text:
Royal National Lifeboat Institute
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station & Shop
Lyme Regis & Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters
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.
by the Duty Deputy Launching Authorities, (DLA's) under the supervision of the Lifeboat Operations Manager
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 Currently closed due to Covid 19 regulations
News and Shouts
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.
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.
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.
lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis harbour about 7pm.
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
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.
29th May 2020
Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this afternoon
to a missing dinghy
Lyme Regis
lifeboat launched this afternoon at 2.30pm to a report of a dinghy sailor
missing from Lyme Regis sailing club. He was reported to be near Charton
lifeboat crew were contacted by the coastguard immediately after launch to
a separate incident to a report of an upturned kayak and two people in the
water at Beer, nr Seaton. The lifeboat passed Charton bay on the way to
Beer and noted the missing sailor. On arrival at Beer, the two young men
reported to have been in trouble were back on their kayak albeit still
upturned! The crew ensured they were both fit and well then advised them
to return to the beach.
lifeboat crew then returned to Charton bay to assist the stranded sailor
who had some parts broken on his sailing dinghy. One of the volunteer crew
swam ashore to assist the sailor and recover the boat, setting up a tow
and towing the sailor and dinghy back to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour.
lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis harbour about 4pm.
Helm Murray Saunders said: "Our volunteer lifeboat crew worked well today,
and we were able to make sure everyone returned home safely. The beautiful
weather is encouraging more people to the beach and sea, but it is
important for people to be careful when entering the water, check your
equipment, sea conditions and tide times.
If you see
someone in trouble in or near the sea, call 999 and ask for the
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
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
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
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.
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
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
· 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
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:
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
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
"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
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
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.
May 8, 2020
Lifeboat crew 'log on'…. twice
The volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis
answered two calls today following reports of a kayak in difficulty and an
unspecified object in the water.
In both cases – near Charmouth and off Axmouth – the items
turned out to be tree logs.
Both logs were retrieved by the lifeboat crew, one taken on
board and the larger one towed back to Lyme Regis harbour.
The crew launched at 11am and returned to harbour at
A lifeboat spokesman said:" In both cases it was better to
be safe than sorry after the reports were received."
April 25th
Lyme Regis lifeboat crew search for missing
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.
lifeboat crew were quick to launch and were soon on scene with the boat to
begin searching for the diver.
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
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
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.
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
Volunteers who operate the life-saving service for the RNLI
in Lyme Regis, and elsewhere, continue to be on standby during the
coronavirus outbreak.
The crew members have 'key worker' status and will remain
ready to launch the lifeboat in an emergency.
Lyme Regis' volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick
Marks said:" Many people will have noticed that the lifeboat station
doors are now closed during the day and that the station is not open to
"We have had to do this to comply with the government and
RNLI guidance on social distancing and to keep our crew safe
"For the same reason it is necessary to cancel any events
which encourage large numbers to come to the lifeboat station. "This means
that the Blessing of the Boats service on May 17 will no longer take
"We are hoping that the situation improves over the summer
such that we are able to stage our Lifeboat Week planned for the end of
July. A decision on this will be made later."
March 18th 2020
Virus alert closes Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station and RNLI
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
"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 16th
supporters cancel AGM
The following statement was issued today by the
Charmouth and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Supporters:
The Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters annual general meeting
due to take place on April 1st has been cancelled in light of
the current coronavirus emergency.
The management committee took this decision in light of the emerging
national advice on supporting measures to limit spread of the virus. We
apologise for any inconvenience and will keep everyone up to date with our
activities via our Facebook page. The shop
will also be closed until further notice
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
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.
2nd March 2020
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat false alarm
Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this afternoon to a report of a person in the
water drifting south of Charmouth.
Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteer crew responded to a call from the Coastguard
to a report of a person in the water near Charmouth.
The volunteer crew were contacted by the Coastguard at 1.30pm to assist,
10 minutes later the crew had arrived on scene to find that the reported
person was some floating marker buoys!
The call came from a member of the public who spotted the item. This was
the fourth call out for Lyme Regis lifeboat this year.
If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the
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
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.'
RNLI mascot Stormy Stan to run the London
marathon for the life-saving charity
Stormy Stan, the RNLI's mascot, whose 'home' is a cupboard
in Lyme Regis lifeboat station, is running in this year's London
marathon...with a little help from a 41 year old lorry driver.
Simon Marchant, a former RNLI crew member in Penarth, used
social media to trace the Stormy Stan outfit in Lyme Regis.
Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
'Simon has raised many donations for our life-saving charity and we are
delighted to let him borrow Stormy Stan for the marathon and, of course,
we wish them both every success.'
Simon, from Willand, Cullumpton, will be taking time off
from driving his HGV to take part in the marathon on April 25. But before
that he will be warming up by running in a half marathon in Tavistock, and
the 108 miles from the RNLI's Poole headquarters to the Tower lifeboat
station on the Thames.
Eighteen months ago Simon ran 42 marathons in 42 days
around the coast of Wales and has also cycled from Land's End to John
He tried on the mascot outfit for size one night and ran
around Holmbush car park in Lyme Regis at 2am. "I have got permission to
make a minor adjustment to Stormy's head so that I have better vision,"
said Simon, "but fingers crossed, and with a few stops here and there, I
hope to complete the marathon within 8 hours. Stormy has a big head so I
think other runners will give him a wide berth."
Simon has a fund-raising site for Stormy Stan at
episode of Saving Lives at Sea featuring our rescue of the two boys will
now be screened on Wednesday Feb 26 at 8pm on BBC 2.
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
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
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
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
Lifeboat launched to two people 'in
Lyme Regis RNLI
lifeboat was launched yesterday (Sun) morning following reports of two
people in difficulties in the water off Charmouth east beach.
The volunteer
crew launched at 8.58am but the alert was called off three minutes later
when it was learned that both people had reached shore safely.
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
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
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.'
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
The film can be downloaded as a file from the
News Centre
15 December 2019
Lifeboat crew praised for 'safe and sound'
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
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
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
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."
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
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
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!
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is asking the people of Lyme
Regis to take part in the charity's annual foodie fundraiser, Fish Supper,
to help save lives at sea.
A former chef
will be serving a special menu on Saturday 16th November to
raise funds for the RNLI in Lyme Regis.
Muscroft will be hosting a fish supper at the towns lifeboat station with
two sittings at 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
On the menu,
salmon with new potatoes, a fish curry and a vegetarian chilli con carne.
There will also
be a mini quiz and raffle
Petrina said "I
will be donating all the food I am suggesting a £10 donation for diners. I
am asking people to bring their own drinks."
The first
sitting is sold out but to book for 8.30pm sitting, please call Petrina on
07967145035 or email
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
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
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
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
Sailing Club fish supper catches £660 for
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
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
Lifeboat launched to 'paddleboarders in
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.
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:
30 August 2019
Lifeboat joins big search after 'flare'
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
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.
23 August 2019
Lifeboat launched to 'dinghy on rocks'
Lyme Regis RNLI
lifeboat was launched yesterday (Thurs) after reports that a small dinghy
had struck rocks and a man was in the water.
The incident
happened at Broad Ledge, three quarters of a mile east of the town's
The sailor was
safe and well and was helped ashore by a lifeguard. His dinghy was sailed
back to Lyme Regis harbour by a member of the lifeboat crew.
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
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
rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew as their dinghy capsizes
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.
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.
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.'
volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch by coastguards at 2.27pm
and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 4pm.
10 August 2019
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
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.
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
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.
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,
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
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.
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.
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
June 2019
Lyme Regis RNLI
lifeboat crew rescue two boys being swept out to sea
teenaged boys being swept out to sea from the River Axe were rescued
tonight by the volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat.
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
June 2019
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.
Week is organised by the local volunteer RNLI fund-raisers, the Lyme Regis
and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, with help from the lifeboat crew.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Fanny and
Gay presented crew member Dave Holland with a telephoto lens and photo
Fanny and
Gay's book is published by Deepest Books, price £20. More information at
26th May
26th May
25 May 2019
training fund helps Lyme Regis RNLI crew learn vital skills
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.
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
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.
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.
supporters organise many fund-raising events throughout the year including
Lifeboat Week which this year starts on July 27th.
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.
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."
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.'
interested in joining the supporters group can do so on May 26th
or call membership secretary Anne Marks on 07802 675985.
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.
rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI crew as speedboat breaks down
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.
lifeboat was launched at 7.52pm and was on scene, 100metres south of
Golden Cap, seven minutes later.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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).
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
Ken Lavery said the title of RNLI Guild 'does not tell people what we are
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.
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
said:"It has been an extremely good year, and all down to our volunteers."
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.
Operations Manager Nick Marks told the meeting that the volunteer crew
members had answered 40 emergency calls during the year.
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.
Lifeboat launched to a Batman balloon
Volunteer crew members of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat last night (Friday)
recovered one of the oddest items in recent years after receiving an
emergency call…a batman balloon.
alert was raised when coastguards received a report of'an 'object'
floating in the water off Abbotsbury.
Lifeboat helm Tim Edwards said:' Obviously from the shore it would not
have been clear what this object was. It would have looked very strange,
so it was something which had to be checked out by us and the coastguards.
we were close to the object it became clear it was a large helium type
balloon with a batman logo.
recovered the balloon from the sea to prevent pollution.'
lifeboat launched at 6.30pm and returned to Lyme Regis at 7.45. This was
the fourth call answered by the Lyme Regis volunteers so far this year.
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
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."
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."
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
"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
"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."
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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."
19 November
Christmas Day swim to draw the crowds
permitting, one of the most popular festive events – the Christmas Day
swim at Charmouth – is set to draw hundreds of spectators, and those brave
enough to take a dip.
Fancy dress is
not compulsory but vicars, dinosaurs, and crusaders are expected to turn
up as usual from 11am on the big morning.
The event is
planned by the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild and regularly raises
in the region of £2,000 for the life-saving charity.
Royal Oak pub is again supporting the swim and will be providing mulled
wine for the courageous participants.
A spokesman for
the organisers said: "If the weather co-operates
we are hoping
for the usual big turn out of those who just want to enjoy the spectacle
and, of course, those brave enough to dip more than a toe in the chilly
Members of the
volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat will be keeping a watchful
eye out during the event which will be subject to a risk assessment of
conditions during the morning.
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
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
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.
26 October 2018
Man rescued by Lyme
Regis RNLI crew as sailing boat capsizes
A local sailor, Frank Connor, was
rescued on Friday 26th October by the volunteer crew of Lyme
Regis RNLI when his sailing boat capsized off Burton Bradstock.
The lifeboat was launched at 11.25am
when Solent coastguards alerted the Lyme Regis crew to a report of a man
sitting on the hull of his capsized boat.
The report to the coastguard came
from a dog walker on the beach. Mr. Connor said "We can all get caught
out but thankfully the crew were fantastic, a real good attitude and great
The lifeboat crew took Mr. Connor to
meet coastguards in West Bay harbour. Then they returned to right the
sailing boat and tow the broken-down vessel to the safety of West Bay
harbour and returned to Lyme Regis at 1.30pm.
24 October 2018
Lifeboat launched
to 'lost' walkers
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched
last night (Tues) to assist coastguards attempting to trace two people
reported to be 'lost' on cliffs west of the town.
The pair – a man and a boy – were
spotted from the sea by the volunteer lifeboat crew, and coastguards
ashore were then able to meet them at Pinhay Bay.
The lifeboat
launched at 5.16pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour an hour later
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
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.
19 October 2018
Man rescued by
Lyme Regis RNLI crew as fishing boat breaks down
Bridport builder Stephen Harwood was
rescued this evening (Fri) by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI when
his fishing boat broke down off Burton Bradstock.
The lifeboat was launched at 5.10pm
when Solent coastguards alerted the Lyme Regis crew to Mr. Harwood's 16ft
fishing vessel, named Seamouse. which had suffered engine failure.
The lifeboat crew towed the broken
down vessel to the safety of West Bay harbour and returned to Lyme Regis
at 6.30pm.
18 October 2018
Fish suppers raise a
tasty sum for RNLI
Three fish suppers held by volunteers
in Lyme Regis raised well over £1000 for the RNLI.
The town's sailing club was packed
with diners and, with generous help from the Fisherman's Wife takeaway, a
total of £742 was raised. The event, attended by some 60 people, was
organised by Trish Wiliams and Di Mattock.
At the lifeboat station Petrina
Muscroft prepared a lifeboat-themed menu that included Shannon class
salmon, Tamara tuna broccoli and chick peas and B class baked potatoes.
More than 30 people were served in two hours and £377 .50 was raised.
A third event at the Nag's Head pub,
where owners James and Rebecca De-Voisey were generously supported by Matt
from Herbies Dino Bar, raised £200. Some 33 tickets were sold for fish and
chips, scallops and chips and double cheeseburger and chips.
Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat
Operations Manager for the RNLI in Lyme Regis, said: "I would like to
thank everyone involved in any way with these delicious fund-raising
events. Many local people and businesses contributed with great
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
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
Lyme Regis RNLI
lifeboat crew called to 'children in trouble'
Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this
afternoon (Thursday 10 October) to a report of a boat drifting
with three children aboard.
Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteer
crew responded to a call from the Coastguard to a report of a boat with
three children being blown off shore near West Bay.
The crew were contacted by the
Coastguard at 3.49pm to assist a reported drifting boat. Twenty minutes
later the crew had arrived on scene to find the children had made it
safely to shore and all were safe and well.
The call came from a member of the
public who thought the children were struggling against the wind.
If you see someone in trouble at the
coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard
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
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."
7 October 2018
Bowls club boosts
lifeboat week total
Lifeboat week
proceeds for the RNLI charity in Lyme Regis were boosted by £200 today
(Sun) when the town's bowls club presented a cheque during a crew training
Club captain
Alan Nabarro handed the cheque to the chairman of the Lyme Regis and
Charmouth RNLI Guild, Ken Lavery. The donation was raised during a
lifeboat week bowling drive.
2 October
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.
30 September
Fish suppers on the menu for lifesavers at
Two evenings of
fish suppers are being held in Lyme Regis in a tasty fundraising event in
aid of the RNLI.
The first is on
Friday October 12 from 6pm at the town's sailing club. Fish and chips are
on the menu at £10 per person with £5 of the cost going to the lifeboat
Next evening,
October 13,th there's a varied menu at the lifeboat station
prepared by Petrina Muscroft.
Dining is
between 4pm and 8pm with a menu of fish chowder and bread, salmon and new
potatoes, tuna chickpea and broccoli salad and vegetarian pasta.
Petrina said
:"People will need to bring their own drinks and bookings in advance would
be a great help."
A minimum
donation of £6 per person would be appreciated for the meal.
To book call
07967145035 or go to firstname.lastname@example.com.
26 September 2018
Porsche Marathon
A couple who are driving their
Porsche 911 to every one of the RNLI's 238 lifeboat stations made Lyme
Regis their 208th destination today (Weds).
Retired builder James Richardson and
his interior designer wife Belinda started their marathon trip in London
in August and are due to complete the clockwise journey around the whole
of the British Isles and Ireland when they reach the Tower lifeboat
station on the River Thames at the end of this month.
They are aiming to raise more than
£56,000 for the RNLI charity which is £238 per lifeboat station.
James and Belinda met members of the
volunteer Lyme Regis crew when they arrived in their brand new Porsche,
James said:" We decided to do our
RNLI-911 Challenge in retirement because over the years we have been
incredibly impressed by the RNLI's dedication and selfless actions.It has
been an incredible journey and we have met some amazing people."
James and Belinda received a letter
from the private secretary to the Duke of Kent, Nicholas Marden, in which
he said 'In his fifty years as President of the RNLI the Duke of Kent has
sought to visit every lifeboat station, but there are still a handful he
has yet to get to. It looks as though you will beat him to it.'
Details of the Richardsons trip can
be found at
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.
7 September 2018
Lifeboat launched to
'swimmer in trouble'
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched
this morning (Mon) following reports of a swimmer in difficulty at West
The lifeboat crew had just left Lyme
Regis harbour when coastguards stood them down after it became clear the
swimmer was not in danger and the call was a false alarm with good intent.
September 2018
Lifeboat crew assist in search for missing man
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched today to assist coastguards ashore
in the search for a man reported missing in the Spittles cliff area to the
east of the town.
The man was spotted by the lifeboat crew and they assisted coastguards to
successfully reach the man.
The lifeboat launched at 12noon and returned to the boathouse one hour
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
September 2018
Council boss joins Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew
A former
RAF officer who is now Operations Manager with Lyme Regis Town Council has
joined the crew of the town's RNLI lifeboat as a Deputy Launching
As a Flight
Lieutenant, Matt Adamson – Drage,46,was an Aerospace Battle Manager with
the RAF until retiring last year after 20 years service.
Matt, whose
RAF role involved co-ordinating battle situations with other services,
including the Royal Marines, said: "I am keen to learn about all aspects
of sailing and hope to have my own boat, so it seemed a natural move to
volunteer with the RNLI."
Matt is
married to Zishan, deputy town clerk of Axminster, and they have two
children, Theo, 4, and Jacob, 7. Matt's
position with Lyme Regis Town Council was previously held by another
member of the lifeboat crew, Elliot Herbert.
10 September
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."
August 2018
RNLI Lyme Regis
lifeboat launched to missing swimmer near Burton Bradstock
Lyme Regis
lifeboat launched on Saturday afternoon (25 August) to a report of a
missing swimmer near Burton Bradstock.
The lifeboat
crew were requested to assist coastguards searching for the swimmer .
The volunteer crew launched at 12.35pm and began a searching along the
coast from West Bay to Burton Bradstock. The report from coastguards was
that a man and woman had set off from Freshwater and were swimming to
Burton Bradstock. However the woman did not arrive. She was found safe and
well by coastguards carrying out a shoreline search.
The lifeboat
returned to station and was ready for further service by 2.00pm.
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.
10 August 2018
RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat
launched to man cut off by the tide
Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this afternoon to a man cut off by the tide.
The lifeboat crew were requested to assist the coastguard to rescue a man
reported to have been cut off by the tide near Golden Cap.
The volunteer crew launched at 2.45pm and were on scene 10 minutes later
to begin a shoreline search. The crew searched from Golden Cap to
Thorncombe Beacon. The crew discovered the casualty near St Gabriel's
Steps and one of the crew, Tim Edwards, swam ashore to assist. He walked
the casualty to Charmouth where they met the Lyme Regis coastguard rescue
Murray Saunders, helm of the lifeboat, said: ' The crew performed
exceptionally and were able to assist the coastguard with recovering the
casualty to safety'
The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for further service by
4.30pm. This was the 21st emergency call answered by the Lyme
Regis lifeboat crew so far this year.
7 August
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
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.'
4 August
Lifeboat Week 'a resounding success'
A soggy start with rain and high winds turned into a sunny finale for
Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis.
And as the week came to an end yesterday (Friday) the organisers – the
Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild – reported an early estimated total
for donations in the region of £26,000.
The weather caused the postponement of the bathtub race and the swimming
challenge but both were held later and cancellations were few.
Chairman of the RNLI Guild Ken Lavery, said: 'The week was a resounding
success and a tribute to all the volunteers who gave up their time in the
planning process and during the week itself.
'Once again we have had tremendous support from the public and we have
received many positive comments.'
Among the many successes, drawing huge support were the Army's Red Devils
parachute display team, the popular wine or water raffle, the 'name the
welly dog' competition and the tug 'o war across the harbour mouth which
was started by Lord Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey who was
aboard the harbourmaster's launch with his wife Lady Emma.
A Madagascan tortoise stole the show at a packed Uplyme Village Hall
presentation of snakes and exotic reptiles.
Six hundred hot dogs were sold by the lifeboat crew at their barbecue on
the harbour slipway. And a local firefighter scored the first ever hole in
one at the golf challenge on the harbour's North Wall.
As the week came to a close with a spectacular fireworks display, one of
the last events – the swimming challenge from Cobb Gate to the harbour –
attracted a record entry of 100…..65 adults and 35 juniors.
29 July
Fun runners defy wind and rain in Lifeboat Week
Fifty hardy competitors took part in the fun run on day two of Lyme Regis'
lifeboat week and defied the wind and rain that caused the postponement of
other events.
Competitors ran a 2.3k course along the seafront.
It was a family success for Alexander Thiele, 55, and his son Thomas,8,
holidaymakers from Newcastle. Alexander won the adult section of the race
and Thomas was the first under nine year old. First over nine was Jack
Braddock, a holidaymaker from near Peterborough.
28 July
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
On the way back to Exmouth the
lifeboat crew staged a demonstration of the vessels versatility for
hundreds on Lyme Regis beach.
Ken Lavery, chairman of the Lifeboat
Week organisers said: "We were sorry to postpone some events, but, of
course our paramount concern is the safety of everyone taking part. And
the forecast for the rest of the week was good so postponement seemed the
best plan.'
INFO: Swim Challenge and Bath Tub Race
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.
23 July
Lyme Regis RNLI
lifeboat false alarm
Lyme Regis lifeboat launched
yesterday evening (Sunday 22 July) to a report of an overturned boat.
Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteer
crew responded to a call from the Coastguard to a report of an overturned
boat 300m off shore from Monmouth Beach.
The volunteer crew were contacted by
the Coastguard at 8.30pm to assist a reported capsized boat, 10 minutes
later the crew had arrived on scene to find the boat was the correct way
up and the owner of the boat was fine!
The call came from a member of the
public who thought that the boat has capsized.
23 July 2018
Holiday cottage
weekend is new lifeboat week prize
A weekend stay in a holiday cottage
in Lyme Regis is a new star prize donated for the town's lifeboat week
which starts on Saturday.
The cottage sleeps six, and tickets
at £5 to win the prize will be available at the lifeboat week kiosk on
Marine Parade or at the wine or water stall outside the RNLI shop on the
The weekend can be between October
and May and the prizewinner will arrange dates with the owner.
Chairman of the lifeboat week
organisers, Ken Lavery, said:' The RNLI Guild is grateful for this very
generous offer. It is a very special prize.'
The draw for the prize will take
place on August 3rd.
23 July
RNLI to stage
lifejacket 'clinic' in lifeboat week
A lifejacket 'clinic' aimed at
ensuring that the safety aid is in perfect condition to save lives is to
be held by the RNLI during Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.
The clinic is being organised by Mike
McAlpine, volunteer Community Lifesaving Officer with the RNLI in Lyme
Regis. It will be based at a lifesaving gazebo on the slipway by the
entrance to the RNLI boathouse on Tuesday July 31st.
Mike McAlpine said:' The tragedy in
Missouri recently where eleven people drowned reminds us of the importance
of lifejackets.
'Unfortunately, many people do not
check the condition of their lifejackets from one season to another, and
in many cases the inflation device fitted may not work when it is needed.
'The message is is to have your
lifejacket examined by a qualified professional every year and conduct
your own checks on a regular basis.'
Among the tips for lifejacket users
is to inflate the aid manually with a hand pump every six months and to
leave it inflated for 24 hours to ensure there are no leaks or damage.
Lifejacket owners are urged to visit
the slipway gazebo on July 31st where RNLI experts will
demonstrate how to ensure a lifejacket is in a serviceable condition to
save a life.
11 July 2018
Father and son all at
sea with the lifeboat
A 35 year old
paramedic last night qualified as the latest volunteer to become a member
of the sea-going crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat.
And on the same
day his 17 year old son joined the crew and went to sea in the RNLI
lifeboat for the first time.
Mark Ellis, from
Uplyme, has been a crew member for two years and has now passed the final
part of his sea-going training.
His son Sam was
17 last month, the youngest age at which a new member can join. Sam, a 6th
form student at Axe Valley Academy, said after his first training session
afloat:' I just loved it !'
Dad Mark, a
paramedic with South West Ambulance, added: ' I am delighted and relieved
to have got through training and very pleased for Sam who has been nagging
me to join the crew at the first opportunity when he became 17. And that
was only last month!
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
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.
3 July 2018
Abbey creator to visit Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes
is to make a guest appearance during the Royal National Lifeboat
Institution Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. Lord Fellowes of West Stafford, who
lives in Dorset and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset in 2009,
will be visiting the town on the fourth day of Lifeboat Week, Tuesday July
Lord Fellowes visit to Lifeboat Week
will include meeting the volunteer crew at the lifeboat station and
fundraisers running many of the events on the day.
Lord Fellowes said: 'I know the
volunteers put a great deal of effort into raising funds for the RNLI
charity and I am looking forward to my visit.'
Lifeboat Week, which is organised by
the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild and the lifeboat crew, raises an
average of £30,000 each year.
30 June
Couple rescued by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew
after speedboat is swamped by waves
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.
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
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.'
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
29 June
Tom follows dad at the helm of Lyme Regis lifeboat
year old electrician yesterday (Thurs) achieved his ambition to follow in
his father's footsteps to become a volunteer helm commanding the Lyme
Regis RNLI lifeboat.
of two Tom Crabbe, from Uplyme, passed the final test to become a helm
during a day of theory and ninety minutes at sea under the close scrutiny
of an RNLI assessor/trainer.
Tom was
examined by Carl Beardmore, a coxswain with the RNLI at Falmouth. At the
end of the day's tests he said: 'Tom satisfied me that he is very safe,
knowledgeable, and will make an excellent helm for the Lyme Regis lifeboat
Tom, a
crew member for six years, is now the seventh helm at the Lyme Regis
station, one of the most important and responsible roles.
As helm
he commands the lifeboat and is responsible for the welfare and safety of
other crew members and the vessel itself.
Tom:' I am absolutely delighted to have made the grade as a helm, and
proud to follow my dad.' Tom's father Rob, retired from the lifeboat crew
after 20 years' service and was also a helm.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said:'I congratulate Tom. His
operational pass-out as a helm is testament to his dedication as one of
our much-valued volunteers.'
25 June 2018
Lyme Regis RNLI
crew assist coastguards at powerboat incident
The volunteer crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat were
yesterday called to assist following reports of a powerboat incident
at West Bay.
The incident occurred during an offshore circuit powerboat
racing event. The lifeboat crew were alerted at 2.30pm and arrived 15
minutes later at West Bay harbour to assist coastguards, the Devon and
Cornwall Air Ambulance and the police.
18 June 2018
RNLI thanks
supporters as lifeguard tower arrives
The RNLI has
thanked supporters who backed its request to install a new, modernised
look-out tower on Lyme Regis beach this summer.
The tower
arrived this week ready for the lifeguards who will be operating from July
7 until September.
Nigel Jones, the
RNLI's Area Lifesaving Manager for Torbay to Weymouth, said: 'The RNLI
would like to express its sincerest gratitude for all the local support
for the establishment of a new lifeguard tower in Lyme Regis.
'The new,
temporary tower replaces the old unit which was at the end of its
operational life and provides significant improvements for the delivery of
the lifeguard service in Lyme Regis, including vastly improved
visibility. The lifeguards can now see over a very crowded beach to the
water and beyond to the harbour wall which is a popular location for
youngsters jumping into the sea.
'It is also a
more conspicuous facility which provides an extremely useful first aid and
information service and a focal point for lost children, plus better more
modern welfare facilities for the lifeguards.
'Now that it is
installed we are pleased how smart and professional it looks and our
lifeguards are extremely excited about conducting their duties from it.'
The tower will
be removed at the end of the season in September.
10 June
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
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"
7 June 2018
Mystery of the yellow
welly dog's missing eyes
Someone, it seems, has taken a shine
to the eyes of the yellow welly dog that has become a major attraction
outside the RNLI lifeboat shop in Lyme Regis.
Shop manager Krys Lavery discovered
both eyes were missing and called in the dog's creator lifeboat crew
member Garry Gibbs.
Garry performed complicated 'surgery'
and the dog is now back on duty…on loan to the RNLI stand at the Royal
Cornwall Show where he is advising dog owners how to keep safe during
cliff top walkies.
Garry said: 'The eyes were not
valuable, just glass beads from one of my wife's old necklaces.'
With the help of Krys Lavery, Garry
chose a pair of silver 'spangly' beads from another necklace and restored
the dog's appearance.
Now Garry needs just two more pairs
of worn – out RNLI wellies to start work on a friend for his original
The yellow welly dog will be the
subject of a naming competition during Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis,
starting on July 28.
3 June 2018
Lifeboat in search
for 'missing man'
Lyme Regis RNLI
lifeboat was launched this evening (June 3) to assist police and
coastguards in a search for an elderly man reported missing.
The volunteer
lifeboat crew launched at 6.20pm and carried out a widespread shoreline
search stretching from Golden Cap in the east to Monmouth beach in the
stood down the lifeboat crew after almost two hours when nothing had been
This was the 12th
emergency call answered by the volunteer Lyme Regis RNLI crew so far this
8 May 2018
Lifeboat in search for 'missing man'
Lyme Regis RNLI
lifeboat crew were alerted last night (May 8) following reports of a man
missing in the West Bay area.
The lifeboat
was launched at 8-15pm, but after carrying out a shoreline search for
ninety minutes nothing was found and coastguards stood the crew down.
8 May 2018
Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat launched in search
for missing person
Lyme Regis RNLI
lifeboat was launched at 2.15am this morning (8th May) to
assist in the search for a person reported missing in the Golden Cap/West
Bay area.
The volunteer
lifeboat crew conducted a shoreline search from West Bay to Golden Cap.
The lifeboat crew were working together with the local coastguard and
police teams. No evidence of the original missing person was found, and
coastguards stood the lifeboat crew down at 3.30am
Remember if you
see or hear someone in distress in the water, call 999 and ask for the
7 May 2018
The annual
blessing of the boats service on the Cobb in
Lyme Regis yesterday was just one of many events to benefit from the
glorious Bank Holiday weather.
An estimated
200 people joined in the open air service led by the vicar of Lyme Regis,
the Rev. Jane Skinner, and hosted by the RNLI at the lifeboat station.
The volunteer
lifeboat crew, the British Legion, coastguards, the sailing, powerboat
and gig clubs were all represented.
Lyme Regis Town
Band and the Harbour Voices choir took part in the service and Sophie
Vernon, whose parents are members of the gig club, read her poem called
The service
concluded with wreaths being taken to be laid at sea by the lifeboat crew.
1 May 2018
Lyme Regis RNLI start the
Yellow Welly Mayday Relay
Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers had the honour of starting the 31 day Mayday
Yellow Welly Relay today.
At 4pm the welly set off by car from
the harbour with Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks, his wife, Anne
,and Deputy Launching Authority Ian Marshall and his wife Anne-Marie, on
the first leg of the relay to meet members of the West Bay branch of the
RNLI. Next the welly was driven to Weymouth lifeboat station to be handed
over to volunteers there for the second leg.
volunteers around the South and South East coast are planning their route
for the iconic Yellow Welly, which will end its journey on 31st May on the
Thames in Teddington raising money and awareness for the charity that
saves lives at sea.
The RNLI's Mayday event began
today (Tuesday 1 May) and will run for the whole month, with fundraising
taking place across the whole of the UK and Ireland. This year, the RNLI
hopes to raise £750,000 through Mayday, which will be used to
fund essential kit for the charity's brave
volunteer lifeboat crews.
Nick Marks, volunteer lifeboat
operations manager at Lyme Regis, said: 'RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews
around the UK and Ireland are willing to drop everything to go and save
lives at sea when they get the call. Their specialist kit protects them
against extreme conditions, gives them a firm footing on unsteady
surfaces, and shields them from injury, allowing them to carry out their
lifesaving work. The Mayday campaign is our own call for help, as we rely
on the generosity of the public to fund this vital kit that helps keep the
crews safe when they risk their lives for others.'
Money raised through Mayday
fundraising events will help RNLI
lifeboat crews to face the harshest conditions at sea with the best kit
possible. It currently costs £1,598 to
provide one all-weather lifeboat crew member with all of the kit they need
when responding to the call for help.
This year,
the RNLI is going yellow for Mayday – just like volunteer crews do every
day to save lives at sea. Anyone who wishes to get involved can visit
RNLI.org/mayday to register for a free Mayday fundraising pack.
The pack provides a host of
fundraising ideas, such as encouraging friends and colleagues to get
sponsored to run, walk or cycle, cooking up some yellow-themed bakes to
sell or even getting together to lift the weight of a 42 tonne Severn
class lifeboat!
The charity is also encouraging
people to show support on their social media, joining the conversation
using the hashtag #MaydayEveryDay, or by donating online or buying a
yellow crew member pin badge.
The RNLI is the charity that saves
lives at sea. Its 4,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members provide a 24-hour
search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of
Ireland coasts.
In 2017, RNLI lifeboat crews across
the UK and Ireland launched 8,436 times, assisting 8,072 people.
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
Chairman Mark to lead lifeboat management
A former
treasurer and shore crew member with the RNLI in Lyme Regis has returned
as chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group.
Mark Houghton,
57, has just begun a four year stint to co-ordinate the activities of the
lifeboat operational team, the fund-raising guild and the RNLI's beach
Mark, who lives
near Bridport and takes over from John Dover, who performed the role for
18 months, said:" Another important part of my activities will be as a
point of contact for other local organisations or individuals regarding
all aspects of the RNLI in the area.
"This could
involve discussing co-operation with other local services, local
authorities, or individuals who want to volunteer with the RNLI or simply
have concerns to raise."
25 April 2018
Blessing of the boats service – all welcome
The annual
blessing of the boats service will be held this year on May 6 at the RNLI
lifeboat station on the Cobb in Lyme Regis.
Starting at 3pm
the inter denominational service will be led by the Vicar of St. Michael's
Church, the Rev. Jane Skinner.
The town band
and the Harbour Voices shanty singers will feature in the open air service
to which all are welcome.
Members of the
volunteer lifeboat crew, the coastguards, the gig club, sailing club and
powerboat club will all be represented.
The service
will conclude with wreaths, including one from the Royal British Legion,
being taken out to sea by the lifeboat crew.
12 April
Volunteers hit the jackpot for RNLI's life-saving charity
Volunteers in
Lyme Regis and Charmouth raised nearly £64,000 for the RNLI during the
past year.
The figure was
announced last night (Weds) at the annual meeting of the Lyme Regis and
Charmouth RNLI Guild – the local fund raising branch of the charity – by
treasurer Brian Cursley,who said it had been 'an excellent year.'
financial success was the lifeboat shop on the Cobb. Volunteer manager,
Krys Lavery said her second year in charge had ended in a turnover of
£126,000 and the shop was seventh in the league table of RNLI outlets.
Operations Manager Nick Marks reported on 22 'shouts' during last year and
said the crew had already answered eight calls for help in 2018.
He said a major
refurbishment of the boathouse was now almost complete, and the lifeboat
has returned to the station after a month in an industrial tent while the
work was carried out.
Guest speaker
Elliott Herbert, a member of the crew and also Senior Assessor Trainer
(lifeboats) England for the RNLI outlined the importance of training for
the volunteer crews.
Mr Herbert
leads a team of 11 responsible for training at 114 lifeboat stations.
The meeting
ended with praise for the outgoing chairman of the guild, Irene Roper, who
received the RNLI's award for excellence in volunteering.
Irene was said
to have led the guild in raising some £166,000 during her nine years, five
of them as chairman.
New chairman
Ken Lavery praised her 'hard work, commitment and sheer doggedness' as
Irene sliced a celebration 'thank you' cake.
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.'
8 March
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat moves into a tent
RNLI's inshore lifeboat based in Lyme Regis moved into her new temporary
'home' last night (Weds)…a huge industrial tent on a car park.
boat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, the tractor used for launching and
other equipment will be housed in the tent, east of the bowling green, for
a month while work to repair the floor of the boathouse on the Cobb is
carried out.
Volunteer crew members were briefed on arrangements, including safety
measures for the move, and also carried out a dry run for launching which
will mean the tractor with the boat on its carriage being transported a
short distance along a public road to the harbour.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: 'The crew had a detailed
briefing on how to manage the next month, including closing the short
stretch of road when the boat is being moved for launching.
apologise in advance for any inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists
and we will keep any restrictions to a minimum.
'One of
our main considerations is the safety of everyone when we need to use
public areas.'
27 February 2018
RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat launched to couple
cut off by the tide
Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this afternoon to two people cut off by the
Lyme Regis lifeboat was requested to launch to assist the Coastguard with
two people that were reported to have been cut off by the tide near Black
Venn, between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
The volunteers launched the lifeboat at 4.45pm and were on scene in 10
minutes later and assisted the Coastguard to ensure the safety of the
Murray Saunders, helm of the crew said: 'We were glad to assist the
Coastguard with this rescue and thankfully the people made it to safety.
If in doubt, leaflets are available from the Tourist Information Centre
and RNLI lifeboat shop explaining the risks of the changing tides.
February 2018
RNLI Lyme
Regis lifeboat moves 'home' for station repairs
The RNLI's Lyme Regis-based lifeboat is moving 'home' for a month during
8.5m Spirit of Loch Fyne will be housed in an industrial tent on a
car park from March 7 while the lifeboat station's boathouse floor is
move also includes the tractor used to launch the inshore lifeboat as well
as other boathouse equipment.
exercises, or launches to an emergency at sea, a short stretch of road
from the car park east of the bowling green to Cobb Square will be closed
for a few minutes.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks explained:' The closure of the
boathouse is necessary because parts of the floor are breaking up after
years of wear.'
lifeboat will be launched from the harbour's public slipway while the
RNLI's facility is used by contractors carrying out the repair work.
Marks added:' Crew members will carry out safety measures while the boat
is moved on the public road to the harbour.
operation includes Easter weekend, and we apologise in advance for any
inconvenience caused when we need to launch the lifeboat.'
24 February
The Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched twice again this
afternoon, Sat 24th February, to search the West Bay area. Nothing was
found. In total the crew were at sea for about four hours this afternoon
24 February 2018
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched twice in
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.
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.
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.'
24 February 2018
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched in search
for 'missing man'
Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched last night (Fri 23rd) to assist following
reports of a man missing in the West Bay area.
coastguards requested the lifeboat crew to carry out a shoreline search in
the West Bay, Eype, Freshwater and Seatown areas.
lifeboat was launched at 9.26pm. Nothing was found and the volunteer
lifeboat crew were stood down after searching in bitterly cold conditions
for two hours. The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 11.45pm
February 2018
Lifeboat Week 2018 is coming!
Members of the committee of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild have
already drawn up a provisional programme for the week which this year runs
from July 28th to August 3rd.
already confirmed for a return visit are the Red Devils, the British
Army's official parachute display team. They will be 'dropping in' during
the afternoon of August 2nd.
Guild – the local fundraising branch of the RNLI charity – is holding its
annual meeting on April 11th at 7.30pm at Lyme Regis lifeboat
station. Guest speaker is long-serving lifeboat crew member Elliott
Herbert who is also a full time Senior Assessor Trainer with the RNLI. New
members of the Guild are welcome to attend the meeting.
RNLI Flag Day
this year is on June 2nd when volunteer collectors will be on
duty in Lyme Regis and Charmouth
January 2018
Georgia joins the volunteers of Lyme Regis
year old general manager has become only the fourth woman ever to join the
volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis.
Lyme-born Georgia Robson has enrolled as shore crew and is now attending
regular training sessions at the lifeboat station on the Cobb.
Georgia, a former Woodroffe School pupil, aims eventually to become a
sea-going crew member. She enjoys regular trips with her ex-Royal Marine
father Jim, in his four metre RiB (rigid inflatable boat).
applied to join after meeting members of the crew at last year's
Remembrance Day parade.
"I have
always enjoyed the sea, and after talking to crew members it just seemed
natural to apply to join them. I am thoroughly enjoying the camaraderie
during training sessions."
is general manager with Tukxi Ltd, an Axminster firm which imports and
converts Tuk Tuk auto rickshaws.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks, said: 'Georgia follows Grace and
Shona and now joins Nikky and we are delighted to welcome her aboard.'
How Garry turned old wellies into a fun fund
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."
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.
13 January 2018
Lifeboat launched to 'two cut off by tide'
Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched today following a report that two people
were thought to be cut off by the tide between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
alarm was raised by National Coastwatch volunteer Howard Lyne on duty at
the Charmouth look-out station.
lifeboat was at sea within seven minutes of the coastguard request to
launch at 2.40pm.
After a
comprehensive shoreline search by the lifeboat crew nothing was found and
coastguards called off the operation.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said ;'It seems the two people made
their own way to safety but this shout demonstrated how well the
Coastwatch volunteers, the coastguards and ourselves can work together.
And it is always better to be safe than sorry.'
January 2018
Lifeboat launched to 'three cut off by
Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched yesterday (New Year's Day) when
coastguards were alerted that possibly up to three people had been cut off
by the tide on the beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
The volunteer crews' pagers
sounded the alarm at 4.20pm and the lifeboat crew were quickly on the
scene east of the harbour. It was soon established that one man was
involved and was able to leave the beach, making his own way to safety.
He was then met by coastguards ashore and the lifeboat crew were stood
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
1 December 2017
School visits to
lifeboat station are a hit with youngsters
The RNLI's lifeboat station in Lyme Regis is
becoming a regular favourite for organised visits, particularly by school
parties from a wide area.
The latest visitors (yesterday, Thurs) were
44 nine to ten year olds from Wheatley primary school in Oxford.
The youngsters visited the station during
their stay at Hooke Court, the residential field study centre near
They heard a talk by volunteer Deputy
Launching Authority Ian Marshall who told them about the way the RNLI
works and discussed beach and water safety. He also gave them a guided
tour of the lifeboat station and the lifeboat itself.
Mr Marshall said: "We are always pleased to
welcome school parties. It is a great opportunity to stress safety issues
for the youngsters when they are enjoying themselves in or near the sea.
It also gives them the chance to ask me some tricky questions !"
A party visit can be organised by leaving a
message for Mr. Marshall on the lifeboat station telephone number 01297
5 November 2017
Gig club in safety exercise with RNLI crew
first of a series of exercises involving Lyme Regis' successful gig club
and the town's RNLI lifeboat crew was held today (Sunday).
club coach Chris Waller, who is leading a safety management team for the
rowers, said:"Our aim is to manage a better culture of safety for gig
have a comprehensive plan and we will be making safety recommendations,
based on our exercises with the RNLI, to the Cornish Pilot Gig
exercise with a gig crew of seven and their 32 foot vessel, Prospero,
involved the lifeboat going alongside the gig and a session to practise
exercises are expected to involve scenarios including capsize, man
overboard, swamping, and casualty recovery.
Lyme Regis Gig Club now has 180 members.
15 October 2017
Tasty result as fish suppers raise £450 for RNLI
Two fish suppers in Lyme Regis over the weekend raised a
total of £454 for the RNLI's life-saving charity.
One was held at the town's sailing club where at least 54
fish and chip meals were served on Friday evening, and the other, on
Saturday, invited diners to a chalet above the bowling green where hostess
Petrina Muscroft served fish curry and rice, salmon salad or vegetarian
Diners made a donation for their meals and Petrina,
Herbies, Baboo Gelato and the sailing club presented their profits to the crew at
the lifeboat station today (Sunday).
27th September 2017
Lyme Regis lifeboat rescues 5
Lyme Regis
lifeboat launched in early hours to rescue 5 teenagers from stricken
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
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
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.'
25 July 2017
Family of four and
dog rescued as yacht sinks
A family of four and their labrador dog were
rescued this evening (Tuesday) by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis
lifeboat after their yacht was swamped by waves and sank at Charton Bay,
west of Lyme.
The yacht was being sailed from Lyme Regis by
Joe Coles,56,from East Coker, Yeovil. Also on board were his wife Tania,
sons Theo,9, Hector,19, and their 14 month old Labrador Suki.
Mr Coles said: "We had been having a picnic
and were close to shore. Suki would not get on the boat. We got out of
the boat to get the dog and two big waves hit the yacht and pretty much
sank it.
"We were all safely ashore but wet and cold,
and very pleased when we saw the lifeboat. The whole thing was Suki's
fault, really."
The family had left Lyme in the 18 foot
vessel, called Llewellyn, just as the Red Devils were giving their display
as part of Lifeboat Week.
The lifeboat crew brought the family back to
the safety of Lyme Regis. Later it was decided it was too unsafe to tow
the stricken yacht back to Lyme Regis. The lifeboat crew secured the yacht
by anchor a quarter of a mile off Pinhay Bay. This was the 13th
shout for the Lyme Regis crew so far this year.
The lifeboat had launched from the slipway at
6.50p.m.just as the Lifeboat Week charity auction was under way in the
But later the water polo match between the
lifeboat crew and the lifeguards was affected by a shortage of players. A
depleted lifeboat crew team lost by a large margin, according to players.
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.
21 May 2017
Boats are blessed in the sunshine at Lyme
lined the slipway in the sunshine at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme
Regis today to join the annual Blessing of the Boats service.
inter-denominational service, hosted by local clergy the Rev. Chris
Woodman and the Rev. Keith Vivian, acknowledges and blesses those who go
to sea professionally, or for fun, and remembers those who have lost their
lives to the waves.
Representatives of the town's gig, sailing, and powerboat clubs took an
active part in the service along with the volunteer lifeboat crew.
A poem
written and read to the congregation by 11 year old Millie-Jade Ellis,
daughter of recent lifeboat recruit Mark Ellis, drew appreciative
Woodroffe School pupil Millie called her poem 'What the Sea Means to Me.
She wrote: 'The sea feeds me and excites me. It can take me to new
countries aboard a ship. Sailing away on a really long trip. The sea is
fun but sometimes rough. This is when I need to be careful and not act
tough. If I am ever in trouble. Call the lifeboat at the double. So do not
be afraid just be safe at sea. That is what the sea means to me.'
service ended with the local club members and the Royal British Legion
presenting wraths to the lifeboat crew who then took the wreaths aboard
the lifeboat to be laid at sea.
12 May 2017
How a yellow welly and a penny farthing set
out to boost lifeboat charity
A lifeboat crew
member on a penny farthing bicycle, a vintage Jaguar, the RNLI's mascot
Stormy Stan and more than a hundred schoolchildren all took part in the
Lyme Regis stage of the marathon journey of a yellow welly yesterday
The illuminated
welly is being relayed all along the south-west coast as part of the
RNLI's Mayday fundraising campaign during which the charity hopes to raise
£750,000 towards the cost of the kit lifeboat crews have to wear.
Members of the
Sidmouth branch of the RNLI brought the welly to Lyme in a 1967 S-type
Jaguar. It was delivered to pupils at St. Michael's School, Lyme Regis,
and they handed it over to lifeboat crew member Seb Cope who arrived at
the school on his penny farthing bike with the RNLI mascot Stormy Stan.
Seb and Stan
then took the welly to Lyme Regis lifeboat station.
Today (Sat) the
welly was taken by the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew to Portland Bill where it
was handed over to the three-masted tallship TS Pelican and later
collected by RNLI volunteers from Weymouth to continue its journey.
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
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
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.
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
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
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 crew."
13 January 2017
Top surgeon joins Lyme Regis RNLI
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."
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
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.
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
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.
Not the crews usual mode of transport!
Don't get cut off by the tide
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. It is very important to check."
If you see anyone in trouble in the sea,
call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
Lyme Regis and Charmouth
the fund-raising arm of
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station
our latest newsletter
see below for more news
Blessing of the Boats CANCELLED
Sunday 17th May 2020
Lifeboat Week Lyme Regis CANCELLED
Saturday 25th - Friday
31st July 2020: helpers welcome
Fish suppers
- dates & venues to be advised
Christmas Day Swim,
25th December
Call into our shop
(next door to the Lifeboat Station)
and pick up the perfect gift or souvenir! We've got
homewares, clothing, tasty treats, toys, greeting cards and much
much more.
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
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
Saturday July
24th - Friday July 31st 2021
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
Coastal Review team visits Lyme Regis RNLI ....More
TV presenter
Jeremy Kyle visits
Store donates a Fat £600 to Lyme Regis lifeboat
Shop volunteers praised for dedication to
lifeboat charity
Charmouth swim is a crowd
puller ...More
Supermarket boosts lifeboat
Nikky qualifies for the lifeboat crew
A lifeboatman called 'Myrtle' leaves the crew after 15 years
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'
An easy way to give –
at no 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
Rosie, the harbourmaster's dog, is children's' book 'star'
Canine collector Sam gets RNLI award
Rob and the secret party
See Richie Durrant on You Tube
'Shout' is at www.youtube.com/rnlishout
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
Venue Hire
Wind and Weather
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