Exmouth RNLI volunteers look forward to meeting their new inshore lifeboat
The volunteer team, past and present at Exmouth RNLI lifeboat station are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new D class George Bearman II on the morning of 12 January.
Chairman of the Exmouth Lifeboat Management Group, Darryl Nicholas explained:
‘This new inshore lifeboat is unique in the history of Exmouth RNLI as it is a first for the station having consecutive lifeboats funded by the same donor. The prime wish of the donor, Ms Pauline Smith is to be at the station when it arrives, to see and support us as best she can.’
The event will be informal and consist of present and past volunteers who have served on inshore lifeboats at Exmouth over the last 50 years. There will be a chance to take photos and interview these volunteers about their experiences.
The official Naming Ceremony for George Bearman II will be held in late Spring 2017.
Since this is an informal event, there are no set timings but will follow roughly this order:
10am Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn will be moved onto the ramp.
Presentations to Fundraising volunteers Jean Carpenter and Mike Baldwin by former RNLI Chairman, Charles Hunter-Pease.
Donor, Pauline Smith and party arrive.
George Bearman is launched.
11am George Bearman II arrives by road and is briefly assembled and launched.
Photos of George Bearman and George Bearman II together afloat.
George Bearman II is recovered to the boathouse for the first time.
George Bearman is recovered and taken away to join the charity’s relief fleet.
(All timings are subject to operational requirements on the day)
Notes to editors
- You, or a representative, are welcome to watch the arrival, presentations and photo shoots.
- Photos will be available after the event. However, if you intend to send a photographer for your own photos, please ask them to make themselves known to Emma Tarling and we shall try our best to accommodate your own requirements.
- There is no parking available at the station. Please use the pay and display car park at Foxholes and continue to the station on foot.
- Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn will not be afloat or launching.
For more information contact Emma Tarling, Exmouth Lifeboat Press Officer on 07837 810082 or email: [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.