23rd July 2009

A piece of lifeboat history uncovered

A FASCINATING piece of lifeboat history has been found in the stores of Lyme Regis Museum.

John Dover, a museum trustee who is also a treasurer of Lyme’s lifeboat station, was rummaging in the museum when he discovered a lifeboat service board that chronicles rescues from 1854 to 1922.

The board is known to be at least 77 years old because it used to hang in the former Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station, which was closed in 1932.

It records a number of incidents, including the crew of a brigantine boat, “La Jeune Rose”, in 1854 when five lives were saved but lifeboat man Henry Martin died.

Also inscribed on the board is a recue involving a sailing ship called “Cassibelaunis”, from which the lifeboat crew saved 14 people.

Museum curator Mary Godwin has allowed the lifeboat crew to hang the board in the station on the Cobb.

Mr Dover said: “We have earmarked a place on the wall for it and it’s great news that visitors will now be able to view this piece of lifeboat history.”

Museum trustee Ken Gollop, who has been associated with the lifeboat for many years, added: “The service board was on display in the museum until 1990 but we have too much history and too little room. The museum is delighted to loan this historic item to the lifeboat station.”

PICTURE: Museum trustees Ken Gollop (left) and John Dover with the lifeboat service board

A piece of lifeboat history uncovered

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