Stephen Slade

February 2017 meeting report: RNLI visit

22 March 2017 by Stephen Slade

41 Club visits the new Scarborough Lifeboat House

The February 41 Club visit took the form of a visit to the new RNLI Lifeboat House at Scarborough’s Sandside to have a look at their new facilities.

The RNLI lifeboat crews showed us the new Shannon class lifeboat which cost £2.3m – and looked it – being in fantastic condition and very shiny.

The new lifeboat had been funded by donations from the F W Plaxton Charitable Trust and will be named “Frederick William Plaxton”. The RNLI fundraising appeal also raised £200,000 towards the cost of a bespoke launch and recovery vehicle for the new lifeboat.

The building includes a revamped shop and an exhibition space where those who visit can learn about the history of the lifesaving charity. There are also upgraded volunteer crew facilities with extra space for lifesaving training and an up-to-date drying room for their kit.

The Shannon class lifeboat is the first modern RNLI all-weather lifeboat to be powered by water jets and not propellers. Capable of 25 knots, the Shannon is 50% faster than the lifeboats it replaces, so ensuring that those in need are reached even faster.

The Shannon needs a bespoke launch and recovery system. She is designed to be mostly launched and recovered from a beach but, without the right launching equipment, this is impossible. The RNLI worked with Supacat Ltd in developing a system capable of launching and recovering the Shannon class lifeboat from the beach at all states of the tide.

After the tour of the Lifeboat House tour we were treated to a fish and chip supper at the Golden Grid which was as tasty as ever.

Stuart Baines
Scarborough 41 Club roving reporter

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Filed Under: Meeting Reports Tagged With: talk, visit

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January 2017 meeting report: Burns’ Night

31 January 2017 by Stephen Slade

Burns’ Night has come around again and the Yorkshire Coast College Fledglings restaurant did us proud as usual with a fine meal on a Scottish theme.

Before the nosh itself the traditional piper played in the Haggis and our own David (Mc Sporran) Henderson addressed the wee beastie and sent it to Haggis heaven with suitable rhyme and a sharp knife.

The meal comprised of a starter of Haggis and bashed Neeps and Champit tatties or the veg alternative.

Main course was a very tasty dish of venison with potato purée and peppercorn sauce or again the veggie instead.

Pudding was exceptional comprising four Scottish deserts including a popular dram of the Highland hard stuff. Followed by Typhoo Tips or coffee and some lovely chocs.

Our esteemed Chairman thanked the efficient catering staff for the fabulous meal.

The forthcoming meeting at the Copper Horse was promoted when we will have the pleasure of hosting a visit of the National President, Barry Durman. Later meetings are to include a tour of the new lifeboat house and a fish supper.

Member of Scarborough Round Table were thanked for joining us.

The evening followed with the usual loyal toast.

Report and photography by: Stuart Baines
41 Club Scarborough Newshound