HUNDREDS of people attended the official opening on Saturday (October 7) of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) revamped Minehead station and the naming of its new Atlantic class lifeboat, Penny J II.
Boathouse manager and longstanding crew member Andrew Escott opened the proceedings and welcomed guests before handing over to Dave Nicoll, fund-raising and partnership lead, who handed the boathouse into the care of the RNLI on behalf of the community.
Theresa Hobbs and Jane Cunnington-Phillips, nieces of benefactor Charles Henry Jones, then handed Atlantic Class Lifeboat B-939 Penny J II into the care of the station.
RNLI trustee Lord Mark Sedwill then accepted the boathouse and lifeboat on behalf of the charity, handing them to the care of Minehead lifeboat operations manager Dr John Higgie.
A service of dedication was led by the Revs Ann Gibbs and Andrew Hazelwood, before David Spicer officially opened the boathouse.
Lifeboat helm Phil Sanderson then delivered a vote of thanks to close the ceremony.
Guests enjoyed light refreshments and music by Watchet Town Band before both the station’s lifeboats performed a demonstration.
They were able to see at close quarters the inshore capabilities of the Atlantic 85 and D-Class lifeboats.
During the past year Minehead’s historic boathouse has undergone a dramatic transformation, funded primarily by several generous bequests.
Minehead’s lifeboat station was established in 1901, following the 1899 overland launch of Lynmouth Lifeboat when horses pulled lifeboat Louisa over Porlock Hill due to rough conditions in Lynmouth, which demonstrated a clear need for a station in Minehead.
Since 1901, it has undergone several refurbishments and adaptions to the changing needs of the challenging coastline, including the change from wooden boats to inshore lifeboats in 1970.
Some things remain unchanged, though, such as the tricky launch over a constantly shifting shingle ridge.
The most recent work to the boathouse has transformed a historic building into one fit for the 21st century, with greatly improved crew changing facilities, a large open plan meeting and training space, and a re-designed hall for the D class lifeboat to enable far quicker launches.
Minehead’s new Atlantic 85 lifeboat B-939 Penny J II is the result of a donation by Charles Henry Jones.
Mr Jones funded two Atlantic 85 lifeboats in memory of his late wife Penny.
The second lifeboat will enter service next year.
His nieces travelled across the country to attend the ceremony.
Theresa Hobbs said: “It is a wonderful way to remember them and seeing the lifeboat launch means so much.
“I am glad that it will be here, saving lives in their memory.”
Dr Higgie said: “We are delighted with the arrival of this new B class lifeboat.
“The Atlantic 85 is the third generation B class lifeboat to be built, capable of speeds up to 35 knots.
“Fast, manoeuvrable, agile, and versatile, it has all the qualities of its predecessors and more.
“It is ideally suited to rescues close to the shore.
“Yet, it can also withstand challenging conditions in the open sea, making it an exemplary search and rescue craft.”
Visitors are being invited to attend Minehead’s new boathouse to see the changes and learn about the lifesaving work of the volunteer crew.
Guided tours are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 12 noon and 4 pm and can be booked on the day in the boathouse shop.