Swanage RNLI’s latest recruit – its new inshore lifeboat named Roy Norgrove – is to be the star attraction at a specially arranged event to give the community a closer look at the new vessel.
The lifeboat station on Peveril Point Road will be holding an open day between 12 noon and 3 pm on Saturday 20th January 2024 and everyone’s welcome to pop in.
The new inshore lifeboat is D-884
Show visitors around the boathouse
The opportunity will also be a chance to meet some of the crew and volunteers who will be on hand to show visitors around the boathouse, as well as serving refreshments.
The new D class inshore lifeboat replaces the much loved and photographed Phyl and Jack inshore lifeboat that had come to the end of its operational duty after 11 years of rescues around the Purbeck coastline.
The new vessel was made possible by a donation from the late Doreen Norgrove who lived in Winchester and died in August 2019. She was a long-time supporter of the RNLI, along with her husband Roy, leaving half her estate to purchase a lifeboat in memory of her late husband.
Built on the Isle of Wight, the new lifeboat D884 was delivered to the Swanage Lifeboat Station on Friday 8th December 2023.
Swanage RNLI took delivery of the new boat in December 2023
The boat is named in memory of Roy Norgrove
“Newer boat with a brand new engine”
Swanage RNLI’s senior inshore lifeboat helm Darren Tomes said:
“We’ve only had the new inshore lifeboat for just over a month and we are making sure the crew all get out for training on the new boat as soon as possible.
“Although the lifeboat is essentially the same, being a newer boat with a brand new engine means that it handles slightly differently so we all want to be familiar with the boat before we get to our busier season.
“We train every Wednesday and also one Sunday a month during the winter so that we get some hours in daylight, so most crew have already been out at least once.
“Inshore lifeboats are usually replaced every 10 years, so I am fortunate to have seen two brand new inshore lifeboats arrive at our station. The arrival of the Roy Norgrove is particularly special to me as it has arrived while I am the senior helm at Swanage.
“The inshore lifeboat is really capable, being able to get to any part of the beach or cliff in our patch as well as going offshore if needed. The new boat is performing really well, and as we prepare for the busy spring and summer season we know that it will help us keep people safe at sea and save some lives.
“The open day is a great opportunity for the whole of the community to come down to the station and see for themselves our new boat – everyone’s welcome!”
The new arrival is welcomed to the lifeboat station
Have a look round the boat house and there’s also refreshments
Further information
- More about the work of Swanage Lifeboat Station is on its website and Facebook page
- Leave a gift in your Will to get your name on a lifeboat
