, a man in his seventies, was still on board the yacht as it grounded prompting concern from the public for his safety. In response to a 999 call, Solent Coastguard tasked the Lyme Regis lifeboat to investigate and assess the situation.

The volunteer lifeboat crew received the coastguard tasking at 5:18 pm shortly after they had launched on their regular Tuesday evening training session. They immediately diverted to the stricken yacht arriving on scene at 17:38 where they found the man fit and well. Having assessed the situation the crew decided that it would be possible to refloat the yacht at high tide and tow it to safety. Volunteer Helm Tim Edwards said,

‘The yacht was firmly aground and unlikely to refloat on her own. Even if she did, with no engine to help him, the skipper would struggle to make it to a place of safety. As we had favourable wind conditions and a rising tide, we decided to attempt to tow the yacht clear. After about 45 minutes she refloated and we were able to tow her, and her skipper, to the safety of West Bay harbour.’

 Once the yacht had been handed over to West Bay harbour staff lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne returned to Lyme Regis at 8:15 pm.

  

  12th August 2023
 

Sit ! Dog portrait artist plans to paint for the RNLI

A retired art director with a love of dogs is planning to raise funds for the RNLI by painting portraits of his favourite four legged friends.

Clive Hemsley, who recently moved to Lyme Regis, has painted more than 2,000 dog portraits and hopes to add to that total raising funds for the town’s lifeboat volunteers at the same time.

Mr. Hemsley, owner of a six year old labrador called Bear, said: “I started painting dog portraits almost by accident. I was walking my dog when it bit a lady’s hand and it caused a finger to bleed.

“As compensation I offered to paint a portrait of her dog, and she was delighted.”

The story appeared in the local paper in Henley on Thames, where Mr Hemsley lived, and resulted in 70 commissions.

Now, having moved to Lyme Regis, Mr Hemsley is converting his garage into a studio.

To raise donations for the RNLI  Mr. Hemsley hopes to set up his easel by Lyme Regis lifeboat station on Saturday August 26th to attract commissions and to give a percentage of any fees to the lifeboat charity. 

 

  7th August 2023

 

Civic leaders’ Lyme Regis RNLI visit ends with a lifeboat launch

A visit to the lifeboat station in Lyme Regis by civic leaders from throughout Dorset had just ended today(Mon)  when pagers sounded and the RNLI’s volunteer crew arrived to deal with an emergency call.

The alarm was raised at 1241pm when coastguards requested the crew to launch after an elderly man was reported in difficulties in the water off Beer.

The mayor of Lyme Regis Cllr David Sarson was hosting his first Civic

Day, and  34 representatives of town councils had just heard talks by the lifeboat station’s visits officer Petrina Muscroft and Lifeboat Operations Manager Mark Colley.

Petrina said: “I had just finished my talk explaining how the lifeboat crew respond promptly to a pager call, and how they had to wear all manner of equipment to keep safe at sea, when the pagers went off. I had to leave the civic visitors quickly to prepare for the launch. It certainly brought home many of the points I talked about, such as how our volunteers leave work or home and frequently launch within a few minutes of the call for help.” Many of the mayors and their partners stayed to watch as the lifeboat crew prepared to launch.

Solent Coastguards stood the Lyme Regis lifeboat down when it was reported that the elderly man was safe.

It was the 31st call for help answered by the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew so far this year.

 

 

  30th July 2023

 

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week beats the weather and raises £33,000

One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the summer calendar of Lyme Regis - Lifeboat Week – ended yesterday (Sat).

And despite a soggy start on the first day visitors, local residents and businesses helped to raise a gross sum of £33,000 for the lifesaving RNLI with some donations still to come in.

The packed week of events was organised by the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters together with a great deal of effort from members of the lifeboat crew.

Chairman of the supporters group, Ken Lavery said: “This is a magnificent result considering the weather. Our group of volunteers can take great pride in their contribution to a fabulous week. And of course we are deeply grateful to those hundreds of people who donated to our charity throughout the week. I have had many people telling me how much they enjoyed the week and checking on the date of  next year’s event which will start on  July 27th. 

The last event on the water was the bathtub race on Saturday evening, which was won by the local firefighters who came first despite having to answer a call to a  small fire during the race. Members of their bathtub crew were taken ashore  by the harbourmaster’s launch to get to the waiting fire engine. The RNLI’s Lyme Regis  bathtub team came second.

One casualty of the weather – a low cloud base – was the display by the army’s Red Devils parachute team. But members of the team still visited the town much to the delight of children and adults alike.

A performance by the Eastern Promise belly dancers was also called off because of rain on the first day.

Just before the bathtub race, 55 children and adults took part in the swimming challenges.

For the second year running Pirate Day was a big success, and visits to the lifeboat to meet the crew aboard the vessel moored on the harbour pontoons were also very popular.

On a tasty note, the  produce stall with many delicious items made by lifeboat volunteers, raised a record over £1,000 And the lifeboat crew sold 550 hot dogs  during their barbecue on the harbour slipway.

 

  14th July 2023

 

Lifeboat launched to ‘kite surfer in trouble’

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat launched this evening (Friday) when coastguards reported that a kite surfer was in difficulty in the water off Charmouth beach.

The lifeboat crew launched at 5.40pm, and just a few minutes later established that a kite surfer had lost some of his equipment and that he and others with him were safe.

Coastguards stood down the lifeboat crew at 6pm. The incident, which was reported to coastguards by someone ashore, was the 29th call for help answered by the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew so far this year.

 

 

  July 6th 2023

 

 Lyme Regis RNLI team aiming for a Lifeboat Week record

 Organisers of one of the most popular summer events in Lyme Regis are setting their sights on a fundraising record.

Lifeboat Week in the town starts on Saturday July 22nd and chairman of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters Ken Lavery said: “Since the 1970s this annual event has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for our lifesaving charity. For example we raised around £40,000 last year. And as we approach the RNLI’s bicentenary next year we are determined to keep our proud record, and with the generosity of visitors and those living locally, we hope to set a new one.

“The supporters group spend much of the year planning Lifeboat Week and we believe we have another terrific programme of activities for all the family.”

Back by popular demand are the army’s Red Devils parachute display team, along with favourites such as the bathtub race, the crab fishing competition, and the incredibly popular wine or water lucky dip and the second hand book stall.

“All we need now is good weather,” said Ken Lavery. The week will be opened by the recently elected mayor, Cllr. David Sarson at 2pm at the lifeboat station.

After this year’s event is over, plans will be made for the 2024 week which will start on July 27th.

 

6 July 2023

 

Lifeboat launched to search for ‘stranded’ beach walkers

For the third time in a week the crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne launched to assist coastguards in locating people reported to be in difficulty on the beach near Charmouth.

The lifeboat launched at 9:33 last night to search for walkers reportedly  cut off by the tide on the beach east of Charmouth, close to a recent cliff fall. This is the third such call out the Lyme Regis volunteer crew have responded to in the last 7 days. A coastguard rescue team was also tasked.

Within 10 minutes the lifeboat was on scene and the crew confirmed that  3 walkers and their dog were in no difficulty and had a clear path back to Charmouth.  A shoreline search was then carried out towards Golden Cap to ensure there were no other walkers in difficulty before the lifeboat was stood down, returning to Lyme Regis at 10:09pm.
This was the lifeboat crew’s 28th service call this year.

 

 

  July 4th 2023 

 

Model boat builder donates ship’s value to Lyme Regis RNLI

Model boat builder Dave Jenkin’s plan to give his  magnificent frigate to the volunteers of RNLI in  Lyme Regis was scuppered when his family said they could not bear him to part with it.

But that did not stop Dave, 73, from making a donation of £300 – his estimated value of the model – to his favourite lifesaving charity.

Dave’s detailed  model of the Leander class HMS Danae took almost two years to complete at his home in Bridport. He has been building replicas for more than 30 years and has displayed them at shows throughout the country including Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis.

Dave served in the Royal Navy between 1966 and  1974 . Later he was a regular driver of the number 71 town bus in Lyme Regis.

Dave  said: “I have been a long term supporter of the RNLI and wanted to donate one of my favourite models to the charity for them to auction in Lifeboat Week, but my family persuaded me not to part with it and to give a cash gift instead.”

A spokesperson for the RNLI said: “We fully understand Dave’s family’s reluctance to part with this beautiful model and can guarantee that we will put his donation to good use by our volunteers in Lyme Regis.”

Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis starts on July 22nd and includes activities for all the family including another visit by the Army’s Red Devils parachute team, and many favourites such as the bathtub race, the pirates’ day, treasure hunt, paddle boarding, and the crab fishing competition.

 

1 July 2023

 

Lifeboat launches to coastal dog walkers cut off by the tide

 The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’ launched yesterday afternoon (Fri) on a task which has become all too familiar, walkers on the beach cut off by the tide.

The lifeboat launched at 2:48 to assist two walkers and a dog who had been reported to be cut off by the tide on the beach east of Charmouth with their path blocked by recent cliff falls. Coastguard rescue teams from Lyme Regis and West Bay were also tasked to the incident. When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene they assessed the surf to be too high for them to safely extract the walkers by sea, so stood by whilst the coastguard rescue teams helped them leave the beach via a footpath at St Gabriel’s Steps.  The RNLI crew returned to Lyme Regis at 4:22.

 This was the lifeboat crew’s 26th service call this year and the 9th to people becoming cut off by the tide, stuck in mud or slipping on rocks along the beach.

RNLI volunteer water safety officer Nick Marks said, ‘Caution should be taken when walking along this stretch of coastline. There are several places where it is possible to get off by the tide so plan your route carefully. There are also frequent cliff falls and slippages which are extremely dangerous. Do not be tempted to walk over a slippage as the surface will be unstable and may contain deep mud pools which are very difficult to escape from.’

 

  20th June 2023
 

RNLI launches new safety device for Lyme Regis cold water swimmers

Cold water swimmers who get into trouble off Lyme Regis seafront now have special safety equipment provided by the RNLI

A lockable  box containing vital safety equipment has been fixed to the groyne at the east end of the sandy beach, close to the lifeguards station. It contains equipment including a throw line, first aid kit and a survival bag.

The RNLI’s Lyme Regis Water Safety Officer Nick Marks said: “Cold water swimming as a leisure  activity has increased dramatically over recent years and sometimes swimmers need assistance or first aid treatment. The RNLI is happy to provide this safety equipment as part of its mission to save lives at sea. The town council has also assisted in fixing the safety box in a prominent position.”

One cold swimming group, the Lyme Regis Bluetits, has welcomed the RNLI initiative.

The group’s administrator, Beverley Glock said: “We now have more than a thousand members and very occasionally a swimmer will need help getting out of the water or warming up. Having this safety equipment on hand is a great reassurance.”

 

  June 10th 2023

Coastguards and lifeboat crew in rescue of paddleboarder clinging to harbour wall

 A paddleboarder who was knocked off his board by waves was rescued by coastguards as he clung to the wall of the Cobb harbour in Lyme Regis today (Saturday).

Two other paddleboarders with him managed to get to safety but the third was washed against the wall and  was able to stand  on a ledge and hang on to rocks.

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew were first on the scene and reassured 21 year old Josh Evans that coastguards were on the way to help him. The lifeboat was unable to reach Mr Evans because of rocks.

Lyme Regis and Beer coastguards answered an ‘immediate rescue’ call  and using ropes and a harness pulled Mr Evans to safety.

Mr. Evans said: “The waves took us towards the harbour wall and I managed to get on to the ledge. The other two paddleboarders were able to get ashore, but they had also been washed off their boards.

“I was very pleased to see the coastguards and the lifeboat crew.”

Mr Evans, from Tatworth, was not injured and was checked over by Mark Ellis, a paramedic who is also a volunteer member of the lifeboat crew 

 

  May 12th 2023

Lifeboat crew tackle fire aboard 38ft yacht 

The crew of Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat last night went to the aid of a couple whose yacht caught fire 300m east of the town’s harbour.

The alarm was raised at 7.50pm when fire broke out in the electrical mechanism of the windlass which operates the yacht’s anchor.

The couple aboard the 38ft yacht, Charisma, Adam Bispham and his wife Lynne, from Weymouth, used fire extinguishers.  Two lifeboat crew members also tackled the fire.

Mr. Bispham said: “We were just lowering the anchor when the fire started. It could have been very serious. I am a member of the RNLI and this is the first time I have had to call them. We were delighted to see them.

“The lifeboat crew were fantastic and even lifted the anchor by hand and inflated our tender.”

Long-serving lifeboat volunteer Jon Broome said: “There was a good deal of smoke when we arrived on scene but the fire was soon under control. Mr and Mrs Bispham were pleased to see us and even made us a cup of tea with biscuits.

“After the incident we made sure they were safe and secure for their overnight stay.”

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis harbour after 90 minutes on scene.

 

 

  11th May 2023

Blessing the boats features more local groups

The annual blessing of the boats service at Lyme Regis lifeboat station on Sunday will feature more local groups than ever.

This year the inter-denominational service starts at 3pm. and will be led by the Rev. Chris Martin, supported by town crier Alan Vian representing the Baptist church.

Everyone is invited to the open air service which honours those who work    on the water, those who enjoy the sea and those who have lost their lives at sea.

Music for the service will be provided by the Lyme Regis Town Band and four wreaths will be  laid at  sea by the lifeboat crew.

Groups taking part include the Royal British Legion, coastguards, the sailing club, the Boat Building Academy, the gig club, Blue Tits swimmers, the White Knights Kayak Club, and the Lyme Regis Water Polo Club.

 

 

 9th May

RNLI VOLUNTEERS IN CORONATION WEEKEND TREK

Twelve intrepid RNLI volunteers braved inclement weather over the Coronation Weekend to walk 103 miles along the South West coastal path raising funds for the RNLI’s Mayday Mile campaign.  The walkers, all volunteers at Poole lifeboat station left Mudeford lifeboat station at 4am Sunday morning and, having worked in relays, finished at Lyme Regis lifeboat station at 9pm on Monday evening where they were met by members of the Lyme Regis crew . Their route took them along some of the most picturesque coastline on the south coast but, because of heavy rain and poor visibility on Monday, they were unable to see very much of it.

Poole lifeboat crew member and organiser of the event Nikki Peace said, “We have experienced all four seasons in 2 days but we just had to keep going. We had 12 amazing walkers and two brilliant support vehicle drivers to keep our spirits up. In recognition of the Coronation weekend we used a crown to hand over as a baton on each of the 12 legs of the walk.  It was also fitting that that our final destination on the Coronation bank holiday was the Royal Borough of Lyme Regis.”

Pictured arriving at Lyme Regis lifeboat are walkers Steve Porter, Nikki Peace, Kitty Norman and support driver Ollie Waring.  

 

   8th May 2023

 

Cyclists saddle up again for the RNLI

Five cyclists who raised more than £3,000 for the RNLI last year are preparing to do it all again this year.

The riders, led by Honiton-based senior fitness instructor Matthew Payne, plan to cycle 131 miles from Lyme Regis lifeboat station to Newquay lifeboat station in one day.

The ride is again in memory of Matthew’s best friend, Adam Bounds, a keen supporter of Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week, who died aged 41, in 2021.

The cyclists Matthew, Rob Gage, Edder Gage, Dan Galloway and Alan Cockram will be setting out from Lyme Regis lifeboat station at 5am on May 27th.

Matthew said:” Last year we finished the journey in ten hours 34 minutes and we hope to beat that time this year.”

Matthew, Alan Cockram, duty manager at the Honiton Leisure Centre,  and Andrew Dare,, who is Group Fitness and Wellbeing manager also with LED Leisure, are planning another challenge on June 23rd when they will walk 41 miles of the East Devon Way  from Exmouth lifeboat station to the Lyme Regis base of the RNLI.

 

  11th April 2023
 

Co-op backs Lyme Regis RNLI

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew member Dave Holland donned his sea-going outfit on Saturday (April 8th), but he did not go to sea. Instead he took up an offer from the town’s Co-op store to make a collection for the life-saving charity.

Dave was on duty at the store in Broad Street at the invitation of Jacqueline Hughes, the Co-op’s Member Pioneer for Axminster and Lyme Regis. The Co-op chose the RNLI as a local good cause and Dave’s collection bucket showed a profit of £40 after just ninety minutes.

 

  7th April 2023
 

Three rescued from broken down speedboat

Three people – two men and a boy- were rescued by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat yesterday after their speedboat suffered engine failure.

The speedboat crew anchored their broken down vessel half a mile from the harbour and the RNLI volunteers towed it to safety.

The lifeboat launched at 7.50pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour half an  hour later.

This was the seventh emergency call answered by the lifeboat crew so far this year.

   

  7th April 2023

  A record year for lifeboat fundraisers

Volunteer members of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters heard about their record year of fundraising  at their annual meeting on April 5th.

Treasurer Brian Cursley told the meeting that the net figure raised for the lifesaving charity last year was £100, 306.74, beating the 2021 total by more than £2,000. A further £111,000 from the lifeboat shop profits achieved a total of £211, 337 raised in the area during 2022.

Chairman of the supporters Ken Lavery said they were hopeful of another successful year in 2023,and were now busy planning Lifeboat Week which runs from July 22nd to 29th.

Guest speaker at the annual meeting was Neil Withers, the RNLI’s Operations Manager for several lifeboat stations on a stretch of the River Thames from Teddington to Gravesend. He explained how he developed a fascination for everything in and on the water, a passion which grew after he visited Lyme Regis lifeboat station as a boy.

 

  12th March 2023
 

Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteers launch to ‘May Day’

Volunteers with the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis launched at 12.34pm  following reports from coastguards of a ‘May Day’, the most urgent of radio distress calls at sea.

It was not known what type of vessel had reported the May Day, but it was thought to be from the user of a kayak.

Solent coastguards  requested the lifeboat crew to carry out a shoreline search from Lyme Regis to Seatown. At the same time the independent lifeboat crew based at Sidmouth searched eastwards from Beer Head. Nothing was found and both crews were stood down at 1.19pm.

This was the 5th emergency call answered by the Lyme Regis volunteers so far this year, and came just minutes after the end of a regular  Sunday morning training session.

It was also the first ‘shout’ for Deputy Launch Authority Dave Street who recently rejoined the Lyme Regis volunteers  after many years as a sea-going member of the crew.

He said: “I was not expecting a shout at the end of my first training session, but it did not take long getting back into the swing of things and, as always, the crew did a brilliant job.”

 

NB:   13th March  2023:  It was later established that a kayaker had capsized off Lyme Regis and sent the May Day message. He then managed to reach safety ashore without needing assistance from the lifeboat crew.

 

  January 2023

 Butcher Brett’s hamper raises £400 for RNLI

Butcher Brett Moulding visited his favourite resort today (Sunday) and presented a cheque for £400 to the volunteer crew members of the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

Brett raised the donation with his Christmas hamper raffle for customers at his shop, Loders Butchers, off Middle Street in Yeovil.

Brett, a butcher for 25 years, said: “We chose the RNLI in Lyme Regis for the donation because our family members have been regular visitors to the town for many years, but also because we feel the lifeboat volunteers do a great job and deserve all the help they can get.”

 

23rd January 2023                              

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew launched to ‘two stuck in the mud’

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday at 5.45pm to a report of two people in trouble at Black Venn, between Charmouth and Lyme Regis.

The lifeboat launched within 8 minutes of being contacted by the coastguard and were quick to arrive on scene. Sea conditions were favourable so two volunteer crew went ashore to assure the two people that were stuck. 

The local coastguard crews and nearby fire engine crews were called to assist. The lifeboat took members of the Lyme Regis and West Bay coastguard team with their equipment from the lifeboat station to the site at Black Venn.

 The coastguard were able to use their mud rescue equipment to assist the two people and then all returned to the lifeboat station.

The lifeboat returned to the station by 8pm.

Tim Edwards, helm of the lifeboat said “This was a great example of how our training helps, we had a multi-service challenge and everyone worked quickly and efficiently to recover the casualties during a rising tide.”

The couple were visiting for a birthday trip to Lyme Regis, they were enjoying the coast when they got into trouble. They called 999 and asked for the coastguard and were safely recovered.
 

The two rescued are Max Drinan, 32, a copywriter and Sadie Solagnier, 29, a medical editor both from London. They were visiting Lyme Regis to celebrate Max’s birthday.

Sadie said: “It was terrifying. The water was up to my hips and we realised the tide was coming in. Max was up to his knees in water, but we could not reach each other. I think we were about six metres apart.

“I  managed to get some purchase on rocks which helped me to stand up.

“But all the time we did not know how high the tide would be. It was so comforting to see people arriving to help us and, in particular, the lifeboat and the two lifeboat crew members who came to us and helped to calm us down.

“Apart from this experience we loved our visit to Lyme Regis and we will be coming back again next year. We hope to call in to the lifeboat station and repeat our thanks to everyone who helped us.”

 

 

  14th January 2023

 

Lyme Regis RNLI is top of the shops

Volunteers who run the RNLI’s lifeboat shop in Lyme Regis are celebrating a record year with sales beating every one of the charities’

other 172 outlets.

The retail branch at RNLI headquarters in Poole was the only location to beat the  Lyme Regis total, and the tiny harbourside shop on the Cobb has recorded a best-ever total for the ‘traditional’ outlets.

Treasurer Brian Cursley told a meeting of the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Supporters that the shop had achieved profits of £111,000 in 2022 and this had beaten the previous record in 2013,making the harbourside store the most successful in the UK and Ireland.

Mr Cursley said the total raised for the charity in Lyme Regis during last year including the shop, lifeboat week and other donations was £207,000.

Volunteer manager of the shop, Krys Lavery said: “These results are a massive tribute to all our fantastic volunteers, those who give their time in the shop, those who organise lifeboat week, the lifeboat crew, of course, and all our generous supporters in the town and visitors from far and wide.”

 

  January  8th 2023

 

‘Come and meet us’ invitation from the lifeboat crew

 The Lyme Regis volunteers responsible for operating the RNLI’s lifeboat service in the town are inviting anyone interested to join them at their next meeting on January 19th.

The open meeting, at the headquarters of Lyme Regis Football Club on Charmouth Road, starts at 7pm and chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group Mark Houghton said: 

“ This is the first time we have invited the public to our meeting. We felt townspeople, in particular, and visitors, would like to hear about the volunteer work of the RNLI, meet members of  the crew, the supporters group who organise lifeboat week, the beach lifeguards the water safety team, the very successful RNLI shop and our plans for the future.

“It will be an opportunity to talk to representatives of all the groups and, of course, we would like to hear from anyone who would like to join us volunteering with the charity that saves lives at sea.”

The volunteer crew of the lifeboat answered 47 calls for help during last year.

Refreshments will be available throughout the meeting in the football club’s popular and well-equipped clubhouse.
 

 

  8th January 2023

 

 Lifeboat crew’s first ‘shout’ of the New Year

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis’s lifeboat answered their first emergency call of the New Year today (Sun) following reports of a surfer in difficulty off West Bay. Coastguards stood the crew down shortly after launching when it was established that the surfer was safely ashore. 

 


 

30th December 2022

 

Lifeboat launched to five ‘cut off by tide’

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched today following reports of people cut off by the tide between Charmouth and Golden Cap.

The initial call from coastguards was that two people were cut off, but later reports were that the total was five.

The volunteer lifeboat crew assisted coastguards ashore by keeping watch  in  choppy conditions on those reportedly cut off until they were eventually helped to safety.

The lifeboat was launched at 1.05pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour an hour later. This was the 47th call for help answered by the Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers this year.

 

 

11th December 2022

Lifeboat crew set sail for Christmas

Fifty members of the crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat, their partners and friends tucked into Christmas dinner at their annual party and awards night..

The event, at the Harbour Inn, rounded off a year when the volunteer crew have so far answered 46 calls for help.

Top award of the year went to Jon Broome, who is the volunteer training co-ordinator responsible for many exercises, and who is playing a key role in the trials of  a new training structure to be rolled out to the RNLI in the coming months.

A tongue-in-cheek award – the bent propeller trophy- went to crew member Andy Butterfield.

 

 

11th November 2022 
 

Lifeboat launched after ‘flares’ alert

The volunteer crew of the RNLI’s lifeboat in Lyme Regis this evening answered their 43rd emergency call so far this year after reports that red flares had been seen between Lyme Regis and Seaton.

Solent coastguards asked the crew to carry out a shoreline search but the lifeboat was stood down when Beer-based coastguards ashore established that the ‘flares’ were, in fact,  fireworks. The incident was a false alarm with good intent.

The lifeboat crew launched at 6.19pm  and returned to Lyme Regis at 7.20pm.

 

 

  4th November 2022

 
Guest house owners  raise £1,000 for the RNLI
 

The husband and wife owners of an award winning B&B in Lyme Regis have presented almost £1,000 to the volunteers of the town’s lifeboat...thanks to the generosity of their guests, which they then matched.

Lyn and Jason Martin own Dorset House, and their guests were invited to add a pound to their bill which the couple then matched.

They also own the Poco Pizza house, close to the lifeboat station, and they intend to run a similar fund-raising event for the RNLI there with a donation of one pound for every ‘today’s special’ they serve.

They held a reception at Poco Pizza last night (Nov. 3rd) for friends and business colleagues and handed over the donation to Nick Marks, the RNLI’s volunteer Water Safety Officer for the Lyme Regis area.

Mr Marks said the lifeboat crew had answered 42 calls for help so far this year, and announced that much of the donation would be used to send six of the newest volunteer crew members on a vital  radio training course at the Axe Yacht Club.

 

  20th October 2022

RNLI volunteers make the difficult decision to withdraw from the Charmouth Christmas Day ‘dip’

RNLI volunteers have decided  they can no longer organise the Christmas Day fancy dress dip in the sea at Charmouth due to the additional requirements needed to ensure the event can run safely.

Members of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters reluctantly reached their decision after being informed of new rules  for such events introduced  by the RNLI.

The event has been held every year for some fifty years. Originally the dip was organised by residents of Charmouth. The RNLI volunteers have been organising the event, raising funds for  the life-saving charity, for the past ten years.

Chairman of the lifeboat supporters group, Ken Lavery, said: “It is with much sadness that we  feel we cannot continue to play the major role in organising the event.

“We understand this will be disappointing for many, and the decision was not an easy one to make. The annual dip has been a part  of Charmouth Christmas tradition for many years, and as many of the charity’s volunteers are local to Charmouth and the surrounding area, it has been a huge part of their Christmas long before the RNLI became involved.

“As a lifesaving organisation, the safety of participants is paramount and the procedures required by the charity for an event to be safely managed and properly insured include producing a risk assessment, safety plans, and a formal registration system.

“The RNLI is not alone in requiring these safety procedures to be in place  for its organised mass participation events, but unfortunately for the small group of volunteers involved with the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, the amount of work needed to meet these requirements has become too great, both in the run up to, but especially on, Christmas Day itself

An RNLI spokesperson said: “We appreciate that people will be disappointed by the decision, but the safety of participants is essential and  it is not felt  the organisation can offer the level of safety required. We would also like to give our dedicated volunteers the opportunity to enjoy Christmas Day with their families.”

Ken Lavery added: “The supporters group are sad that their fund-raising association with this long running event has come to an end. However, our members felt they had no choice.

“We wish to give as much notice as possible to everyone as we know how popular the Charmouth dip was and how disappointed many spectators and participants will be.”

In recent years the Charmouth dip regularly raised donations in the region of  £2,000.

 

  9th October 2022

 

Lifeboat crew on lookout for new launch authority

Volunteers responsible for operating the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis are looking for a new member of the team who authorise the launch of the vessel in an emergency.

The role is Deputy Launching Authority and the man or woman selected will be joining a team of five who are on a duty rota for four days at a time when  they can be called 24 hours a day if coastguards request launch of the lifeboat.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Mark Colley said: “The rota is very flexible because many people have jobs and families so the duties can be tweaked on a regular basis.

“This is a very important role  and ideally we need someone living no more than five miles from the lifeboat station. He or she needs to be a team player, a good communicator with leadership skills and preferably some local maritime knowledge.

“We have a very sociable team of volunteers and everyone is regarded as a member of the crew. We hold regular training sessions and there are plenty of social events for crew and their families.”

Anyone interested in applying should go to the  Volunteering Opportunities - RNLI website for full details of the role and how to apply. Applications close on December 18th.

 

 

  4th October 2022

 

Stormy Stan runs a marathon personal best for RNLI

Lorry driver Simon Marchant borrowed the RNLI mascot Stormy Stan’s outfit from Lyme Regis lifeboat station to run a personal best time of  5hours 25mins in Sunday’s London marathon.

Simon,43, from Willand. Cullompton, last year completed the gruelling event in 5hours 37mins.

He is a former volunteer crew member with the RNLI at Penarth and was running the marathon in aid of the life-saving charity.

After finishing the run, Simon said: “It was pretty hot in that outfit and I had to take the very large head off a couple of times. But I found the marathon a little easier this year having taken part last year and knowing what to expect. Support from the crowd was a great help.”

Donations can still be made on Simon’s justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stormystanmarathonman.

 

 

 20th September 2022

Carpenter Mark is new Lyme Regis lifeboat chief

A 58 year old carpenter, who was at the helm of the town’s RNLI lifeboat for 14 years, has taken on the most senior volunteer role at Lyme Regis lifeboat station.

Mark Colley is the new Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) taking over from Nick Marks, 69, who held the position for seven years and has retired in line with the RNLI’s policy on age.

Mr. Marks officially handed over his role at the lifeboat crew’s latest training session on Sept 13.

Mr. Colley retired from his role as a lifeboat helm at the age of 55 and became a Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) in February last year.  He has been a crew member for 23 years.

He said: “It’s a new challenge and one that I relish. It’s the pinnacle role at the lifeboat station and I am delighted to have reached it. I have a hard act to follow. Nick Marks has been running a very successful station for seven years, and I have inherited a great team.  I know they will all help me settle into this vital role.”

Mr Marks said: “Whilst I am sorry that I now have to retire from an operational role with the Lyme Regis lifeboat, I am delighted that the RNLI has appointed Mark Colley as my successor. Mark has a wealth of experience gained from more than 20 years on the crew.

“I am not retiring from the RNLI completely and will continue to volunteer as the Water Safety Officer for the Lyme Regis area.

“In this role I will be leading our team of Water Safety volunteers to give advice to children and adults on the inherent dangers of the sea and help them enjoy their coastal activities in the safest possible manner.” 

 

  19th September 2022

Lifeboat launched to ‘overdue’ swimmer

The RNLI’s lifeboat in Lyme Regis was launched yesterday (Sun) evening following reports of a swimmer overdue  from his swim between Seatown and Charmouth.

Shortly after launching the lifeboat crew were stood down on hearing that the swimmer was safe and well ashore.

This was the 41st call answered by the Lyme Regis volunteers so far this year.

 

 

4th September 2022

Jubilee medals presented to lifeboat crew

Seventeen platinum jubilee medals were presented to RNLI crew members when they held their summer party for family and friends last night (Saturday) at the headquarters of Lyme Regis Powerboat Club.

The medals were presented by the Mayor Lyme Regis, Cllr. Michaela Ellis just five days before the town’s lifeboat volunteers are due to feature in the BBC 2 series, Saving Lives Sea, which is scheduled for 8pm next Thursday (Sept. 8th).

Throughout the RNLI 4,500 volunteers and frontline staff are receiving the medal in recognition of the 65,886 lives saved by the charity during the Queen’s 70 years and her time as patron of the RNLI

  29th August 2022

 Five rescued by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew as dive boat breaks down

Five people aboard a broken down dive boat were rescued today (Mon) by the volunteer crew of the RNLI’s Lyme Regis lifeboat.

The dive boat – a seven and a half metre RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) – suffered engine failure one and a half miles off Lyme Regis Harbour.

The dive boat, which was based in West Bay, was towed to the safety of the harbour there by the lifeboat crew.

Solent coastguards asked the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew to assist the dive boat at 12.41pm and they returned, after successfully completing the call for help, at 3.20pm. 

 

  28th August 2022

Cyclists and cafe’ owner raise £3, 500 for RNLI in memory of a friend

Five cyclists who rode 131 miles from the lifeboat station in Lyme Regis to the lifeboat station in Newquay raised £3, 061 for the RNLI in memory of a friend.

Matthew Payne organised the sponsored ride in memory of his best friend Adam Bounds who died aged 41 following a brain haemorrhage.

Matthew, Rob Gage, Andrew ‘Edder’ Gage, Alan Cockram and Dan Galloway set out on their sponsored ride from Lyme Regis at 5a.m. on May 26 and arrived in Newquay 10hours and 34 minutes later.

They had hoped to raise £1,000 but reached the grand total of more than £3,000 and presented the donation to the volunteers of the RNLI in Lyme Regis today (Sun).

Matthew said  “Adam loved life and Lyme Regis and particularly Lifeboat Week. Another favourite place for us to visit was Newquay which is why we chose these locations which we enjoyed so much with Adam.”

A further donation of £473 was raised by another of Adam’s friends, Jack Price, owner of the  Railway Kitchen cafe on Axminster train station. Adam was a  Michael Jackson fan so Jack organised a disco at Axminster Football Club to raise the donation.

Jack said: “Adam was the life and soul of the party and a very big Michael Jackson fan. But he also loved Lifeboat Week and the RNLI. He would camp in Uplyme and walk into Lyme Regis ever day of Lifeboat Week.”

 

27th August 2022                                                                                                                      

Lyme Regis RNLI lifesavers feature in new series of Saving Lives at Sea documentary

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteer crew  in Lyme Regis will feature in the brand new series of the popular BBC Two programme Saving Lives at Sea on September 8th.

Featuring footage captured on helmet cameras, the primetime documentary series lets viewers witness rescues through the eyes of the RNLI lifesavers while meeting the people behind the pagers.

The popular 10-part documentary is now in its seventh series and includes the lifesaving work of RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews from around the UK and Ireland. The series began on Thursday 25 August at 8pm on BBC Two and will also be available on BBC iPlayer following broadcast.

 

Including interviews with lifeboat crews and lifeguards, the series will also hear from the rescuees and their families who are here to tell the tale, thanks to the RNLI.

This forthcoming episode, on September 8th, includes the rescue  by the Lyme Regis volunteers of two anglers  whose fishing boat capsized at night near the mouth of the River Axe at Axmouth. Other rescue stories from other RNLI stations and beaches around our coasts also feature in the third episode of the documentary.

Lyme Regis lifeboat helm Tim Edwards, who will feature in the upcoming episode, said after the rescue: “Both men were very lucky., but they were doing what the RNLI recommends in such circumstances and were floating on their backs waiting for help to arrive.

‘Our lifesaving work would not be possible without donations from the public and we are delighted to be able to share in this documentary a frontline view of the rescues they support with their kind generosity.”

 In 2021, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland aided 12,903 people, saving 296 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards aided 18,180 people and saved 112 lives on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

For more information please contact [Lyme Regis Lifeboat Press Officer Richard Horobin on 07974268504) Alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email pressoffice@rnli.org.uk.

 

  20th August 2022 
 

Lifeboat called to yacht ‘aground on rocks’

Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat crew were alerted last night (Fri) following reports of a 28ft yacht with two men aboard that had run aground on rocks near the mouth of the River Axe .The yacht, which was successfully afloat when the lifeboat crew arrived on scene, was escorted to safety in Axmouth harbour.

The lifeboat launched at 10.26pm and returned to Lyme Regis at half past midnight.

 

  19th August 2022
 

Lifeboat joins search for two overdue on coast walk

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat last night joined a widespread search for a 63 year old man and his six year old grand-daughter reported overdue after setting off on a walk from Charmouth.

The lifeboat crew launched at 11.30pm and carried out shoreline searches from Charmouth to West Bexington.

Coastguards, police and the coastguard helicopter were also involved. It was later reported that it seemed at some stage  the pair had probably been given a lift to Weymouth police station and were safe and well.

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at 1.50am.

 

 August 8th 2022

 Lifeboat in search for ‘missing woman’

Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat was launched at 11.21pm last night when Solent coastguards asked the volunteer crew to help in a search following reports of a missing woman.

The lifeboat crew were asked to carry out a shoreline search between Eype and West Bexington east of Lyme Regis.

Later the woman was found ashore by coastguards and the lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis three minutes after midnight.

 

 31st July 2022

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week set to top £40,000

 One of the most popular summer events in Lyme Regis – the RNLI’s Lifeboat Week – is on course to have raised more than £40,000.

As the week came to a close the figure stood at £38,367. But treasurer for the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, Brian Cursley, said he expected a gross figure of about £43,000 when final receipts come in.

The week is organised by the supporters group and members of the lifeboat crew.

Treasurer Brian Cursley, who is still totting up the figures, said: “Considering the  situation in the country at the moment and the stress on peoples’ pockets those who came to lifeboat week have been very generous. The total raised for our life-saving charity is a tribute to our visitors and residents.”

And Ken Lavery, chairman of the supporters group, said: “I would like to thank everyone who helped to produce another fantastic lifeboat week. We had some new events this year and Total Wipeout and Pirates Day were terrific. Everyone seemed to enjoy all of our 42 events and, of course, there was a wonderful display, watched by possibly thousands, by the army’s Red Devils free fall parachute team.”

Among the many successful events was the wine, water or snack tombola which raised a stunning £6,200, the book stall with £3,000, the duck race raised £1,674 and the lifeboat crew barbecue and breakfast baps produced £1,600. The produce stall received record donations of £1,057.

A quite amazing coincidence in the duck race on the River Lym...the race is named after Irene Roper, a stalwart organiser of lifeboat week who sadly died during lifeboat week in 2018. The duck bought by Ed Roper, her grandson, won the race whilst Ben Roper, a younger grandson, presented the prize for the duck coming last.

  

30th July2022

 Lifeboat launched after paragliding incident

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched today at 3.39pm following a paragliding incident involving  three people at Eype  east of Lyme Regis.

The volunteer lifeboat crew were stood down at 6.23pm after all three people were airlifted to safety from the beach by the coastguard helicopter.

The lifeboat crew had been asked to stand off while the rescue operation was carried out by the coastguard helicopter. This was the 27th emergency call for the lifeboat crew so far this year and the fourth during Lifeboat Week which ended today.

 

July 28th 2022

Lifeboat launched to ‘capsized dinghy’

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched at 6.12pm this evening following reports that a dinghy may have capsized half a mile off  Abbotsbury. It was later established that an inflatable kayak had been washed ashore and that no people were involved. This was the 26th emergency call to the Lyme Regis crew so far this year and the third during the town’s Lifeboat Week.

 

  July 28th  2022

Lifeboat crew rescue two in broken down boat

The crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat were called out last night (Weds) – for the second time during Lifeboat Week – to assist two men aboard a broken down 16ft fishing boat.

The boat had suffered electrical failure half a mile off West Bay. The lifeboat crew towed the fishing vessel to safety in West Bay harbour.

 

  27th July 2022

Poppy’s crab is a prize-winner

Poppy Stevens, aged 5, called in at the lifeboat shop today (Weds) to collect a bag of goodies, her prize for winning the crab fishing competition. Poppy, from Wells, Somerset, caught a crab measuring a whopping 99mm to beat 71 other young competitors. She was presented with her winnings by lifeboat crew member Andrew Barker.

 

25th July 2022

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Day 3, Ukrainian children are winners

A number of Ukrainian children who are staying with families in Lyme Regis took part today in the beach treasure hunt and the pavement art competition during the third day of Lifeboat Week.

And Mariia, aged 7,won the 5-7aged group in the pavement art competition. She has been in the town for just two weeks and is pictured with Sharon Baxter from the sponsors of the event, the Slipway shop. 
Four youngsters from Ukraine took part in today’s events

 

24th July 2022

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Day 2

Big crowds today watched the ever-popular bathtub race at the start on the beach and at the finish in Lyme Regis harbour.

This year’s winners were members of the youth section of Lyme Regis Sailing Club.

Second place went to the local firefighters and in third place – their  highest position for a number of years – were members of the crew of the RNLI lifeboat. Fourth place went to Oscar’s Wine Bar and fifth were members of the 5th Lym Valley Scouts.

 

July 23rd 2022
Isabelle gives up sweets to donate to the RNLI

Eight years old Isabelle Makepeace gave up one of her favourite indulgencies to raise a donation for the RNLI on the first day of Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis.

She promised her sponsors – adult family and friends – that she would not eat a sweet for three weeks before Lifeboat Week.

Isabelle and her family, from Luton, Beds. regularly come to Lyme Regis   and they are again spending the week in the town.

Today (Sat) she presented £74 to husband and wife lifeboat crew members Brian and Joe Street and told them: “We love coming to Lifeboat Week and I did not miss eating sweets for three weeks. I raised my donation from adults because I did not think it was fair to ask my young friends.”

 

 
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week opened by Ukraine convoy leader

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week, which regularly raises some £40,000 for the lifesaving charity, was officially opened today by local landlord Tom Littledyke  who has taken two convoys of aid to Ukraine and is currently planning a third.

Tom, 31, was interviewed as part of the opening ceremony by former BBC TV South reporter Chris Coneybeer and explained the dangers he and other volunteers faced and the many types of humanitarian aid they took to the war zone.

A big crowd outside the lifeboat station listened – and laughed – as he told of the convoy’s mascot teddy bear which was attacked by some Ukrainians when he joked that the bear’s nickname was Putin.

Tom, a pub landlord who also runs a bar and Italian restaurant in Lyme Regis ,is also employing three young Ukrainian refugees. He is marketing a beer called Rescue to raise a donation for the RNLI. He arrived at the lifeboat station in his tuk tuk vehicle accompanied by his partner Georgia.

After the opening ceremony there was a welcome display involving the Lyme Regis lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, and the Shannon class vessel from the RNLI station in Exmouth.

Following that was the swimming challenge for children and adults. Tomorrow’s events begin with a breakfast at the lifeboat station at 9a.m. of a bacon bap and tea or coffee prepared by lifeboat volunteers.

 

18th July 2022

Lifeboat launched to ‘paddleboarder  in trouble’

Volunteers with the RNLI in Lyme Regis launched their lifeboat at 6.10pm last night after receiving a report of a paddleboarder in difficulties after falling off his board  300-400m off Beer.

At 6.22pm the paddleboarder was found safe and well on Beer beach having made his own way ashore.

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at 6.40pm.

 

  17th July 2022

Lyme Regis lifeboat operations chief to retire

The man at the helm of lifeboat operations in Lyme Regis, Nick Marks, is stepping down after seven years in the role.

Mr. Marks, 69, is retiring from the role in line with RNLI’s policy on age retirement.

His volunteer position as Lifeboat Operations Manager is the senior role at the lifeboat station and he is responsible for the safe and efficient running of the lifeboat’s 24/7 life-saving service.

Mr. Marks, a qualified yachtmaster and retired Royal Navy Captain, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my stint  and am only stepping down to make way for someone a bit younger.

“  During my time we have seen many changes in the way the RNLI expects the station to be run and how the crew is trained.

“But what has not changed is the selfless dedication of our volunteer crew and their willingness to answer the call at any time of night or day and in any weather.

“I am particularly proud of the fact that the lifeboat has never failed to respond to a call for help because of a lack of crew or failure of equipment or procedures, even during the pandemic.

“I am also proud that as a crew we are more diverse. When I joined we had no female crew members. Today we have three.”

Mr. Marks will not be leaving the RNLI and will lead the Water Safety team in the area.

The Lifeboat Operations Manager role is advertised on the RNLI website at www.rnli.org.uk/volunteering/volunteeringopportunities/Lyme Regis. Applications close on August 21st.

 Mr. Marks added:”The role would suit someone with maritime and managerial experience who lives within a few miles of the lifeboat station and who is able to devote time and energy to ensuring that the crew, lifeboat, and station are fully prepared to meet the demands of any rescue.

 

15th July 2022

Lifeboat launched to ‘missing paddleboarder’

Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched at 8.45 last night (Fri) following a report that a 14 year old paddleboarder was missing in the West Bay harbour area.

Coastguards asked the volunteer lifeboat crew to conduct a shoreline search, but at 8.55pm the crew were stood down when the youth was found safe and well ashore. The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at 9.12pm

 

13th July 2022

Lifeboat crew play cricket for cancer patient Emma

 A cricket match between the crew of the Lyme Regis lifeboat and members of the Uplyme and Lyme Regis club will raise funds for the wife of a lifeboat crew member battling bowel cancer.

The match will be played on July 22nd on the eve of Lifeboat Week starting at 6pm at Uplyme .

Emma Broome, whose husband Jon is a long-serving member of the RNLI crew, now needs a special drug not available on the NHS and costing £1,000 a month.

Live music, a barbecue and raffle are all planned for the evening.

Donations can be made to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-emma-to-spend-more-time-with-her-family


 

Landlord Tom, leading convoys to Ukraine, to  open Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week

Pub landlord Tom Littledyke is taking time off from leading convoys of aid to Ukraine to support another charity saving lives as he opens this year’s Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis. Tom will be interviewed by former BBC TV reporter Chris Coneybeer as part of the opening ceremony  at 1.30pm on July 23rd outside the lifeboat station.

Tom, 31, runs the Shave Cross Cellar bar and Antonio’s Italian taverna in Lyme Regis and is also landlord of the Shave Cross Inn, a country pub near Bridport.

Since the war began, he has twice driven the 1,300 miles to Ukraine in an old mini bus loaded with humanitarian aid  at the head of a convoy of volunteers. His partner, Georgia Wellman, 21, plays a vital administrative role overseeing donations and organising the convoys.  He and Georgia have now helped to organise at least seven convoys, and there are plans to buy a ‘safe house’ on the borders of Poland and Ukraine for refugees using some of the generous donations to Tom’s just-giving site.

Tom, a former Royal Marine Reservist, who went to the Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis, speaks of his terrifying and heartbreaking experiences and says he is proud of the response of people in his home town to his appeals for aid. “The town really came together, and the generosity of the people of Lyme and district has been fantastic,” said Tom.

Donations to the convoys included huge supplies of non-lethal military equipment, radios, armour, warm clothing, blankets and medical items.

Apart from the donations of materials, a highly successful online appeal led by Tom and Georgia raised well over £25,000 to provide further supplies and aid. Donations can still be made at https://www.just-giving.com/crowdfunding/thomas-littledyke. In recent months Tom and his team have also received  donations of vehicles including an ambulance  a 7.5 ton lorry and another mini bus.

Tom’s mini bus broke down several times during the journeys, and their lucky mascot teddy bear strapped to the front bumper also had  a difficult trip. “He got a very angry reception from some of the Ukrainians,” said Tom, “but that may have been because we told people his name was Putin.”
 

 

  11th July 2022 

Life’s a big puzzle for RNLI pair

Sylvia Rickard and her son John have found life somewhat puzzling this year as they prepare for Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis.

Between them they have finished dozens of jigsaws, checking that all the pieces are there before they go on sale to raise funds for the lifeboat charity.

They started their task in January. Sylvia, who volunteers in the RNLI shop, said: “I have always loved jigsaws, but it can be a little frustrating when you have almost completed 1,500 pieces and you discover one piece of a donated puzzle is missing.”

Last year, Sylvia and John did a 4,000 piece puzzle...and it was complete.

John, vice chairman of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, also organises thousands of donated books and those and the jigsaws will be on sale in the lifeboat station throughout Lifeboat Week which starts on July 23rd.

Any unchecked puzzles will be £2 and checked and complete puzzles £4.

 

  10th July 2022

 

Yacht artist  Jess presents a  Lifeboat Week gift to her local crew

 Well-known yacht artist Jess Douglas has presented her latest work to the crew of the RNLI’s lifeboat in Lyme Regis as a gift for Lifeboat Week which starts on July 23rd.

Jess, a professional artist, has painted well over 600 boats of all sizes from small fishing vessels and trawlers to 120m luxury superyachts for owners all over the world.

Working in acrylic, she has now produced a painting of the Lyme Regis lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne sailing at speed on a background of the navigational chart of the Lyme Bay area.

Jess, who was a volunteer coastguard in Lyme for nine years, presented the work to members of the crew today (Sun), and said: “Since I have spent much of my life in Lyme I felt it was time I gave a present to my RNLI friends just in time for Lifeboat Week.”

Jess, a powerboat instructor and boat owner, now lives in Axminster.

 

  July 7th 2022                                    

Lifeboat crew rescue one person aboard broken down boat

One person aboard a broken down 18’ leisure fishing boat was towed to safety today (Thursday) by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat.

The boat developed engine failure near Thorncombe Beacon, between West Bay and Golden Cap.

The RNLI crew towed the casualty vessel into West Bay harbour.

The lifeboat crew launched at 8.25pm and returned to Lyme Regis lifeboat station 9.30pm.

 

22nd June 2022
 

Theatre collections raise funds for RNLI

Collections during performances of a community play at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis raised £250 for the RNLI in the town.

David Ruffle, who helped to put on the production, Lyme and the Sea, presented the donation to lifeboat crew member Maria Barbashina during last evening’s (Tues) training session at the lifeboat station.

 

19th June 2022 

Lifeboat launched to ‘upturned boat’

The volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat based in Lyme Regis launched yesterday (Sat) evening following a report of an ‘upturned small boat’ in the Golden Cap area.

The lifeboat crew and a coastguard helicopter searched the area but nothing was found and both were stood down as dusk approached.

Solent coastguards requested the lifeboat to launch at 5.10pm and the crew were at sea for two and a half hours carrying out an extensive search.


18th June 2022

Two exhausted paddlers rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI crew

 Two men who were exhausted  trying to paddle their broken down 3metre  inflatable boat were rescued by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat yesterday evening.

The men, whose outboard motor had failed, were attempting to paddle from Seaton to Sidmouth from where they had set off earlier.

They were said to be exhausted and soaking wet when the Lyme Regis RNLI crew arrived on scene.

The two men were taken aboard the Lyme Regis lifeboat which then towed the inflatable boat back to Sidmouth.

The men were handed over to the crew of the smaller independent Sidmouth lifeboat and taken to safety ashore.

The Lyme Regis lifeboat launched at 6.25pm and returned at 8.30pm.


    

23rd May 2022

 

 Lyme Regis welcomes the return of its RNLI lifeboat

 

The volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis welcomed the return to the town of their lifeboat today (Mon) after a four month major refit.

The Spirit of Loch Fyne arrived by road on a trailer after the RNLI carried out the refit at its workshops in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

Since January the crew have operated a similar vessel named Dylan Rotchell,

Spirit of Loch Fyne has been on round the clock duty in Lyme Regis since 2012.

Nick Marks, volunteer lifeboat operations manager said:”We are delighted to see our boat back in Lyme Regis but the relief vessel served us well for four months.”

 

19th May 2022

Lifeboat launched to ‘objects’ in the sea

The volunteers of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis launched at 10.19a.m. today (Thurs) following reports of ‘objects’ in the sea a quarter of a mile offshore near Golden Cap.

After a search, with the help of coastguards ashore, the lifeboat crew found what appeared to be a floating sleeper and tree debris. Solent coastguards stood the lifeboat crew down at 11.05 and they returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 11.20.

 

 

  May 9th 2022

All welcome at Blessing of the Boats

The traditional Blessing of the Boats service in Lyme Regis is being held at 3pm on Sunday May 22nd.

The service is hosted by the RNLI and as usual will be held at the lifeboat station on the Cobb.

The service  welcomes everyone and will be conducted by the Rev Chris Martin assisted by Alan Vian, from Lyme Regis Baptist Church. The local gig club will provide an escort, leading the lifeboat crew out of the harbour to  lay wreaths at sea.

Coastguards, Lyme Regis Sailing Club,, the Sea School, the Boat Building Academy, the Powerboat Club and the Royal British Legion will all be represented.

 

  8th May 2022

How the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew rescued a ‘silent’ sailor

The rescue by the crew of the Lyme Regis lifeboat of a sailor who is deaf and unable to use his boat radio because he has no voice has been praised by the man’s family.

Justin Paull, 52, from Bridport, was eight miles west of Wyke Regis on Thursday (May 5th) when his 5m fishing boat, Sally Ann, suffered engine failure.

He was able to text the word ‘emergency’ to his sister, Janine Paull-Sellick who made a video call in BSL (British Sign Language) so that Justin could explain that both his main engine and his spare had failed.

Janine called the coastguard, explained Justin’s problems, and they alerted the RNLI volunteers in Lyme Regis.

Lifeboat crew member Rich Tilley boarded Justin’s boat and using white marker boards and a pen wrote questions and drew diagrams telling Justin what was happening.

“We had been briefed about Justin before launching,” said Rich “so I thought we should take the  boards to write messages for him. I wrote questions such are you fit and well and explained how we were going to tow his boat for about an hour to the safety of West Bay harbour. He was pleased to see us and even took a selfie with me.”

Justin’s sister, Janine said: “I can’t find words enough to thank the lifeboat crew. They were just brilliant.

“From a young age Justin found a love for the sea. It has always been his meditation, his place to go to switch off from the world and his daily challenges. He has never feared the ocean, just loved it. However, as his loved ones. we have always worried about it. But nevertheless we support his passion for the sea.

“He has all the up to date technology and takes every safety measure. He always lets the family know when he is going out on his boat and when he will arrive back. And the harbourmaster and his team always keep an eye out for him. He has amazing support from the community.”

Justin, who is chairman of Bridport Deaf Club, made a video in sign language explaining his problems. He signed: “I went to use my second engine but the bracket failed and snapped and the engine fell into the sea. I had a huge struggle to get it back. I cannot believe it. It is the first time in my life that this has happened. I am in shock, it’s terrible my boat is well prepared for emergencies, but the emergency back-up has failed.”

The rescue operation began at 12.40pm when the lifeboat was launched. After towing Justin’s boat into West Bay harbour the lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at 3.15pm

The rescue of Justin, which happened in the middle of Deaf Awareness Week, was the 9th emergency call answered by the Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteers so far this year.

   

 

RNLI appeal for face-to-face fundraisers

 

An appeal for face-to-face fundraisers for the RNLI has been launched in the Lyme Regis area.

The role involves talking to the public, inspiring them to become financial supporters and educating them about water safety.

The appeal has been launched by Petrina Muscroft, senior face-to-face fundraiser for the RNLI who is based in Lyme Regis but who is responsible for fundraising in South Devon, West Dorset and Somerset.

Petrina, who is also the volunteer visits officer at Lyme Regis lifeboat station and a member of the shore crew, said:” Members of the face-to-face teams receive a salary and can be full time or part time with flexible hours available all year round.

“The RNLI has a paid workforce of only 5% with 95% volunteers so the face- to- face role is vital in raising funds for the charity whose aim is to save lives at sea.”

Anyone interested can contact Petrina on 07812 469423 or petrina_muscroft@rnli.org.uk or go to www.rnli.org.uk/f2f.

 

  5th May 2022

Lone fisherman rescued by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew after engine failure

A lone fisherman was rescued by the volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat today when his 5m vessel suffered engine failure.

The man was fishing six miles west of Wyke Regis when he raised the alarm.

The lifeboat crew launched at 12.40pm and towed the broken down fishing boat into West Bay harbour returning to Lyme Regis at 3. 15pm.

 

28th April 2022

 Kyle is now all at sea with the Lyme Regis lifeboat

One of the youngest volunteers at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis has just completed three years of training to become a fully qualified sea-going crew member.

Kyle Knight, 27, was a ‘guinea pig’ when the Lyme Regis station was chosen to trial a new competency scheme for lifeboat crew. He joined the crew in 2019 but his training was interrupted by lockdown.

The station’s volunteer training co-ordinator Jon Broome said: “Kyle was a model student, and as a guinea pig in the new training system he passed every assessment of his skills first time.”

Lyme-born Kyle recently left the town council, where he had been a maintenance operative for nine years. and is now a trainee plumber.

He said: ”I have always enjoyed fishing, I love the sea and I feel it is so rewarding to be helping people in all sorts of trouble around the coast.”

Kyle’s training  involved achieving  many skills including towing, anchoring, chart plotting, use of radar and navigating.

 

 

19th April 2022 
                                   

 

Busy Easter weekend for Lyme Regis Lifeboat crew

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched on Saturday April 16th and twice yesterday (Monday 18th April) to assist coastguards ashore following reports of people cut off by the tide near Charmouth and a person in the water near West Bexington. In addition, volunteers assisted with the bank holiday duck race!

 

On Saturday, the lifeboat crew launched at 1.30pm and were quickly on scene. The casualties were attempting to walk between Charmouth and Lyme Regis. One  lifeboat crew member swam ashore and they were able to walk safely back to Charmouth. In addition, there were two people stuck in the shale mud landslides below the cliffs between Charmouth and Golden Cap. Another of the volunteer crew swam ashore  to help. They waited for the lifeboat to return with additional crew and using the  inflatable x-boat  were able to ferry the casualties to the main lifeboat.  They were then returned to Charmouth where they were greeted by the local coastguard team.

 

The two people rescued were from Birmingham visiting the area for the day. One said: “We are so thankful to everyone involved with rescuing us today and we’re ever so sorry for the inconvenience”

 

Yesterday, the lifeboat launched to a person in the water near West Bexington but the coastguard helicopter arrived just before the lifeboat and they winched the man to the helicopter took him to Dorchester Hospital. Other members of the volunteer crew assisted  the Easter duck race along the river Lym where about 1100 ducks were floated  This was to raise money for the town’s Christmas Lights.

 

Nick Marks, Lifeboat Operations Manager said “We would encourage any visitor to the area to check tide times before walking along the beach, either at Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre or Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. This half term week the local area is experiencing very high tides, so it is very important to check.”

 

If you see anyone in trouble in the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

  

  7th April 2022

`Lifeboat Week volunteers promise new events after record breaking year'

More events – old favourites and new highlights – were promised for this year’s Lifeboat Week when the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters held their annual meeting last night (Weds).

Chairman of the supporters Ken Lavery praised the work of all volunteers and said more would be welcome to help during the week which begins on July 23rd.

And treasurer Brian Cursley reported that the past year had been a record breaker with gross profits from the RNLI shop next to the lifeboat station and funds raised through all forms of donations, including Lifeboat Week, totalling £199,000 for the life-saving charity.

The shop’s volunteer manager Krys Lavery said that at the end of November  the outlet was the top performing shop throughout the RNLI.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks told the meeting that since the last AGM the lifeboat had launched 104 times on service, assisted 58 people and had been credited with saving five lives. The crew had also launched 102 times on exercise, and volunteers had spent more than 1600 crew hours at sea.

Mr Marks said the pandemic had a major impact on all activities at the lifeboat station. There had been a few number of COVID cases among the crew but they did not impact on the ability to launch. He said this was a major achievement of which the crew could be proud.

A special long-service award was made to husband and wife team Denis and Gwyneth Barker who volunteered in the RNLI shop from 2005 and on the supporters committee from 2006. Their roles included regularly retrieving 70 collection boxes around the town. Denis, aged 90, and Gwyneth, 82, were also responsible for counting all donations during Lifeboat Week.

 

 

23rd February 2022


Lyme Regis lifeboat station re-opens to visitors

The RNLI’s lifeboat station on the Cobb in Lyme Regis is to open its doors to visitors once again after being closed for almost two years because of COVID restrictions.

The station will open at 9am on Saturday and visitors will be asked to wear a face covering.

The station’s volunteer lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks said: ”We  are delighted to welcome visitors once again and we would like to thank our supporters for their forbearance during almost two years.

“Visitors will be able to see the lifeboat from the viewing platform, but we would kindly ask them to treat the station like a shop and wear a face covering.”

 

 

  6th February 2022

 Lifeboat launched to paddle boarder ‘in distress’

 
The volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis were alerted at 3pm today (Sunday) after reports of a paddle boarder in distress off Charmouth.

When the lifeboat  crew  reached the paddle boarder he was found to be in no difficulty and the incident was recorded as a false alarm with good intent.

 

February 6th 2022

 
Gig club rower conquers the Atlantic and presents RNLI with £3,005

 

A member of Lyme Regis Gig Club has returned to the town after rowing the Atlantic and today (Sun) presented the RNLI with a donation of  £3,005 raised during his epic voyage.

Neil Wittridge,61, was a member of a 12-strong crew setting out from Tenerife on December 5th to row 3,000 miles to Antigua.

They arrived 41 days 4 hours and 18minutes later.

Neil, a member of the Lyme Regis Gig Club for ten years, recalled seeing  whales, flying fish and tuna leaping out of the water.

“It was a terrific experience,” he said. “I feel a lot fitter now than when I started. We were rowing three hours on with three hours off.

“It was no walk in the park and I struggled with confinement. We had a small cabin and at any one time there were three of us in there trying to rest and get ready to row. And of course it was getting hotter all the time we were getting nearer Antigua.”

Neil, a project manager, said lifetime friendships had been forged during the voyage.

“None of us knew each other at the start,”

Neil’s boat, Roxy, was 11.36m in length with a beam of 1.6m. The skipper was the only woman aboard, Lizzie Brown, a retired helm with the RNLI lifeboat crew at Burnham on Crouch, Essex.

 

  February 1st 2022


Lyme Regis RNLI takes delivery of a new lifeboat

 

Volunteers who operate the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis yesterday(Monday) took delivery of a new lifeboat. But it will only be on duty from the town’s lifeboat station for a few weeks while their permanent vessel, Spirit of Loch Fyne, undergoes a routine refit.

The replacement boat, named Dylan Rotchell, is brand new and was immediately trialled by the Lyme Regis crew.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “The crew were very happy with the replacement vessel, and while our permanent boat is away we will continue to operate our 24/7 service. It was a very smooth transfer.”

Spirit of Loch Fyne has been on duty In Lyme Regis since 2012. Its last refit was in 2017. It is expected the current refit, at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre in the Isle of Wight, will last about six weeks.

 

 January 2022

Three new New Year recruits for Lyme Regis RNLI

An aqua therapist, a primary school teacher and an IT company boss have all celebrated the New Year by becoming the latest volunteer recruits at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis.

Joe Street, 44, a mother of three, runs aqua therapy sessions in Axminster. She joins husband Brian who has been a crew member for 24 years.

She said: “I have wanted to join the crew for many years,” and I am delighted to have made it at last.” Husband Brian added his pleasure: “We now have three women crew members and that can only be a healthy development.  I am very pleased for Joe.”

Cris Cadby,51, has joined the volunteer management ranks at the lifeboat station as a DLA – Deputy Launching Authority. He runs an educational IT company with 60 staff serving 500 schools throughout the UK.

Formerly a commercial fisherman in the Isles of Scilly, he had to call the RNLI twice when his boat developed engine trouble.

“I have a lot of respect for the RNLI volunteers and I am very pleased to be joining them,” said Cris.

The third new recruit, Andrew Barker, 42, is a primary school teacher at Sidbury, Devon. “I have always loved the sea,” he said “and I hope to become a sea-going crew member after the necessary training.

 

3rd January 2022                                            

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched to four people and two dogs cut off by tide

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew launched Sunday afternoon (2nd) at 5.05pm following reports of two groups of walkers cut off by the tide west of Lyme Regis between the end of Monmouth beach and Pinhay Bay.

The volunteer lifeboat crew conducted a shoreline search and located the groups which were split into a group of three with a dog and a single person with a dog. Due to the location and the adverse sea conditions, the boat was unable to put anyone ashore or recover the casualties by sea or shore. A helicopter was requested, the nearest available was a Coastguard helicopter from Newquay. The lifeboat crew were able to communicate to the casualties ashore to make sure they did not attempt to climb the mud shale cliffs above.

The Coastguard helicopter, a Sikorsky S-92 Search and Rescue aircraft winched the first individual with Finzi the Springer spaniel. The helicopter then travelled 500m west to the couple with their son and Billie the Beagle. Once they were winched to safety the helicopter landed on Monmouth beach.  The casualties then went to the lifeboat station to warm up and recover.

Seb Cope, Helm for the lifeboat said “There have been a number of landslides recently east and west of Lyme Regis which has dramatically reduced the size of the beach, particularly during the high spring tides that we are currently experiencing. We hope that people check tide times and if they are in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

The lifeboat volunteers returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 7.00pm.


 

Some 2021 Shouts

 

  1 January  2022

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew launch two hours before midnight on New Year’s Eve

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat went to sea two hours before midnight on New Year’s Eve following reports of a man missing in the Charmouth area.

After a thorough shoreline search from Lyme Regis to Charmouth and Golden Cap nothing was found and the man was reported by police to be at his home address.

The lifeboat crew launched at 10.04pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 11.20pm.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said “Our crew launched just two hours before midnight, and I thank our volunteers for their dedication.

“ Fortunately the outcome seems to have been a good one and everyone  got home just in time to celebrate the arrival of a new year.”  The lifeboat crew were assisting coastguards ashore and the police.

This latest emergency call to the Lyme Regis RNLI crew was the 35th in 2021.
 

December 7th 2021

Barbara, 81, ends her ‘cycle ride’ to John O’Groats

The grandmother who started a virtual ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats on her exercise bike has completed the journey after four months.

Mrs Barbara Townsend, 81, from Axminster started the 874 mile journey in her back garden in August and raised £1,649 for the RNLI on her justgiving page.

Mrs Townsend, who has seven grandchildren, was a keen sailor crossing the Atlantic three times with husband David.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my cycling, but I am selling the exercise bike now and will add the proceeds to my total.

“I think the RNLI does a fantastic job and fortunately we never had to call them when we sailing. It was just comforting to know they were always there.”

Donations can still be made to https//www.justgiving.com/fundraisingBarbara-Townsend

 

  December 6th 2021

Lyme Regis lifeboat  recruits face their first Christmas on call

Lifeboat volunteers throughout the south west will be on duty this festive season ready to launch and answer the call for help from anyone in trouble at sea.

For many RNLI volunteers this will be their first Christmas carrying a pager to alert them to the need to launch the lifeboat.

In Lyme Regis two new recruits, Giles Bristow and Maria Barbashina  are preparing for their first Christmas on call with the rest of the crew.

Giles, father to twin 9 year old girls, moved with his family down from London and joined the crew in May this year. He says: “It’s all about being part of the community here and having what I feel is an important role to play. Of course, at Christmas the downside would be a call on the big day, but the upside would be answering that call and playing that important role in the community. The girls are very sweet about my lifeboat involvement and never hesitate to put their pennies in their money boxes for the RNLI charity.”

Maria, an artist, originally from Russia, said: ”I am looking forward to Christmas, of course, but if the pager goes off I will just run. It’s simply instinct. I drop whatever I am doing and get to the lifeboat station in the quickest and safest way, and the safest way is often a sprint along the seafront. The only exception I can think of is if I am in the shower covered in soap when the pager goes off, then it may take a little longer. But that has not happened….yet.”

Giles and Maria recently completed their emergency procedure course at the RNLI’s headquarters in Poole and are now trainee sea-going crew with the Lyme Regis lifeboat.

 

  November 14th 2021

Three saved as fishing boat capsizes

Two men were rescued from the sea by the volunteer RNLI crew of the Lyme Regis lifeboat last night (Sun)after their 15 ft fishing boat capsized near the mouth of the River Axe at Axmouth.

A third man managed to reach the shore, but the other two were found floating on their backs and were plucked to safety by two members of the lifeboat crew who went into the water to reach them.

One of the two men was airlifted from the lifeboat by the coastguard helicopter and taken to hospital in Dorchester suffering from the cold.

The second man was taken ashore by the lifeboat crew and is thought to have been taken to hospital in Exeter.

One man using a torch was spotted in the water by coastguards from Beer and Lyme Regis who were communicating with the lifeboat from the shore, and the other was found thanks to searchlights from the helicopter.

The two lifeboat crew who recovered the men from the sea were Andy Butterfield and Rich Tilley.

Lifeboat helm Tim Edwards said: “The men were very lucky, but they were doing what the RNLI recommends and floating on their backs waiting for help to arrive.”

The lifeboat crew were alerted at 4.59pm and launched seven minutes later. They returned to Lyme Regis at 7pm after two hours at sea.

The capsized fishing boat was towed to Beer by the crew of the independent Sidmouth lifeboat.

 

November 4th 2021

 Rifles march boosts lifeboat funds

A sponsored 50 mile march by some 200 ex-servicemen and women raised £1,200 for the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

The march, last September, started at Lulworth Cove and finished at the Lyme Regis lifeboat station.

One of the organisers of the march, Richard Davey. today presented a cheque for £1,271 to lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks.

The march was in aid of the Rifles Regimental Trust’s Care for Casualties and it’s hoped the final total for the sponsored event will reach £100,000. The marchers carried RNLI collection buckets to raise additional funds for the life-saving charity.

 

November 4th 2021

Lifeboat supporters hear of financial success

A financial success despite Covid -19 restrictions was the key message to members of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters group at their Extraordinary General Meeting last night (Weds).

The meeting heard from treasurer Brian Cursley that  Lifeboat Week was a  success and after expenses a total of £36,213 was raised and sent to RNLI headquarters in Poole. And the manager of the tiny RNLI shop next to the lifeboat station, Krys Lavery, reported that it had recently been the most successful such RNLI outlet in the country.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said that since the last annual meeting of the supporters in 2019 the lifeboat had been launched 93 times, assisting 52 people and saving two lives. In addition the lifeboat  had launched 75 times on training exercises with the crew spending a total of 1,500 hours at sea.

Mr. Marks reported that not once had the crew lost the ability to provide a rescue service during the Covid crisis.

Supporters chairman Ken Lavery, reporting on the success of Lifeboat Week, praised the involvement of all volunteers including the lifeboat crew and the introduction of innovative measures such as a special app and a live streaming of the duck race. He said that many people had appreciated the fact that a ‘normal’ lifeboat week had been possible.

Guest speaker was Jim Thomas, former geography teacher at Woodroffe School, who served for many years with the lifeboat crew from 1980 and later with local coastguards.

He spoke of many incidents he dealt with and how one, in particular, the deaths of four young canoeists in 1993, had ‘a real impact on me.’ Mr Thomas said he had now retired after 42 years responding to his pager.

 

 November 1st 2021

Winter warning as lifeboat crew answer two alerts

With high winds and choppy seas expected over the winter period the RNLI in Lyme Regis has urged visitors to the coast to take extra care in and near the water.

The warning followed two calls for help to the lifeboat volunteers yesterday (Sun).

The first followed a report at 9.30am that a surfer was missing in strong winds and rough conditions after entering the water from Monmouth beach.  The 24 year old man had not been seen for 30 minutes when the alarm was raised.

The lifeboat crew were already at sea on a training exercise and searched east and west of the harbour but found no trace of the man. RNLI shore crew and coastguards also searched the beaches. The surfer was eventually found on town beach and taken to hospital for observation.

Later in the day, at 3pm, the lifeboat was launched after a report that two people had been been swept off the Cobb high wall. In conjunction with coastguards ashore the lifeboat crew searched around the Cobb area but no-one was found and the search was called off at 3.40pm.

The RNLI’s volunteer operations manager in Lyme Regis, Nick Marks, said: “Conditions were rough all day and these two calls demonstrate the need for people to be alert to the dangers and to take great care in and around the water at this time of year.”

“Only minutes after our second shout people were seen walking on the Cobb wall in high winds and with the sea breaking over it. They seemed oblivious to the danger they were in.”

 

  October 6th 2021

Lyme Regis RNLI seeks new life-saving volunteers

The team at RNLI Lyme Regis is calling for new volunteers to help them save lives at sea.

In particular the charity is looking for sea - going crew for the inshore lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, based at the lifeboat station on the Cobb.

So far this year the lifeboat crew have answered 28 calls for help.

The lifeboat normally has a crew of four at sea,  and the station’s Operations Manager Nick Marks is now looking for additional volunteers   to further enhance availability for emergency calls.

Sea-going crew members need to be on call for ‘shouts,’ should enjoy being a team player, have a good standard of general fitness and live or work within five minutes of the lifeboat station. Lifeboat crew are aged between 17  and 55.  First class training is provided and the ability to learn new skills is important.

Mr. Marks said: “Volunteering with us gives people the opportunity to make a real difference in their local community, to save lives and become part of the larger RNLI family.

“We can’t keep people safe without the support of our dedicated volunteers who truly make a difference every day no matter which role they are fulfilling.”

To find out more potential volunteers can go to www.rnli.org/volroles,  contact the volunteering team on 01202 663346, or e-mail volunteering@rnli.org.uk .

 

 

4th October 2021                                            

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched to five people and a dog cut off by tide

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew launched yesterday afternoon at 4.45pm following reports of a group of walkers cut off by the tide east of West Bay towards Freshwater beach.

The volunteer lifeboat crew conducted a shoreline search and located the group and guided the local coastguard team to their position where the group were advised about the tide times. The lifeboat volunteers returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 6.15pm.

 

September 19th 2021

 Rifles regiment honour the fallen in 50 mile march to Lyme Regis

Some 200 men and women – many of them ex-servicemen and women – marched into Lyme Regis today  at the end of a 50 mile sponsored walk to raise funds for the Rifles Regimental Trust’s Care for Casualties.

The walk started at Lulworth Cove on Friday and ended at the RNLI lifeboat station on the Cobb after a march two abreast with bugles along the Cart Road on Lyme Regis seafront.

It’s hoped the Jurassic March, honouring 56 men from the regiment who died for their country, will raise £100,000 for the Rifles charity.

The marchers also raised funds for the RNLI, carrying 20 collection buckets en route which were presented to Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks during a welcome ceremony.

He congratulated the marchers and thanked them for their donations which he said had helped the RNLI to launch lifeboats on rescue missions 87 times since they started their march on Friday.

The marchers carried with them 56 pairs of boots representing the numbers of those colleagues lost since 2007.

 
September 7th 2021                         

Lifeboat crew assist coastguard with two people and dog stuck in the mud

Two people and a dog were stuck in the mud near Thorncombe beacon between Eype and Seatown beach. Lyme Regis lifeboat launched at 1.25pm to assist the local coastguard teams with shoreline searches and looking for the missing dog.

The two people managed to free themselves from the mud and were fine and well.

While at sea, the lifeboat was tasked again to two paddleboarders that were being blown out to sea off Chesil beach but the volunteer crew were stood down by the coastguard as the paddleboarders were rescued by another vessel.

The lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis lifeboat station by 4.50pm

 

September 5th 2021

Bikers in Mad Dash ride meet the crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat

Two motorcyclists visiting 24 RNLI lifeboat stations in the south-west in what they called a Mad Dash over four days rode into Lyme Regis today as they started the last leg of their journey.

Lyme Regis was the 21st station visited by Stuart Morrissey and Paul Brady.

The two men, both from Plymouth, set out from Dartmouth on September 2nd to raise funds for the RNLI and to mark the 40th anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat disaster in which 16 people died.

Stuart has raised a total of £89,000 for various charities in recent years. “I have had a few medical issues,” said Stuart, who works in mosaics, “ but I simply enjoy helping others whose needs are greater than mine. But I am also a keen angler and I might need the RNLI one day.”

Stuart and Paul were met by several members of the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat.

 

September 1st 2021                                      

Barbara, 80, ‘cycling’ 870 miles for the RNLI
 

A grandmother, who has sailed the Atlantic three times with her husband, has set out on a virtual cycle ride from Lands End to John ‘O Groats to raise donations for the RNLI.

Mrs. Barbara Townsend, 80, from Axminster, rides her exercise bike every day and has clocked up more than 300 miles so far...virtually just north of Birmingham.  Her target to virtually reach John O’Groats is some 870 miles.

Mrs.Townsend, who has seven grandchildren, has raised £950 so far on her JustGiving page .

She started her marathon ride on August 4th.

She and husband David,84, were keen sailors and crossed the Atlantic three times in their 42 foot ocean going sailing boat.

She said: “The RNLI does a fantastic job, and when we used to pop over to France it was always comforting to know the volunteers of the RNLI were always there if we needed them.

“Fortunately we never had to call them out.”

Mrs. Townsend’s donation page can be found at https//www.justgiving.com/fundraisingBarbara -Townsend?

 

August 30th, 2021                                                           

Lifeboat crew rescue four aboard broken-down dinghy

Four people aboard a dinghy were towed to safety today (Monday) by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat.

The dinghy suffered engine failure and began drifting offshore, the four people set off from Charmouth beach but had trouble with the engine and drifted nearly 2 miles off from Charmouth beach.

 

The RNLI crew towed the boat and four people back to Charmouth beach where they were safe to recover their boat.

The lifeboat crew launched at 2.15pm and returned to Lyme Regis lifeboat station 3pm.

 

August 29th 2021 
                                      
 

Lifeboat launched to ‘paddleboarders in trouble’

Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched for a second time today (Sun) following reports of two youngsters in difficulties while paddleboarding off Eype.

The volunteer RNLI crew launched at 4.45pm but after finding no trace of the youngsters coastguards heard that they had been helped to safety ashore by friends.

 

August 29th  2021                                           

Lifeboat crew rescue three aboard broken down speedboat 

Three people aboard a broken down speedboat were towed to safety today (Sunday) by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat.

The speedboat developed problems off  Burton Bradstock and was initially towed by a fishing boat.

The RNLI crew took over the tow into West Bay harbour.

The lifeboat crew launched at 12.45pm and returned to Lyme Regis lifeboat station 1.44pm.

 

August 10th 2021   
                             

Lifeboat launched to rescue  ‘missing swimmer’

 

Lyme Regis’ RNLI  lifeboat crew launched at 9.30pm last night following  reports of a swimmer missing off the town’s main beach. The man was last seen swimming out to a catamaran  moored outside the harbour entrance but  sightings were lost, and  coastguards were called by a concerned friend on the beach.

The lifeboat crew launched within 8 minutes of the alarm being raised  and found the swimmer struggling about 150m from the beach.

Lifeboat helm Jon Broome said : “We searched around the catamaran, using searchlights, and one of our crew, Andy Butterfield, spotted the man clearly in difficulties.

“He was obviously suffering from the cold as we got him aboard the lifeboat .

“We took him to the lifeboat station where he was given hot drinks and generally cared for before our coastguard colleagues took him to hospital in Dorchester.”

Lifeboat crew member Mark Ellis, who is also a full time paramedic, said: “Once we got the man ashore, I assessed his condition in the lifeboat station and when his temperature had returned to normal after about 90 minutes it was decided to get him to hospital for further observation.”

 

 

  August 8th 2021                                           

  Keen swimmer Giles joins the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew

A long distance swimmer who has moved from West London to be near the sea with his wife and twin daughters  has become the newest member of the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat.

Giles Bristow,46, Director of Programmes for a charity promoting climate solutions, has joined the RNLI as shore crew but has ambitions to   join the sea-going volunteers after completing his training.

Giles, who swims up to 10k and takes advantage of the waters off Lyme Regis most mornings, said: “I have long wanted to join a lifeboat crew and can’t believe my luck finding a vacancy in Lyme after moving from London.

“I am delighted to join the RNLI where the values are in line with my own, that we save all lives at sea without discrimination or judgement.”

Giles, who was born in Africa, was an environmental lawyer in the City for ten years before joining the Ashden charity, part of the Sainsbury Charitable Trust.  He moved to Uplyme with wife Holly and twin daughters Eden and Jocelyn,9, in April.

 

August 2nd 2021

Lifeboat Week raises £33,000...and still counting

Lifeboat Week returned to Lyme Regis this year and  recorded estimated donations to the life-saving charity of more than £33,000, with the results of some events still to come in.

Ken Lavery, Chairman of the fund-raising group, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters said: “The provisional total is an absolute tribute to our fantastic volunteers who toiled well beyond the call of duty working long hours to achieve a great result.

“There was evidence that the public – our visitors and local residents – were delighted to see the return of Lifeboat Week. Many people said they were so pleased to see the event taking place as it signalled a return to some sort of normality.

“We must place on record our sincere thanks to everyone who donated so generously to our charity and they are, quite literally, helping to save lives at sea.”

There were many success stories for events during the week. For example, the wine or water tombola raised £9,000, and the lifeboat crew sold 600 hot dogs raising £1,715, some £1,021 was collected in the name the welly dog competition and the produce stall raised a record £800.

And 17 year old Josh Denning, who performed the Lifeboat Week opening ceremony, kept up his record as top collector with £1,048 going into his RNLI bucket during the week.

 

August 2nd 2021                                            

Blessing of  boats service remembers those lost at sea
 

A ‘congregation’ estimated at 150 attended yesterday’s (Sunday’s) traditional open air Blessing of the Boats service hosted for local churches by the RNLI at the lifeboat station on the Cobb.

Music and song were provided by the Lyme Regis town band and the Lyme Moonrakers and there were wreath parties from the Powerboat Club, Gig Club, Sailing Club, the Boat Building Academy, Her Majesty’s Coastguard service, the RNLI and the Royal British Legion.

The wreaths, taken to sea by the lifeboat crew, represented commercial fishermen, recreational water users, the RNLI and the Royal British Legion.

Eden Bristow, daughter of a crew member, read a poem during the service which was conducted by the Rev. Chris Martin and the Rev. Chris Woodman.

 

July 30th 2021                                         

Good weather for ducks as the race is a winner, and a top award for Josh

The Irene Roper duck race – named in memory of Irene, a leading light in organising Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week – went ahead as planned today and was streamed live on the local RNLI Facebook page for the first time.

Some 1200 ducks were sold, 200 of them online.  Members of the local RNLI lifeboat crew ran the race as usual on the River Lym at the bottom of the town.

The winner was duck number 241, in second place was duck 92 and third was 419.

There was a prize also for 17 year old Josh Denning who opened Lifeboat Week last Saturday. The lifeboat crew presented him with a signed helmet to thank him for his efforts  collecting donations throughout several Lifeboat Weeks.

 

July 28th  2021                                              

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew launched after windsurf gear found on beach

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew launched this evening (Weds) following reports of windsurfing equipment found ashore east of West Bay Harbour.

The lifeboat volunteers launched at 6.03pm and were stood down 19 minutes later when West Bay coastguards reported that the owner of the equipment was safe and well ashore.

This was the fourth alert for the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew this week and he 21st this year.

 

 

July 27th 2021                                               

Lifeboat launched after reports of ‘missing swimmer’
 

Fears that a swimmer may be missing off the beach at Seaton led to the launch this afternoon – the third day of Lifeboat Week - of the RNLI’s lifeboat at Lyme Regis.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 3.29pm and, working with the coastguard team from Beer, carried out coastline searches.

The alarm was raised when a man’s rucksack was found ashore. The search was called off when it was established that the man was safe and well ashore. The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at 5.20pm.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “When we get reports such as this it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.”

This was the 20th ‘shout’ for the Lyme Regis crew so far this year.

 

July 25th 2021                                               

Crews battle for bathtub trophies and lifeboat crew take a shortcut !

A large crowd watched last night’s (Sunday’s) good-humoured Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week bathtub race and saw the youth section of the town’s sailing club win the event...and the RNLI crew disqualified for taking a shortcut.

Five bathtub crews took part. Second place went to the Fire and Rescue Service team and in third place were the crew from the Boat Building Academy. Rob Perry Marine took fourth place.

The RNLI crew found a novel way of avoiding the harbour entrance to reach the slipway in second place but were disqualified, although they made a not too convincing claim that they had not broken the rules.

After the event the Sailing Club said that they had dedicated their win to long-serving member John Wiscombe whose death had been announced that day.

 

 

July 12th 2021

Long service awards for three RNLI Johns

The CEO of the RNLI was in Lyme Regis today to present long service medals to three lifeboat crew members all named John.

The three, who have been volunteer crew for more than sixty years between them, are John Cable, John Bird and John Rickard.

CEO Mark Dowie told the three: “Giving twenty years of your free time to any cause is a major commitment.

“You do very much more than you thought you would do when you joined, and I bet the people round  here feel a lot safer because of what you do.”

In his 20 years, John Cable has been shore crew, tractor driver, lifeboat crew and Deputy Launching Authority.

John Bird has been shore and sea-going crew during his twenty years of volunteering and is also a tractor driver for the launching and recovery of the lifeboat.

John Rickard has been shore crew throughout his 20 years and is also vice chairman of the  successful fund raising group the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters.

 

 

July 7th 2021                                     

Seb, 38, is new man at the helm of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat

A 38 year old architectural designer who joined the RNLI five years ago has just become the latest volunteer crew member to achieve the role of helm aboard Lyme Regis’ inshore lifeboat.

Seb Cope passed out as helm after a one hour written test and a two hour assessment  of his skills at sea.

He is now one of seven helms based at the town’s lifeboat station on the Cobb.

Seb said:” I am delighted to have fulfilled an ambition I have had ever since I joined the crew.”

Seb, who became a sea-going crew member just one year after joining, was tested on several scenarios at sea including anchoring, veering and a search for two missing kayakers.

He added:” The assessment was pretty gruelling particularly after a day at work, but I now look forward to the opportunity to teach and train others.”

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “Congratulations to Seb. He has worked hard over the last couple of years and has not been helped by the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. He is stepping up at just the right time as we head into the busy summer period.”

 

June 27th 2021                                               

Binocular gift to lifeboat crew in memory of lost angler

The sister of a man who was lost with two friends in a tragedy that resulted in the longest-ever call out for the volunteer RNLI crew in Lyme Regis has marked the anniversary with a special donation.

It was June 12th 1995 when coastguards alerted the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew that a powerboat with three men on board was overdue from a fishing trip the previous day.

Andrew Sparks,29, married with two young children, was one of the three men, all from Chard, who were reported missing.

Now his sister, Sarah Haskins, also from Chard, has donated two  pairs of powerful binoculars in memory of Andrew  for use by the Lyme Regis volunteers from the balcony of the lifeboat station. She raised £850 among family and friends to buy the binoculars and today (Sunday) those family members and friends visited the lifeboat station to officially present the binoculars.

“As a family we always support the RNLI,” said Sarah, “and the donation is also to mark the diamond anniversary of my parents Val and Bill Sparks.”

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said:” We are very grateful for these gifts. They will be a vital aid to us, providing close up views in all directions from the lifeboat station balcony.”

The search for the three men involved five lifeboats, two RAF Nimrod aircraft, two coastguard helicopters and two Royal Navy helicopters.

The Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers were at sea for more than 16 hours, which involved six crew changes, and 400 litres of fuel.

 

 

June 23rd 2021                                               

Fingers crossed for Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week

The group organising this summer’s Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis have held their final planning session, and are keeping  fingers crossed that all the popular events will take place despite COVID.

The week starts on July 24th and it is hoped the hard copy version of the programme will be available around the town – including the lifeboat shop on the Cobb- by the middle of next week.

And for the first time this year the programme is available to download on the app store for iphone users and playstore for android users. It is also available on the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week website to download a pdf.

Ken Lavery, chairman of the organisers, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, said: “We have a very full week planned including many old favourites which we have ensured will be fully COVID compliant with whatever the latest advice is.

“Our fantastic volunteers will be fully briefed regarding their safety and that of the public, and we are pleased that our event safety management plan has been reviewed and approved by the town council. We are very confident in the measures we may have to take to ensure we have a great and safe Lifeboat Week.

“Our fingers are crossed for everything, including the weather, of course!”

 

 

June 23rd 2021
                                               

Envelope firm posts £500 to RNLI

A Somerset firm that chose the RNLI as one of its favourite charities yesterday (June 22) presented a £500 cheque to the volunteers at Lyme Regis lifeboat station.

The cheque, from Blake Envelopes of the Lynx Trading Estate, Yeovil, was handed over by marketing manager India Broad to new lifeboat shore crew recruit Maria Barbarshina.

India and several work colleagues came to the lifeboat station to meet the crew and deliver the donation.

 

20th June 2021                                             
 

Lifeboat crew featured in new exhibition

 An exhibition featuring the volunteers of the RNLI in Lyme Regis opens on Thursday (June 24) at the Courtyard Gallery in the Town Mill square.

The exhibition opens daily  from 10am-4pm and includes portraits of many of the crew by professional artist Maria Barbashina who has also recently joined the Lyme Regis RNLI. The exhibition will be open for one week and admission is free.

 

 

8th June 2021

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched to ‘people in the water’

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched at 7.52 last night (Mon) after initial reports that four people were in difficulties in the water at the entrance to Axmouth harbour.

Later it was confirmed that only two people were involved and they were safely on the beach when the lifeboat crew arrived on scene at 8.02pm.

To make sure no-one else was involved the lifeboat crew carried out a shoreline search and were then stood down arriving back at Lyme Regis harbour at 8.45pm.

 

 

  5th June 2021                                               

Londoner Dave joins the sea-going lifeboat crew

 

A Londoner with no previous maritime experience has just become the latest volunteer member of the sea-going crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis.

Walthamstow-born Dave Holland, 48, joined the Lyme Regis team in 2017 as shore crew and worked hard to complete the 49 training modules needed to pass out as sea-going crew.

Dave, married to Maria, with three grown up children, moved to Lyme Regis in 2016.

Dave, a butcher’s assistant, said: “It has been my dream to live by the sea. I joined the lifeboat crew to make the tea, but I really wanted to do a proper job of  being a crew member.

“I think I have proved that you don’t have to have vast sea-going experience to join the lifeboat crew. The RNLI and your colleagues will teach you all you need to know. I am genuinely  chuffed to be a member of a great team.”

Dave’s progression was not helped by the COVID pandemic which effectively halted training for nine months.

He has been permitted to take part in some 30 ‘shouts’ already.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “It is great to see Dave complete his training under such difficult circumstances and he deserves much credit  for determination and commitment.

“We are expecting a busy summer so having Dave available as fully qualified crew is especially welcome.”

 

 

 

 

May 9th 2021                                      

Lifeboat launched as seven rowers escape capsized gig

Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched this morning (Sunday) after a mayday alert when seven rowers were throw into the sea from a capsizing gig.

The incident happened just outside the town’s harbour. The seven men, members of Lyme Regis Gig Club, were rowing the ten metre gig Black Ven when it was struck by two large waves.

All seven were thrown out of the boat. The cox, Tony Colston, received a head injury, and after first aid from RNLI volunteers at the lifeboat station he was taken to hospital for checks. The other six were cold, wet and shaken but otherwise unhurt.

The rowers all reached shore safely. Two members of the lifeboat crew jumped into the water to help the rowers ashore.

One of the gig’s crew, Nick Bale, said: “We were at 90 degrees to the waves when we were hit from behind.”

Another rower, Chris Bailey said: “We were hit by freak waves, and it could have happened to anybody.”

The RNLI volunteers launched lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne within seven minutes at 10.59am and returned to harbour at 11.30.

 

 

2nd May 2021                                 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat called to medical emergency on a fishing boat

The volunteers of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis were alerted by coastguards at 11.40am today after a report of a medical emergency on a fishing boat approximately 6 miles south of Lyme Regis.

The lifeboat crew launched and used their training and navigation skills to locate the fishing vessel which was 9 miles south east of Lyme Regis. The fishing vessel from Brixham was still fishing when the lifeboat crew arrived, two crew members went aboard to assess the casualty and treated him. The casualty, a fisherman from Brixham had suffered from a potential broken ankle, the volunteer crew administered first aid on board the fishing boat then assisted the casualty onto the lifeboat where he was taken back to Lyme Regis harbour and passed to ambulance crew for further assessment and treatment.  
The lifeboat crew returned to the harbour at 2pm

 

 

 

5th April 2021                                      

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched in search for missing couple

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat launched last night at 9.20pm to a report of a couple who were missing from walking along the undercliff from Axmouth to Lyme Regis.

 

The couple, Matt & Gaynor, from Bristol had walked from the Rousdon area to the popular coast path however they did not arrive at their destination and their children who were waiting to collect them alerted the coastguard. It was reported that the missing couple contacted the coastguard by calling 999 and were seeking assistance because they were lost.

 

The lifeboat launched and conducted a shoreline search and then provided a communications relay for coastguards searching the cliffs around Pinhay bay.

Coastguards later found the couple with their two dogs on the cliffs and walked out together to Pinhay home and the lifeboat crew were stood down.

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at 11.10pm.

 

 

 

31st March 2021                                             

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched twice

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew were training last night and were called out to Abbotsbury to a report of kayaker in difficulty at Cobden beach near Abbotsbury at approximately 5.30pm. The volunteer crew conducted searches, but nothing was found and were later stood down by the coastguard.

 

The lifeboat returned to the station, the crew changed and continued training.

Just as most of the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat were heading to bed, at 10.15pm the pagers sounded to alert them to a report of a drifting dinghy off Monmouth beach in Lyme Regis.

 

The Lyme Regis coastguard team were also in attendance and it was reported that some young party goers had taken a boat from the nearby boat park and pushed it out to sea.

 

The lifeboat crew found no one aboard the dinghy so recovered the drifting vessel and returned to harbour.

 

 

14 March 2021                                               

Blessing boats service moved to August

The annual Blessing of the Boats service, hosted by the RNLI on the Cobb in Lyme Regis this year, has been re-scheduled to the later than usual  date of August 1st.

The event is usually held on Rogation Sunday but it is hoped Covid-19 restrictions will be eased by August.

The inter-denominational service, to which all are welcome, will start at 2pm and will be conducted by the Rev. Chris Martin, team vicar of the Golden Cap Benefice.

Music will be provided by the Lyme Regis town band  and the Lyme Bay Moonrakers.

Invitations will as usual be sent to boating groups in the area.

 

 

 

  9 March 2021                                               
 

Plans under way for Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week

Plans are under way for the return of Lifeboat Week to Lyme Regis in July.

A provisional programme for the week, beginning on July 24, is being discussed by members of the town’s Lifeboat Supporters Group.

The week – a summer highlight since the 1970s – was cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

Chairman of the supporters group Ken Lavery said: “We feel we have to be optimistic and hope that restrictions will be lifted by late July.

“We are making plans to stage as many events as possible during the week, including old favourites and new activities subject to any Covid-19 restrictions which might still be

 in place. We will update progress on our Facebook page and website.” (https://www.facebook.com/LymeRegisLifeboatWeek   https://www.lymeregislifeboatweek.co.uk

Lifeboat Week has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the RNLI’s life-saving charity since the 1970s. In 2019 the week raised a record £40,000.

 

                                   

 

Artist Maria puts Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew in the picture

 

A Russian - born artist based in Lyme Regis has launched a portrait painting project involving nearly thirty members of the town’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

Maria Barbashina ,38, offered to paint the portraits, and some 26 crew members have volunteered for a 90 minute sitting.

Maria, who trained as an artist in Russia from the age of 12, specialises in portraits and still life.

Her first lifeboat crew subject was volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks and he was followed by sea-going crew members including senior helm Tim Edwards.

Maria said: “I enjoy a challenge and like to choose subjects who I feel play an important role in local life.

“I hope my portraits will help to promote the volunteer duties of the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

“I also find this sort of project a very nice way to meet new and interesting people.

Nick Marks said: “It’s a great project which Maria has offered us and one day we may have a display of the portraits in the lifeboat station.”

 

 

 18 February2021                                         
 

Lifeboat launched to swimmer ‘struggling’ at sea

 Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew answered their second call of the day at 3.12pm today following reports of a 19 year old man in difficulties in the sea  off Abbotsbury.

The man was reported to be struggling to get back to the beach and the alarm was raised by a friend ashore.

A coastguard helicopter arrived on scene just before the lifeboat and the man was winched to safety and taken to hospital in Dorchester.

 

18th February 2021    
                                                            

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched to red flare.

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this morning (Thursday 18th February) to a report of a red flare seen at Charmouth.

The volunteer crew were contacted by the Coastguard at 10.30am, 15 minutes later the crew had arrived on scene and conducted search patterns near Charmouth and further out to sea.

Further information was then provided by members of the local coastguard rescue team that the flare was found ashore and not out to sea, so the lifeboat crew were stood down. The volunteer crew returned to station and were ready for service by 11.30pm. 

This was the second call out for Lyme Regis lifeboat this year.

If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard

 

 

11 Feb 2021                                       

Lifeboat helm Mark joins the management team

A senior member of the volunteer sea-going crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis has switched his role to join the management team.

Mark Colley, 57, who was at the helm of the lifeboat for 14 years, retired from that role at the age of 55 and today (Feb 11) became a Deputy Launching Authority.

Mark, a carpenter, with a total of 21 years as a crew member, said: “The role of DLA is an important one in the management structure at the lifeboat station and I feel I can put my sea-going and search and rescue experience, in particular, to good use with other members of the crew.”

 

 

9th January 2021                                                                    

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched to red flare.

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday afternoon (Friday 8th January) to a report of a red flare seen over Seatown.

The volunteer crew were contacted by the Coastguard at 5.40pm, 20 minutes later the crew had arrived on scene and conducted search patterns near Golden Cap and further out to sea.

Further information was then provided by members of the local coastguard rescue team that the flare was inland and not out to sea, so the lifeboat crew were stood down. The volunteer crew returned to station and were ready for service by 8pm.

This was the first call out for Lyme Regis lifeboat this year.

 


 

A selection of 2020 'shouts'

 

 27th December 2020                                       

 

A year of challenges for Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteers

 The man at the helm of the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis has praised his volunteer crew after a ‘challenging but successful year.’

In a review of 2020 Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “We managed to meet our aim of maintaining  an effective life-saving service throughout year. No calls for help were missed through non-availability of our lifeboat or crew members in the most difficult of circumstances.”

Mr Marks said the year had started well but became increasingly challenging as COVID-19 established itself and threatened to interrupt the 24/7 lifeboat service proudly delivered by the RNLI since 1824.

Lyme Regis lifeboat station went into ‘lockdown’ early in the crisis - the station was closed to visitors, strict COVID safety measures were put in place and training, both ashore and at sea, was suspended. These measures were needed to protect the crew and boat as much as possible.

Mr Marks added: ”With the arrival of summer the crew became very busy  answering an unprecedented number of shouts as the south coast filled with visitors.”

By Christmas the lifeboat had launched 45 times to answer a variety of emergencies involving swimmers, walkers, kayakers and power boat users.

But, said Mr. Marks, there were also calls “most frustratingly to inflatable plastic dinghies which should never have been at sea.”

An additional casualty of COVID, said Mr Marks, was the ability to recruit new crew members.

Recruiting will start again when the pandemic is over. Seagoing crew, either male or female, should work or live within ten minutes of the lifeboat station, be between 17 and 50 years old and be prepared to commit to a rigorous training programme.

 

26th November 2020    
                                  

Lifeboat charity shop re-opens to save lives at sea

Just two weeks after the latest appearance of the town’s lifeboat crew in the BBC TV series Saving Lives At Sea, the RNLI shop on the Cobb in Lyme Regis is to re-open on December 2nd.

The shop is a major contributor to the life-saving charity’s funds and, despite closures due to lockdowns, recently announced that it had raised £48, 230 between January and October this year.

The shop’s volunteer manager Krys Lavery said: “We are delighted to be back in the business of supporting our charity and just in time to help our loyal customers with their Christmas present choices.”

 

 

 

14th November 2020                                     

 

Lifeboat launched to ‘man stuck on cliffs’

 

The volunteer crew of RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday (13th November 2020) at 4pm following reports of a man in difficulty on the cliffs near Seatown, Dorset.

 

The man thought to be escaping the rising tides between Seatown and Golden Cap had climbed up the cliffs and was in difficulty. The lifeboat crew attended along with local coastguard teams and the Coastguard Rescue helicopter which was training nearby. The helicopter crew quickly located the casualty and winched him to the safety of the cliff top where he was met by Coastguard Rescue team.

The lifeboat crew were then stood down by HM Coastguard and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 5.00pm.

 

The weather this weekend is wet and windy, it coincides with high spring tides so please take care when by the sea. If you see anyone in trouble in or near the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

 

 

4th November 2020                                        

Success for the RNLI shop and another TV appearance

The generosity of the public and the hard work of volunteers have resulted in a successful spell in difficult times for the RNLI’s tiny shop in Lyme Regis.

The lifesaving charity’s shop had to close on November 5th, but volunteer manager Krys Lavery said:” We have had two months of wonderful support from the public, and in October alone we raised £21,966, a 33.31% improvement on October last year.

“From January to October we raised £48,230 which is wonderful.”

In a message to the volunteers who run the shop next to the lifeboat station, Mrs Lavery said:”Thank you to everyone for your continued help and enthusiasm in helping to keep our lovely little shop open in difficult times.”

The volunteer crew of the RNLI’s lifeboat in Lyme Regis are to feature again in the BBC TV series Saving Lives at Sea. The scheduled  episode on November 17 includes the rescue of a woman and her two dogs trapped on cliffs.

The programme is due to be transmitted at 8pm on BBC2.

 

 

20th October  2020                                        

Charmouth Christmas Day swim...a statement from the RNLI fund-raising group, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters.

 “Because of the distancing restrictions and general safety issues which will almost certainly still be in place, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth  Lifeboat Supporters will not be fund-raising at the Charmouth Christmas Day swim this year.

“Throughout these difficult times the RNLI’s priorities have been the effective delivery of a life saving service and the welfare of our volunteer crew members. Sadly, this means our crew and fund-raisers will not be supporting the Charmouth Christmas Day swim this year.

“The crew does, of course, remain on stand-by for calls for assistance from anyone in difficulty at sea.

“So far this year the RNLI volunteers in Lyme Regis have answered 41 calls for help.”


4th October 2020

 

Kicking a hole in one for the RNLI

 

A local businessmen Gary Davies has raised nearly £300 for Lyme Regis RNLI. Gary runs Lyme Regis Footgolf and set up a hole-in-one challenge to raise money for the lifesaving charity.

 

 

Walking the Liberty trail for the RNLI

 

Two men, Nick Perry and Mark Farrell both 34 and friends who live in Yeovil have walked the Liberty Trail. Nick has been keen to walk the trail from some time and was finally successful, completing the 28-mile trek from Ham Hill to Lyme Regis.

The Liberty Trail is based on the stories of some of the men who joined the Monmouth Rebellion. In the early summer of 1685 villagers from throughout Somerset and Dorset were making their way to the coast at Lyme to join the Duke of Monmouth. He was expected to land at Lyme to lead a rebellion against the King with the rallying call of 'Liberty to the People of God'.

The two men carried nearly £500 in £1 coins to donate to members of Lyme Regis RNLI..

 

 

 

19th September 2020                                     

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew rescue two women drifting offshore

 

Two women on a kayak and paddleboard were rescued today (Saturday) by the volunteer crew of the RNLI’s Lyme Regis lifeboat.

 

The lifeboat crew were contacted by HM Coastguard to a report of two women that were drifting away from the shore at Lyme Regis. Volunteer crew launched just after midday and were guided in the direction of the women by the Lyme Regis Harbour Masters team.

The two women, aged 30 & 31 from Winchester and London, one of whom was pregnant, had intended on enjoying a leisurely time at sea however the winds from the north east were stronger than expected and the two of them were blown offshore. They realised very quickly that they were in trouble and they called family ashore who notified the coastguard.

 

The lifeboat crew were alongside the two women 6 minutes after launching, both on their kayak and paddleboard, they were wet and cold but otherwise safe. The wind had blown the two women approximately 1 mile south of Lyme Regis. Volunteer crew took the women aboard the lifeboat and returned to Lyme Regis lifeboat station where they were met by coastguards and given safety advice.

 

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis harbour approximately 30 minutes later.

Jon Broome, helm of the lifeboat said “This weekend is host to some high spring tides and strong north easterly winds, it is very important that anyone going to sea have the appropriate equipment to contact the coastguard if necessary. These two women were incredibly lucky today, but because one of them had a mobile phone so they were able to call for help.”

 

This was the 37th time that Lyme Regis lifeboat has launched this year.

It is advisable that anyone near or on the sea this weekend check the weather and tides before heading out.

If you see anyone in trouble in or on the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

 

 

 

14th September 2020

 

Rescue of two sailors by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew to feature in BBC series

 

The rescue last summer of two ex-professional sailors by the volunteers of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat is to feature next week in the BBC 2 series Saving Lives At Sea.

The rescue, in August last year, will feature in the second programme in the new series to be screened at 8pm on Thursday September 24th.

The sailors, Sam Brearey, from Canterbury, and Christian Birrell, from London were training for a national sailing championships when their dinghy capsized in strong winds 500m south of Lyme Regis harbour.

The forestay – a rope supporting the mast – broke and their vessel capsized throwing both men overboard.

Both men were in the water when the lifeboat crew arrived on scene.

Sam Brearey said at the time: ”Despite all the experience we have both gained, if the forestay goes you have a major problem. We were very pleased to see the lifeboat crew; they were brilliant at working together to recover us and our boat.”

 

 

September                                           

 

Council worker Kyle,25, joins the Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteers

 

Volunteers with the RNLI in Lyme Regis have welcomed aboard their newest sea-going crew member, 25 year old Kyle Knight.

Kyle, a maintenance operative with Lyme Regis Town Council,  went to sea on his first ‘shout’  when two kayakers were reported in trouble off Axmouth.

Dorchester-born Kyle said: ‘I thoroughly enjoyed my first shout . I have always loved the sea , and joining the Lyme Regis RNLI seemed the natural thing to do. It was great to get my first shout under my belt.’

Kyle had been training for just over a year.

Murray Saunders, who was at the lifeboat helm for Kyle’s first shout, said:’ Kyle will be an asset to our sea-going team. He is very keen and showing a good deal of promise.’

Lyme Regis Town Council now has two members of staff on the lifeboat team. The local authority’s Operations Manager Matt Adamson-Drage is a DLA – Deputy Launching Authority

 

 

 

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Shop re-opening

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat shop is due to re-open on Saturday 5th September and the volunteer staff are looking forward to welcoming customers once again through the doors. The RNLI shop adheres to all COVID-19 advice following a full Risk Assessment:
Only 1 person/1 social bubble allowed at any time.
Card payment preferred but cash accepted.

All Christmas cards, calendars and diaries are now in stock....plus lots more!
The hours of opening will be slightly reduced to available volunteers but will be open on a daily basis.

 

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched to divers in trouble nearly 20 miles south

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched this morning at 10am (Monday 31st August) to assist HM coastguard with a vulnerable person near Burton Bradstock.

 

The local coastguard team were also on scene and they were able to deal with the person. The volunteer lifeboat crew were then tasked to a report of persons in the water and a dive boat in trouble 19.5 miles south of West Bay.

As the lifeboat crew arrived on scene it was clear all three people were safe and well aboard the dive boat and managed to get the engine working and then returned to West Bay harbour.

The lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis by 2pm

 

 

27th August 2020                                            

 

Lost portrait of a ‘hero’ presented to Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew

 

 

A 50 year old pencil portrait of a much-decorated Lyme Regis lifeboat crew member has been presented to the town’s RNLI volunteers by the artist’s grandson.

Mark Shephard’s grandmother, Camille Moore, lived in Yawl, Uplyme, when she is believed to have drawn the portrait of John Hodder during an art class at Woodroffe School in the 1970s.

Mr. Shephard kept the portrait in the loft of his home in Godalming, Surrey, but when he saw the name John Hodder on the back,  and the obvious signs that the subject was a lifeboat crew member, he decided to contact the RNLI.

Mr. Shephard said: ‘My grandmother was a very keen artist, and I have other examples of her work. It seemed only right that the portrait should come home to the RNLI in Lyme Regis.’

Mr Hodder, 76, was unable to attend the presentation, but said: ‘I am very grateful to Mr Shephard for his donation of the portrait and would like it to remain at the lifeboat station as a reminder of my years of service with so many superb colleagues.’

Mr. Hodder served with the RNLI in Lyme Regis for 20 years and was recognised for several acts of courage during rescues at sea. Crew members who served with Mr Hodder were known as ‘Hodder’s heroes.’

 

 

 

20th August 2020

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched to 70yr in the water

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this morning (Thursday 20th August) to a report of a person in the water in rough seas off Freshwater beach, near West Bay.


Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteer crew responded to a call from the Coastguard to a report of a person in the water near Charmouth. It was not known whether the reported 70yr old female was conscious or not.

 

The volunteer crew were contacted by the Coastguard at 11.15am to assist, due to the high winds and rough seas, approximately 15 minutes later the crew had arrived on scene to find that the reported person had been recovered by concerned lifeguards from the nearby holiday park. The casualty was checked over by the ambulance crew.

 

The call came from a member of the public who spotted the suspected casualty. This was the 35th call out for Lyme Regis lifeboat this year.

 

The RNLI and HM Coastguard are urging people to visit lifeguarded beaches and take extra care on Friday and Saturday as forecasts predict dangerous sea conditions, involving large swells, strong winds and spring tides.

 

Across exposed coastal areas in Devon and Cornwall, current forecasts for Friday and Saturday are predicting wave heights between 6-9 feet coupled with strong south westerly winds across the region. These conditions, alongside large spring tides, can result in a dangerous sea state and increase the risk of strong rip currents. If you see a red flag at a lifeguarded beach, do not enter the water, as it is unsafe for any water activities. If there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.

 

If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard

 

 

 

13th August 2020                                          

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched after report of two in trouble on inflatable

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched  at 12.54pm today (Thurs) following reports of two people in difficulties on an inflatable 600m off Freshwater Bay.

As the lifeboat crew arrived on scene it was clear the two people were safe and well and being assisted by the West Bay harbourmaster’s launch.

Coastguards then stood down the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew. This was the 34th call for help for the volunteers of Lyme Regis lifeboat so far this year.

 

 

11th August 2020                                            

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched in search for missing man

 

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat answered their 33rd call for help this year to assist coastguards in the search for a man described as ‘vulnerable.’

 The lifeboat launched at 10-15 last night (Mon), conducted a shoreline search and provided a communications relay for coastguards searching the cliffs just east of Axmouth.

Coastguards later found the man on the cliffs, but because of his location the coastguard helicopter was called, and the lifeboat crew were stood down.

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at 1.30am

 

8th August 2020                                              

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew rescue two men on drifting dinghy

Just as the crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat arrived back today after assisting a fishing boat taking on water they were alerted to two men drifting on an inflatable dinghy three miles offshore at Abbotsbury.

The men were in danger, drifting on a strong current, and were taken on board the lifeboat with their dinghy. They were safe and well and taken by the lifeboat to Abbotsbury where they were met by local coastguards.

As the volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, were returning again  they were told of a call from Freshwater beach about a woman possibly in difficulty on an inflatable. But the caller, who first rang the lifeboat station, did not follow up with a call to the coastguards.  The lifeboat crew found no trace of the woman and a search was called off. This call was recorded as a false alarm with good intent.

 

8th August 2020                                              

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat called to fishing boat ‘taking on water’

The volunteers of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis were alerted by coastguards at 9.15a.m. today after a fishing boat was reported to be taking on water off Seaton in Devon.

One lifeboat crew member boarded the 17 foot fishing boat, the Rosie Lee, using a salvage pump.

Finally, the fishing boat, with two people aboard,  was able to sail under its own power and was escorted by the lifeboat crew to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour, arriving at 11.20a.m. This was the 29th call for help answered by the Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteers so far this year.

                                            

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat called to assist ‘lifeboat’

The volunteer crew of the RNLI’s lifeboat in Lyme Regis answered an emergency call yesterday…..to go to the aid of a lifeboat.

A former ship’s lifeboat, once capable of carrying 50 people, was reported drifting with engine problems off Seaton beach. The old lifeboat, named Gryphon, with four men aboard,  was  on sea trials when the alarm was raised by coastguards at 3.55pm.

The Gryphon was later able to sail under its own steam and was escorted by the RNLI crew to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour arriving at 5.20pm.

 

2nd August 2020                                             

Anglers rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew after launching flares

 Two anglers were rescued by the volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis  RNLI lifeboat last night (Sat)  after they accidentally ran their boat ashore on Chesil Beach.

The men, cold and wet, were stranded on the beach when the lifeboat crew arrived.

Lifeboat crew member Tom Crabbe said: ‘Somehow  the mens’ boat – a rigid inflatable – had filled with water when it was apparently beached accidentally and both men had been in the water. They were cold and wet but otherwise seemed ok  and certainly had plenty of safety equipment.’

Among their safety equipment were red flares which the men launched to raise the alarm.

Coastguards ashore had guided the lifeboat towards the men on the beach,

The men were taken to Abbotsbury aboard the lifeboat where they were met by coastguards. The lifeboat crew then towed the rigid inflatable to West Bay harbour.

The alarm was raised at 7.19pm and the lifeboat crew finally arrived back in Lyme Regis at midnight.

 

 

13 July 2020                                      

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat called to Kayak and two children

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday (Sunday 12th July) at 7.30pm to a report of a lady with her two children on a kayak drifting out to sea.

The husband contacted the coastguard who was concerned that they were drifting out to sea, she was reported to be approximately ½ mile south of Golden Cap. The lifeboat crew were on scene 10 minutes after launching and contacted the lady who was not in any trouble. The lifeboat offered to stay with her to see that she arrived safely, but she declined the request.

The lifeboat crew were stood down, having launched at 7.30pm, and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 8.00pm.

                                       

 5 July 2020 

 e man, said to be dressed in black and carrying a rucksack, later disappeared on the cliffs from the view of coastguards ashore and the lifeboat crew.

The lifeboat crew were stood down, having launched at 6.30pm, and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 7.40pm.

 

29 June 2020                                     

Lifeboat launched to kayaker’s distress call

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew launched today after a kayaker  accidentally activated a distress alert on his smartphone.

The kayaker was half a mile south of the town’s harbour when the alert was received by coastguards and had paddled ashore when the volunteer lifeboat crew arrived.

Lifeboat helm Murray Saunders said: “It was a false alarm with good intent, and the kayaker deserves full credit for being safety conscious and using a distress system.

“I don’t think he even knew he had accidentally set it off in his pocket and he was very apologetic.”

 

26 June 2020                                     

 

Lifeboat crew called to teenager drifting on inflatable

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat were called out last night (Friday) following a report of a teenager drifting on an inflatable near Church Beach east of the town’s harbour.

When the lifeboat arrived the youth managed to get ashore by himself and was met by local coastguards who gave him safety advice.

The lifeboat crew launched at 8.22pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 8.46pm.

 

1st June 2020

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this evening to a boy in trouble at Seaton

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this evening (Monday 1st June) at 6pm to a report of a boy in trouble after jumping in the harbour entrance of the river Axe in Seaton.

 

The lifeboat crew were contacted by the coastguard requesting an immediate launch, volunteer crew were quick to launch and were soon on their way to Seaton. On route they heard from the coastguard that the boy was taken ashore by a member of the public who was paddle boarding.

The young boy required first aid attention and the local Beer coastguard team were able to perform this prior to the ambulance crew arriving.

 

The lifeboat crew and coastguard helicopter from St. Athan were standing by but the ambulance crew ashore kept the boy stable and he was taken to hospital for further checks.

 

The lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis harbour about 7pm.

 

Lifeboat Helm Murray Saunders said: “We launched as quick as safely possible as we have been to incidents at the river mouth previously. It is important for people to understand the dangers of the rivers and sea but if you do see someone in trouble in or near the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

 

 

30 May 2020

 

Eight rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew as speedboats run aground

 

Eight people, adults and children from two families, were  rescued by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat today after both their speedboats ran aground at Black Ven east of the town.

The lifeboat crew towed both boats and those aboard back to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour where the families were spoken to by local coastguards.

Lifeboat senior helm Tim Edwards said: “When we arrived on scene we found that both speedboats had run aground, disabling their gearboxes and their engines.”

The lifeboat launched at 2.40pm and the rescue operation ended at 4pm.

 

 

 

 

27th May 2020

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat help woman and dogs cut-off by the tide

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 26th May) at 12.50pm to a report of a woman in distress fearing being cut off by the tide near Pinhay bay, between Lyme Regis and Charton bay.

 

The lifeboat crew were quick to launch and were soon on scene with the boat to begin searching for the stranded woman and her two dogs.

 

The volunteer lifeboat crew spotted the woman ashore who was waving to attract their attention, they deployed a crew member to swim ashore and to reassure the casualty. One of the dogs was blind and struggling with the terrain. The crew member escorted the casualty and dogs to Charton bay, due to the flat calm conditions the lifeboat was able to get close enough for the casualty and dogs to jump aboard the lifeboat to return safely to Lyme Regis.

 

The local coastguard team greeted the lifeboat on return to Lyme Regis harbour and the woman and dogs were taken back to her car.

 

Lifeboat Helm Tom Crabbe said: “The weather and see conditions made for a quick and safe recovery. It is important for people to check tide times before heading out. If you see someone in trouble in or near the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

 

 

20 May 2020  

RNLI and HM Coastguard launch beach safety campaign urging parents to protect their families and save lives at the coast this summer 

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Her Majesty’s (HM) Coastguard today  launch a new beach safety campaign, urging parents to protect their families by following key safety advice to save lives this summer.

Following the recent easing of nationwide lockdown restrictions in England and with children still off school, many more people are expected to visit the coast to exercise and take part in water-based activities.   Last weekend alone, Coastguard rescue teams were called out 194 times in the UK to incidents including; inflatables drifting offshore, crashed jet skis, people injured while out walking or cycling along the coast, paddleboarders, kayakers, windsurfers and kite surfers in difficulty and people cut off by the tide.

In 2019, RNLI lifeguards aided more than 29,000 people on UK beaches in more than 17,000 incidents, saving a total of 154 lives. They also helped to reunite nearly 1,800 lost children and teenagers with their families and aided 346 people in incidents involving inflatables.

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by coronavirus and social distancing the RNLI still hopes to provide a lifeguard service on around 30% of the beaches the charity usually covers in time for the traditional peak summer season. But at present, there are no RNLI lifeguards on UK beaches, and we cannot be everywhere this summer.

Whilst RNLI lifeboat crews and HM Coastguard are still on call ready to respond to emergencies, the message is clear; we need the public to be aware of dangers, take responsibility for themselves and their loved ones and remember that, in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Gareth Morrison, RNLI Head of Water Safety, said: ‘If the charity’s lifeguards were present on the beaches today, they would be preventing many incidents before they even occurred by directing people to safe swimming areas, highlighting dangers such as rip currents and advising people not to use inflatables. These preventive measures are not currently in place meaning people could find themselves in danger if they are not reading the signs and following the relevant safety advice.

He added: ‘Our lifeguards are trained to swim 200m within 3 1/2 minutes, and although our volunteer lifeboat crews are fully operational, should they be needed, they won’t be able to reach you in the same time.

‘It is important that anyone visiting the coast understands that the beach can be a dangerous environment and you must take more responsibility for you and your family this summer. No one ever goes to the coast to be rescued yet RNLI lifeguards rescue 1000’s each year.’

Following key safety advice will keep people safe and help to reduce the demands placed on RNLI lifeboat crews, HM Coastguard and other emergency services.

That is why parents are now being urged to take charge and be ‘beach smart’ if they visit the coast to ensure they and their families have the safest summer possible, whether lifeguards are patrolling their beach or not.

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard said: ‘We know from sad experience that whether you’re local or nor, whatever your ability of experience in your chosen sport or leisure activity, the sea can still catch you out and be unmerciful when it does. Now, more than ever we need people to respect the sea and the coast.

If you get into trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and we will come to your aid. But coronavirus hasn’t gone away, and we all need to follow the rules. Remember your choices might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk. Take extra care in these extraordinary times.’

This summer with beach lifeguard patrols significantly reduced the RNLI and HM Coastguard are advising the public not to use inflatables at all and for everyone, especially parents, planning a visit to a beach or the coast to follow this safety advice:

·         Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage

·         Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water

·         Don’t allow your family to swim alone

·         Don’t use inflatables

·         If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float

·         In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard

 

Background:

·     Roll-out of the normal seasonal lifeguard service was paused at the end of March due to the measures put in place by the UK Government to control the spread of Coronavirus. With changes to the lockdown restrictions allowing the public to visit beaches around the UK and Channel Islands, the RNLI has been looking at plans to resume a lifeguard service where possible. This needs to be consistent with government guidance, but the plan is for the service to build in time so that lifeguard patrols reach 70 beaches by peak season.  Beaches will be chosen based on risk and popularity. The RNLI will also look to achieve a geographical spread while making sure the service provided is flexible and sustainable enough to respond to what may be an ever-changing environment.

For further information on the campaign visit: rnli.org/beach2020

 

19 May 2020

Lifeboat Zoom meeting ends with a ‘shout’

A Zoom meeting of management  volunteers who run the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis came to an abrupt end  last night when their pagers sounded and the  crew launched to answer a ‘shout.’

Police asked for help in dealing with ‘a man behaving erratically’ on the beach at Burton Bradstock.

The lifeboat crew were stood down after police dealt with the incident.

The Zoom meeting of the lifeboat operations team was half way through its allotted 40 minutes, having started at 7pm, when the crew were called out.
 

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week and Carnival cancelled

Two of the biggest and most eagerly anticipated summer events in Lyme Regis – Lifeboat Week and the Regatta and Carnival Week – have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lifeboat Week has been held in the town since the early 1970s and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the RNLI charity. Last year alone the week raised a record £40,000.

Lifeboat Week and the Regatta and Carnival were due to be held at the end of July and early August.

Ken Lavery, chairman of the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Supporters, said: ”This decision was incredibly difficult to make. However, first and foremost we must put the safety and welfare of our visitors, members and volunteers above all else.

“We felt it was impossible to carry out our many and varied activities to the standard  that holidaymakers and members of the community know and love, with social distancing measures in place as they should be.

“Lifeboat Week in Lyme has always been not only great fun for all concerned, but has raised a significant sum to support our voluntary lifesaving efforts.

“Our crew remains ready to go to the aid of anyone in danger on the sea  with our colleagues in the coastguard service and this vital service will continue.

“However, as well as losing Lifeboat Week, a decision has been made to keep the lifeboat shop closed over the busy holiday period to ensure the safety of our volunteers many of whom are in the vulnerable groups.

“Therefore there will be a very significant loss of income this year. We would hope that as many  people as are able will support the RNLI through donations and  by using the online shop so that the loss can to some extent be mitigated.”

Alan Vian, Regatta and Carnival Secretary, said: ”We are so disappointed as we always look forward to being with holidaymakers raising money for local good causes.

“This virus will have a negative effect on local traders during this summer and on the lack of donations that we usually make to local organisations.

“Preparations are already in place for Lifeboat Week 2021 from July 24 to 31 and Regatta and Carnival Week from August 7 to 14 and we look forward to welcoming everyone then. Together we will get through these difficult times, and the message is keep safe and take care.”

11 May 2020                                                              

RNLI statement following UK Prime Minister’s announcement on 10 May.

The RNLI is currently seeking further clarity following the update given by the UK Prime Minister last night, 10 May, and will be engaging with a number of watersport governing bodies and other stakeholders to help inform its response.

 

Many people will want to visit the coast and participate in water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, surfing, boating and angling.

 

At present there are no RNLI lifeguards on beaches and although our volunteer lifeboat crews are fully operational, should they be needed, it is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risk and takes the necessary steps to keep themselves safe.  This will also help to reduce the demands placed on our lifeboat crews and other emergency services including HM Coastguard. In this way we can all work together to succeed in ensuring the coast is a safe place to visit.

 

We would urge anyone planning a visit to the coast to follow RNLI safety advice:

 

•           Take care near cliffs - know your route and your limitations

•           Have a plan - check the weather forecast and tide times

•           If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float

·            If individuals are choosing to go sailing or yachting it is important to ensure that  

      equipment is properly checked and serviceable before going afloat.

•           In any coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

April 25th 2020

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew search for missing diver

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday afternoon (Saturday 25th April) at 3.35pm to a report of a missing diver approximately 5 miles south of Lyme Regis.

The lifeboat crew were quick to launch and were soon on scene with the boat to begin searching for the diver.   

Two fishermen, one from Cornwall and the other from Edinburgh who were both staying in Bridport were diving for scallops when one of the divers became detached from his surface buoy/marker. The diver had been diving without a buddy.

The marker buoy was discovered by the other man aboard the boat with no diver attached, he then contacted the coastguard to inform them of his missing diver.

The coastguard alerted Lyme Regis lifeboat, Exmouth lifeboat and HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from St. Athan and Newquay to search for the diver. At least four other fishing vessels and the Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tyne joined in the search.

After some considerable searching, Sub Lieutenant Boyle from HMS Tyne spotted the diver and Exmouth Lifeboat were able to recover him from the water safe and well.

He was passed to Lyme Regis lifeboat where the crew brought him back to the safety of the harbour.

The diver who did not want to be named said “I came up to the surface with my bag of scallops and was shouting at the guy in the boat but the swell had picked up, the waves were bigger and he was up wind so couldn’t hear me. I saw the helicopter fly over and some of the other boats searching. I was very relieved when the lifeboat crew arrived and pulled me out of the water. Thank you to everyone involved”

The local coastguard team and police were present, and the two fishermen were issued with a fine as a breach of the covid-19 lockdown.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “We are glad that the diver is safe and well however the RNLI is recommending that you should not go in or near the water during this lockdown.

 

 

March 31st 2020

 

Lifeboat crew remain on standby but Blessing of the Boats cancelled

 

 

March 18th 2020

 

Virus alert closes Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station and RNLI shop

 

The following statement is from Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager for the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

“In order to protect our volunteers as much as possible  from coronavirus infection Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station has closed to visitors for the foreseeable future. The RNLI shop on the Cobb has also closed.

“Lifeboat training has been reduced to the bare minimum needed to sustain our ability to deliver a lifesaving service.

“The lifeboat crew will continue to respond to service calls as and when required.”

 

 

March 7. 2020

 

 

Landslips warning to walkers as mother and daughter rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI

 

A warning to coastal walkers about the dangers of being cut off by the tide because of landslips has been issued by the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

The town’s lifeboat crew were called out twice today (Sat) following reports of four people in trouble.

In the first case, just after 3pm, two people managed to walk to safety from Seven Rock Point west of Lyme Regis harbour.

But only minutes later a mother and her ten year old daughter were cut off because of a landslip east of the town as they tried to walk from Lyme Regis to Charmouth looking for fossils.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks himself raised the alarm after spotting Hester Brough and her daughter Iona in difficulties east of the new sea wall.

Mr Marks said: ”The couple had started their walk two hours before high tide but landslips following heavy rain are reducing safe areas ashore and increasing the risk of being cut off earlier.”

One lifeboat crew member, Rich Tilley swam ashore to assist the pair. Then the crew’s X-boat – a ten foot inflatable – was  rowed ashore to pick them up and transfer them to the lifeboat.

Hester Brough, on holiday from Bathampton, Somerset,  said “I am a little embarrassed but we were so relieved to see the lifeboat crew. We won’t be walking in that direction again now that we know about the landslips.

 

 

 

Boys rowed to safety by RNLI crew member after inflatable deflates

 

 

Three boys – two aged 13 and one 14 – were helped to safety today by a Lyme Regis RNLI crew member after their inflatable boat deflated in the town’s harbour.

The lifeboat crew were alerted at 4.55pm. Crew member Rich Tilley rowed the lifeboat station’s X-boat – a ten foot inflatable -to pontoons in the harbour to collect two of the boys. The third boy was already ashore.

The boys were said to be ‘rather wet and apologetic but otherwise unhurt.’

 

 

Saturday 18th January

 

Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat launched to man in fall from Cobb wall

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew were tasked  by HM Coastguard following reports that a man had fallen off the high wall of the Cobb.

 

The lifeboat was about to launch at 3.20pm when crew were advised by a member of the public that the man who had fallen from had been picked up by two people who were paddle boarding.  The lifeboat left the boathouse on to the slipway but it was then decided it was not necessary to launch.

 

Lifeboat crew and the local coastguard team met the casualty, David Crabtree, 65, from Sidmouth when the paddleboarders bought him ashore on Monmouth beach.

 

David and Debbie Crabtree were walking their dachshund dog ‘Prim’ along the high wall when David suddenly slipped, lost his balance and fell into the shallow waters below. Another couple who saw this happen called 999 and asked for the coastguard and an ambulance.

 

Mr Crabtree was attended to by lifeboat volunteers, coastguard and ambulance crew. He then joined the crew in the lifeboat station to warm up before heading back to Sidmouth.

 

Debbie Crabtree said: “It all happened so quickly and luckily there was another couple there who contacted the coastguard and were able to get the attention of the paddleboarders to rescue David. The lifeboat crew have been fantastic and so helpful with looking after David.”

 

As this incident was occurring, another man had fallen from the wall the other side and was attended to by the coastguard and ambulance crew.

 

Nick Marks, Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “The high wall of the Cobb is particularly slippery, the harbour master has temporarily advised members of the public not to access the top of the wall due to large amounts of algae making hazardous walking conditions.”

 

 

6 January 2020

Lifeboat rescues and fund-raising success for Lyme Regis RNLI in 2019

Three rescues due to be screened by the BBC, plus a video Christmas special featuring the crew and their families and an all-time record £40,000 raised during Lifeboat Week...these were the highlights of 2019 for the volunteers of the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

The man at the helm of the lifeboat station, Operations Manager Nick Marks, said: “Once again teamwork and training by the crew and tremendous fund-raising efforts by the Lifeboat Supporters group have contributed to a very successful year  for our volunteers.”

The rescue of two 14 year old boys being swept out to sea from the River Axe in June is due to be seen in the BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea series early in the New Year.

Video using a  helmet camera worn by a crew member shows the boys’ dramatic rescue as they cling to each other at sea.

Footage shot during two other ‘shouts’ is also expected to be featured in the series later this year. They are the rescue of two ex-professional sailors whose dinghy capsized  and the successful search for a woman trapped on cliffs with her two dogs.

The Lyme Regis lifeboat crew answered 33 emergency calls during 2019, a third of them to people cut off by the tide.

The first two ‘shouts’ of the year were to such incidents in the Charmouth area.

Mr Marks said:” We always urge people to check tide times and general conditions when out walking.

“Although the year was largely successful there was also sadness when an extensive search by our crew, Exmouth lifeboat and the coastguard  helicopter failed to find a man who, it later transpired, had died in the Freshwater Bay area.”

Senior helm Tim Edwards, who was aboard the lifeboat when the two schoolboys were rescued and who features in the BBC film of the incident, said “It was a generally  safe and successful 2019 and the rescue of those boys will remain with me for many a year.

“It was a wonderful end to an incident that could have been so different. It’s what makes all our volunteer work and training so worthwhile.”

 

 


Some 2019 'Shouts'

 

 

28. December 2019

 

Hundreds boost RNLI funds by £2k at Christmas Day swim

 

Hundreds of spectators and dozens of fancy dress swimmers enjoyed the Christmas Day sunshine at Charmouth and donated £1,826 to the RNLI .

The event was reckoned to be one of the most successful for several years, and chairman of the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Supporters Ken Lavery said: “It was a great event with perfect sunshine, blue skies and the tide was right so we could use the sandy beach.

“It was just a perfect way to start Christmas Day and, once again, we are so grateful to everyone who donated to our life-saving charity.”

 

 

 

18 December 2019

 

Lifeboat charity donates hamper gift to food bank
 

An anonymous gift of a hamper to the RNLI in Lyme Regis has been donated by the lifeboat crew to the town’s food bank.

The hamper was presented today to  the food bank’s manager, Chris Tipping, of Lyme Forward.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “Lyme Regis lifeboat is very fortunate to have generous supporters to whom we are always grateful

“Recently, a couple, who did not want to be named, handed in a hamper of festive food at the lifeboat shop.

“Wile our crew appreciate this gesture we recognise there are people in the town who would benefit from these items  and who do not enjoy the level of support that we do. We therefore decided to donate the hamper to the food bank, and we thought it appropriate that one deserving charity such as ours

 should support another very worthwhile enterprise, particularly at Christmas.”

 

 

17 December 2019    

 

Lyme Regis volunteers feature in the RNLI’s heart-warming Christmas film

 

RNLI volunteers from Lyme Regis lifeboat station are the stars of the very first Christmas film produced by the lifesaving charity.

 

Filmed on location at the station in Lyme Regis the heart-warming film aims to celebrate the dedication and commitment of all its volunteer lifeboat crews who will be on call during the Christmas period.

 

The RNLI’s festive film follows 25-year-old full-time TV Production Coordinator and crew member, Georgia Robson. Whilst preparing Christmas dinner, she is called away by the sound of her pager. She races to the lifeboat station to join the rest of the crew who are preparing for rescue.

 

The crew launch the lifeboat to search for a casualty who they thankfully find and bring back to safety. As they prepare the lifeboat for service again, they discover a festive surprise in the station boathouse.

 

Over recent years, it has become a festive tradition for charities and businesses to release promotional Christmas films and adverts. But instead of actors and big budgets, the RNLI have produced the film in-house, featuring the very people who will be in action over Christmas.

 

Star of the film Georgia, a volunteer crew member, said: ‘I loved being involved in this film. Christmas is a time where families come together, but RNLI volunteers can be called away from their families and homes at any moment. I think this film beautifully highlights the 'togetherness' found within crews all around our coast.'

 

Sharing her thoughts on the festive film, Director of Fundraising, Media and Marketing, Jayne George, said, ‘Our RNLI festive film shows the magic of families coming together at Christmas.

 

‘But it also shows the reality of Christmas for some of our volunteers who will still be on call during their festive celebrations. We want to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers and supporters, we couldn’t do it without them.’

 

RNLI lifeboat crews in the south west are busier than ever, with a 500% increase in call outs over the festive period* in 2018 compared with the same period 40 years ago. Facing a ‘Perfect Storm’, the lifesaving charity experienced a shortfall in funds last year, but more people than ever still need its help.

 

To help the RNLI volunteers continue to save lives at sea, please visit RNLI.org/ThePerfectStorm.  The film can be downloaded as a file from the News Centre

 

 

 

15 December 2019

 

 

Lifeboat crew praised for ‘safe and sound’ year

 

A safe, sound and efficient year was how the man at the helm of  the RNLI  in Lyme Regis described 2019 at the crew members’ Christmas dinner last night (Sat).

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said that so far this year the volunteer crew had answered 32 calls for help and held 40 training sessions ‘no mean achievement.’

Some 60 crew members, their family and friends, attended the dinner at the Harbour Inn.

Special awards were made to helm Mark Colley, who has completed 20 years voluntary service with the RNLI, and former crew member Mark Gage for 15 years service.

The much-coveted award for the person voted the crews’ crew member of the year went to helm Tom Crabbe.

Tongue-in-cheek awards went to Tom Wallis  who ‘won’ the Bent Propeller Trophy, and two crew members were voted Tractor Drivers of the Year...John Cable and Garry Gibbs.

 

 

Get ready for a fancy dress dip on Christmas Day

 

 

Charmouth’s famous Christmas Day swim is being held again this year, weather permitting.

The event began many years ago and was organised by villagers.

Year after year dozens of hardy souls – dressed as vicars, dinasaurs and crusaders to name but a few – plunge into icy water just for fun and to support fundraising for the RNLI.

Again this year volunteers from the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew will also be in the water keeping a watchful eye on proceedings.

And also again this year the licensees of the Royal Oak, Charmouth, Sue and Matthew Bracey, will be providing a welcome glass of mulled wine.

Sue said: “The free wine goes down very well with the swimmers, but this year we will have more bottles so that can serve spectators as well for a donation to the RNLI.”

Swimmers are asked to arrive at 10.30 ready for an 11am start.

 

 

10th December 2019

Homebredy House residents produce calendar to raise donations for RNLI charity

 

On Thursday 5th December, a presentation of £106.00 from donations and sales of calendars was made by resident Bill Hancox to Krys Lavery (RNLI Shop Manager, Lyme Regis)

 

Homebredy House provides retirement housing in East Street, Bridport. Manager Jacqui Street explained that Bill had put together the calendar with contributions in rhyme and paintings from members of the Homebredy House, Art and Poetry Clubs.

 

The front page is devoted to Lifeboats and Crews with a collection of humorous rhymes and pictures to enjoy throughout the year.

 

The cheque was handed over by Bill to Krys and a further £104.50 was raised by sales from a pop-up shop of RNLI goodies set out at the afternoon tea party.

 

In all a total of £213.00 was raised to help the RNLI save lives at sea.

 

Nick Marks, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station said “We are very grateful for the residents of Homebredy House for this donation, the RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.”

 

 

26th November

 

Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat launched to woman and 2 dogs stuck on cliffs

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched yesterday afternoon to a report of a woman with her two dogs stuck on the cliffs.

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat worked together with HM Coastguard teams to rescue a woman, 33 from Cardiff with her 2 dogs who was stuck at the base of the cliffs at Black Venn, between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

 

Volunteer lifeboat crew launched the lifeboat at 4.35pm and after performing a shoreline search, they were able to locate the casualty because she was using the torch function on her mobile phone.

Two of the lifeboat crew swam ashore to assess the situation and casualty.

It was a very high tide so the woman had decided to move to higher ground, this made it very difficult for the Coastguard teams to access the location.

 

The lifeboat returned to the station to transport members of the Lyme Regis Coastguard Response Team and another lifeboat crew to assist with the recovery.

 

The Coastguard Rescue helicopter was requested to help and arrived to winch the casualty back to Charmouth for further assessment. The volunteer lifeboat crew utilised their small X boat for transporting the 2 dogs and crew ashore back to the main inshore lifeboat.

The woman and both dogs were safely recovered and all in good health.  

The lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis harbour with the Coastguard team and 2 dogs by 8pm .

 

 

 

Supper success

Donations to the RNLI at a fish supper at Lyme Regis lifeboat station on Saturday totalled £519. 25p.

The supper was hosted by former chef Petrina Muscroft, and 23 diners tucked into a large soup pot of chilli con carne, two slow cookers of fish curry, three large salmon and one gammon. A quiz and a raffle helped to boost donations.

 

 

17 November 2019

 

Teens learn the ropes at lifeboat station

Five teens, who spent six months learning the ropes with volunteers of the RNLI in Lyme Regis, got their reward  today … a half hour trip in the town’s lifeboat.

The youngsters, all students at Woodroffe School, are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards and have spent the past six months attending training sessions  at the lifeboat station to complete  the volunteer section of the  scheme.

The lifeboat trip marked the end of their sessions with the lifeboat team.

Helm Brian Street took each  of the youngsters to sea, one at a time, with other crew members. Two of the students are Brian’s sons, Logan,15 and Tyler, 17, who is hoping to join the crew soon.

Another of the youngsters, Rafferty Porter,15, is the son of Steve Porter who is a DLA - Deputy Launching Authority- at the lifeboat station. As he came ashore Rafferty said: ‘That trip in the lifeboat was so cool; so much fun, and who knows I might join the crew one day.’

The other two students were Jack Evans ,15, and Merlin Thompson, 14.

Brian Street, a helm with the lifeboat for 15 years, said : ‘ For the past six months these young men have been shown rope work, navigation methods, chart work and all about the workings of the lifeboat and the station as a whole.’

Former DLA Ian Marshall and DLA Steve Porter also worked with the youngsters.

 

 

16 November 2019

 

 

Caravan park donations boost RNLI charity

Donations by visitors to a Charmouth caravan park resulted in a cheque for £3,130 presented today to the crew of Lyme Regis  RNLI lifeboat.

The owner of Wood Farm Caravan Park, Jane Bremner , made the RNLI  her charity for the year, and the 4,500 bookings  for the park  resulted in the bumper donations.

The caravan park has been in Jane’s family for 47 years and has 300 pitches.

Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager in Lyme Regis, said: ‘The generosity of Jane and her visitors is much appreciated by all members of our crew.’

Next year’s charity at Wood Farm will be Dorset Mind.

 

 

15 November 2019

 

Diver rescued by lifeboat joins Lyme Regis RNLI

 

A former diving instructor who was once rescued by a lifeboat crew has joined  the volunteer RNLI team in Lyme Regis.

Paul Carey,61, who moved to Lyme Regis from Sussex this year, has joined the management team at the town’s lifeboat station as a DLA – Deputy Launching Authority.

Paul, who started diving at 14, soon after he learned to swim, was rescued with his dive ‘buddy’ after they surfaced only to find their dive boat had disappeared.

“We were in the water for 45 minutes with waves of three feet. The dive boat reported us missing and we were very relieved when the RNLI arrived,” said Paul.

As a qualified lifesaving examiner, boat handler and VHF radio tutor, Paul also taught diving at Poole Dive Centre.

Paul, who worked with adults with learning difficulties in Sussex  for 20 years, said:”I will never forget my gratitude at being rescued by the RNLI, and when we moved to Lyme Regis I thought here was the ideal opportunity to give something back by volunteering.”

Paul and his wife Karen have three grown up children, twins Lucy and Anna,24, and Timothy, 26.

 

 

 

Tuck into an RNLI Fish Supper and help us save lives at sea!

 

 

 

27 October 2019

 

Lifeboat launched to children aboard ‘sinking gig’

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched today (Sunday) after a gig with children aboard was overwhelmed by waves and filled with water.

It happened 200metres off West Beach, West Bay.

Everyone involved, including about six youngsters and three adults, reached shore safely.

Volunteer lifeboat crew, paramedics and coastguards ashore treated some of the gig occupants.

The lifeboat crew launched at 9.48, initially to a report of ‘an overturned gig with people in the water.’ When they arrived on scene adults and childen were ashore, some inside the harbourmaster’s office. The gig was on the beach.

Two lifeboat crew members, Georgia Robson and Andy Butterfield, went ashore to assist with ‘casualty care.’

The lifeboat then returned to Lyme Regis to pick up crew member Mark Ellis, who is also a full time paramedic, and helm Murray Saunders to assist, along with another paramedic, in treating children and adults.

Mark Ellis said:” I was able to treat two women and a young girl who were in some distress.”

 

 

Canoe club in rescue exercise with RNLI crew

 

A major exercise involving the RNLI lifeboat crew based in Lyme Regis and members of the Axe Vale Canoe Club has been hailed a success and a valuable contribution to improved safety at sea.

The exercise involved ten experienced kayakers and canoeists, and the scenario simulated a club member becoming ill. The lifeboat crew located the ‘casualty’ using VHF transmission from kayakers and then assisted canoe club members and their kayaks from the scene of the incident to the Axe marina.

Mike McAlpine, RNLI volunteer Community Safety Officer, said: ”The key message was being able to call for help can save lives. On a small craft like a kayak carrying a PLB – Personal Locator Beacon – is always a good idea.

“A hand held VHF radio is worth considering, as well as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch which works well on many parts of the near shore.

“The exercise was a success for both the lifeboat crew and the kayakers with important lessons being learned.

 
Lifeboat crew’s dramatic rescue of two boys to feature in BBC TV’s Saving Lives at Sea

Four members of the volunteer crew of the RNLI’s Lyme Regis lifeboat will feature in the BBC 2 series Saving Lives At Sea after their dramatic rescue of two boys being swept out to sea.

The rescue, at the end of June, was filmed by a lifeboat crew member using a helmet camera and shows how two 14 year old boys were found clinging to each other after being swept out to sea some 200 metres from the River Axe.

The boys, Archie Woollacott and Bozhidra Bobev – known as Bo – are both students at Axe Valley Academy, Axminster.  Archie later helped to raise £700 which the school presented to the RNLI after he had his hair shaved off by a fellow student.

Archie, his mum Emily, and Bo feature in the film along with  lifeboat crew members Tim Edwards, Murray Saunders, Andy Butterfield and Nikky Williams.

Saving Lives At Sea, featuring the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew, is scheduled for transmission sometime  on BBC 2 We'll let you know

 

 

18th October 2019

 

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew rescue man in the water being swept out to sea

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this afternoon (Friday) to a report of a man in the water in difficulty at Seaton, Devon. The volunteer crew were  quick to launch, only 8 minutes after being requested by HM Coastguard at 1pm.

The lifeboat arrived in Seaton less than 15 minutes later and were able to locate and rescue the man who was wearing a drysuit and lifejacket with bright colours. The volunteer crew returned with the man to Lyme Regis lifeboat station.

Lifeboat helm Murray Saunders said: “We were able to get to Seaton quickly considering the rough seas, it was a good job the man was wearing appropriate protective clothing and a lifejacket. This helped when we  began searching and were able to rescue him rapidly.”

 

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis harbour with the casualty aboard safe and well at 2.00p.m.

 

 

 

13th October

Lifeboat launched to ‘man on cliffs’

Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched last night (Sat) after reports of a man scrambling up cliffs apparently to avoid a high tide.

Coastguards ashore and the volunteer lifeboat crew searched an area east of Lyme Regis but found no trace of the man.

The lifeboat launched at 7.19pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 8.30pm .

The incident was recorded as a false alarm with good intent.

 

 

Sailing Club fish supper catches £660 for RNLI

 

A fish supper hosted by Lyme Regis Sailing Club served up a £660 donation for the volunteers of the town’s RNLI charity.

The supper was held last Friday (Oct 11th)  and sixty meals were served at the club’s headquarters thanks to the help of Vic Pelaou from Lyme’s Fish Bar.

The event was organised by the sailing club’s Trish Williams along with Di Mattock. The duo and Vic are pictured with the giant cheque which they presented to  lifeboat crew members at their training session today.

Another fish supper in Lyme Regis is planned for November 16th when former chef Petrina Muscroft hosts a feast at the town’s lifeboat station.

It’s the third year running that Petrina has held a fish supper as part of the RNLI’s fund-raising activities.

Once again this year the RNLI is encouraging people to come together with friends, family or their local community to have fun and enjoy a fish-themed dish to help save lives at sea.
She will do two sittings, 6-8pm and 8.30--10.30. There will be a choice of fish dishes and vegetarian, minimum donation £7 and bring your own drink.
 

Every penny raised during the RNLI Fish Suppers around the UK and Ireland will help prevent drowning and will go towards vital lifeboat crew kit, fuel for lifeboats, and essential training, including the charity’s many drowning prevention programmes such as Swim Safe sessions for children.

 

 

October 5 2019

 

Lifeboat Week breaks all records

 

The final total for Lifeboat Week and associated summer  fund-raising events in Lyme Regis this year is £40,315.  Treasurer for the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, Brian Cursley, announced the result and said: “There is little doubt that this is the best result ever after all expenses.”

Supporters chairman, Ken Lavery said: “This is just an  amazing  total and a tribute to all the RNLI volunteers involved in planning and running the events and, of course, we send our thanks to the many hundreds of generous people who gave donations during the week.”

 

 

27 September 2019

 

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched to two people & a dog cut off by tide

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched yesterday afternoon (Thursday) when coastguards reported two people and a dog cut off by the tide at Black Venn, between Charmouth & Lyme Regis.

Sea conditions and visibility were good, the lifeboat crew were in communication with Lyme Regis coastguard rescue team and conducted searches along the beach but were later stood down by the coastguard.

Nick Marks, Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager in Lyme Regis, said: ‘Conditions around the coastline this weekend are challenging with high tidal surges, large surf, and potential cliff falls. Anyone out walking should check the tide times prior to setting off.

As always, if you see someone in difficulty please call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

The lifeboat was launched at 4.20pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour an hour later. 

This was the 23rd emergency call answered by the RNLI volunteer crew at Lyme Regis so far this year

 

 

 

22nd September 2019

 

Lifeboat launched to ‘swimmer reported to be in trouble’
 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched yesterday  following a report of a person in the water requiring assistance off Beer beach.

The volunteer crew were tasked by the coastguard at 3.20pm to launch the lifeboat and arrived only 15 minutes later at Beer. The crew worked together with the Beer coastguard team and discovered the swimmer has made it safely to shore and was safe and well.

This was the 22nd time the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis have launched.

The lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis harbour an hour later.

 

 

 

15 September 2019

 

Lifeboat launched to ‘paddleboarders in trouble’

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched last night following a report of two paddleboarders in difficulty six miles south of West Bay harbour.

The volunteer crew  carried out a search but nothing was found and the ‘shout’ – the 21st so far this year - was recorded as a false alarm with good intent.

The lifeboat was launched at 6.40 pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour an hour later.

 

 

 

5 September, 2019

 

 

Lifeboat Week hits a £36,000 jackpot for life-saving charity

 

Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis this year raised some £36,500 for the RNLI charity, the organisers heard last night.

Treasurer Brian Cursley announced the week’s financial results at the first meeting since the event of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters.

In his detailed report, Mr Cursley revealed that out of around 72 events the top earners were the water or wine lucky dip (£6,002), the glossy programme of the week’s events (£3,760) and the book stall (£2,556).

Since the early 1970s Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week has boosted the life-saving charity’s funds by hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In the last seven years alone volunteers have raised £250,000, thanks to the generous donations of visitors, residents and traders in the town and surrounding areas.

Chairman of the Lifeboat Supporters Ken Lavery said: ‘This year’s week was just brilliant and a huge tribute to everyone involved. All the new events did well as did the old favourites.  We are now planning an even more ambitious week for 2020.’

Next year’s Lifeboat Week is July 25th – 31st.

 

 

 

4th September 2019

 

Artist Jess  donates to RNLI after national sailing championships

 

Jess Douglas, local artist/illustrator and Lyme Regis Sailing Club member, has presented a cheque for £130 to the volunteers of the town’s RNLI.

The donation to the lifeboat charity was raised during the Firefly National Championships  hosted in Lyme Regis in August. Jess sold copies of her promotional Firefly poster.  

Copies of the poster  are still available.  Contact Jess on her website: https://www.jessdouglas.com/

 

 

30 August 2019

 

Lifeboat joins big search after ‘flare’ report

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat joined a search last night (Thursday) after a fishing boat crew reported seeing two red flares a few minutes apart at sea.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 10pm and were at sea until half past midnight, searching from Charmouth in the east to Seaton and Sidmouth to the west of Lyme Regis.

The lifeboat crew joined a search with a coastguard helicopter, Exmouth’s RNLI lifeboat and coastguards ashore from West Bay and Beer.

Nothing was found and the lifeboat crew were stood down by Solent coastguards just after midnight.

 

 

25 August 2019

 

Sea anglers net £3,000 for lifeboat volunteers

Members of Seaton’s Sea Angling Club yesterday (Sat) presented a cheque for £3,000 to the volunteers of the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

The donation to the lifeboat charity  was raised during a number of fund-raising events including the annual barbecue. The total included a large sum raised in  memory of Chris Cox, whose son Nathan is a member of the club.

 

 

 

Now lifeboat crew get a floating X-Factor !

 

Lifeboat volunteers in Lyme Regis now have their own version of the X-Factor to help them save lives at sea.

The RNLI has supplied the town’s lifeboat crew with a so-called X-boat …a ten foot inflatable with oars.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks explained: ’The idea is to try and avoid asking crew members to swim ashore to reach people, particularly  those cut off by the tide. This has sometimes been necessary when the lifeboat has been unable to get close to shore safely.’

The  crew are currently evaluating the value of the inflatable which is taken aboard the lifeboat and then later rowed ashore to offer reassurance, or even first aid, to anyone in trouble.  Nick Marks added:’ We are hoping the X-boat will improve our operational ability still further to assist those in difficulty ashore.’

 

 

August 11 2019

 

Sailors rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew as their dinghy capsizes

 

Two ex-professional sailors were rescued by the  crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat today when their dinghy capsized in strong winds  500m south of the town’s harbour.

Sam Brearey, 30, from Canterbury, and Christian Birrell,also 30, from London, were training for a national sailing championships event  next weekend when when the forestay – a rope supporting the mast – broke and their vessel capsized throwing them both overboard.

Both men were in the water when the lifeboat crew arrived. The 14 foot Merlin Rocket sailing boat with the two men aboard was then towed by the lifeboat  to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour.

Sam Brearey said:’ Despite all the experience we have both gained, if the forestay goes you have a major problem.

‘We were very pleased to see the lifeboat crew, who were brilliant at working together to recover us and the boat. There was simply nothing we could do after the forestay broke.’

The volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch by coastguards at 2.27pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 4pm.

 

 

 

10 August 2019

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched to three cut off by tide

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched this afternoon when coastguards reported three people cut off by the tide at Freshwater Bay, east of the Dorset resort.

Sea conditions were rough, and the lifeboat crew was stood down when coastguards ashore assisted the three people to safety.

Nick Marks, Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager in Lyme Regis, said:’Conditions around the coastline this weekend are challenging with tidal surges, large surf, strong rip currents and cliff falls.

‘It is very likely that swimming, bodyboarding, or surfing will not be safe.

‘Anglers, walkers and those taking photographs are reminded to keep a safe distance from the water. As always, if you see someone in difficulty please call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

The lifeboat was launched at 12.20pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour an hour later.

This was the 15th emergency call answered by the RNLI volunteer crew at Lyme Regis so far this year.

 

 

August 10 2019

 

Lifeboat launched to ‘six cut off by tide’

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched yesterday (Fri) after coastguards received a report of six people cut off by the tide on Spittles beach east of the town.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 1225 and soon established that all six people had managed to reach safety ashore. The lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis harbour some twenty minutes later.

August 4, 2019

Lyme Regis  Lifeboat Week heading for another success

Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis was heading for  another financial success for the RNLI’s life-saving  charity as the event came to an end yesterday (Fri).

Early estimates were that donations totalling £28,000 had been received  with the final figure expected within a week or two.

The week started in brilliant sunshine with the popular appearance of John Challis - Boycie in Only Fools and Horses – officially opening the event.

Second- hand book sales, the wine or water raffle, a birds of prey talk with barn owls and a bald eagle, the spectacular Red Devils Army parachute display team, not to mention the tug ‘o war across the harbour mouth and the bathtub race….all proved big attractions for visitors and residents.

Almost a hundred took part in the swimming challenges for children and adults from Cobb Gate to the North Wall of the harbour. 

Around 500 hot dogs cooked by the lifeboat crew were sold, and 650 plastic ducks raced to the finishing line on the River Lym with prizes for the winners and the last ‘competitor.’

The singalong version of the Mama Mia! film was a sell-out at the Marine Theatre.

Ken Lavery, chairman of the organisers, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, said: “It was a great week with new events and old favourites all very popular.

“I can’t thank enough those who took part and donated to our charity. Their generosity once again was just amazing. I must also thank all our volunteers who gave their time to run the 72 different events.

“The rain on one day did not dampen the spirits of anyone.”

Tug ‘o war across the harbour mouth and the bathtub race rounded off the week on Friday. The lifeboat crew won the tug ‘o war against a team from the sailing club, sea school and football club. The sailing club’s bathtub, Cat-Astrophe won with the Boat Building Academy’s Bare Minimum second and Kersbrook Chaos third.

The lifeboat crew and their bathtub called Time for Bed came last and had to be towed into the harbour….by the lifeboat.

 

 

1st August 2019

 

 

'Buskers’ 25 years at Lifeboat Week

  

Two musicians marked 25 years ‘busking’ at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.

Friends Holly Chapman. 70, and 92 year old Ivor Hyde have been playing together for 35 years, mainly at barn dances. But they have also appeared at Lifeboat Week every year, Holly, from Axminster, with her violin and Ivor, from near Chard, with his accordion.

Together they have raised hundreds of pounds for the RNLI. “It’s just a great pleasure to play in the open air, and the public are very generous,” said Holly.


 

August 1st, 2019

 

 

Hazel,86, knits a pattern for charity work

  

If anyone summed up the spirit of charity work during Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week it was Hazel Swindells, 86, from the West Midlands.

Hazel is grandmother to Claire Perkins, the young woman who drowned in 2011 when her electric wheelchair fell into the town’s harbour.

Hazel,  her daughter Paula and Paula’s husband, Mark, travel from the West Midlands every year to help RNLI volunteers running the week which often raises £35,000 for the life-savung charity.

During the week Hazel sold programmes at the lifeboat station and at the same time knitted fingerless gloves which she sold for the RNLI. One visitor bought a pair for £14.

Hazel said: “I knit all day and every day and the gloves have been very popular.”

Hazel knits all year round, anything from the gloves to jumpers and cardigans, and always for charity including the one that supports people with the illness her grand-daughter suffered from.

 

 

27 July 2019

 

First day crowds enjoy sunshine at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week

 

Huge crowds packed Lyme Regis today in the sunshine for the first day of this year’s Lifeboat Week.

A major attraction was the appearance of actor John Challis – Boycie in Only Fools and Horses – to officially open the week and then to deal with long queues to sign his autobiography.

Another major event was the welcome display by the Lyme Regis inshore lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, the all weather lifeboat from Exmouth and the coastguard helicopter from St Athan, South Wales.

Belly dancing from the Easter Promise group, an art exhibition and a display by members of the Weymouth and Portland Model Boat Club also attracted admiring audiences.

 

 

27 July, 2019

 

Three thrown overboard as dinghy is swamped by waves

 

Three young men, thrown overboard from their dinghy, have been praised by the RNLI for their text book response to the drama.

The men’s dinghy was swamped by waves at St. Gabriel’s Steps near Golden Cap last night (Friday).

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched at 6.40pm. after coastguards reported the dinghy capsize and three people in the water.

Members of the volunteer lifeboat crew who responded to their pager alert included seven who had just started  to take part in a charity cricket match at Uplyme on the eve of lifeboat week.

The three men, all wearing lifejackets, managed to swim safely ashore. One member of the lifeboat crew also swam ashore to assist coastguards who escorted the three to Charmouth.

Ken Lavery, Deputy Launching Authority at the lifeboat station, said: ”The young men responded to their dilemma in an exemplary manner. All wore lifejackets, they kept each other in sight as they swam ashore, one had a kill cord attached to his ankle so their outboard engine stopped, and they even removed the petrol tank to avoid pollution. It was text book stuff.”

Owner of the 3.8m inflatable James Chambers, 23, from Leatherhead, Surrey was visiting Dorset with his fiancé Georgie, also 23, for their engagement party. The other two aboard the dinghy were James’ brother  Harry, 19, and friend James Goodall, 23, also from Surrey.

James Chambers said: ”We were hit by a big wave at the back of the dinghy and we were all tipped out. We were about 100metres from the beach. We swam ashore and we were all fine.”

 

24th July 2019

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched after report of people in the water and a broken down fishing boat

Lyme Regis Lifeboat launched today
(Wednesday) at 12.45pm today to a report of a 3 people in the water and a broken down fishing vessel near West Bexington.
Volunteer lifeboat crew were quick to launch after being notified by the coastguard. On arriving on scene, the crew discovered the casualties had made it ashore and managed to bring their 15ft fishing boat ashore.
The trio from Berkshire were on their fishing boat when it suffered engine failure, they managed to get the boat ashore and wait for assistance.
Two of the lifeboat crew swam ashore to liaise with the West Bay coastguard rescue team to ensure the casualties were safe and well. The crew set up a tow and towed the boat and people back to West Bay. The lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis by 2.30pm

 

20 July 2019

 

School’s £700 donation to RNLI life-savers

 

Pupils at Axe Valley Academy in Axminster have donated more than £700 to the RNLI in Lyme Regis following the rescue of two of their school colleagues last month.

One of the 14 year olds, Archie Woollacott, handed a donation of £731 to volunteer helm Murray Saunders at the school’s last assembly before the summer break yesterday (Fri).

The money was raised by Archie who had his head shaved for sponsorship and by hundreds of students who donated on a non-uniform day.

Archie, from Fishpond, Dorset, and his friend, known as Bo, were rescued by the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew after being swept out to sea from the mouth of the River Axe on June 28.

Youngsters at the  packed school assembly were  given some sea safety advice by Murray Saunders on the eve of their six week summer holiday. He warned against so-called tomb-stoning and urged the students to remember the RNLI’s message to:’ Respect the Water.’

 

12 July 2019

 

Another close shave for Archie, 14, after rescue by lifeboat crew

 

A 14 year old schoolboy rescued with his friend after being swept out to sea from the River Axe has had another close shave.

Archie Woollacott, from Fishpond, Dorset, had his hair shaved off today to raise a donation for the RNLI volunteers from Lyme Regis who saved him and his friend, known as Bo, also 14,  on June 28.

With a hundred of his fellow students at Axe Valley Academy and his mum, Emily, looking on Archie had his very short back and sides as fellow student Sammie D’Alberlansln wielded the electric razor.

Archie reckons he raised some £300 with his haircut and the school also received donations for the RNLI on its no-uniform day. A presentation is planned for next Friday at the last assembly before the summer break.

30th June
One of the boys our crew rescued, (see below) Archie Woollacott, surprised us by presenting the crew with a lemon drizzle cake he had baked this morning. Archie attends cookery classes at school and said: "I just wanted to meet the crew who saved me and to say thank you properly." It now appears that he and his friend, Bo, were in the water for about an hour. Photo shows Archie (right) in the bows of the lifeboat with the cake and  helm Murray Saunders and other members of the crew foreground.

28th June 2019

 Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew rescue two boys being swept out to sea

Two teenaged boys being swept out to sea from the River Axe were rescued tonight by the volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat.

The lifeboat was launched at 6.20pm after a report of one boy in difficulties. It later became clear that two boys were in the water, and it is thought one was trying to help the other.

The lifeboat was on the scene within ten minutes of launching and with the help of Beer coastguards found the boys some 200 metres out at sea  south of the River Axe.

Lifeboat helm Murray Saunders said:” The coastguards were a terrific help and guided us to the boys who were waving to us. It was very fortunate that we found them so quickly. They were obviously very cold and relieved to see us.”

The boys were taken aboard the lifeboat and then winched from the lifeboat to a coastguard helicopter. It is understood they were then transferred to an air ambulance and taken to hospital in Dorchester.

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 7.20p.m. 
More with video on the rescue of two boys on the River Axe on the RNLI News Centre:

 https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2019/june/29/lyme-regis-rnli-crew-rescue-two-boys-being-swept-out-to-sea

 


28 June 2019

 

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week 2019 aims to be bigger and better than ever

Plans are being finalised for Lifeboat Week, one of the biggest summer attractions in Lyme Regis and a huge fund raiser for the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea.
This year’s event gets under way on July 27th , and the official opening will be performed by actor John Challis who played Boycie in the BBC TV hit series Only Fools and Horses.

All the old favourites are in the week’s attractions…the bath tub race, tug o’ war across the harbour mouth, and the spectacular Army parachute display team The Red Devils.

As usual there will be a mix of events to appeal to all ages, including the swimming challenge for adults and children, a fascinating birds of prey demonstration and a crab fishing competition for the youngsters.

One new attraction this year is a singalong version of the film Mama Mia ! being screened at the Marine Theatre. This event also includes a competition for the best Abba adult and youngster outfit.

Lifeboat Week is organised by the local volunteer RNLI fund-raisers, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, with help from the lifeboat crew.

Chairman of the Supporters Ken Lavery said:”  At first there were lifeboat days, but Lyme Regis has had a action-packed lifeboat week since the 1970s, and in recent years the event has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for our life-saving charity.

“On average the week raises between £30,000 and £35,000 and we are deeply grateful to visitors, residents and traders for their generous donations.

“This year we believe we have a bigger and better event all round, and all we need for another great week is good weather.”

This year it’s hoped to provide a detailed programme on line and it  will also be available at outlets around the town and, of course, the lifeboat shop on The Cobb.  

 

Lyme Regis RNLI flag at half mast following French lifeboat  tragedy

The flag at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis was flown at half mast following news of the loss of three crew members when a French lifeboat capsized during a rescue.

Lifeboat Operations Manager in Lyme Regis, Nick Marks said: “As a mark of our respect we took the decision to lower our flag on Friday and a message of support was posted on twitter.”

The RNLI said in a statement: “This is tragic news and a shock to all of us in the lifesaving family. Times like this remind us how perilous the water can be, Our thoughts go out to all involved.”

 

 

Lifeboat flag day success

Flag day in Lyme Regis and Charmouth in aid of the RNLI charity on June 1st raised £990.09.
Organiser Gwyneth Barker said: “We had forty volunteer collectors on duty during the day and, once again, we are so grateful for the donations to our charity that exists to save lives at sea.”

 

28th May

 

Authors put lifeboat in the picture with photo donation

 

 

The joint authors of a top selling book about Dorset, who presented a £1000 cheque to the volunteers of Lyme Regis RNLI, today turned that cheque into a gift of photographic equipment for use by the lifeboat crew.

Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir have already donated some £40,000 to charities, proceeds from their books including Deepest Dorset,  which covers a wide range of subjects about the county including food, farming, fossils and landscape.

Fanny said:” We first presented a cheque but then we heard the lifeboat crew wanted some photographic equipment  to help raise their profile even higher. We wanted the donation to be spent locally and we are delighted to help.”

Fanny and Gay presented crew member Dave Holland with a telephoto lens and photo printer.

Fanny and Gay’s book is published by Deepest Books, price £20. More information at www.deepestbooks.co.uk or phone 0196332525.

 

 

 

 

26th May

Blessing of the boats remembers tragedy and rescues
An estimated two hundred people attended today’s Blessing of the Boats open air service at the RNLI’s lifeboat station in Lyme Regis. The poignant service was conducted by the Rev. Rosemary Bragg, interregnum team vicar, and the Rev Eric Holdstock from Lyme Regis Baptist Church.  The lesson was read by the recently elected Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe.
Four wreaths were taken out to sea by members of the volunteer lifeboat crew, marking remembrance of those who have died but also celebrating ‘relief and gratitude’ for lifeboat crews, coastguards and helicopter crews all of whom have saved many lives.
Music for the service was provided by Lyme Regis Town Band.
 

25 May  2019

 Million-pound training fund helps Lyme Regis RNLI crew learn vital skills

Two  volunteer crew members at Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station have had a vital part of their crew training funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
 

Georgia Robson, 25, and Dave Holland,46,,   recently travelled to the RNLI College in Poole,  to complete the charity’s Crew Emergency Procedures course.. Georgia, is a business manager with a vehicle comany  and Dave  is an assistant bar manager.

 

The course sees volunteer crew being trained in a variety of crucial subjects such as how to deal with fires aboard lifeboats, how to ‘abandon ship’ in the event of an emergency (with a 4m jump into water), team survival swimming, coping in a life-raft in simulated darkness, how to right a capsized inshore lifeboat, and the importance of lifejackets. It also includes sessions on the correct use of flares, fire extinguishers and grab bags.

 

Talking about the training, Dave said:”  The course was informative, invigorating and I have learned a great deal,, all of which will be immensely useful in my volunteer duties with the lifeboat crew. Myself and Georgia also greatly valued the team building aspect of the course.”

 

Georgia and Dave’s training took place in the Sea Survival Centre at the RNLI College, where they were joined by other RNLI volunteer crew members from around the UK and Ireland.

 

The training was funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a charitable foundation that helps to protect life and property by supporting engineering-related education, public engagement and the application of research. The Foundation has committed to funding the RNLI’s Crew Emergency Procedures course for a second 5-year period until December 2020. This additional funding of £1.06M brings their total support for RNLI crew training to just over £2.46M* since 2008. More than 3,000 RNLI volunteer crew members have now received the training thanks to Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s funding. 

 

James Kilburn, Lifesaving Delivery Training Manager at the RNLI said, ‘We are so grateful to Lloyd’s Register Foundation for funding this vital part of our volunteer crews’ training.

 

‘Their support is very important to us and it’s fantastic how, so far, over 3,000 of our crew members have benefited from Lloyd’s Register Foundation funding this part of their training. As only one in ten of our volunteer crew members comes from a professional maritime background, the Crew Emergency Procedures course is crucial in giving our volunteers the training they need and helping keep them as safe as possible

 

 

 

 

Lifeboat teams welcome all to open day and blessing of the boats

 

 

Crew members and supporters of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis are staging an open day followed by the annual Blessing of the Boats service on Sunday, May 26th.

The lifeboat station on the Cobb will be open from 10am to 2pm. Blessing of the Boats begins at 3pm.

During the open day volunteer lifeboat crew and members of the fundraisers, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters Group, will be on hand to talk about all aspects of volunteering for the charity.

The supporters organise many fund-raising events throughout the year including Lifeboat Week which this year starts on July 27th.

Chairman of the supporters group, retired surgeon Ken Lavery, said: ”Lifeboat Week is our major fund-raising event and  donations during the week regularly total around £30,000.

“Our volunteers are incredibly enthusiastic, but we could always do with more help so we thought we would hold an open day in the hope that we might interest more people to join us. We are a very friendly group and there are plenty of social activities during the year.”

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks also hopes to attract some interest from men and women who may want to join the volunteer crew.”We hope the open day will give an opportunity for visitors to discuss with us how the lifeboat operation works and if we find a few people who would like to join the crew so much the better.”

So far this year the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew have answered six emergency calls. Last year’s total was 40 ‘shouts.’

Anyone interested in joining the supporters group can do so on May 26th or call membership secretary Anne Marks on 07802 675985.

The Blessing of the Boats  inter- denominational service at the lifeboat station will be conducted by local clergy and will be accompanied by the Lyme Regis Town Band.   

 

Four rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI crew as speedboat breaks down

 

Four people – two men and two women – were rescued by the volunteer RNLI crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat last night (Monday) when their speedboat suffered engine failure.

The lifeboat was launched at 7.52pm and was on scene, 100metres south of Golden Cap, seven minutes later.

The lifeboat crew towed the speedboat to the safety of West Bay Harbour, arriving at 8.22pm and returned to Lyme Regis at 8.50pm.

This was the sixth ‘shout’ for the Lyme Regis crew so far this year.
 

‘Deepest Dorset’ helps to keep RNLI Lyme Regis afloat

The joint authors of Deepest Dorset, a book which looks at what makes Dorset special, have donated £1,000 from sales to a charity they also regard as special…the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

 

Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir have already donated some £40,000 to charities, including the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, the Dorset Community Foundation and the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust following sales of the book.

 

Fanny Charles, who  presented a cheque to Deputy Launching Authority Ken Lavery, said: “The lifeboat volunteers do a fantastic job and we wanted to be certain our donation went to this particular group of people based in Lyme Regis.”

 

Deepest Dorset covers wide-ranging subjects including landscape, and literature, food, farming and fossils, architecture, the arts  and the oil industry and is published by Deepest Books, price £20. For more information visit www.deepestbooks.co.uk or phone 01963 32525.

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched  after report of  two people in the water and sinking boat

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched today  at 11am after reports of two people in the water and a sinking boat at Seaton, Devon.

 

The volunteer crew arrived on scene within ten minutes of launching by which time one person had reached  shore safely and the  other had been recovered by a passing fishing vessel and then transferred to the Sidmouth independent lifeboat. Both people were met by an ambulance team ashore.

 

The lifeboat crew managed to recover the sinking 20 foot vessel and towed  the boat back to Lyme Regis where more crew were able to work  with the harbourmaster’s team to recover the boat to safety.

It was reported that the boat had hit the harbour wall when trying to leave Axmouth harbour near Seaton.

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat helm Jon Broome said: ‘Our crew were quick to launch and get to Seaton in a  flat sea. Thankfully the two people were safely ashore when we arrived so we could focus on recovering the damaged boat.

 ‘This Easter bank holiday weekend will see  high tides so we would urge members of the public to take care when out walking and check tide times.’

 

Lifeboat fund-raisers highlight a year of success

A change of name, nearly £67,000 raised for the charity last year and plans a for a better-than-ever Lifeboat Week in 2019.

These were the highlights of the annual meeting of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild last night (Weds).

After decades as a Guild the volunteers, who form the fund-raising branch of the RNLI, are now members of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters Group.

Chairman Ken Lavery said the title of RNLI Guild ‘does not tell people what we are about.’

Members voted for the name change and now plan an open day at the lifeboat station in a bid to raise the profile of the group and attract new members.

Mr. Lavery praised a ‘superb’ committee and said plans were now under way for  a better than ever Lifeboat Week with many old and new events.

Treasurer Brian Cursley reported that the group had raised a total of £66,806 for the life-saving charity during 2018, including £35,152 during Lifeboat Week.

He said:”It has been an extremely good year, and all down to our volunteers.”

The meeting heard that takings at the lifeboat shop on the Cobb totalled £138,203 and it had been the best performing RNLI shop not attached to a museum or visitor experience centre.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks told the meeting that the volunteer crew members had answered 40 emergency calls during the year.

Analysis of the ‘shouts’ showed that most involved missing persons, people cut off by the tide, and broken down vessels.

Mr Marks said that because there were locations between Lyme Regis and Golden Cap where the lifeboat could not be beached crew members had to swim ashore to reach people in trouble.

He said the question of getting an additional, much smaller boat for use in such situations was being investigated.

 

15 March 2019

Georgia gets her first ‘shout’ as a lifeboat crew member…while she is in the dentist’s chair

The third ‘shout’ of the year today (Friday) was the first for Georgia Robson, only the fourth woman ever to join the volunteer crew of the RNLI’s Lyme Regis lifeboat.

And the occasion was certainly one she won’t forget…she was in the dentist’s chair when her pager sounded the alert. “I just had to apologise and explain why I had to leave,” said Georgia, “and I have now made another appointment to finish my treatment.”

Lyme-born Georgia, 24, joined as shore crew just over a year ago and recently qualified as a sea-going  member of the team.

She said: ”We were called to investigate an unidentified object floating near the promenade at West Bay, so it was just a little worrying as to what we would find.

“It turned out to be nothing more serious than a large marker buoy but, of course, when the coastguards receive a call from a worried onlooker we have to go.

“I just love being a member of the crew and will have to be patient for my second opportunity to go to sea on a shout.”

The lifeboat was launched at 11.52a.m.and returned to Lyme Regis harbour an hour later.

 

 

 

Midlands coffee club mark Lyme Regis RNLI rescue of soldier with £700 donation

 

 

Members of  a coffee club in the land-locked Midlands have sent a donation of £765 to  RNLI volunteers in Lyme Regis to mark their part in the rescue of a soldier with a broken leg in 2017.

Tim Robinson, now 56, slipped on rocks and staggered for more than two hours in the dark before he was found by the lifeboat crew and coastguards near Golden Cap, east of Lyme Regis  in January two years ago.

Tim’s parents, Anne and Noel Robinson, are members of the Wednesday Coffee Club at Etwall in Derbyshire and when the club decided  to nominate the RNLI as their charity for 2018 they suggested a donation to the Dorset volunteers. A similar sum was sent to the RNLI team at Exmouth which had hosted a visit from the club.

The chairman of  the City of Derby Fundraising Branch of the RNLI, William Stanier, gave a talk to the coffee club and received the donation. Tim Robinson spoke of his gratitude to his rescuers at the same meeting.

During the rescue two first-aid trained members of the lifeboat crew, Tom Crabbe and Tom Wallis, went ashore to help coastguards assess Mr Robinson’s condition. The lifeboat crew later took Mr Robinson aboard to a waiting ambulance at Lyme Regis harbour.    

 Nick Marks, Lifeboat Operations Manager in Lyme Regis, said:  ”We were delighted to hear of this donation from RNLI supporters so far from the sea, and we are pleased to hear that Mr Robinson has recovered from his ordeal.”

 

24 February 2019

Cliff Warning

Coastguards and the RNLI in Lyme Regis have issued a stark warning to people risking their lives as they ignore the dangers of the beautiful Jurassic Coast.

The latest warnings follow two incidents in which seven people were cut off by the tide, and photographs emerged of a couple and four children climbing in the mud on a cliff at Charmouth.

Volunteer Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “This latest evidence of people climbing the cliff with children is a serious concern, as is those who become cut off by the tide.

“ I fear serious injury, or even loss of life, is a real possibility when people do not take seriously the dangers that the coast presents.

“That is not to say they should not enjoy the coast, but it is to emphasise that they must take great care and plan their activities according to the conditions”

The photographs were taken (last Thurs) by a fossil hunter on the beach at Charmouth, who said:”I was horrified to see two adults and four children, all apparently under the age of ten, climbing the cliff. Mud was actually falling off the cliff at the time.

“I also saw two wellington boots stuck in the mud and presumably abandoned by their wearers.”

Coastguards, who have dealt with several incidents involving people cut off by the tide or trapped on cliffs, have also issued many warnings and advice.

Nick Bale, Station Officer at Lyme Regis Coastguard, said today (Sun): “We have carried out six rescues in the space of 72 hours. In all cases the casualties have put themselves in unnecessary danger through lack of forethought and ignoring straightforward advice and signage. Their rescuers have also been put into these dangerous situations.

“Coastguard advice remains very clear…do not put yourself at risk by climbing  cliffs or investigating muddy areas as you can easily become stuck. If you do become stuck, remain calm and keep as still as you can.

“If you find yourself in difficulty at sea, on the beach or the cliffs or if you see something which gives you cause for concern do not hesitate…dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

 

20th February 2019

 

Lifeboat called to couple cut off by tide

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched yesterday (Tuesday 19th Feb) to assist coastguards ashore following reports of two people cut off by the tide near Charmouth.

 

The lifeboat crew launched at 5.15pm and were quickly on scene, the casualties were attempting to walk in the shale mud landslides below the cliffs between Charmouth and Golden Cap. One of the volunteer crew swam in to help, they waited for the coastguard rescue helicopter and were winched up and taken to a landing site in Charmouth setup by the local coastguard teams.

 

The two people rescued were teachers from West London visiting the area for the day. One said “we are so grateful to everyone involved with rescuing us today and we’re ever so sorry for the inconvenience”

 

This was the second emergency call answered by the Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers to assist with people cut off by the tide in the last three days.

 

Nick Marks, Lifeboat Operations Manager said “We would encourage any visitor to the area to check tide times before walking along the beach, either Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre or Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. This half term week the local area is experiencing very high tides, so it is very important to check.”

If you see anyone in trouble in the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

 

Lifeboat called to five cut off by tide

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched Sunday, 17 February to assist coastguards ashore following reports of five people and a dog cut off by the tide near Charmouth.

The lifeboat crew, who launched at 4.05pm, stood off liaising by radio with coastguards ashore, until a rescue helicopter arrived and landed the people safely on dry land.

This was the first emergency call answered by the Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers so far this year.

 

 

30 January 2019

 

 

Christmas 2019 comes early for Lyme Regis  lifeboat families

Christmas this year came eleven months early last night (Tues) for the crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis and their families.

The lifesaving charity chose the town’s crew to feature in a film spelling out the need to stay safe by the water and emphasising how the volunteers are available all year round.

The film features crew member Georgia Robson as she is about to tuck into her Christmas dinner. Her pager goes off and she runs through the streets of Lyme Regis to the lifeboat station.

The lifeboat is launched and the crew ‘rescue’ Seb Cope, one of their colleagues.

Later Georgia discovers that crew members and their families have all turned up at the lifeboat station to have their Christmas dinner, and finally she can enjoy hers after responding to the lifeboat ‘shout.’

The film’s director Harrison Bates, from the RNLI’s Film and Image department at headquarters in Poole, said: ‘Filming went extremely well and the crew and their families were fantastic. We hope the film will stress the need to keep safe by the water, not only at Christmas, and will also demonstrate how the RNLI’s volunteers are on call all year round.’

It’s hoped the film will be screened on-line and on social media, among other outlets, close to Christmas.

 

20 January 2019

Coastguard Helicopter Exercise Volunteers with the RNLI’s inshore lifeboat based in Lyme Regis took part in a major exercise with the coastguard helicopter today (Sun). The 75 minute exercise began when the helicopter, from St. Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, landed on the beach and the aircraft’s winchman transferred to the lifeboat.

Senior lifeboat helm Tim Edwards said: ”This was a really valuable exercise in dealing with a casualty at sea, particularly with the winchman aboard to advise on the handling of difficult situations when performing complicated rescues involving the coastguard helicopter.”

 

 

14 January 2019

 

Beth drops in at Lyme Regis RNLI on walk around UK

Long distance walker Beth Wilkes called in at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis today (Monday) during her marathon journey around  the UK coastline.

Beth, from the West Midlands, started her trek at Tower Lifeboat Station on the River Thames on 3 October and plans to visit all the RNLI premises during the year.

Beth is raising funds for the RNLI and the Lowland Rescue charities and aims to travel some ten miles a day staying with supporters on the way.

She was welcomed  in Lyme Regis by volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks who said: ”I never cease to be amazed by the efforts of people supporting the RNLI in our efforts to save lives at sea. I wish Beth every success in her mammoth undertaking.”

 

9 January 2019

 

New Year challenges for lifeboat crew

Three members of the crew of the RNLI’s lifeboat in Lyme Regis have made New Year role changes after serving as volunteers for almost a total of four decades.

Self-employed carpenter Mark Colley has retired as a helm on reaching the sea-going age limit of 55 in December and after serving for 20 years. He plans to continue as shore crew and to assist with training new recruits.

Mark Gage has reluctantly left the crew after moving home to Bridport. In 15 years he served as shore crew, boat crew and boat and tractor mechanic. He works as an energy and environment manager for the Brend Hotel Group.

Mark Gage said: “It has been an honour and  privilege to volunteer with the Lyme Regis RNLI crew and I leave with a heavy heart.”

Pete (correct) Cable,24, joined the crew at 17. He left to go to university, returned and has now left to join the Royal Navy where he plans to train to become a Weapons Engineer Officer. He hopes to assist as shore crew with Lyme Regis RNLI during leave from the navy.

Pete’s father John is a long-serving member of the lifeboat crew.

 


Some 2018 shouts

 

27 December 2018

 

Lifeboat launched to ‘drifting kayaks’

 

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat answered their 40th emergency call of the year today (Dec 27) following reports of  what appeared to be two drifting kayaks a mile and a half to the east of the town’s harbour.  The ‘kayaks’ turned out to be large black fenders drifting out to sea south of the Black Ven cliff. The fenders were recovered by the lifeboat crew and taken ashore at Lyme Regis harbour.  The lifeboat was launched at 11.30am and the crew returned to harbour half an hour later.   

 

26 December 2018

 

Charmouth Christmas Day swim brings out the crowds

 

A gloomy Christmas Day morning did nothing to deter spectators and swimmers for the annual display of crazy and colourful costumes and generous donations to the RNLI for the annual fancy dress swim at Charmouth.

An estimated 300 people watched as dozens of swimmers – Santas, skeletons, elves and vicars among them – charged into the  chilly  waves as Lyme Regis town crier Alan Vian announced the start of the popular event.

At least £1,500 was raised for the RNLI charity, and the event was supported by the landlords of Charmouth’s  Royal Oak pub, Matthew and Sue Bracey, who supplied warming mulled wine for the courageous swimmers.

 

 

December 26 2018

  

RNLI wellie dog family has a puppy for Christmas

  

One of the most popular features on the Cobb in Lyme Regis, the dog created from worn - out lifeboat wellies, had a happy event in time for Christmas.

With the help, in his garden shed, of long-serving RNLI lifeboat crew member Garry Gibbs, the one wellie dog outside the lifeboat shop has become a family of three.

Dozens of Boxing Day visitors to the town took photographs of the dogs, and the next development will be finding a family name.

“That may have to wait until lifeboat week next year, “ said RNLI shop manager Krys Lavery, “but we still have to make a decision on this important issue.”

Wellie dog family creator Garry Gibbs said: “Lots of people asked me if the one dog would have a family because he looked lonely outside the shop. So I found some more worn-out wellies and the mummy dog and the puppy are the result.”

 

 

9 December 2018

 

Lifeboat volunteers honoured for long service

 

Sixty people- members of the crew, their families and friends – welcomed Christmas yesterday (Sat) at the annual presentation party of the volunteers of Lyme Regis RNLI.

Four crew members, who have volunteered  for a total of 90 years, received awards. They are Andrew Rice (30 years), and Lance Taylor, Tim Edwards and Brian Street, all 20 years.

The award for the crew member of year – voted by the crew – went to senior helm Tim Edwards.

Somewhat less serious presentations were the Bent Propeller Trophy ‘won’ by Mark Colley and the Man Overboard award to John Rickard.

A special award – a photograph of the event – went to three members of the crew who were rescued by their own colleagues in August, An onlooker ashore thought kite surfers Elliott Herbert, Murray Saunders and Rich Tilley were in difficulties when the wind dropped a mile off Charmouth.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks told partygoers at the Harbour Inn that 2018 had a been a successful year with almost 40 ‘shouts’ , around twice the total for the previous year. More trainees had joined and the crew never once missed a launch because of a shortage of volunteers.

He added: ”We have a very good team and we can take pride in having done our job pretty well.”

 

 

14 November 2018

 

Exhausted windsurfer rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew

 

A  windsurfer in difficulties was rescued on Saturday 10th November by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat

The alarm was raised by a  woman who was watching the windsurfer from Lyme Regis beach. When she could not see the windsurfer  for about 10 minutes, she called coastguards.

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched at 1pm and was quickly on scene to assist the exhausted windsurfer. He was taken aboard the lifeboat and returned to the safety of the lifeboat station by 2pm.

This was the 38th emergency call answered by the lifeboat crew so far this year.

 

 

2 November 2018

 

Lone sailor rescued after bitterly cold night at sea

 

 

A lone sailor who spent hours at sea in an open boat in bitterly cold conditions was rescued today (Fri) by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat.

The man had been reported in difficulties in a 15ft yacht eleven miles east of the town by Lyme Regis fire chief Virgil Turner who was on a fishing trip.

The man was found to be suffering from the effects of the cold conditions and was taken to Lyme Regis harbour by the lifeboat crew where he was met by an ambulance. He was later taken to hospital.

After getting the man safely ashore, the lifeboat crew returned to the scene and towed the yacht to Lyme Regis harbour.

The lifeboat launched at 8.35am and returned to the boathouse, after two journeys to sea, three and a half hours later.

This was the 37th emergency call answered by the lifeboat crew so far this year.


 

22 October 2018

 

Man and two dogs in speedboat rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew

 

The skipper of a 16ft speedboat and his two dogs were rescued by the volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat this afternoon (Mon) when his vessel broke down two miles off Axmouth.

The lifeboat was launched at 2.26pm and the crew towed the speedboat to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour. This was the 34th emergency call answered by the Lyme Regis volunteers so far this year.
 

 

21 October 2018

 

Coastguards and lifeboat crew aid elderly woman injured after fall on rocks

 

Coastguards and the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat went to the aid of a 71 year old woman who fell on rocks during fossil hunting today (Sunday).

The woman, a regular visitor to Lyme Regis from her home in Jersey, was with members of her family, including two grandchildren, when she fell and badly injured her right leg on Monmouth beach west of the town.

Coastguards ashore decided it was not safe to carry the woman across stones and boulders and requested the lifeboat to stand off. The lifeboat was launched at 3.03pmand returned to the boathouse at 4.25pm. A coastguard helicopter took the woman to hospital in Dorchester.

Two lifeboat crew members went ashore to assist coastguards.

The woman’s son said: “We are very grateful for the help my mother received from the coastguards and the lifeboat crew.”

The family did not wish to be named.

 

13th October 2018

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launches in Storm Callum

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched in rough sea conditions on Friday (12 October) to a report of a person in the water near Chesil beach.

The lifeboat volunteer crew responded to a call from the Coastguard following a report of a person in difficulties.

The  crew were contacted by the Coastguard at 3.35pm.  Half an hour  later the crew were stood down when a local coastguard response team reported it was not a person in the water.

The alarm had been raised   by a member of the public and was recorded as a false alarm with good intent.

 

10th October 2018                                                                  

Lyme Regis RNLI station – Mayoral visit

Lyme Regis lifeboat hosted Dorset Mayors at the station as part of the Lyme Regis Town Councils Civic Day.
Lyme Regis Town Mayor Michaela Ellis welcomed about 40 Mayors, Chairman, Deputy Mayors and other dignitaries from across the county as part of Civic Day. The notable representatives were taken on a tour of the lifeboat station, the lifeboat and tractor and received a presentation on the importance of training and equipment required for the volunteer crew.

Nick Marks, Lifeboat Operations Manager said, “We were very happy to welcome the representatives from Dorset councils which has enable us to highlight contribution of our volunteers in saving lives at sea, RNLI fundraising and promoting the wider RNLI initiatives for community safety”.

 

10 October 2018 

Tributes are paid to Irene Roper, ‘a passionate volunteer’

 

Tributes have been paid to Irene Roper, former chairman of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, who died during this year’s Lifeboat Week.

Irene was a member of the guild for nine years and chairman for four.

She was passionate about Lifeboat Week, in particular, and it is estimated that during her spell as chairman no less than £156,000 was raised for the RNLI charity.

Irene moved to Lyme Regis from North London eleven years ago. Her partner, David, died three years ago.

Irene had three sons, Matthew, Stuart and Daniel and seven grandchildren.

In April this year it was announced that Irene was to receive the RNLI’s Excellence in Volunteering Award. It will now be accepted by her sister, Maggie and son Daniel at a ceremony in London in November.

Irene was also a supporter of the Royal British Legion.

As her sister, Maggie put it: ”Irene loved volunteering for the RNLI and also worked in the shop.  But she absolutely put her heart and soul into Lifeboat Week.”

 

2 October 2018

Golden wedding couple donate their ‘presents’ to RNLI

 

Donations to the RNLI come in all shapes and sizes and for all sorts of reasons. And every one is greatly appreciated by the charity that saves lives at sea.

The volunteers of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew received a cheque recently from Mrs Ann Rawlins living in Borough Green, Kent.

 She wrote:’ I had the dubious pleasure of reaching my 70th birthday recently, and, even more extraordinary, celebrating a golden wedding anniversary!

‘We asked for donations, in lieu of presents, for the RNLI, a much worthier cause than us ! Most of our friends have donated online, thus increasing the donation with gift aid.

‘I am sending the cheque to you as I met my husband, Bryan, when I was eight and he was 11. We were both members of the sailing club in Lyme Regis and he proposed to me at the end of the Cobb !’

Mr. and Mrs. Rawlins were married at Uplyme church and her parents retired to Lyme Regis. Her father, best known as ‘Spud’ Taylor, was commodore of the sailing club.

 

18 September 2018

 

Lifeboat crew rescue man as dinghy capsizes

 

One man was rescued by the volunteer RNLI crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat when his vessel capsized on Sunday.

The lifeboat was launched at 4.30pm after a concerned onlooker alerted coastguards when he saw the dinghy capsize just outside the harbour.

Two members of the lifeboat crew entered the water to assist the man and right the dinghy.

 

 

15 September 2018                                                                            Lyme Regis

  

‘Exhausted’ yachtsmen  rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew

 

Two men reported to be exhausted aboard a yacht in storm force wind conditions were rescued by the volunteer RNLI crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat last night. (Friday).

The men, who were sailing from Salcombe to Portsmouth, were in difficulties five miles south west of West Bay.

A lifeboat crew member boarded the 24ft yacht and assisted the men to sail into West Bay harbour.

The lifeboat crew launched at 9.41pm and returned to Lyme Regis at 12.35a.m.

 

10 September  2018

Lifeboat Week sets an all-time record with £34,000

Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis this year has set an all-time record with a final total raised for the lifesaving charity of £34,765.

Members of the organising group, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, along with lifeboat crew members, heard the news from  treasurer Brian Cursley at their meeting last week.

He said: ”It’s a terrific result, and is £5,693 up on donations last year.”

Guild secretary Maggie Sullivan said new events this year had proved very popular and despite poor weather at the beginning – with just one or two events being re-scheduled – it had been an exceptionally successful week.

The meeting heard that the Army’s parachute display team, the Red Devils, had been extremely popular and general feedback from the public had been ’terrific.’

The top ten achievers in relation to donations and participation were the water or wine stall, the programme, fireworks display, breakfast baps, the duck race, Red Devils, the book stall, yard of ale, name the yellow welly dog and the swimming challenge.

Guild chairman Ken Lavery said:  “ The hard work and dedication of all our volunteers has produced a remarkable result  this year and the RNLI – the charity that saves lives at sea - will be proud of their efforts.

“The generosity of all those visitors and residents who donated to our charity must also be praised.

“But there was also sadness, and we pay tribute to Irene Roper, former chairman of the Guild, who died during this year’s Lifeboat Week.

“She worked tirelessly for our charity for several years and was passionate, in particular, about Lifeboat Week. We are delighted that Irene’s  sister, Maggie, is continuing as secretary of the guild because, as Maggie says, that is what Irene would have wished.” 

 

15 August 2018

Lifeboat launched to broken down yacht

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat to-night answered their 22nd call for help so far this year from two men aboard a 21 foot yacht with engine failure.

The crews’ pagers sounded the alarm at 7.25pm, and the lifeboat was quickly alongside the yacht a short distance east of the harbour.

The lifeboat crew towed the yacht to the safety of the pontoons just outside the harbour.

 

 

7 August 2018                                                         

RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat assists broken fishing boat 4 miles south of Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday (Monday 6 August) to a report of a broken down small fishing vessel.
Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteer crew were tasked to assist the Coastguard with a stranded fishing vessel with two people aboard. The boat was reported to be 4 miles south of Lyme Regis.

The volunteer crew were quick to launch after being contacted by the Coastguard at 6.20pm to assist a fishing boat that had suffered power failure. The inshore lifeboat headed south from Lyme Regis to the position of the stricken vessel. The crew set up a tow and were soon back in Lyme Regis harbour where the casualty boat was recovered. The lifeboat was back in the station by 7.30pm.
Jon Broome, helm of the crew said: 'It was a quick and efficient recovery of the fishing boat and the crew worked well as a team to ensure the safety of the casualty.’
 

 

28 July 2018

Lifeboat Week first days hit by rain and high winds

Rain and high winds on the opening weekend of Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week caused the postponement of at least two major events.

Today (Saturday) the swimming challenges for adults and children were postponed because of high winds and choppy seas. They will now be held at 7pm and 7.30pm on Friday.

The bathtub race on Sunday was also postponed because of  poor weather in the forecast and will now be held at 6pm on Thursday.

The welcome display by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was held today but without the Shannon class lifeboat from Exmouth. Her volunteer crew were called out this morning to assist a 25 foot yacht which had been dismasted. They towed it to safety in West Bay Harbour.

25 July 2018

 

Lifeboat launched to two incidents

 

Volunteers at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis dealt with two incidents today (Weds).

The lifeboat was launched at 2.36pm after reports that two people were possibly in difficulties on an inflatable and in a kayak 400metres off Freshwater east of Lyme Regis.

The lifeboat crew established that a man and a woman who were both still at sea were safe and not in trouble.

As the lifeboat crew were returning to Lyme Regis harbour they were asked to assist a couple aboard a 42 foot yacht. A mooring chain had wrapped around the rudder. The crew released the chain and then towed the yacht to a safe mooring.

The Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers have now answered 17 calls for help so far this year.

 

 

 

10th July 2018                                                            

Colyton Vintage Tractor run presentation

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat were involved with the Colyton Vintage Tractor run earlier this year. Nearly 120 vintage tractors made their way from Colyton to Uplyme via Whitford, Musbury, Combpyne, Cannington viaduct and Lyme Regis

 

The Colyton Tractor run is an annual event and this year the monies raised was split between the RNLI and The League of Friends Axminster Hospital.

Crew from Lyme Regis were in Uplyme to welcome the participants and drivers on a very hot May bank holiday.

 

Pictured Colyton Vintage Tractor run committee Arthur Parsons, organiser of the Tractor run presenting a donation of £1750 to Seb Cope from Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station and Kevin Salter presenting a donation of £1750 to Dr Barry McKenna from the League of Friends.

 

 

30 June 2018

 

Couple rescued by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew after speedboat is swamped by waves

 

Plans for a barbecue and a night camping on the beach went disastrously wrong last night  for a young couple.

A man and his girlfriend in their 30s,  from Colyton, were trying to beach their 14ft speedboat when it was swamped by waves and holed on rocks at Charton Bay, west of  Lyme Regis.

They were rescued by the volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat after the man raised the alarm with his mobile phone. The lifeboat crew were paged to launch at about 1030pm

The speedboat’s skipper, who did not want to be named, said:’ We both tried for about two hours to get the water out of the boat, but in the end it was a write-off and I had to call for the lifeboat.

“We had set up the barbecue, but I am afraid we never got anything to eat. We were very relieved to see the lifeboat crew who did a great job.’

The couple were taken to safety from the beach by the lifeboat crew who also pumped out the speedboat and towed it into Lyme Regis harbour at 1145pm

 

10 June 2018                                                             

 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat rescues eight divers

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday morning to a report of a broken down 6 metre dive boat.
Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteer crew were tasked to assist the Coastguard with a stranded diving vessel with eight people aboard.

The volunteer crew were contacted by the Coastguard at 11.45am to assist a dive boat that had suffered power failure. The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat headed south from Lyme Regis for approximately 3 miles to the position of the stricken vessel. The crew set up a tow and returned the boat with the divers to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour.

Peter Glanvill, Chairman from The Lyme Bay Sub Aqua Club said “We enjoyed a fantastic dive photographing the marine life on the wreck ‘Heroine’ with club members and some divers visiting from Leicester but it was a tad embarrassing when the engine would not start! We are extremely grateful to the RNLI for arriving so promptly and towing us back to Lyme.”

Lifeboat helm Tom Wallis said: 'The crew were very proficient which enabled a quick recovery for the divers and their boat”

 

 

29 April 2018

 

Penny farthing pair cycle for charity

 

Penny farthing enthusiasts and football fans Seb Cope and his father Alistair cycled from Derby County’s ground to Aston Villa at the weekend for a charity close to their hearts.

Seb, 35, a member of the RNLI lifeboat crew in Lyme Regis, and Alistair, 59, from Seaton, raised more than £200 for the Aston Villa Foundation community charity during their 50-mile cycle ride.

Seb, whose great, great grandfather was born just yards from Villa Park, said:”We cycled on roads, paths and canal towpaths and had a greet reception from people along the way, and especially football fans.”

On the way to Aston Villa the pair stopped at the National Arboretum where Seb paid his respects at the RNLI memorial.

At the end of their journey they watched Aston Villa draw 1-1 with Derby County.

Seb and Alistair regularly organise vintage cycle events, and the next one, Velo Vintage, is at Seaton on June 30. For details go to www.velovintage.co.uk

 

25 March 2018                                                                       

 

RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat assists broken fishing boat 30 miles south-west of Portland

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this morning (Sunday 25 March) during a training session to a report of a 6 metre broken fishing vessel.

Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteer crew were tasked to assist the Coastguard with a stranded fishing vessel with two people aboard. The boat was reported to be 30 miles south-west from Portland.

 The volunteer crew were on a routine training session when contacted by the Coastguard at 9.50am to assist a fishing boat that had suffered power failure. The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat headed south from Lyme Regis for approximately 18 miles to the position of the stricken vessel. The crew set up a tow and 2 hours later were back by West Bay where the helm of the lifeboat Jon Broome had to carefully negotiate manoeuvring around the dredging machine currently in the harbour.

 Dave from North Devon, one of the rescued men said: ‘We were so relieved to see the lifeboat heading towards us and we are very grateful for our safe recovery.’

 Jon Broome, helm of the crew said: 'It was a great opportunity to put the training into action and the crew worked well as a team to recover the boat and men safely.’

 

24 February 2018
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched twice in night

After returning to the lifeboat station at 11.45pm last night (Friday 23rd), the volunteer crew launched again at 02.15 this morning to continue the search for the reported missing man.

Senior helm Tim Edwards, in the operations room at the lifeboat station, said: ‘After a report from the police helicopter we were asked to carry out a search about 300metres off the West Bay piers, but found nothing.

‘Our four crew members then waited in the West Bay coastguard station for the arrival of the coastguard helicopter. We then resumed the search at about 5am, but it was called off around an hour later.’

 

How Garry turned old wellies into a fun fund raiser

What to do with the Lyme Regis lifeboat crews' worn out yellow wellies was the puzzle for long serving RNLI volunteer Garry Gibbs. Landscape gardener Garry took the redundant footwear home to his workshop.

And 8 hours and 7 boots later the result was a dog-shaped model which will become a star attraction during lifeboat week this summer.

Garry, a member of the lifeboat crew for 22 years, said " A dog seemed the obvious answer to the recycling issue with the old wellies. I hope to make another animal when more old wellies become available.”  Now, organisers of Lyme Regis lifeboat week - starting on July 28 - are planning to run a competition to name this very rare breed and to raise funds for the RNLI charity.

 

 


  2017

 

10 December 2017

 

Lifeboat crew tributes at Christmas party

 

An award for 30 years’ voluntary service, tongue-in-cheek tributes and a Christmas dinner all contributed to the success of the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew’s annual presentation party last night (Saturday).

Some 50 people – RNLI crew members, their friends and family – attended the event at the Harbour Inn.

Among the awards were the White Star Line award to helm Mark Colley, the Watch Your Language award to John Bird and the Bent Propeller trophy to Brian Street.

Consultant surgeon Ken Lavery, who is a Deputy Launching Authority, received a photograph of himself on the ground – not needing hospital treatment ! –after failing to clear a fence during  a crew visit to an Exeter Chiefs rugby match.

Most popular award of the night, receiving a standing ovation, was to  postman Andrew Rice who has just completed 30 years as a volunteer member of the lifeboat crew

 

 

 

27th September 2017                                                             

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat rescues 5 teenagers

 

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched in early hours to rescue 5 teenagers from stricken yacht.

Lyme Regis lifeboat was requested to launch to assist a 35' sailing yacht that had broken free from its mooring off Lyme harbour at 2.45am this morning (Wed). The sailing boat had drifted towards the shore and ran aground on the beach near Lucy's Ledge in Lyme Regis. There were seven people on board including five teenagers. 

The lifeboat launched and was alongside the casualty vessel 15 minutes after the Coastguard requested the launch. The five teenagers were rescued off the casualty boat and taken to the lifeboat station, all were safe and well with no injuries.

The volunteer crew of the lifeboat then returned to the casualty vessel and managed to tow the boat away from the beach back to a mooring.

The boat was a Tradewind 35 sailing yacht called TS Vigilant, part of the Sea Cadets fleet. The boat and crew were on route from Plymouth to Poole, stopping at Lyme Regis for the night. The five Sea Cadets were from the London and Birmingham areas.

Helm Tim Edwards said "I was pleased we were able to get the teenagers to safety of the lifeboat station and then recover the casualty vessel from trouble. The lifeboat crew performed really well and the all the training we do was put to good use!"

 

18th September 2017                                                             

 
Lifeboat crew awards for volunteer service

Members of the RNLI crew in Lyme Regis and their families and friends got together at the town’s Powerboat Club (last Saturday) for the traditional end of season party and for presentations to former volunteers.

 

Ritchie Durrant received an award for seven years  service as a member of the crew. He is the nephew of former crew member Dave Street and current helm Brian Street  Ritchie completed part of his Duke of Edinburgh's award with the lifeboat at the age of 14 before signing up as volunteer crew at 17.. He said: “It is the best thing I have ever done and I miss it tremendously. You learn so much from the other members of the crew and there is something about the respect you gain for the sea”

 

Local builder Dave Street received his award for 24 years  service, 14 of which were as helm. During his service with Lyme Regis RNLI the lifeboat rescued 74 people..

 

Outgoing Lifeboat Management Group Chairman John Dover received an award for nearly nine years service, first as lifeboat treasurer, then Deputy Launching Authority and finally chairman of the LMG. A letter from the RNLI’s Operations Director George Rawlinson, referred to Mr Dover’s ‘time, commitment and sheer hard work.’

 

 

 

Lifeboat volunteers – their dramatic life and times in a new book

The life and times of Lyme Regis lifeboat men and women – and  the lifeboats themselves – are captured in a new book from the RNLI and due to be launched on 22 July, the first day of this year’s Lifeboat Week.

Written by the lifeboat station’s volunteer press officer, retired newspaper and BBC journalist Richard Horobin, the fully illustrated book is  part of the charity’s  history book project.

It tells how a makeshift lifeboat service started in the town in 1826, and how a Christmas tragedy led to  Lyme Regis getting a ‘proper’ lifeboat, powered by sails and oars, 27 years later.

With much help from local historians and lifeboat supporters, the author has brought to life a fascinating collection of stories about dedicated volunteers who ran a lifeboat service in the town, despite all the odds, over a period of nearly 160 years. How they would row the lifeboat for hours to reach a stricken vessel….no twin 115hp engines such as power today’s lifeboat.

There is the crew member who was shipwrecked eight times as a mariner; the coxswain who served the lifeboat for 34 years and was famed for his strength, picking up a man with one arm and placing him on a table. He also salvaged a huge barrel of alcohol from a shipwreck and carried it single handed up a cliff !

The story of an MP who vanished without trace over Lyme Bay after being trapped in a hot air balloon makes incredible reading. The dramatic episode when a ship was torpedoed by a German submarine a short distance from Lyme Regis harbour, and yet had  an amusing twist amid the tragedy and chaos.

And in more recent times the amazing survival of a couple whose helicopter crashed into Lyme Bay in dense fog;  the tragic tale of the severely disabled woman whose wheelchair fell into Lyme Regis harbour and the desperate attempts made to save her.

There are the lighter moments, too, such as the crew Christmas dinner when the annual awards are presented…including the Bent Propeller trophy !

The story of Lifeboat Week,  from the early 70s, includes the ditching of a Navy helicopter in the sea, which wasn’t part of the event, although the hundreds who witnessed it thought it was.

The new book will be available from the lifeboat shop on the Cobb and other outlets in the town, from 22 July price £8.95 with all proceeds going to the RNLI,  the  charity that saves lives at sea.

 

 

 

6 April 2017

   

Fund-raisers boost RNLI charity by £65,000

 

Volunteer fund-raisers in Lyme Regis and Charmouth boosted the RNLI’s income by more than £65,000 last year.

Members of the local fund-raising arm of the RNLI – the Lyme Regis and Charmouth  RNLI Guild - received the news at their annual meeting last night (Weds) when treasurer Brian Cursley delivered his report.

The total included a variety of events and donations as well as £27,000 raised during  lifeboat week.

Chairman Irene Roper said it had been a record breaking year and she had been heartened by the many messages of congratulations received from the public during and after lifeboat week.

Volunteer manager of the lifeboat shop, Krys Lavery, said the outlet had taken £122,000 and was the sixth best performing shop in the UK.

In his annual report to guild members, Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said volunteer crew members had answered 27 calls for help last year and were credited with saving three lives.

He said there now appeared to be a familiar pattern of emergencies – almost half of calls for help were from people getting into difficulty ashore when out walking and cut off by the tide or falling on rocks.  The other half were incidents involving boating, fishing and surfing.

Guest speaker was Nigel Jones, the RNLI’s Area Lifesaving Manager, who told guild members about many changes throughout the organisation’s structure and the aim to reduce drownings around the coast.

Volunteer press officer Richard Horobin gave members a brief preview of his book on the history of lifeboats and lifeboat people in Lyme Regis.  The book is due to be published in time for this year’s lifeboat week which starts on July 22nd.

 

 

21st February 2017

 

TV presenter Jeremy Kyle popped into Lyme Regis lifeboat station during Sunday morning's training session and met the RNLI crew. He said he was very impressed with the RNLI volunteers and that his mother used to be  a volunteer in the lifeboat shop on the Cobb..  He said he liked Lyme very much and that he had his first birthday in the town some 50 years ago and has been visiting the resort ever since. 

 

 

17 February 2017

Ex - Army chief joins the RNLI lifeboat crew in Lyme Regis
                           

A retired Lieutenant Colonel with the Royal Engineers has joined the volunteer management team of the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

Mike McAlpine, 61, served in many trouble spots including Kuwait, where he commanded a construction squadron involved in the restoration of essential facilities to Kuwait City immediately after the unsuccessful invasion by Iraq, and the ‘clean up’ of unexploded bombs and landmines.

Mike, a chartered civil  engineer and graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast, spent 20 years in the Royal Engineers, had two spells in the Falklands and commanded a regiment in Northern Ireland for three years before becoming the technical authority for UK counter landmine warfare.  Mike, married to Karen with three daughters, moved to Lyme Regis from Dalwood, near Axminster, in 2014.

His last job was with BP in Iraq where he was involved in opening up the second largest oilfield in the world at Rumaila, south of Basra.

Mike, a keen sailor with his Yachtmaster ‘ticket’ has become a DLA – Deputy Launching Authority – at Lyme Regis lifeboat station.  He said: “I spent a lot of time on the water and it was always comforting to know the RNLI was there if necessary.  Since I missed the camaraderie of the military, I thought I would offer my voluntary services to the RNLI and I am thoroughly enjoying it.”

A member of Lyme Regis Golf Club, Mike chairs the Axminster Hospital Community Hub Steering Group and was a founder member of the Axminster Patient Group.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “We welcome Mike to the management team.  His wealth of experience will be an asset, and his arrival has added even more strength to the Lyme Regis cre.”w

 

 

13 January 2017

 

Top surgeon joins Lyme Regis RNLI crew

 

A leading cancer surgeon has joined the volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis.

Mr Ken Lavery, a retired  head and neck surgeon, has joined the local RNLI team as a Deputy Launching Authority (DLA).

Mr Lavery, 67,who recently retired as lead surgeon and Medical Director at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, West Sussex, is married to Krys who manages the team of volunteers running the successful RNLI charity shop on the Cobb.  They met at the hospital where Krys was a senior ward sister and have two sons.

Scots-born Mr Lavery is a qualified Yachtmaster and has strong family connections with the RNLI.  Both his grandfather and great grandfather were volunteers with the lifeboat at Campbeltown that covers  the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.  Mr Lavery said: “I am thoroughly enjoying my involvement with the lifeboat crew in Lyme Regis.  “They are clearly a dedicated team and the camaraderie is very similar to that which I found when I was involved in rugby.”

 

 

 

9 January 2017

Dave is ‘dunked’ as he retires from Lyme Regis RNLI

One of the longest-serving members of the volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis, Dave Street,  has retired because of work commitments.

Dave, 48, served for 22 years, starting as trainee shore crew and becoming one of the team of helmsmen 15 years ago.

Dave joined the crew for two main reasons. He was working as a barman in the Cobb Arms when he overheard crew members saying they were short of volunteers. “The other reason was more personal “ said Dave. “A cousin of mine drowned at Bournemouth and I thought if there was anything I could do to prevent such accidents then joining the RNLI was it.”

Dave, a self-employed builder, added: “Of course I shall miss taking the lifeboat out, and the camaraderie with the crew.  But I won’t lose touch with all my old colleagues.”

Dave’s last voluntary duty with the crew was helping out with safety at the Lyme Lunge on New Year’s Day.

And his lifeboat colleagues gave him a thoroughly wet send off with a ceremonial dunking in the sea.

 

 

8 January 2017
 

Ordeal in the dark for broken leg victim rescued by lifeboat crew

A man who broke his leg after slipping on rocks staggered and crawled for three quarters of a mile for more than two hours in the dark before he was found by a lifeboat crew and his worried wife.

Tim Robinson,54, fell during a walk at about 4.30pm yesterday (Sat) on the beach under Golden Cap, east of Lyme Regis.

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew launched at 7.10pm to assist coastguards in a search for Mr Robinson.  They located him during a shoreline search eight minutes later.

Two first-aid trained  crew members, Tom Crabbe and Tom Wallis, went ashore to help coastguards assess Mr Robinson’s condition.  Meanwhile   the lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis to pick up three further crew to steady the vessel in the surf when it was beached to take Mr Robinson aboard.

Mr. Robinson’s wife, Paula, who raised the alarm,  started to walk along the beach from Seatown looking for her husband.

She said: ”Luckily, Tim had a torch but no mobile phone. I saw a flicker of light and thought it must be him. But I picked up a rock, just in case it wasn’t  !”

 Jon Broome, who was in charge of the lifeboat for his first ‘shout’ since qualifying as a helm, said: ”It was a very well organised rescue by all involved. It seems Mr. Robinson used sticks  to help him stagger and crawl towards Seatown after the injury.”

From his hospital bed in Dorchester Mr Robinson, who is a full time member of the Territorial Army, said: ”I just slipped on a rock and have two fractures of the right leg.  Everyone who helped me was just terrific.”

Mr Robinson was taken aboard the lifeboat to a waiting ambulance at Lyme Regis harbour. The lifeboat returned at 8.49pm

Mr and Mrs Robinson, from the Derby area, had been staying in Bridport on a short holiday.


 

 

 September 2016                                                                            Lyme Regis
 

Christening makes history at lifeboat station


Christening at Lyme Regis Lifeboat StationHistory was made at Lyme Regis lifeboat station today when the town’s vicar conducted a christening service for two children of an RNLI volunteer and his wife.

Six months old Lottie and five years old Millie-Rose, whose father  Elliott Herbert is a lifeboat helm, were christened by the Rev. Jane Skinner during a service in the boathouse with a congregation of some 70 family, friends and lifeboat crew members. It is thought to be the first time a christening service has been held at any of the town’s   lifeboat stations since the lifeboat service began in Lyme Regis in 1826.

A ship’s bell, which has hung in the lifeboat station since it opened in 1997, was used as a font during the service.

The bell, from a 100,000 ton oil tanker, was presented to Fred Day, former honorary secretary at the lifeboat station, when he retired from BP.  He in turn presented it to the RNLI to mark the opening of the Lyme Regis lifeboat station.

Proud dad Elliott Herbert said: ”Lifeboats and lifeboat people have been such an important part of our lives that Laura and I thought it would be appropriate, and great fun, to hold the christening at the lifeboat station surrounded by many of the people who are vital to the success of the work of the RNLI.”

The Rev Jane Skinner said: “It was a joy to conduct the service at the lifeboat station, and it was the first time I had used a magnificent ship’s bell as a font.”

God parents to Millie-Rose are Lyme Regis lifeboat helm Murray Saunders, Oliver Mallinson, Operations Manager (Lifeboats) at  RNLI headquarters in Poole, and Emma Darke, and God parents to Lottie are William Elwood, helm with the Tower lifeboat in London and crew Assessor/Trainer and Nicola Davis and Gemma Dunford.

 

 

 

 

 


 


Don't get cut off by the tide


Nick Marks,  Manager said
“We would encourage any visitor to the area to check tide times before walking along the beach. It is very important to check.”
 

If you see anyone in trouble in the sea,
call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

 

Not the crews usual mode of transport!


Lyme Regis and Charmouth
Lifeboat
Supporters:
the fund-raising arm of
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station

 

 see below for more news
 

https://www.lymeregislifeboatweek.co.uk

 

 

 


Lifeboat Week
2024


 Saturday 27th July -Friday 2nd August

 

 Pick up the perfect gift or souvenir!
We've got homewares, clothing, tasty treats, toys, greeting cards and much much more.
See you when we open again

New look Lyme Regis Lifeboat Shop


Our shop is run by volunteers, and all profits help save lives at sea. We rely on volunteers to keep our shops open. Therefore, opening times may be subject to change. If you're planning a special trip please phone ahead.  01297 445426

 

VOLUNTEERS  NEEDED

 

Our popular RNLI shop is

looking for some new volunteers to join a

friendly and sociable team. We really need

your help to keep the shop open and at the

heart of the community.

If you could offer any help at all please get

Please get in in touch by popping in or contact

 Krys Lavery rnli1824@btinternet.com

 

 

LIFEBOAT WEEK 2018
 raised £34,000

 

 

Lifeboat Week 2017 was a great success!

Lifeboat Week 2017 raised £30,000

 

 

Porsche Marathon 

 

How a yellow welly and a penny farthing set out to boost lifeboat charity  ....More

 

Rescue helicopter exercises with lifeboat crew and coastguards ....More

 

 

 

Georgia joins the volunteers of Lyme Regis RNLI

 

Lifeboat book signing

 
Survivors are guests at RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat book launch

 


Coastal Review team visits Lyme Regis RNLI
....More

Sir Tim Laurence with Krys Lavery, RNLI shop manager

 

TV presenter Jeremy Kyle visits ....More

 Jeremy Kyle with Lyme Regis Lifeboat Crew

 

Store donates a Fat £600 to Lyme Regis lifeboat  ....More


Shop volunteers praised for dedication to lifeboat charity  ....More

Charmouth swim is a crowd puller ...More

 

Supermarket boosts lifeboat funds


Tesco donation to RNLI

 

Nikky qualifies for the lifeboat crew 

Nikky qualifies for RNLI

Lifeboat Week Bathtub race
Arrows Cheque


‘Unique’ rug is latest auction lot


Archie, 11, wins school contest for lifeboat charity


 
Lifeboat Week musician Jimmy Purvis dies, aged 91
 

A lifeboatman called ‘Myrtle’ leaves the crew after 15 years 


Farewell party for RNLI stalwart

 

 

Harry,8, visits his 111th lifeboat station…in Lyme Regis

 

Shooting club target RNLI for donation

Former nurse Krys now takes  care of the lifeboat shop

 

Stormtroopers, elves and avocados take to the sea on Christmas Day at Charmouth

Hot toddy for the Christmas Day swimmers

Murray marries            Photo: Matt Austin

Two rescued from rocks say ‘thanks’ with £200 donation

Seventy five years of lifeboat service recognised with awards

Nikky is lifeboat crew newest recruit.

Walkers and dog cut off by tide rescued by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew ...

Lifeguards on duty - it must be summer!

Lifeboat launched to grandfather ‘in need of medical help’

 
Duke of Kent makes it a right royal occasion for Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers
The Duke of Kent meets members of the crew

 

Pottery donation boost for RNLI
Rotary cheque says ‘thanks’ to lifeboat crew
 
 
Big search launched after yacht found on beach

Fire chief calls the lifeboat out...to a fire on his boat


 

 High flyers ...the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew members flanked  by two of the RAF Falcons.

How the Falcons made it a day
 to remember for Tom 

 

Lost Atlantic sailors remembered at Lyme service



 

£1M support helps fund local RNLI lifesaver


 

Cafe owner’s second cheque for RNLI
 
 
Coastguards row to victory in gig race...More
 
 
Thanks from the lifeboat to bowlers
 
 
Rotary and chef boost lifeboat charity funds


Chef Mark Hix and the head chef at his Lyme Regis restaurant, Lin Pidsley, aboard the lifeboat.
 
 
 

An easy way to give –
at no cost to you

Compare prices and shop with your favourite stores and a percentage of every purchase you make will be donated to RNLI by us on your behalf. All at no extra cost to you.

Support our lifesavers Just by shopping online

Join free & support us
 

Lyme Regis RNLI volunteer crew run to the rescue in new YouTube film

 

Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteer crew members from Lyme Regis  feature in a new YouTube film created to raise awareness of the RNLI and its lifesaving gifts – gifts that provide a vital source of funds for the charity. The film highlights the extraordinary work of ordinary people, RNLI lifeboat volunteers who are ready to drop everything 24/7 to answer the call for help. click here to watch

 

Thanks from pair trapped by tide

Debbi Cummins and her husband Mark thank two of the RNLI crewmen Jon Broome (left) and Martin Croad after they were rescued by helicopter when they were cut off by the tide.
See pic below


Lifeboat joins search
for missing man 


Jubilee medals for the lifeboat volunteers

 


Canine collector Sam gets RNLI award

 

Rob and the secret party

Two crew members at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis have just joined the ranks of helmsmen.  Elliot Herbert and Martin – best known by his nickname of ‘Myrtle’ – Croad .....

RNLI Supporter of the Year

Former RNLI shop manager in Lyme Regis, Mrs Alix Fairley, was voted RNLI Supporter of the Year after the tiny store on The Cobb returned  a record turnover and became the best-performing of all 30 shops in the south-west and fifth in the entire country. 

Alix is pictured with the trophy presented to her at The Barbican in London by Prince Michael of Kent. On the left is the new manager of the shop, Brian Cursley who was also invited to the RNLI’s annual presentation event. Alix said: ”It was a truly memorable occasion, and I was delighted with the award which of course is a tribute to all the marvellous volunteers who helped me run the shop. Prince Michael was very friendly and asked us to pass on his good wishes to everyone in Lyme Regis.” Alix was a volunteer at the shop for some five years before handing over the reins to Brian Cursley at the end of last year. 

A Selection of Lyme Regis Lifeboat Rescues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 
 
 

 Rotary club of Lyme Regis - https://www.lymeregisrotary.org