Summer is approaching its conclusion for the year – how fast did that go! As always, our calendar has been packed with shouts, training and community events.
Shouts
We have had 12 shouts since the last newsletter, plus a couple of first aid incidents. Our taskings included casualties lost and cut off by the tide on the cliffs, searching for missing children and swimmers (and dog) and vessels unsafe on the water requiring an escort to safe harbour. One late evening shout was a considerable, multi-agency effort searching for a missing person.
As always, we thank every volunteer for their dedication and professionalism.
Mrs Barry met 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.
Boathouse Development
We are in the process of gathering quotations from contractors to complete the boathouse development. We want to keep it local, so any firms interested in submitting a quotation, please get in touch at plirbrescue@gmail.com or 01424 812 457.
Crew News
Nick Wise completed all courses to become Helm – huge congratulations to him for all the study and time this has involved! Crew Martin Geldart is now embarking on his helm courses – at the time of print he should be almost complete!
Nicko Bisping and Georgia Phillimore completed their trainee and shore crew programmes and have been promoted to crew.
Another group completed their RYA Sea Survival course and this summer they will undertake RYA Powerboat Level 2 and RYA VHF Radio License. In November, 12 crew will complete their Casualty Care/First Aid refresher. Training is costly but PLIRB is committed to investing in our crew.
We also continue to carry out regular training sessions with teams from Rother Responders and HM Coastguard.
We welcomed a visit from Helena Dollimore MP who took the time to meet the crew and learn more about how we operate. It’s so vital for independent lifeboats to have a higher profile of the work we do.
In the community
We’ve been out in the community at Fairfest, Guestling School Fete, Icklesham School Fete and Pett Flower Show and after party. We supported the Winkle Club at their event and erected/dismantled barriers at the Stade.
Our Pett Slip Buoys continue to sing to raise funds for our future new rescue boat – including Rye Country Show, Rural Past Times and the Nearly on the Beach Concert.
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 had an initial target of £500 and ended his incredible feat at our Open Day. Thank you to Tony! We’ll update final amount next time.
Local Thanks
A huge thank you Fairlight Residents Association for their amazing donation to our dry suit appeal. Having had to dispose of two suits that were not fit for purpose, we launched an appeal to raise funds to purchase new ones.
Our thanks to Olivia from the Cove in Fairlight who donated two Personal Beacons to provide a sophisticated level of safety for our crew – especially when operating in choppy waters or under darkness.
Upcoming Events
Sunday 30 August, 3pm: Pett Slip Buoys singing at Two Sawyers
Tuesday 23 August, 6.30pm: Pett Slip Buoys singing at Rye Arts Festival
Saturday 29 November, 7pm: PLIRB quiz, email plirbrescue@gmail.com to book a table
Friday 12 December, 5pm: Carol and Shanty night (TBC)
Sunday 21 December, 7pm: PSB singing at the Cove Fairlight
Proud to serve. Proud to be PLIRB.
