news

Both Lifeboats on station are currently from the Relief Fleet.

In addition to each Lifeboat Stations boats the RNLI maintains a large Relief Fleet that are
able to be deployed to any Lifeboat station as required, during periods of routine
maintenance or repair. The Kingdom of Fife ON1174 is replaced by Lifetime Care ON1148
and D667 replaced by D695

The Lifeboat Station flag was at half mast in commemoration of ex crewman Tom Small
who served the RNLI for many years both on the lifeboat and the shore.

photo copyright Roger Grundy 26/12/11
Barry Gourlay - top. Carl Van der Lee - below

Two lifeboat crewmen took part in the 10th East Neuk Dook!
In addition to the crew who assisted in the water on exercise.
Barry Gourlay was presented with an engraved hip flask for taking part in every event!

While new crewman Carl was jumping for the second time.

Free access through the shop to the Visitor's Gallery with displays
and DVD's giving the history of the RNLI and close up views of the Lifeboat

The Lifeboat crew organised a party for children at the station with
fun & games, childrens tea and a vist from Santa.
Each child met Father Christmas and received a special present.

While the ALB was out on a shout!

Anstruther Lifeboat 'Kingdom of Fife' 12-17 was today replaced by 'RNLB Lifetime Care' 12-11
from the relief fleet again. Anstruther's Lifeboat is being transported to Poole for repair
and the planned refit. The operation was successfully conducted, to off load 'Lifetime Care' and load
'Kingdom of Fife'. Once checked at sea and the rehousing, 12-11 becomes Anstruther Lifeboat.

Freuchie Scouts led by their assistant leader Pauline McCormick visited the Anstruther Lifeboat station to
learn more about the lifesaving work undertaken and some of the crew skills used.

The tour was followed by a quiz on the RNLI and Anstruther Lifeboat station, then rope tying practice
before throwing the heaving line at targets, a close look at the All Weather lifeboat
followed by a DVD and finally prize giving. A cheque for £100 was presented to the RNLI.

Mark Armitage, on the left, and family visited the Anstruther Lifeboat Station for a guided tour by Roger Grundy
Visits Officer, to see the lifesaving work undertaken by the volunteer crew.
A donation of £400 was presented following his fathers funeral, as his request,
a sailor with family connections to the fishing industry in St Monans.

Two nephews also presented a bottle containing 4536 pennies collected over a number of years
and counted by our Treasurer!

Joint Cheque presentation

photo copyright Roger Grundy 10/08/11

Fife Vintage Agricultural Machinery Club donated a cheque for £2500 to Anstruther & Kinghorn Lifeboat Stations
The money had been raised through raffles and events over the year, the group including members & committee were
shown around the lifeboat station. Chairman Peter Small & treasurer John Eccles are pictured with Paul Wibberley
LOM at Kinghorn with John Clark LOM at Anstruther with David Thomson Lifeboat Treasurer

Marathon runners cheque presentation

photo copyright Roger Grundy 27/07/11

Annabell Strogdon (centre) with her sister presented a cheque to Coxswain Michael Bruce
for £180 following the successful completion of a half marathon in May in her
home town of Tewkesbury. She decided to donated the money to the RNLI
Anstruther Lifeboat Station because of family connections living in Elie
and previous involvement with the RNLI as Inspector and boat designer.

Annabell - please contact web master with address for your receipt

Anstruther Lifeboat crewman Barry Gourlay
recognised by the Royal Humane Society

Barry Gourlay has been recognised by the Royal Humane Society for the courage and gallantry
displayed during the rescue of a man who was in imminent danger of drowning following the capsize of his kayak
off Kingsbarns beach during September 2010. Pictured being presented with the certificate by
John Clark LOM and above with some of the crew
See service return 32 & 33 -2010

Station Open Day and Presentation to Paul Lewis
on his retirment from the crew

photo copyright Roger Grundy 04/06/11

The Lifeboat Station Open Day was enjoyed by several hundred visitors over the weekend
Children & adults were able to tour the station and go aboard the tow lifeboats.

photo copyright Roger Grundy 04/06/11

Later in the day a presentation was made to Paul Lewis who recently retired
from the crew after over 21 years service, both on the 'Doctors' and the and the
'Kingdom of Fife' completing is service as Navigator.
The crew owe a lot to Paul for the way he encouraged and tutored them as they
learned to navigate and use the communication systems.
Paul shown centre receiving the glasses from Coxswain Michael Bruce (right)
and second coxswain Alex Purves

Family and crew turned out to celebrate Aiden's Christening on Saturday 30 April.
Proud parents Coxswain Michael & Dawn Bruce are pictured with crew and Lifeboat Chaplin
Margaret Rose who held the ceremony on the deck of the ALB lifeboat on a perfect sunny day.

Charities Officers for Albany Park at St Andrews University have again organised a sponsored walk
from St Andrews along the coastal path to Anstruther a distance of about 16 miles. They were met
by Roger Grundy the Lifeboat Station Visits Officer, before enjoying a well earned fish supper
and seat on the bus back to St Andrews. Esi in the centre had previously presented a cheque to
Anstruther Lifeboat Station in November 2010

The children at Crail Primary School raised over £85 for the RNLI during recent events at school.
Following a presentation on the RNLI and the costs of the service, the children had to spot
the ten dangers on the beach. There was also a DVD on sea safety and a competition to quickly
get changed into the RNLI yellow gear.

Following the recent wedding of Peter & Christine Peddie, they very generously donated
the money donated from their wedding presents to Anstruther Lifeboat Station.

Peter & Christine have been long tem supporters of the RNLI and are
pictured presenting a cheque for £650 to Coxswain Michael Bruce.

photo copyright Tom Danks 28/01/11

Cork lifejacket & sou'wester being demonstrated
Waid Academy Rector, Ian Hughes with Megan Lumsden a pupil and member of the crew.

Anstruther crew were invited to the Waid Academy to help raise awareness
and money for the RNLI's biggest fundraising event SOS Day.

The Sixth Year Charities Committee, chaired by Megan Lumsden had suggested
a series of workshops to allow crew to engage with year 1 to 4 pupils
regarding the history and evolution of the RNLI and Anstruther Lifeboat Station,
rope work and knot tying, first aid and a close look at the Inshore Lifeboat and the equipment used.

The event was a great success raising over £500 and importantly promoting the ethos of
volunteering and community service between the pupils, staff and crew.

Beth Murray & Tim Collier representing the Royal Naval Association - Riyadh Branch,
visited the Lifeboat Station and presented a cheque to coxswain Michael Bruce for £1000,
the result of their fundraising in Riyadh. Anstruther was selected because of their
links with family in Glenrothes. The group of mostly ex servicemen appreciate the
work of the RNLI, who very much appreciate the cheque for their lifesaving work.

The now famous East Neuk Dook was held at Anstruther harbour on 31 December 2010, over 25
brave individuals jumped into the chilly waters of Anstruther Harbour and swim across
wearing - just swimwear.

Organised by Kevin Corps each year for charity, this year for the RNLI.

The ILB crew on exercise lends support to the event, along with safety cover by a diver and paramedics,
two crewman Barry Gourlay & Carl Van Der Lee helping towards the £2000 raised.

The ILB tractor was put to good use in clearing snow for a safe launch.
Very unusually heavy snow fall at the coast needed unusual solutions.
Mechanic & second Coxswain Alex devised a plough board to quickly clear the slip
making it safer fro the crew to launch if required and the high tide melting the snow!

Charities Officers for Albany Park in St Andrews University who had raised £1000
during last year for the RNLI, visited the Lifeboat Station to see behind the scenes and meet some of the crew.
Esi Appiah-Anane is presenting the cheque to coxswain Michael Bruce on the deck of the Lifeboat

Crewman Barry Gourlay was quick to respond and help save a canoeist in difficulty off Kingsbarn beach
on Sunday 19/09/10. Barry & family were walking on the beach when he saw the exhausted canoeist drifting.
Barry grabbed a life ring and went into the water to pull him back to the rocks, then after rescuing the canoe
brought him back to the shore, putting into practice the training given by the RNLI.

The Anstruther Fundraising Branch held their annual Christmas card sale & Coffee morning on 20/11/10
in Anstruther Town Hall, the good turn out for the event raised almost a £1000 for the RNLI from the sale of
Souvenirs, coffee & home backing, plus crafts stalls.

The Round Table's national president chose the RNLI as his charity of his term and the very active local
East Neuk Branch were delighted to donate £600 to the local crew.
East Neuk of Fife Round Table Chairman Lachlan McLaren handing over a cheque
to James McKenzie head launcher of the Anstruther Lifeboat alongside members of the crew & 'tablers'

John Clark the Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) responsible for authorising the launch of
Anstruther Lifeboats, has been awarded the 'Local Hero' award sponsored by Kingdom FM radio station.

Karen (pictured left) of Pittenween handed over a donation raided by a raffle at Anstruther Co-op as she promoted house parties
for a cooking product range.

Alex Purves senior father of second coxswain had raised money on Lifeboat Gala Day by raffling a cross stitch picture of the lifeboat
the proceeds of which were used to purchase a pair of binocular for the ILB

Members of the Crail & Kingsbarns Branch visited the Lifeboat Station to see behind the scenes, the very active fundraising group
had not actually been in the refurbished station or close up to the lifeboats.
Members of the crew were on hand to answer questions and show the visitors around pictured at the end of their visit
just before both lifeboats launched The members are picyured with some of the crew.

Willie Smith the retiring harbourmaster & DLA for the lifeboat station was presented with a photograph of both lifeboats
setting off from Anstruther harbour as a token of his support and fellowship over the 11 years he had been DLA

8th August 2009
Another successful Gala day was held at Crail harbour by Crail & Kingsbarns Branch,
Raising over £2400 for the RNLI, with stalls, face painting and burgers on sale.
Music was by Kilrymont accordion band and piper Finlay Kerr.

Lifeboats arrive - ILB demonstrates its maneuverability and public given the opportunity to look around ALB

Presentation by committee member Alistair Duncan to Coxswain Michael Bruce. ..............President Jenny Henderson with Stormy Sam now having the bottle!

24 and 25th July 2009
Thanks to all the visitors and locals who made the Lifeboat Gala Weekend such a success
A full day of action and family entertainment around the harbour in perfect weather.

Photos by Roger Grundy & John Kinsman Copyright Anstruther Lifeboat Station.25/07/10

Saturday was all the fun of the traditional Gala Day event and Sunday started with a Welly Walk from Balcaskie
and then the main street and car parks were filled with old cars and machines from bicycles to Combine Harvester!!
Both days also featured the stunt plane demonstration over the harbour.

The crew may have looked tired after two day event as there was also a shout at 3:30am on Sunday morning!! - see service returns

Scottish Supermoto based at the Kart Club track presented a cheque for £600 to Anstruther RNLI
2nd Coxswain/Mechanic Alex Purves and David Thomson Treasurer.
Following donations from entrance fees and medical staff at two 3hr endurance races held on their
specially adapted scrambler motorcycles.

" Bill Nicoll, the outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Cupar, donated a cheque for £500 to Anstruther Lifboat on Saturday 10th July.
This donation was in addition to another £500 donated during Mr Nicoll's Presidential year, as he had chosen the RNLI as his personal Charity.
The photograph shows Mr Nicoll accompanied by other Rotary members, presenting the cheque to
2nd Coxswain/Mechanic Alex Purves and some of the Anstruther Lifeboat Crew."

A group of school children visited the station to hand over a bucket containing £200
for the RNLI to a very appreciative Coxswain Michael Bruce.
The children had supported the schools chosen charity - the RNLI -
by forming a rock & pop band that had played a concert at the Upper Largo Hotel on the 10th June,
the hotel having kindly provided the room at no charge.

The Lifeboats attended the Sea Queen event at St Monans where visitors
were able to board the lifeboat and meet some of the crew

Many thanks to the several hundred visitors and local people who took the opportunity to look around
the lifeboat station and board the boats. Visitors were given information on the work of the RNLI
and children provided with stickers, colouring pads & sea safe information.

The crowds were able to watch the capsize demonstration by the ILB crew, simulating
the procedure to right the capsized ILB and get it started again

The Lifeboat crew entered a team in the Skiff racing organised by the Fisheries Museum
as a revival of the inter village competitions that were held locally, about 30 teams entered.

The crew made it into the final heat racing outside the harbour
but were not successful this time in the finals within the harbour.

Cupar Round Table members formally handed over a VHF radar beacon training aid to the crew.
During a series of fundraising events the Round Table had collected £750 which financed the
state of the art beacon to assist crews in search and rescue navigation.

Anstruther and neighbouring coastal towns were subjected to very high tide & swell on 30/03/10.
Damaged was caused to several building and shore embankments, the new
Lifeboat sea wall and slip was untouched, with the wave barrier protecting the new door.

St Andrews University Canoe Club stripped for a nude calendar with only their canoes
to hide their modesty and raised £280 for the RNLI Anstruther Lifeboats.

The club captain Jonny Hawkins is photographed handing the cheque to Coxswain Michael Bruce
with some of the Canoe Club (fully clothed in orange) & Lifeboat crew.

The Anstruther Lifeboat stations 'Top Shop' is set to open for the new season on Saturday 20/03/10.
Highest turnover in Scotland yet again. The shop will be open 11am to 5pm each day
(please note that it is staffed by volunteers and opening hours may change occasionally)

There are new gifts on sale - 'where shopping saves lives at sea'
and new items on display in the Visitors gallery, free access through the shop - see below.

Fiona Grundy (Souvenir Secretary) and Jeni Rolland (Rota Secretary) are photographed
with volunteers Robert & Cynthia Smith at the entrance to the shop.

Local business man, keen photographer and RNLI supporter Alan Stephen created a calendar
featuring the Anstruther Lifeboats in action and raise the £450 he used to buy a wireless weather station
to help the crew's meteorology training and provide local weather information at the time of launch.
Alan is photographed with family handing the weather station to Coxswain Michael Bruce
with some of the crew members.

Elie & Earlsferry Branch of the RNLI have produced a cookbook featuring signature dishes from interested local individuals and
some donated by chefs from the East Neuks top restaurants The books containing over 100 recipes, priced at just £10 will be available
from local shops and restaurants from today, all proceeds going to RNLI Anstruther Lifeboat Station .

Geoffrey Miller as the chef & wife Vivian left of centre are photographed with editor
Anne Dunlop right, from Elie & Earlsferry Branch and some of the Lifeboat crew.

Alan Stephen from St Monans entered and won the 'Courier Newspaper Photographic Competition 2009' with his
dramatic shot of both the ALB Kingdom of Fife and ILB D667 leaving Anstruther Harbour in rough sea.
Alan's son in law is also the Coxswain of the Anstruther Lifeboat, Alan prize for the superb
photograph as judged by the Courier readers and presented at the recent festival in Dundee
was a trip for two on the 'Orient Express' including Christmas Lunch!
Well done Alan

Cheques for £1700 were presented to Anstruther & Pittenween RNLI by some of the group of ladies involved with the
Pittenweem Arts festival programme of knitting fish, photographed here with some of the Anstruther Lifeboat crew & Rachel Stewart area fundraiser.
243 individual fish were made and displayed at the Arts Festival in August and then auctioning for the RNLI.
Organised by Anne-Marijke Querido from the inspiration of Deirdre Nelson who has held similar exhibitions in Shetland Isles and Outer Hebrides.
The knitted fish were a great success and a talking point at the festival, knitted by volunteers in all shapes, sizes and colours,
the last few are now still available from the Coachhouse Gallery in Pittenweem.

Cupar Round Table visited Anstruther Lifeboat Station to learn more about the work of the RNLI and the volunteer crews.
Following their successful Summer Ball they have pledged money to the RNLI,
a presentation ceremony will be held at a later date.

The photograph shows Chairman Gavin Howie shaking hands with Alex Purves, Second Coxswain,
with members who attended the visit and some of the lifeboat crew.

They were shown around the refurbished station, including the visitors gallery with the
history of the RNLI, both the ALB Kingdom of Fife and the Relief Inshore IBI D 675, plus a DVD
on crew training with questions & answers taken.

RNLB Kingdom of Fife - Anstruther ALB on exercise in gale conditions and safe return
after cancellation of cliff rescue scenario with Coastguard

St Andrews Coastguard Team visited the RNLI Anstruther Lifeboat Station for joint exercise to understand the
equipment and techniques used for cliff rescue, as both services are often called to work together in
rescuing casualties from the local cliffs surrounding our shores.
Deputy second Coxswain William Wood is prepared for a cliff decent!! while Deputy head launcher Tony Marr
is carried in the roll up stretcher.

photo by Tom Danks Copyright 06/09/09
pictured - L to R John Ironside store supervisor, Alex Bowman, Mabel Bush &
William Wood Deputy 2nd Coxswain Anstruther Lifeboat & Gala Committee raffle organiser.

Anstruther lifeboat Gala prize raffle, top price was won by Colin McKay deputy at Madras College.
He chose to donate the prize of a 90 second dash through the CO-OP to the residents of Harbourlea Residential Home.
Mabel Bush attended at 7am on Sunday to watch Alex Bowman of the Station Buffet in Elie carry out the dash on her behalf.

Mabel was nanny for Alex and more famous sister Edith when they were growing up, Alex collected groceries to the value of £225.28.
The station wishes to thank the Anstruther CO-OP for there generous support of the Anstruther Lifeboat and wish them well in their
entry for the nationwide store of the year

RNLI Anstruther have been donated a washing machine & tumble dryer to clean personal protective
clothing on station with the newly formed laundry room, following the successful 'Stars in your eyes' evening.
In addition a digital DVD projector, stand, screen and laser light were also presented to the crew.
Michael Bruce Coxswain of the Lifeboat thanked the organisers and the Mayview Hotel at St Monans for the generous gifts.

Crewman Ryan Black and his new wife Charlene leave the Balbirnie House, Markinch on Saturday 11th of July in glorious sunshine after the
wedding ceremony, through the traditional arched oars from an early lifeboat, held aloft by fellow crew.
Most of the crew attended the ceremony and wish the couple all the best wishes for a long and happy marriage.

25th July 2009
Thanks to all the visitors and locals who made the Lifeboat Gala Day such a success
A full day of action and family entertainment around the harbour in perfect weather

Photos by Roger Grundy Copyright Anstruther Lifeboat Station.

All proceeds from the event go directly to the RNLI.

The day’s proceedings begin at 12noon with the traditional firing of the RNLI maroon followed by a street parade along the harbour front by many of the exhibitors attending the event.
The afternoon’s programme will also include an RNLI Beach Triathlon and an air sea rescue display involving Anstruther Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats, Kinghorn lifeboat, HM Coastguard,
First Response, a local fishing vessel and a Seaking Helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth.

The Anstruther Lifeboat crew and other volunteers will also be serving up some delicious food including Burgers, Kippers,
Hotdogs, Pancakes / Strawberries & Cream, Tea / Coffee and other refreshments.

Some of the exhibitors confirmed so far include:
Army Careers, Alexander Cooke Steam Engine’s, Fire Brigade Ladder Platform, Heartstart, Fairground attractions, Agricultural Tractors, Police,
HM Coastguard, Kingdom Falconry, L&B Police Boat, Sea Cadets, Puppet Show, Raynet, React, Royal Navy, Secret Bunker, Classic Cars, First Response and many more.

Entertainment will be provided by:
Kilrymont Accordion Band, Milnberg Jazz Band and various dance groups
from around Fife.

The gala committee are still looking for teams of 4 persons to enter their Beach Triathlon.
The entry fee is £10 per team, persons interested should contact the Lifeboat Station on 01333 310526 or e-mail the committee at ansterlifeboat.galaday@virgin.net

All proceeds from the event go directly to the RNLI.

A fine & sunny day helped create a very successful Open Day with over 300 locals and visitors taking the opportunity to visit the station and meet some of the crew.
Many children collected sea safely leaflets, gifts, colourings pads sticker etc. All the visitors were able to learn about the local lifeboat station and the work of the RNLI.
They also had the opportunity to board the Mersey Class All Weather Lifeboat "Kingdom of Fife" and were able to view the IB1 D Class Inshore Lifeboat "Rotary Centenary Queen".
Some of the ILB crew gave capsize demonstrations in the harbour while the RNLI Sea Safety Officer was available to give advice on all aspects of sailing and power boating.
The Anstruther Lifeboat Station would like to thank the public for their support in purchasing from the barbeque, plus raffle tickets and RNLI souvenirs.

The Sea Queen is taken from Anstruther on board the Scottish Fisheries Museum boat the 'Reaper' escorted
by Anstruthers Lifeboats to St Monans. Within the harbour the public could board the Reaper & Kingdom of Fife.
The Anstruther crew also had the capsize boat on station and were able to give demonstrations within the harbour.

Donors to the RNLI were guests at Anstruther, were a tour of the extension and newly refurbished Lifeboat Station
was organised before an unveiling of the plaques by Sir Andrew Cubie, Chairman of the Scottish Lifeboat Council.
There was also a demonstration launch of the ALB & IB1 lifeboats

RNLI Anstruther have again benefited from the support and generosity of the children involved in a local organisation’s fundraising event.
In March, the East Neuk School of Dance held a dance show in Waid Academy called “Magical Mary” and the profits
arising from the show are now being shared between the Anstruther Lifeboats, CHAS, and Chernobil Kids.
A cheque for £180 was presented at the RNLI Lifeboat Station by East Neuk School of Dance member, Fiona Findlay,
to David Thomson, the RNLI Anstruther Treasurer.

Six students from Oakwood School Falkirk presented a cheque for £259.40 to RNLI Anstruther Lifeboat Station.
The cheque was accepted by Alex Purves second cox and mechanic. The students in Year 9 raised the money
for their citizenship course and were thanked fro their contributions to the voluntary rescue service.
They were also given a guided tour of the station and the lifeboats.

Inner Wheel Club of Anstruther President Janis Lauritsen presented a cheque for £800 to Lifeboat Coxswain Michael Bruce.
Janis had chosen the RNLI as her charity during her term in office, starting with an illustrated talk by Roger Grundy LAO in September.
Janis and the ladies were thanked for their fund raising effort, before Roger and some of the crew showed the group around
the refurbished Lifeboat Station, the money will go towards supporting the 24hr voluntary rescue service here at Anstruther.

Staff and customers at more than 300 Co-operative stores across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man
supported and helped the RNLI SOS Day on Friday, 30 January.
John McNeill the chief officer is pictured presenting a cheque for £28,000 to Alex Purves
second coxswain of Anstruther Lifeboat along with management team and local store members.
The RNLI thanked the Co-operative staff, customers and local communities who responded to the SOS appeal.

The opening of the refurbished station was an opportunity to photograph almost the full team

Anstruther Lifeboat Coxswain Stephen Small stands down after 33 years of voluntary service with the RNLI at Anstruther.

Having served the last 2 years as RNLI Anstruther Lifeboat Coxswain, Stephen Small recently stood down.
Stephen is now replaced in the role of Coxswain by local fisherman Michael Bruce who joined the Anstruther lifeboat crew in 1992.

Michael commented on his appointment “I am looking forward to leading the team here at Anstruther and to facing the challenges ahead.
I would like to personally thank Stephen for all his hard work and leadership over the past years
and particularly for his guidance and direction in the lead up to this handover, it has been invaluable”.

Diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes in 2002 Michael was obliged to come off the Lifeboat crew. Together with Anstruther Lifeboat personnel,
Michael appealed the RNLI decision and in November 2003 set an RNLI precedent when he became the first diabetic
allowed to serve as RNLI Lifeboat Crew.

For his efforts and achievements Michael was presented the ‘Unsung Hero’ award at the
‘Lifescan Intouch’ Award ceremony held in London in February 2006.

The work on station has now been completed and it is ready for the official opening - see below for
all the changes that have taken place on station from the IB1 extension to new crew changing area,
crew training room and extended gift shop and visitors gallery

The ISO Freight container that has been the temporary boathouse for the ILB was removed today almost six years after it came to site
and D552 was placed on station for evaluation, quickly being placed on service and subsequently being replaced by IB1 D667.

The container above is being removed compared to its arrival in May 2003. The works are complete and the IB1 is
now in the new inshore lifeboat house extension to the station, see below.

The work is now complete and both the lifeboats are housed in the new & refurbished boathouse
and the crew have their gear in the changeroom.

The IB1 Boathouse, new doors to ALB & ILB, Retail Sales extension, new Crew Training room,
Crew changing room refurbishment and a new Visitors Gallery are now complete. The Contractors
Clachan Construction are moving their site accommodation after a successful contract to both extend
and complete a general refurbishment of the Lifeboat Station.
The RNLI will now complete the Shop fit out and the Visitors gallery before opening at Easter 2009.

The new shop is larger , brighter, with more stock, new goods and a larger range of gifts for all the family.
It will be open every day 11am to 5pm and provides free access to new visitors area with a history of RNLI & Anstruther Lifeboat Station,
plus displays and models, views of the lifeboat, DVD screens - ideal for children etc etc.

photo by David Scott, Links Media, Cupar Copyright 03/03/09

The Mayview Hotel is holding monthly acoustic nights to raise money for charity, organised by Brian & Ruth Craib,
Brian is pictured above handing the first donation of £50 to Michael Bruce Coxswain of the Lifeboat.
The Mayview can be contacted on 01333 730 564

A further cheque for £415 was also received by Michael from the St Monans Community Council
the proceeds of a Burns supper held at the Mayview Hotel

photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 28/02/09

Two of the Anstruther Lifeboats most enthusiastic supporters have again raised a remarkable sum of money Fiona & her brother Cameron Findlay
raised sponsorship money totalling £550 for the Anstruther Lifeboat Station by each swimming 500metres at Levenmouth Swimming Pool at the end of January.

They are pictured handing the cheque to David Thomson the Anstruther Lifeboat Treasurer outside the ALB boat house.
I was then pleased to show them around the extended and refurbished Lifeboat Station
our first of many visitors.

photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 28/02/09

A cheque was presented to Michael Bruce Coxswain of the Lifeboat, by Mrs Sneddon in memorial
of her late uncle Mr Cargill of Buckhaven who was a very keen supporter and
enthusiast of the RNLI. This was followed by a family tour of the Kingdom of Fife ALB

photo by Alan Stephen Copyright 28/02/09

The Inshore Lifeboat and tractor are caught in the winter sun at low tide in Anstruther harbour

photo by Alex Purves Copyright 12/02/09

A rare sight at Anstruther - snow down to the beach.

The ALB Lifeboat ON1174 Kingdom of Fife with Talus tractor, sitting on the slip and ready for action
while construction work continues on the Lifeboat Station refurbishment.

photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 11/02/09

The construction works to extend the Lifeboat Station for the IB1 and
general station improvements continues on programme by Clachan Construction Ltd.

East Neuk Dook

Once again 40 brave souls will be jumping into Anstruther harbour on Boxing day at 1:30pm.

They are a mix of local people from the East Neuk, Crewmen from the Lifeboat and Service men & women from RAF Leuchars.

The event is over subscribed!! - but do come and cheer on the willing volunteers who raise money
for local charities. The Anstruther Inshore Lifeboat will be in attendance, in case of difficulties.

The event will take place regardless of the weather!! The T shirts to keep them warm have this year
been donated by Stuart Barton Physiotherapy Clinic in Pittenweem a regular supporter of the RNLI.

photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 30/06/08

The Lifeboat Station and Gift shop have now been decanted into 3 portakabins for the duration of the construction work,
the station remained fully operational during the move and will now operate from the portakabins on Middle Pier.
The ALB and carriage with Talus tractor will also be located on Middle pier for remaining construction period.

The lifeboat Gift Shop remains open for business each day from 11:30 to 5pm until the end of October,
then weekends only until the end of the year.

photo by Paul Lewis Copyright 30/08/08

Jody who is 9 years old and lives in Pittenweem raised money with some friends selling Chocolate Crispies
during the Pittenween Arts festival from a table in his garden. £400 was raised and will be used to purchase
training aids for the renovated Lifeboat Station, to be presented at a formal ceremony later in the year.
Stephen Small Coxswain of Anstruther Lifeboat thanks Jody for his efforts. Jody would like to thank the
Anstruther branch of the Co-operative Society for generously donating all ingredients.
Jody was later shown around the ALB Kingdom of Fife & ILB Rotary Centenary Queen.

photos by John Kingsman & Roger Grundy, Copyright 02/08/08

The Anstruther IB1 D667 has been returned to base for planned maintenance works. The Station was pleased to invite Alan Turner and his family
to see IB1 D604, generously donated by his family in 2002 in memorial of his late wife Mari Turner. As Alan lives in northern Scotland
this was an opportunity for him to see the lifeboat in action at Anstruther, photographed above in the helicopter exercise
held on 02/08/08 off Anstruther Harbour. Transfers were made from both the ILB & ALB for crew training.

Alan is pictured above with his granddaughter and D604. The ILB had been on a shout just 48hr before.

photos by Roger Grundy, Copyright 20/07/08

The Anstruther Lifeboats attended the Crail Lifeboat Gala Day on 20/07/08, crowds welcomed the arrival following the maroons being set off
by the Coastguard in the harbour. Allan Wallis vice chairman of the Crail & Kingsbarns Fundraising Committee presented a bottle of whisky
to Coxswain Stephen Small. The event was enjoyed by young and old with a opportunity to see the lifeboats in action as they were called to
assist a speedboat in difficulties, 2 miles off Anstruther with an adult and two children onboard. See service returns.

photos by Roger Grundy, John Kingsman Copyright 28/06/08

A very successful Open Day was held with approximately 500 locals and visitors taking the opportunity to visit the station and meet some of the crew.
Many children collected sea safely leaflets, gifts, colourings pads sticker etc. All the visitors were able to learn about the local lifeboat station and the work of the RNLI.
They also had the opportunity to board the Mersey Class All Weather Lifeboat "Kingdom of Fife" and were able to view the IB1 D Class Inshore Lifeboat "Rotary Centenary Queen".
Some of the ILB crew gave capsize demonstrations in the harbour while local Coastguard personnel were also present along with the RNLI Sea Safety Officer
to give advice on all aspects of sailing and power boating.The Anstruther Lifeboat Station would like to thank the public for their support
in purchasing from the barbeque, plus raffle tickets and RNLI souvenirs.
The Open Day has for this year replaced the Gala, which has been cancelled due to imminent construction works on the site,
to extend the Lifeboat Station to permanently house the ILB and general station improvements.

photo by John Kinsman Copyright 14/06/08

The ALB & ILB lifeboats from Anstruther accompanied the Reaper carrying the Sea Queen to
St Monans harbour for the Sea Queen festival

photos by Roger Grundy, Copyright 08/06/08

Over 70 cars from the Daimler & Lanchester Car club held their International event around the Lifeboat Station
while raising funds for the RNLI, prizes were presented by Sir Ming Campbell.

photos by Roger Grundy, Copyright 25/05/08

Over 200 of the Mini Clan took part in the sponsored Thistle Run to Anstruther raising money for the RNLI
and other charities. A family day out for the enthusiasts and public who gave generously to the Anstruther Lifeboat,
prizes were handed out by Coxswain Stephen Small.

photo by Bill Hill Copyright 19/05/08
Alex Purves hands over a photograph to John McNeill watched by crew & Co-op staff

The Scottish Co-operative movement was the largest corporate supporter of RNLI SOS day across Britain.
Staff & customers raised over £26,000 for the RNLI, a cheque was handed over at the store in Anstruther,
then a photograph of the 'Kingdom of Fife' was presented to the Scottish Co-operative's chief officer John McNeill.

photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 26&30/04/08

The Kingdom of Fife is now back on service as Anstruther Lifeboat following engine repairs.
Equipment and charts are transferred to Anstruther Lifeboat.

The Lifeboat Bingo Lifeline returned to Poole as part of the relief fleet of lifeboats.

photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 07/03/08

The Kingdom of Fife has had to be taken off service and to Eyemouth for engine repairs.
The relief Lifeboat Bingo Lifeline will be on station for a few weeks while repairs are carried out and sea trials conducted.

photo by John Kinsman & Fiona Grundy Copyright 05/01/08

Lifeboats were on standby to assist the brave souls who entered the
East Neuk Dook at 12:30 on 05/01/08 wearing only swimming costumes, jumping in and
swimming across the harbour mouth on a very cold day with a strong swell running!!.
Raising money for charity the event is organised by Kevin Corps and has raised around
£15,000 during the six years for various charities including the RNLI.

Captured high above Anstruther two sky divers
heading for Anstruther harbour during Lifeboat Gala Day.

The record for the busiest year ever (in terms of Service Calls) of the Anstruther station's
142 year history was broken in 2007 with 53 Service Calls.

	Part 1 The history of the Anstruther Lifeboat from 1865 to 1985 is detailed within sixty pages recalling the boats, the crews, their struggle with the sea and the brave rescues attempted. Including 34 period b/w photographs, the Appendix gives details of the Anstruther Harbour development and crew awards.
	Part 2 Continues the story from 1985 to the current Mersey Class Lifeboat 'Kingdom of Fife' the Boathouse alterations, the boat testing and crew training required for operation of the new boat, details are also given of the launching and recovery procedures. All contained with 42 pages and 24 colour / b/w photographs.