On a glorious morning a group of 27 gathered at the Shoreham Lifeboat station. Greeted and welcomed by one of the `volunteers` and given a safety talk, ( `no running`), we were divided into 2 groups. First we were shown the dressing room, rows of boots, jackets, helmets etc, all ready to go. Then on to see the ILB, the inflatable inshore lifeboat. Next up stairs, to view the impressive ALB. The All Weather Lifeboat. The size was awe inspiring. The cost also, £2.7 million. Named `Enid Collett` after the actress who made a bequest in her will to the charity, the new boat was acquired in 2009, the year the new boathouse was built. There has been a lifeboat in Shoreham for over a 150 years. There were many opportunities to take photographs, and a very informative and interesting talk by our guide. The station is entirely manned by volunteers, the exception being one salaried engineer.
Many thanks to Fred for arranging the visit, certainly enjoyed by all, on a beautiful `calm` day by the sea!