ex50001

Quite happy with this picture one of the local newspaper reporters sent me ... sadly nothing in the paper though Photo (c) Mick Howes

I'm not quite a one man band, but the circumstances for a couple of our committee members have changed lately. I'm quite certain it's only temporary and new people will join the ranks to assist going ahead. Thank you for helping to share the word

I'm truly sorry! I really am... Working a full time job and juggling life and the trust too, In all honestly the event really crept up on me very fast. We are still a very new and very small organisation, we are growing in numbers and in fact signed up 2 new "practical" volunteers and an Admin/Fundraising volunteer over the course of the day Sunday. Thankfully the new volunteer signed up on Sunday is very proactive already and she is willing to help take on the organisation of the event next year so I hope it will be bigger and much more popular. We do not see it as "ONLY" £132, as to date it is the best fundraising event we have been at, plus it is much needed publicity for a very new and unheard of cause. Due to the nature and location of our cause, very few people will have heard of us, because as Peter would know, we are tucked up in a corner of an industrial estate, with little public access due to health and safety, and no passing "trade" so to speak. With regards to the 57p, I saw many people do as I often do when I see collection boxes, and simply empty out all loose change, today with contactless payment and nearly everywhere accepting card, carrying cash is becoming less and less necessary. our leaflets (Which following sunday we are out of!) had details for the public on how to volunteer or how to donate online, so perhaps the event will continue to be successful even after it has finished... Thank you to all on here for you're wonderful support, it was great to speak with the few of you on here who came along and introduced yourselves, or said you had seen us on NBN. I can't wait to see you all again next year!

A great day was had by all! Many happy people enjoyed a tour around Charles Henry and Laura Moncur. All the boat owners are keen to do it again next year so we've booked up for the 11th of June next year, hopefully more boats next year too! Donations on the day raised £132.57 for the Thames Class Lifeboat Trust towards the refurbishment. Thank you to everyone who came for your support, it is truly appreciated. Scott

Thanks John, Thanks Alan! Cooey, and Good afternoon Ladies and Gents. Apologies for the late arrival on this fine forum! I shall properly introduce myself elsewhere... He’res a snippet we’ve sent to the local radio/news papers Former lifeboats to gather raising funds for youth training vessel. On Sunday the 5th of June a gathering of former lifeboats will take place at Oulton Broad yacht station, the event is raising funds for the Thames Class Lifeboat Trust, who are currently refurbishing a Lowestoft built former lifeboat for use as a youth training vessel. The vessels will be moored, and displayed to the public between 9am and 4pm, Followed by a brief parade on the broad before departing through Mutford Lock. Meanwhile on the day visitors will be able to sample the various attractions of Oulton broad including taking a ride along the river between the Heritage Quay and Oulton Broad using the Lowestoft River Taxi “Terrier”, and see the wonders for sale at the regular Artists Boulevard. The vessels expected at the event include a 1930s former Blackpool lifeboat “Sarah Ann Austin” of the 35’6” Liverpool single screw class, she was in service until 1965. “Laura Moncur” the recently restored 47ft Watson Class based at Buckie from 1960 until 1983, having a major conversion to become self-righting in 1972, she served her final years in the service as a Relief lifeboat, before being sold in 1988. “Charles Henry” The last of a kind, the only existing 48ft Oakley class lifeboat afloat in private hands. Built in 1969 and stationed at Selsey and Baltimore until she was sold in 1987. Finally, the youngest vessel expected at the gathering “Horace Clarkson” a 37ft Rother class lifeboat, Based at Moefre between 1977-1987 and then serving in the relief fleet until 1992, She is the only lifeboat at the gathering to have been built self-righting due to the buoyancy of the superstructure. (though the same technique was later used on “Laura Moncur”) Sadly not present at the event is the trusts own vessel, currently undergoing refurbishment in Lowestoft. Built at Brooke Marine in 1973 and Stationed at Falmouth and Dover during her RNLI years “Rotary Service” is now being converted for use as a youth training vessel. She will provide training for young and disadvantaged youths in the hope of giving them assistance to find employment in the maritime sector. This refurbishment expected to take 2 years is being funded entirely through charitable donations and grant funding to find out more about the trust, visit our stand at the event or visit www.50001.org.uk