OUT MEETING - venue Roa Island Lifeboat Station

Visit to Barrow Lifeboat Station by a small group of Members of the Rotary Club of Furness on Wednesday 30th August 2017.

reported by Rotarian Frank Randall PHF

14 Rotarians gathered at Barrow Lifeboat Station for a guided tour hosted by one of the volunteers of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)
He told us of the history of the RNLI and of the Barrow Station. The First Barrow Station was built in 1884 at a cost of £220 and is now the Bosun’s Locker Cafe. The present Station was built a few years ago, replacing the 3rd station, which was built in the 1930’s at a cost of £440,000. The present Station cost £3.5 million! Also the “ James Bibby” lifeboat, now at the Dock Museum, cost about £300,000, but the new Tamar Class Lifeboat cost £2.7 million. Such is inflation!
The RNLI is run on voluntary contributions only and costs £171 million a year, so fund raising is a priority, and each station has its own fund raising committee.
Our tour of the lifeboat itself was really impressive and a real eye opener! The crew cabin is sealed from water ingress and reminded me of a space capsule even though it was painted black. All the crew seats are sprung with hydraulic dampers and very comfortable with the crew strapped in. All the instrumentation is computer controlled with the Coxwain having complete control of the Lifeboat. Externally there is Radar and VHF search aerials, and a small zodiac inflatable to help with rescue which has it’s own compartment at the stern. There is a survivor cabin below as well as an immaculate engine room with two powerful diesel engines.
The Lifeboat is on a cradle which tips forward to launch it onto the slipway.
While we were there some of the crew launched a zodiac type inflatable lifeboat from a crane onto the slipway and out into Walney Channel and beforehand we saw them put on the fully protective and waterproof suits with lifebelts and helmets.
After a short video of the Barrow Lifeboat history and operations, Rotarian Colin Scraggs gave a vote of thanks to our host.
All then retired to the Custom House Restaurant for suitable food and refreshment after a very enjoyable visit.
The Barrow Lifeboat and RNLI will be the subject of a talk at one of our meetings, so watch this space.