Lives Saved Since 1851=
582 + 3 dogs

Launches since 1851 = 498


Weather for February 2003
The thaw was underway on the 1st with the remnants of January snow disappearing, indeed a pleasant sunny day unlike the 2nd which in contrast was cool and windy. There was another covering of snow by the 4th and whilst the following days were bright the frost held on especially in the areas of shade. By the 11th the weather was bright sunny and very mild but clearer overnight skies brought a return of frost. The wind again freshened from the south this time bringing on a moderate swell which kept the local fleet ashore. A further wind change from the south east led to sea conditions becoming yet worse and this was to last until the 23rd.Thankfully the month went on to end fine and dry.

Exercises.
Exercises were held on the 9th, 12th (Inspector) and 16th.

Services.
There were no service calls during the month. BUT.. There was assistance required on the shore during the late morning of Saturday 1st February, 2003. It was just another Saturday with the boathouse doors open, getting the station aired following a cool spell as well as progressing the planned maintenance work. The waves were gently lapping the shore as the tide flowed, indeed the sea looked quite inviting. Onto the beach drove a white transit builder's van towing a large speedboat. The rig stopped near the slipway and the boat was made ready for launching. Seeing potential problems in launching at this location advice was given and we gave a resume of safety issues.One thing that was missing from any of the group of five males was the small matter of wellingtons for launch and recovery. The van started and manoeuvered to the water edge stopping for a moment. Foolishly we assumed somebody was going into unhitch the boat and push it into the sea. Not so, the engine groaned and to sea went the boat and van, coming to a stop as the water was part way up the door. The driver climbed onto the roof to get the boat underway. The boat didn't move and it was apparent nobody wanted to get their feet wet. The decision was made to come out of the sea but the van could not move forward. With the potential for somebody getting injured as a result of desperation one of the helms and myself with drysuits on went down to give assistance. With the help of the fishermen's tractor the van and boat was safely pulled clear of the sea before all was lost to the rising tide. The van driver opened the door to thank us and we were nearly washed away by the deluge from within the vehicle. Perhaps they will come back another day with some wellingtons!!

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The First 150 Years - The Book.
Newbiggin Lifeboat History Book Launched. After some nine years of research the comprehensive story of Newbiggin Lifeboat over the last 150 years is launched.
Priced at £6 the book is available from the lifeboat station with postal orders costing an extra £1.50 for post and packing.(Post orders to RICHARD MARTIN, 3 WINDSOR GARDENS, NEWBIGGIN-BY-THE-SEA, NORTHUMBERLAND,NE64 6UN) Richard J Martin April 30th, 2001.
For more details contact Richard Martin
0191 2192553

Looking Back
February news stories from the early days On February 19th, 1859 during a westerly gale a keelboat laden with lime from Sunderland to Cambois was observed flying a flag of distress. The Lifeboat was launched and arrived with a local coble that took the crew of 2 aboard and landed them on the shore. Next day with the weather moderated a group of Newbiggin fishermen went on board the vessel, took charge and brought her safely into Blyth. The Morpeth Herald on February 11th, 1865 reports; 'Newbiggin Lifeboat - on Wednesday last this fine vessel was launched for the usual quarterly exercise. A heavy sea in the bay afforded the crew about 2 hour's splendid practice. It is needless to repeat that the indefatigable Coxswain Mr. Philip Jefferson keeps everything connected with the boat in first rate order. This being the last time the men will have the pleasure of exercising under the superintendence of the worthy Secretary the Reverend FH Ashurst who having resigned his post at Woodhorn as he is leaving the neighborhood. We embrace this opportunity of testifying with deep regret the severance of those ties, which existed between the pastor and the people of his charge. We also record the deep interest he has always had on anything connected with the Newbiggin Branch of the institution and we pray he may be long spared to be an ornament to his profession and a blessing to his fellow man'.

RJM Richard Martin - February 28th. 2003

Newbiggin by the Sea RNLI Video
We are pleased to annouce the issue of a exclusive
VHS video about Newbiggin RNLI station featuring high-lights of the 150th Anniversary Celebrations with the Duke of Northumberland in attendance.

To receive a copy contact Stan Green at-
Newbiggin@rnli.org.uk

Newbiggin by the Sea R.N.L.I. Website
Special thanks should go to Richard Martin, Stan Green and former Newbiggin Branch Chairman John Robinson, for providing much of the material used in the lifeboat website.
If anyone has any additional material or stories that they think would be of interest and would like to contribute to the site please contact:-

Paul Hooper tel.01670 521289
e-mail- drumhoops@btinternet.com

Or contact can be made via:-
www.newbigginbythesea.co.uk
Newbiggin@rnli.org.uk