Ynys Mon, or Anglesey, is an island off the northwest coast of Wales. It is joined to the mainland by two bridges over the Menai Strait. Four RNLI Lifeboat Stations protect the coast of the island, two of which have All-Weather Lifeboats (ALB) capable of search and rescues of up to 250 miles range.
Beaumaris Lifeboat Station
Our first stop in the morning was Beaumaris, a town we have visited many times in the past. It lies at the eastern entrance to the Menai Strait. The lifeboat station, built in 2000, sits on the beach at the end of Beaumaris Pier. There has been a station in the town since 1891 but the original was closed just 5 years later as a larger boat was sent further up the coast to Penmon. The station reopened in 1914 before relocating to its current location in 1975.
Beaumaris received the second Inshore Lifeboat funded by Blue Peter appeals in 1967. Today the station houses an Atlantic 85, Annette Mary Liddington (B-838). Unfortunately the station was closed when we arrived and we were unable to see the boat. We took the station photo with our bears and moved on to our next location.
Moelfre Lifeboat Station
Arguably one of the most famous on the Welsh coastline, Moelfre Lifeboat Station overlooks the Irish Sea in the small maritime village of Moelfre. We arrived a little early so took the opportunity to have a cup of tea and a delicious sausage sandwich in a delightful café called Ann’s Pantry. Highly recommended if you are paying a visit to the village at any time of day
The lifeboat station is reached by a short walk along the coast from the Moelfre Seawatch Coastguard station containing the RNLI shop and a fascinating museum. The centre tells the story of Moelfre's maritime and lifeboat history, including medal winning rescues, historical shipwrecks and fascinating artefacts. Taking centre stage is the now 'retired' Bird's Eye Lifeboat, which was purchased for the RNLI in 1970 by Birds Eye Foods Ltd. Telling the story of over 200 years of lifeboat history in Moelfre the exhibition features the incredible story of famous double gold-medal winner Richard (Dic) Evans. The imposing statue of Dic Evans overlooks the coast at the rear of the seawatch centre. He was coxswain from 1939 to 1954 and was awarded two gold gallantry medals in 1959 and 1966.
Taking a walk along the coast path we got fantastic views of the lifeboat house which was completed in 2015. The original boathouse from 1875 still stands a short walk from the Seawatch centre. We were greeted at the station by full time Coxwain Vince and full time mechanic Aled. We were made to feel very welcome and had a lovely discussion over a cup of tea. We were joined by Lifeboat Press Officer, Phil and Deputy LPO and boat crew Will.
After some photos on the boat with the crew, Aled took us on a fascinating tour. They have a Tamar Class lifeboat named Kiwi (16-25) and a D-Class Enfys 2 (D-825). Enfys means Rainbow in Welsh and this second version replaced the original Enfys in 2018.
It was fantastic to get such a detailed insight into the Tamar Class boat from mechanic Aled. His knowledge was incredible. He left no stone unturned giving us unique views of the boat from ground level and the impressive motor that drives the recovery winch.
After the tour, LPO Phil took us back to the Seawatch centre for some more photos with the Richard Evans Statue. We are so grateful to everyone for their warm welcome and fascinating visit.
Holyhead Lifeboat Station
Holyhead is the largest town on Anglesey and is the main ferry port to Ireland. It is actually closer to Dublin than to Liverpool. Located at the former Marina, the lifeboat station is one of the oldest in Wales with the first lifeboat being provided in 1808. The RNLI acquired the station in 1855. In 1858 a boathouse was built at Newry Beach and still stands today and is occupied by the maritime museum. Another built in 1949 remains in the ferry terminal. The current boathouse is in the former Trinity House buildings and was acquired in late 1990’s
We were welcomed by Area Fundraising Manager Katherine, Mechanic Jack and Coxwain Mark, who showed us around the station and the secondary boathouse where their D-Class Mary and Angie Hooper (D-791) is housed.
Holyhead also have a Severn Class All-Weather Lifeboat normally moored in the port. However, following a recent shout the boat was damaged when it ran aground and is now undergoing repairs in a local boatyard. They currently have a Trent Class as a relief boat.
The station has suffered its fair share of near misses. In 2018 Storm Emma completely destroyed the marina in which the ALB was moored. Luckily it was moved to the shelter of the port before the storm took hold. In the same year a huge fire completely destroyed a neighbouring marine building causing damage to the Lifeboat Station and the adjacent boathouse. Again the crew moved the D-Class lifeboat preventing it from being lost.
Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station
Our last visit of the day was to the stunning Trearddur Bay, just 5 miles from Holyhead on the other side of Holy Island. This beautiful sheltered bay is home to the Lifeboat Station established in 1967 with the current station being built in 1994. We were again made so welcome by Pauline, Tony and David. It was exercise night and so we stayed at the station as the crew arrived ready for training.
Trearddur Bay have an Atlantic 85, Hereford Endeavour (B-847) and a D-Class Clive and Imelda Rawlins II (D-885). The Atlantic 85 was formerly named in 2011 by HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton, one of their first official engagements together.
The crew bought the D-Class out from its boathouse across the road and following a photo with the crew we headed back to base whilst they undertook their training.
Day 5 our final day, and we visit the 3 stations along the north shore.
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