Sunday was spent in Kent amongst the glistening greenhouses and Oyster kiosks (I’m not a fan of shellfish). Our plan was to work from Dover through to Whitstable. We had a good contact at Walmer and he advised that we would need to be there before 10am as the roads would be closed off for the Royal Marines concert at the memorial bandstand.
So off we set at the crack of dawn arriving just before 9am. We managed to park a few metres away from the Lifeboat Station and already things were pretty busy.
Walmer Lifeboat Station
As we arrived at the station the doors were being opened and we grabbed our evidence photo straight away. Drinking his morning Tea in the early sun in front of the Atlantic 85 was Les. What an amazing man, he had been involved in the station all his life as boat crew and land crew. We chatted with him for ages and he was a walking encyclopaedia. What he didn’t know about the history of the Walmer lifeboats would not have fitted on a postage stamp. The building looked amazing, styled like a church and built in 1871. We walked around the Atlantic 85 – Donald Mclauchlan (B-808) and took a few photos. In a little boathouse nearer the beach they also have a D-Class.
We then met Chris, the stations press officer who kindly arranged to meet with us and forewarned us about the road closures. Thank you Chris for meeting us and arranging the visit.
Dover Lifeboat Station
On to Dover which was relatively quiet and we managed to find some easy parking near to the Lifeboat Station. The new station at Dover had its official opening the day before which was due to be a Royal affair but turned out not to be at the last minute. Their Severn Class – City of London II (17-09) was moored just outside the station and the crew were disembarking. We chatted to one of the crew members who explained that they had just finished some moored training.
We then visited the shop and had a lovely chat with the ladies before being allowed a quick tour of the station by the crew member we met outside. It is an impressive station with an excellent visitor centre. We had a long and quite emotive conversation about the types of shouts that Dover attend. I have written another blog article about the subject but am in two minds whether to publish it or not. We learned a lot chatting with her and were humbled by her stories. After a cup of tea and an Eccles Cake we departed for Ramsgate.
Ramsgate Lifeboat Station
Now if ever there is a situation you have no idea what you are walking in to, Ramsgate was it. We were not sure what to expect as it is located in the harbour. We managed to find a dead end road on what looked like an industrial area and there were cars parked all around so we abandoned the car there in the hope that we would not return to a yellow boot of the car variety.
Walking through the boatyard we took a couple of photos of the Trent that was moored next to the station. On arrival at the station itself it was a hive of activity so we took our evidence photo with the bears before being greeted by Steve. He had been following us on our socials and welcomed us with open arms into the station. Just as we arrived a Tamar (16-23) was arriving back from a tasking and moored alongside the Trent. A cup of Tea was made and we were introduced to some of the crew that had just arrived back from sea. The banter and friendship was amazing to witness and just shows how tight knit these crews are.
We stayed chatting for ages and once things had calmed down in the station, Steve very kindly gave us a superb tour of the boats with the Coxswain’s permission. They currently have a Trent Class Henry Heys Duckworth (14-15) which is their own boat. They also have a Tamar Class – Diamond Jubilee (16-23) which was swapped with the boat at Eastbourne. Additionally they have an Atlantic 85 Claire and David Delves (B-878).
What an incredible visit and thank you so much to Steve and the crew for being so welcoming, generous and supportive.
Margate Lifeboat Station
On to Margate, which was packed in the afternoon sun. We managed to find a parking space eventually and made our way along to the station. They had just returned from a shout and were washing down the boat so we did not disturb. Instead we met with the lovely ladies in the shop and took our required photos.
Whitstable Lifeboat Station
Final destination was Whitstable which, by the time we arrived was shut. So it was photo and head for home.
What an incredible day. This marked the final day of visits for us this month as I am away doing other stuff next weekend. 25 visits this month is an amazing start and we are starting to now plan longer trips. We have also raised £190 for the RNLI so far in a just a few weeks so thank you to all who have donated.
Please do follow us and donate if you can
Comments