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Anstruther
Lifeboat Station 12m Mersey Class Boat Kingdom of Fife Anstruther IB1 D667 News & Events |
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LATEST NEWS
Relief Lifeboats...
...
...
photo copyright
Roger Grundy 07/01/12
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.
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Crew help raise funds in East Neuk Dook
...
..
...
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.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
EVENTS
Lifeboat attendance subject to operational requirements
Next
exercise *
(Lifeboat launch & Recovery)
Saturday
28/02/12
at 11:30
Crew meeting
Sunday
12/02/12 at 12:30
Saturday 25/02/12 at 12:30
ILB
Wednesday at 18:30
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SOUVENIRS and GIFTS
Lifeboat
Gift Shop now closed for Winter.
Open at half term 2012
and then
March
to October 2012
Visits can be arranged around the Lifeboat Station.
Please
contact Roger Grundy - see link on index page
or phone 01333 312447
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

photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 25/03/09
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NEWS ROUND UP
Santa visits the Lifeboat Station
...
...
photo copyright
Roger Grundy 17/12/11
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!
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Relief boat RNLB 'Lifetime Care' 12-11 now on station.
.
..
.
..
photo copyright
Roger Grundy 10/11/11
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.
Scouts visit & competition
...
.
photo copyright
Roger Grundy 29/10/11
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.
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Family commemoration
.
photo copyright
Roger Grundy 02/10/11
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!
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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
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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
.
photo copyright Roger
Grundy 29/05/11
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
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Waid Academy cheque presentation
.
photo copyright Roger Grundy 27/05/11
Waid Academy
Charities Committee Chairperson Rachel Nee
presented cheque for £1100 to Anstruther Lifeboat Coxswain Michael Bruce,
Members of the committee, Crew& shore team look on
See News item at end of January 2011
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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
Aiden's Christening
.
.
. .
photo copyright Roger
Grundy 30/04/11
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.
St Andrews students long walk

photo copyright Roger
Grundy 20/03/11
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
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Crail Primary School donation
.photo copyright Roger Grundy 11/03/11
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.
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A wedding gift for the Station
photo copyright Anstruther Crew 05/03/11
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.
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SOS Day at the Waid Academy
.
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.
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Royal Naval Association presentation
photo copyright Roger Grundy 31/12/10
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.
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The East Neuk Dook
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.
..
..
..
photo copyright Roger Grundy 31/12/10
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Snow clearing on the slip!!
..
photo copyright Roger Grundy 22/11/10
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!
St Andrews Students presentation
photo copyright Roger Grundy 26/11/10
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
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Crewman Barry Gourlay - see report 32 & 33
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.
Christmas Card sale & Coffee morning

photo copyright Alan McLelland 20/10/10
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.
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East Neuk Round table presentation
photo 28/10/10
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'
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John Clark presentation
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 28/08/10
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.
Presentations to the crew
...
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 28/08/10
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
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Crail & Kingsbarn Branch Visit
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 28/08/10
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.
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DLA & Harbour Master retires
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 28/08/10
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
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Crail Lifeboat Gala
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!
Photos by Roger Grundy Copyright Anstruther Lifeboat Station.08/08/10
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30th Lifeboat Gala Weekend
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.
..........
Stormy Sam in the parade
..........
.
Entertainment for all
........
ILB crew demonstration

Lifeboat models on
shows
.......
Crowds enjoy the varied events
......

Lifeboat rescue scenario with Kinghorn Lifeboat and capsize boat
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
All proceeds from the event go directly to the RNLI.
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Scottish Supermoto cheque presentation
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 25/07/10
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.
Rotary Club of Cupar presentation
photo by crew Copyright 10/07/10
"
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."
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Lundin Mill Primary School donation
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 27/06/10
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.
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St Monans Sea Queen
photo by John Kinsman Copyright 12/06/10
The
Lifeboats attended the Sea Queen event at St Monans where visitors
were able to board the lifeboat and meet some of the crew
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Lifeboat Station Open Day
. .
.
. .
. 
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 05/06/10
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
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Scottish Fisheries Museum Skiff Racing
. . ....
.....
.
.
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 29/05/10
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 presentation
photo by Tom Danks Copyright 26/05/10
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.
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East Neuk subjected to high tide & swell
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.
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 30/03/10
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St Andrews Canoe Club cheque presentation
photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 12/03/10
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.
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Lifeboat Shop set for new season
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photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 13/03/10
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.
Weather Station presented to crew
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photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 13/03/10
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.
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Cook book launch
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photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 21/11/09
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.
Prize winning photograph
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photo by Alan Stephen Copyright
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
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Cheque presentation for knitted fish
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photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 27/10/09
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.
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Cupar Round Table visit
|
photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 08/10/09
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.
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12-17 in the spray & safe return
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photo by
John Knights and Gordon Milne Copyright
03/10/09
RNLB Kingdom
of Fife - Anstruther ALB on exercise in gale conditions and safe return
after cancellation of cliff rescue scenario with Coastguard
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Joint exercise with St Andrews Coastguard Team
|
photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 03/10/09
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.
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Trolley dash at Anstruther CO-OP
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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
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Donations from 'Stars in Your Eyes'
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photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 05/09/09
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.
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Ryan & Charlene's wedding
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photo by
Lifeboat crew Copyright 11/07/09
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.
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29th Lifeboat Gala day
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

Stormy Sam arrives in style & directs the parade


Crowds flock to the entertainments
Burgers, RNLI Shop, face painting and stalls




Lifeboat rescue scenario also with Kinghorn Lifeboat
Air Sea Rescue demonstration with RAF Westland helicopter


Photos by Roger
Grundy Copyright Anstruther Lifeboat Station.
All proceeds from the event go directly to the RNLI.
29th Lifeboat Gala day
25th
July 2009
A full day of action and entertainment around the harbour
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.
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LIFEBOAT OPEN DAY
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|

photo by Roger Grundy Copyright 21/06/09
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.
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St Monans Sea Queen
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photos by Roger Grundy Copyright 20/06/09
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.
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Unveiling
of donor's plaques
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photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 09/05/09
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
Dance School cheque presentation
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photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 06/06/09
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.
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Oakwood School cheque presentation
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photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 03/06/09
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.
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Inner Wheel charity cheque presentation
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photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 28/05/09
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.
Co-operative responds to RNLI SOS
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photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 27/04/09
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.
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Latest 'crew' photograph
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photo by
Trevor Ledger Copyright 28/03/09
The opening of the refurbished station was an opportunity to photograph almost the full team
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New Lifeboat Coxswain
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photo by
Paul Lewis Copyright 29/03/09
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.
Lifeboat Station ready for opening
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photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 27/03/09
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
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Containers away!!
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Flash
back to the Container arrival in 2003
photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 17/03/09
and 08/05/03
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.
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Lifeboat Station back on service

photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 21/02/09
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 Lifeboat Shop re-opens
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photo by
Roger Grundy Copyright 29/03/09
The new extended lifeboat gift shop re-opens on 4th April
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.
Mayview Hotel, St Monans, presentation to RNLI
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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
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Swimming sponsorship for the Lifeboat Station
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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.
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In memorial cheque presentation to RNLI


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
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Winter sun after the snow
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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
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Snow at Anstruther !!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Lifeboat Station and Gift Shop continue in Portakabins
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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.
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Shaw Yellow Wellie Fundraising
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http://shawyellowwellie.blogspot.com/
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Fundraising by Jody Bowman
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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.
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Relief IB1 D604 on station and helicopter exercise
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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.
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Crail Lifeboat Gala
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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.
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Lifeboat Open Day a great success
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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.
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Lifeboats attend St Monans Sea Queen
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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
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More classic cars come to Anstruther
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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.
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Mini Clan come to Anstruther
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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.
Co-op
raises over £26,000 for the RNLI
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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.
'Kingdom of Fife'
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photo by Paul Lewis Copyright 26/04/08
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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.
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Relief Lifeboat
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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.
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East Neuk Dook
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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.
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Dropping in on Lifeboat Gala DAY

Photo by permission of Andrew Hilton
(copyright)
Captured high above Anstruther two sky divers
heading for Anstruther harbour during Lifeboat Gala Day.
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NEWS - STATION OPS
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.
(Details on Service Archive Page)
BOOKS
The History of Anstruther Lifeboat Station
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Covers reproduced by permission of the author Michael Welch
Both books are available in the RNLI Souvenir Shop at the Boathouse Anstruther.
or by post at the reduced price of £2.50 plus £1p&p
(UK only, Please contact for other areas)Cheques / PO for £3.50 made payable to Anstruther Lifeboat
at The Lifeboat Station
Middle Pier
Anstruther
Fife
Scotland
KY10 3AB
please contact r.grundy@zen.co.uk for further details
Return to Anstruther Lifeboat Home page
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Copyright © 2010 Anstruther Lifeboat Station. All rights reserved.