The Friends Ramblers Club from Hull has visited Hornsea Inshore Rescue to sample one of its popular Fish and Ships events.
The club was formed some 10 years ago, originally from the Centre for Hull Churches Home From Hospital Club and then, through mutual friends, incorporated the Hull Regency Dancing Group and the St Columba’s Church Group – hence the name, the Friends Rambling Club. They meet on the first Saturday of every month with a special itinerary planned, and this time it was a visit to Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
The group was welcomed by Sue Hickson- Marsay, chairman of the organisation and station manager. She gave a presentation on how the independent lifeboat, flood rescue and education centre had grown from an idea in 1991 to today’s state-of-the-art organisation.
Sue, who gives talks all around the country on her life as a pilot launch coxswain, informed and entertained the group with stories and anecdotes gleaned from the past 30 years and how the organisation works today. A mock call- out was staged with crewman Adam Collins receiving the call on his pager, donning all of the survival gear, and towing the lifeboat out of the boathouse and ready for action within minutes.
There followed a question and answer session before the group was treated to a fish and chips lunch by Whiteheads.
Hornsea Inshore Rescue vice-chairman, Captain John Pugh, then gave the ramblers
a guided tour of the facilities including the lifeboat and launching tractor. They also spent time looking at the informative displays all around the boathouse.
The ramblers later returned to the boathouse’s hospitality room where the raffle was drawn for a bottle of prosecco and a vote of thanks was given to Sue and the crew for “a most enjoyable visit” which Sue reciprocated by saying how she and the crew had enjoyed hosting such a wonderful group.
Julie Bexley, spokeswoman for the Friends Rambling Club, said: “None of us were aware that Hornsea Inshore Rescue was totally independent – we all assumed it was part of the RNLI. It was all so interesting and what a fantastic team.
“I can highly recommend it and we will be spreading the word. We are especially interested in the 999 experience and will be recommending it as a great team-building event.”
Hornsea Inshore Rescue is a totally independent organisation supported solely by donations and grants, and is not part of the RNLI. It also raises funds by running courses on water safety, RYA courses for certificates in offshore powerboating, jet-ski handling, VHF radio certification and the RYA one-day first aid course.
Visitors and volunteers are always welcome whether they would like to serve as crew (comprehensive training is given), fundraisers or general helpers. Phone Sue on 07796 257989 or Ian on 01964 534302.
