Open Day
Our annual Open Day is on Sunday 24 August, 11am-3pm at the PLIRB Boathouse in Pett Level. Expect the usual super fun day – with live music, dog show, BBQ and bar, games, stalls, the Charity Shed and sea display. Music this year from the brilliant Soul Train and Matty’s Monday Club.
The Grand Raffle will include cash prizes – tickets are only £2 each or £10 for a book of five – available from Pett Butchers, the Royal Oak or any crew member. Or you can purchase from https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/plirb-open-day-raffle-tickets.
CAN YOU HELP? We always need cakes for the refreshment stall or bottles for the tombola – please get in touch at 01424 812 457 or plirbrescue@gmail.com.
Out on shouts
We had a busy June and July and are always so amazed at the dedication of our volunteer crew. The shouts included two separate incidents involving casualties stuck on the cliffs at Fairlight, missing children, broken down vessels (towing) and swimmers (and dog) cut off in the mud. We are incredibly proud that we never miss a tasking and maintain our excellent response time – day or night.
Drysuit appeal
We recently had to dispose of three drysuits as they are no longer fit for purpose. Drysuits are vital to protecting our crew at sea and our legal obligation to keep them safe. We are aiming to raise £2100 to purchase three new suits. If you would like to donate, please email plirbrescue@gmail.com, call 01424 812 457 or donate here https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/drysuit-appeal.
Mrs Barry meets the King!
Our longest serving volunteer, Jo Barry, was recently invited by the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, to attend a special reception at Walmer Castle with a very special VIP which turned out to be HRH King Charles! The reception honoured individuals who have been long-serving volunteers and Jo had the opportunity to tell the King about our shouts and activities. Jo is PLIRB’s Lifeboat Operations Manager and has been volunteering for over 40 years. A huge and well-deserved congratulations from everyone at PLIRB.
Sponsored bike ride
We are thrilled that a local supporter has offered to complete his latest sponsored bike ride to raise funds for us. Tony Fuller is going to cycle 247 miles throughout August – with 247 being in recognition of our 24/7 on-call service. Tony has a target of £500, you can sponsor him at https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/tony-fuller-cycling-247-miles-for-plirb. He will end his incredible feat at our Open Day – please sponsor him if you can.
Crew news
Congratulations to Nick Wise who completed his final RYA course to achieve helm status. A huge commitment and well deserved.
Nicko Bisping and Georgia Phillimore completed their trainee and shore crew programme and have been promoted to crew.
Another group completed their RYA Sea Survival course and this summer we will put crew through their RYA Powerboat Level 2 and RYA VHF Radio License.
We’ve been out in the community at Fairfest, Guestling School Fete, Icklesham School Fete and Pett Flower Show. We supported the Winkle Club at their event and erected/dismantled barriers at the Stade.
PLIRB Thanks
Our thanks to Olivia who donated two Personal Beacons to provide a sophisticated level of safety for our crew – especially when operating in choppy waters or under darkness.
