Whilst we have not been adding to our visit numbers in September we have still kept involved in the RNLI through various open days and other visits. On the last day of August we visited the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. It was the final day of the special RNLI200 Exhibition and coincided with a meeting of the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society.
Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society
The Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society (LBES) brings together all those with a keen interest in Lifeboats and the Lifeboat Service. They exist to support the RNLI and provide an interchange of information between the RNLI and their members on the many different aspects of Lifeboats, past, present, and future. They were founded in 1964 and have a membership which includes serving or ex RNLI management, crew, station supporters, staff, fundraisers and everyone who has an interest in the history of the RNLI, modern developments, memorabilia collecting, lifeboat modelling, owning and running historic former lifeboats. For a small annual subscription we receive a fascinating magazine three times per year and an annual handbook detailing the full fleet of lifeboats, the vehicles and the locations of former lifeboats. This handbook has proved invaluable to us as we have been visiting stations and seeing lifeboats.
Find out more about the Society on their website:
Historic Lifeboat Collection
The Historic Dockyard Chatham houses the UK’s largest collection of historic lifeboats. From an 1897 pulling and sailing lifeboat, to the Arun class and Blue Peter inflatable inshore boats. It is a fascinating exhibition with interactive displays, archive film and audio clips. In addition the Dockyard was the host of the temporary RNLI200 Exhibition which was due to end on 1st September. Find out more about the Historic Dockyard below
The Meeting
The LBES autumn meeting was being held in Chatham not only to allow members to enjoy the last day of the RNLI200 Exhibition but to also celebrate their 60th Anniversary. Arriving in the morning, we took time to look around the collection before a spot of lunch and the LBES meeting in the afternoon. Whilst walking around the collection a lovely gentleman approached and asked how we were getting on with our challenge, he introduced himself as Charles. We stood chatting with him for a long while and were humbled by his history and knowledge. Charles Hunter-Pease joined the RNLI as Chairman in 2013 after a distinguished career with Volvo. He has been a lifelong supporter of the RNLI and served in many roles both as a businessman and a volunteer. We had a fascinating discussion about many topics and it was so lovely to meet him.
Being new to all of this we entered the meeting room with trepidation but were immediately made to feel welcome. We met many incredible people including Nicholas Leach, the author of many books but notably the fantastic reference book, “For those in Peril – 200 years of the RNLI”. The meeting was attended by over 60 members.
We took our seats and the meeting commenced with an introduction from the Society Chair, Peter Woolhouse. This was followed by a fascinating presentation from Angela Rook, Associate Director of the RNLI, whom we met in Edinburgh earlier in August. She has been responsible for the 200 anniversary celebrations and her presentation was about her highlights and the events being held during the celebration year.
This was followed by a short ceremonial handover of the RNLI Standard overseen by Jamie Chestnutt, RNLI Director of Engineering and Supply. David Cox had been the Standard Bearer for 19 years. His role was to be present at certain official functions where the RNLI has been invited to represent and to spread awareness of the dedication and commitment of all RNLI volunteers through the charity’s core values. David is one of the founder members of the Historic Lifeboat Collection at Chatham Historic Dockyard and has been involved in local fundraising for the RNLI for over 50 years. During the ceremony he handed over the Standard to Stephen Wheatley who has been a part of the RNLI family since 2005. He has volunteered at Tower RNLI taking part in over 300 shouts. In addition to his shifts at Tower lifeboat station, Stephen has been a committed fundraiser for the RNLI. He has taken on a triathlon alongside some crew from Tower, as well as the London marathon in full RNLI PPE. Amongst other events, he has collectively helped raise over £60k for the RNLI.
Following the historic ceremony, Jamie Chestnutt gave a fascinating presentation on the RNLI Fleet present and future. Jamie was appointed as Director of Engineering and Supply at the RNLI in September 2021, having held previous roles as Technical Director at Chessington World of Adventures and Royal Navy Director of Engineering and Logistics for the Commando Helicopter Force. His presentation included details of each class of lifeboat their history and their future including refurbishment programmes and replacements. He also detailed the future programmes for new and refurbishing station projects. It was great to get this level of insight into the massive operation.
This meeting was a first for us but gave us a greater understanding of the organisation and those involved in all aspects of it.
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