Lives Saved Since 1851=
584 + 3 dogs

Launches since 1851 = 501

Weather for March 2003
The month began fine and dry, a pattern which was to last during the coming weeks. There was a spell of light rain on the 7th accompanied by fresh/strong south east wind. A near gale south westerly blew between the 9th and 12th leading to a sand build up around the boathouse. (another few days of digging) The wind then swung around from the north then further around to the east onto south east leading too much cooler temperatures until the 18th. Thereafter the totally dry conditions were accompanied by warm and very warm temperatures reaching an unseasonable low 60's. However by the end of the month the wind swung again from the east bringing cool onshore winds and fog.

Exercises.
Exercises were held on the 12th, 13th (relief boat) and 23rd.

Services.
There were three service calls during the month with details as follows;

Friday March 14th. 2003:
At about 11.45 hours information was received that three boats out on passage north from the River Tyne had got into difficulty in the vicinity of the River Wansbeck. The relief Atlantic 75 lifeboat B754 that had only been on station for one day was launched and proceeded to the location given. Once on scene the three craft were located, one being aground south of the river, one in the river mouth broken down and one within the river itself. The lifeboat attempted to tow the vessel aground clear but with an ebbing tide this was not achieved. With a check of the other boats and having ascertained nobody was in danger the lifeboat returned to station.

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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

Boathouse Displays
A reminder to all that following a generous donation of picture frames by Wilkinson's Hardware Stores Ltd last year, work has progressed in extending display material into the corridor and stair areas at the boathouse. The display follows the various lifeboats operating from the station over the years taking us to the current lifeboat CSMA 75th Anniversary

Sunday 16th March, 2003.
At about 13.45 hours information was received that a boat was in difficulties in the surf near the River Wansbeck. The lifeboat was immediately launched and proceeded to the area. Once on scene the boat, which was aground on Friday, was found attempting to clear the beach. They had been observed from the shore and a member of the public had raised the alarm. The lifeboat put a tow on the 20 foot cabin boat and towed it south to a safe mooring at Blyth. Once safely moored the lifeboat departed the scene and returned to station. Prior to reaching the boathouse for washing down further information was received that the boat was now sinking and may need assistance. The drama however was subdued when it was learnt that the boat had been moved to another location and grounded safely with the ebbing tide.

Monday March 17th. 2003;
At about 17.15 hours information was received that a boat in Newbiggin Bay had occupants on board who were waving. The lifeboat was at once launched and headed out to the boat. They confirmed however that they had not indicated any distress so the lifeboat carried out a full search of the area to ascertain there were no other boats out. With nothing found the lifeboat returned to station.

Relief Lifeboat B754
Following a joint lifeboat exercise with Blyth on 12th March it was discovered that the forward end of the sponson on the lifeboat had become detached from the rigid hull. As repairs could not be achieved locally the station lifeboat CSMA (75th Anniversary) was taken off service for removal to Cowes the following day. Atlantic 75 B754 Pride of Sherwood arrived during the afternoon on 13th March being operational at Newbiggin at 17.00 hours. The station lifeboat is expected to be repaired and returned to Newbiggin during April.


RJM Richard Martin - 31/03/2003

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