Chiswick Lifeboat Named By Olympic Rowing Champion
Local RNLI’s Dougie and Donna B takes to the water
The new Chiswick E-Class lifeboat was named at a special ceremony at Chiswick Pier today (September 28) by Olympic rowing medallist Greg Searle.
The lifeboat is named Dougie and Donna B after the couple whose legacies funded the construction of the vessel.
Local MP Mary Macleod attended the ceremony, as did Councillor Paul Lynch and several local dignatories from Hounslow Council.
Fr. Simon Brandes, Vicar of St. Nicholas Church conducted the Service of Dedication.
Steve Alexander, Volunteer Helm with the Chiswick Lifeboat said the boat could rescue up to 80 people a year and had an operating speed of 40 knots. It could also tow heavy vessels up to the size of a houseboat.
Also present were the Chairman of Chiswick RNLI, Richard Leworthy, Richard Millar, Chairman of RNLI Chiswick Fundraising Branch, and Trustee Malcolm Vincent.
Several local residents and supporters of the RNLI, including schoolchildren, turned up to watch the ceremony, which ended with a demonstration by the Chiswick duty crew.
Chiswick RNLI Station Manager, Wayne Bellamy commented “The generous legacy that has funded the Lifeboat is very much appreciated, and thanks for everyone’s continued regular donations that enable us to operate, maintain, equip and train her Volunteer Crews!
The RNLI has 233 lifeboat stations including four on the Thames. Chiswick RNLI lifeboat became operational on the 2nd January 2002. Since then it has responded to over 2,100 emergency calls. The four Thames lifeboats together have responded to over 5,000 calls.
More helpers are always needed to assist in fundraising, which is the only source of income for RNLI's life saving services throughout the UK and Ireland. It costs £400,000 a day to run the lifeboat service in the UK.
October 4, 2012