Trip to Newbiggin RNLI station

​We resumed our summer programme on Thursday evening 8th August with a trip to the Newbiggin RNLI station which, we discovered, is the oldest in the United Kingdom. It was formed shortly after 5 local fishermen attempted to save the lives of 4 fishing boat crews which capsized on 22nd March 1850. Two of ten lives were saved. A boathouse was established permanently soon after at Newbiggin and the following year the Duke of Northumberland paid for a boat and established the lifeboat station. 

Our genial host for the evening was RNLI volunteer and former policeman, Rory. Rory showed a dozen of us the station lifeboat (cost about £250,000) and tractor (cost about £100,000) and the various elements of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) used by the lifeboat crews. There are over 30 volunteers at Newbiggin and about 20 of these are trained, qualified and able to go out to see. It was clear to us all what a great and selfless job these volunteers do; they receive "shouts" at all times of the day and night and then immediately report to the station where a 4-person crew is selected by the Helm before they set sail. Rory's pride and enjoyment in what he does was clear for all to see and he said that joining the RNLI was one of the best things he had ever done. He was delighted to be able to make a contribution to the community. He answered all of our questions and explained the importance of communications, teamwork and working in coordination with other lifeboat crews along the Northumberland coast. ​

​The RNLI at Newbiggin is still looking for more volunteers, including more people to carry out shore-based roles. Those of us in attendance undertook to make a donation via of President, Chris Houghton, and of course, donations are always welcomed by the RNLI.
 
We were able to take photographs of the evening and some of us will return to take action shots when the volunteers train on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Despite being caught in heavy rain as we left the station, we all agreed that it had been an enjoyable and informative evening.  
 
Ray Barnes
CCC Programme Secretary