With clouds and rain in the sky, it looked like being a disappointing lifeboat day this year

With clouds and rain in the sky, it looked like being a disappointing day was looming. But the crew were determined to make the most of it! The bunting was put up and banners placed along the promenade to attract the usual crowds to this years event.

Just before the start of the lifeboat display the weather cleared out with blue skies and sunshine welcoming our supporters to the seafront. On the stroke of 11:00 one maroon was fired from the pier boathouse to signal the launch of the inshore lifeboat which went to the first rescue of the days display. No sooner was the inshore lifeboat Seahorse III on its way then a further two maroons were fired to let the gathered crowds know that the All-weather lifeboat RNLB Lester was about to launch.

Once in the water the RNLB Lester proceeded to the aid of an inflatable craft, with two crew on board, and recovered them to safety. After some skilful boat handling by Coxswain John Davies in the Tamar the transom door was lowered and the Y boat was launched close to the pier. There was a man over board display by the two smaller craft while the Tamar showed off some speed with a few passes near the pier before dropping off two crew members in the water for the Atlantic 85 from Sheringham, The Oddfellows, to recover.

As the display progressed the lifeboats were joined by Rescue helicopter 125 from RAF Wattisham which made a few flypast's before picking up two crew members from the water just off the pier boathouse, showing immense skill and  professionalism.  As the helicopter crew were preparing to move into position to put the crew members onto the Tamar lifeboat they were requested by Coastguards to proceed to a real life emergency further down the coast and had to drop our two crew on the Runton Road car park on the outskirts of town, they made their way back to the beach on foot!

Yet again members of the Kettering branch were on hand to help with commentary for the display and bucket collections on the promenade, members of the museum team and the ladies lifeboat guild were also there as was Stormy Stan!

On completion of the display the lifeboats were recovered to their respective boathouses with the all-weather lifeboat being prepared for our visitors to have a quick look on board before it was made ready for the afternoon service.

With the Tamar lowered down the slipway so the stern was just inside the boathouse the service in the afternoon saw the boathouse packed with people who sang a number of hymns and listened to readings by our Coxswain, 2nd Coxswain and Ladies Guild chairman. Music was provided by the Cawston band and afterwards a short performance by the Sheringham Shantymen.

The day was a great success and we would like to say a very big thank you to all involved.