St Davids Lifeboat Station

NB: Some of the following may change at short notice.
02/08/08              1530                    ALB and ILB Publicity Launch Ramsey Rowing Race
10/08/08              1030 ?                   ALB Publicity Launch Solva Inshore Regatta
12/08/08              1300 ?                   ILB Publicity Launch Solva Children’s Regatta
16/08/08              1700 ?                   ILB Publicity Launch Porthclais Children’s Day
17/08/08              1000-1600           Station Open Day
17/08/08              1630                      ALB and ILB Publicity Launch Open Day
21/08/08              1800                      ILB Exercise with RNLI Lifeguards
27/08/08              1800                      ALB and ILB Exercise

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Front: David John, Jestyn Martin, Andrew Iceton - Rear: Robin Copley, Padrig Rees, Clive Hayes, Ian Gray

David John, 40, Coxswain of the St Davids RNLI lifeboat, is to be accorded the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum, in recognition of a courageous rescue in difficult conditions. Second Coxswain Clive Hayes, 54, is to be awarded a Framed Letter of Thanks signed by RNLI Chairman Sir Jock Slater in recognition of his efforts. Duty Mechanic Andrew Iceton, 43, Deputy Second Coxswain Robin Copley, 43, Deputy Second Coxswain Ian Gray, 33, Second Mechanic Jestyn Martin, 31, and crew member Padrig Rees, 27, will each receive a Vellum Service Certificate for their part in the rescue.

The awards are in recognition of a rescue on 6 March 2008, when the RNLI crew spent an exhausting night towing in the 80ft fishing vessel Western Belle. The stricken vessel was drifting without power in gale force winds south west of the Smalls, with six people on board. The St Davids RNLI lifeboat’s journey to the stricken vessel was so turbulent, the lifeboat was turned through 180 degrees by the five metre seas, with two of the volunteer RNLI crew sustaining injury on route. One of the crew was slightly injured when caught by a heavy roll of the lifeboat while another RNLI volunteer suffered two fractured ribs.

As the RNLI lifeboat approached the Western Belle, a merchant vessel, the Victress hadstood by to warn other passing traffic of the disabled craft, which was unlit. Its Captain Ryvingen Larsen, Master of the MV Victress has also been awarded a Letter of Appreciation signed by RNLI Operations Director Michael Vlasto.

The St Davids RNLI lifeboat was launched into a south-westerly gale, rough seas and a three metre swell at 11.35pm. The fishing vessel was located some two and a half hours later with her working deck area awash. Coxswain John placed the lifeboat’s stern close enough to the fishing vessel’s bow for a heaving line to be passed and a tow was secured. Rough seas meant the RNLI Tyne class lifeboat could only travel at a speed of four knots.

Due to the conditions, the tow parted at 3.41am and then again at 6.30am, which took some time to recover before the journey to Milford Haven could re-commence.

‘The wind and tidal stream was setting the fishing vessel north north westerly and re-connection of the tow had to take place in an area known as the Wild Goose Race. The severe conditions of breaking seas, shoal patches and over falls meant that the seas were breaking over the lifeboat as the Coxswain manoeuvred it to approach the fishing vessel and receive the tow.’

By 7.13am, the tow was re-established and as the tide was now ebbing, the speed of the tow was at times reduced to 2.5 knots. The tow was shortened twice in the next hour to improve the control of the Western Belle and at 10.30am the tow was passed to the tug Valour, which took her to an alongside berth. The St Davids RNLI lifeboat then went alongside at Milford Haven and the crew rested, had some food and effected temporary repairs before departing at 12.25pm, eventually returning to station at 1.38pm.

‘This was a long rescue in very difficult conditions which really tested the endurance of the volunteer RNLI crew. Coxswain David John did a tremendous job in persevering to securing a tow in gale force winds and rough seas while maintaining the morale of the crew during this extremely uncomfortable rescue at sea. The journey home to Milford Haven was long and turbulent - the successful conclusion really is a testament to courage and bravery of the RNLI crew who really did put their experience and training to the test.’

Pictured: Jeff Davies (Retiring LOM), David John (Coxswain) and James Wilcox (New LOM)

Monday the 21st July saw the retirement of St David's Lifeboat Operations Manager Jeffrey Davies. Jeff has served the RNLI at St Davids for the past 43 yrs in different capacities. He joined the Lifeboat Committee in 1965 until 1982 when he became a Deputy Launching Authority (DLA).

In 1990 he became the Hon Secretary which today is known as the LOM a position which carries many responsibilities with the running of the station and authorisation of lifeboats to launch on service. In May 2007 he was awarded the RNLI's Gold Badge for his dedicated work with the lifeboat service.

Jeff will still be connected with the station as he has recently been appointed St David's Lifeboat Branch Chairman.

His succesor is Capt James Wilcox who has served as a DLA for over 8 yrs and, he has in turn has appointed two new DLA's Tony Pearce and John Bateman and they will join with a current DLA Roy Thomas.

On Thursday 26th June, Brawdy Young Farmers Club (BYFC) presented a cheque for £400.00 to St David's RNLI Lifeboat Station. The monies had been raised by their fundraising events and the RNLI is very grateful for the donation towards their running costs.

Pictured making the presentation to David John (Lifeboat Coxswain) and Jeff Davies (Lifeboat Operation Manager) are (BYFC) Chairman Mike Harries and Secretary Lydia Salmon.

Also pictured are young farmers members together with lifeboat crew members at the rear.

Dedicated Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) supporters from across South Wales received awards for their hard work and dedication, during a presentation ceremony at Tenby Lifeboat Station on 16 June, 2008.

‘The awards ceremony gave the RNLI an opportunity to say thank you to volunteers across South Wales, who work tirelessly to ensure the RNLI can continue saving lives at sea.

‘If it weren’t for our dedicated fundraising volunteers, RNLI crews would not be able to continue rescuing 22 people every single day. The awards were thoroughly deserved and enabled us to show all the volunteers how much their hard work is appreciated.’

On Monday 9th of June Mr & Mrs Michael Beckett of Belmont Gift Shop were presented with a framed letter of thanks from the RNLI for their dedicated support to the lifeboat service.

Mr & Mrs Beckett have been supporting the RNLI for fourteen years and in that time have collected a considerable amount of money towards the running of the lifeboat service, the RNLI are very grateful for their support.

Pictured presenting the certificate to them are Fundraising Committee members Box Secretary Mrs Pat Mayoh, Acting Chairman Mrs Sheilah Tobin and Treasurer Mrs Maureen Owen, together with Lifeboat Operations Manager Mr Jeff Davies, Coxswain David John plus crew members.

The St David's RNLI AGM was held at St David's Rugby Club on Tuesday evening, present were Divisional Inspector Andy Clift and Divisional Inspector Colin Williams who be taking over from Andy on June 1st. A number of items were discussed including the arrival of a new D Class Inshore Lifeboat in approximately two months.

The Lifeboat Operations Manager Mr Jeff Davies praised the efforts of the St David's RNLI Ladies Fundraising Committee and others in raising such a fantastic total towards the running of the RNLI.

Pictured from left to right is Acting Chairman Mrs Sheilah Tobin, Treasurer Mrs Maureen Owen & Box Secretary Mrs Pat Mayoh from the fundraising branch presenting a cheque for £16,777:51 to Lifeboat Operations Manager Jeff Davies & Coxswain David John.

RNLI volunteer Nicholas Phillips has received a letter of appreciation from the charity’s Operations Director Michael Vlasto, for braving near gale force conditions to rescue a man who became stranded whilst attempting to rescue his boat.

Nicholas has been commended for his actions as helmsman of the station’s inshore RNLI lifeboat during the service on 31 January, 2008. Milford Haven Coastguard requested the launch of St Davids’ lifeboat at 10am following reports that a craft had broken away from its moorings. The owner had climbed down a cliff to board the vessel and start the engine, but prevailing weather conditions led to him becoming stranded.

The RNLI lifeboat was launched into heavy breaking seas with two metre swells and a Force 7 near gale. RNLI volunteers Michael Rogers and David Ward were also on board.

‘The lifeboat proceeded to the casualty where it was brought alongside and held there while the owner was taken off and subsequently landed safely at the lifeboat slipway.

‘This brief but very effective service was carried out at or near the operating limits of a D class inshore lifeboat and resulted in the safe landing of a man ashore. Well done.’

The RNLI has today launched a recruitment drive as it gears up for its first lifeguarding season in Wales. The charity is looking to take on some 45 RNLI lifeguards, to patrol 12 Pembrokeshire beaches this summer.

Pembrokeshire County Council has become the first council in Wales to join forces with the RNLI to provide lifeguards on its beaches from Poppit Sands to Amroth. The charity is keen to hear from anyone with a nationally recognised beach lifeguarding qualification to apply for one of the positions via the RNLI’s website http://www.rnli.org.uk/ and follow the recruitment links.

Potential lifeguards are being offered the opportunity to achieve a basic life guarding qualification by attending a week-long training course. Newport Surf Lifesaving Club will run a course during the second week of the Easter break, which will leave delegates in a position to apply for a one of the RNLI lifeguard positions. Candidates are invited to contact local Surf Lifesaving Clubs for further details on the exciting training opportunity.

The new lifeguarding team will be led by RNLI Divisional Lifeguard Manager Neil Thomas. A former Police Officer with Dyfed Powys Police, Neil has more than 20 years experience in lifeguarding and is an RNLI crew member at St Davids, where he has volunteered for over 12 years.

He will be supported by Phil Davies, a former Pembrokeshire County Council lifeguard supervisor and leisure centre duty officer, who takes up the role of RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor.

‘The RNLI is driving forward professional lifeguarding to provide a seamless rescue service from the beach to the open sea. We are looking forward to working in partnership with the local Surf Livesaving Clubs and with county council to recruit suitable candidates and provide a high-level professional lifeguard service.

‘We are keen to hear from returning lifeguards and also from new lifeguards who want to come and work in a professional environment. Training will be more expansive than ever before and there will also be opportunities for career progression, as well as full-time positions.’

The lifeguard season in Pembrokeshire will run between 28 June and 6 September, with a two-week training session planned to commence on 16 June. It is hoped the lifeguard season will be expanded in the future, as the service
develops to keep the beaches of Pembrokeshire safer for longer.

Launching a lifeguard service in Wales is an exciting move for the charity which already has 31 RNLI lifeboat stations in the country. RNLI lifeguards will work closely with the volunteer RNLI crews to provide safety cover from the beach to the sea. Beaches to benefit from the RNLI’s lifeguard service include Poppit Sands, Newport Sands, Whitesands, Newgale, Broadhaven North, Dale, Lydstep, Tenby South, North, and Castle, Saundersfoot and Amroth.

This is a community partnership between the RNLI and Pembrokeshire County Council and as a charity, the RNLI relies on voluntary contributions and legacies for income.The RNLI will be relying on the continued support of the public as it brings this new venture into frution.

Crew members from St Davids RNLI and Fishguard RNLI met for their annual darts match. Last year St Davids won the cup despite most of the team leaving part way through for a call-out. 2008 was a different matter with Fishguard winning a close fought match 6 games to 5. Pictured above - St Davids Coxswain David John congratulates Fishguard Coxswain Paul Butler on their win!!

Three volunteers from the St Davids lifeboat station are to receive awards in recognition of their work on behalf of the RNLI. Maureen Owen (Fundraising Treasurer) is to receive an RNLI Gold Badge, Sue King (Souvenir Secretary) is to receive an RNLI Silver Badge and John James (Branch Treasurer) will receive a Statuette.

St David's Lifeboat Operations Manager Mr Jeffrey Davies was recently presented with a donation of £350 by the Camrose Craft Ladies. Making the presentation was ladies member Mrs Llewellyn and it took place in the home of another ladies member Mrs Wilson.

St David's RNLI station is very grateful for this gift which will go towards the training of crew members and running of the station.

The annual Open Day attracted hundreds of visitors to the boathouse to look onboard the lifeboats and talk to crew members and other volunteers. Following the open day both lifeboats launched for a short exercise watched by a large number of people from the cliff tops.

St Davids ILB attended the Solva Inshore Regatta on Sunday 5th August. On August 7th the ALB attended Solva's Children's Regatta which is celebrating it's 50th anniversary year. The lifeboat was moored alongside the harbour wall to allow members of the public to get aboard and view the boat and speak to the crew.

Both the St Davids all-weather (ALB) and inshore (ILB) lifeboats attended the Ramsey Island Rowing Race in which 15 boats (4 and 6 oared) were competing on an 8 mile course. Along with a number of other vessels, the lifeboats provided safety cover for the event.

St Davids inshore lifeboat 'Dewi Sant/St David' attended the Community Day held at Porthclais Harbour. Despite the heavy rain over 70 children took part in the event and the ILB was on hand to assist one of the rafts which was being tested in preparation for the raft race.

St Davids Brownies visited the lifeboat station and were given a tour of the station and lifeboats by members of the lifeboat crew.

St Davids ILB and lifeboat crew members attended the Ysgol Bro Dewi, St Davids school fete. The aim of the visit was to raise the profile of the RNLI amongst local school children.

The St Davids Lifeboat and crew members past and present will be appearing on the television programme "Cefn Gwlad" on the 4th June at 8:25pm and on the 9th June at 9:05pm on S4C. Filming took place in 2006 with Dai Jones the presenter. The programme is in Welsh with English sub-titles available by pressing 888.

The St Davids Branch of the RNLI held it's Annual General Meeting at the Rugby Club in St Davids on 30th May. A cheque for £25,772.23 was presented to the RNLI by members of the St Davids Ladies Lifeboat Guild. Pictured making the presentation on behalf of the Guild is Treasurer Mrs Maureen Owen and Acting Chairman Mrs Sheila Tobin.

Recieving the cheque on behalf of the station is Mr David John (Coxswain) and Mr Jeff Davies Lifeboat Operations Manager.
Also pictured are station personnel and Mr Andy Clift (Inspector of Lifeboats West Division).

Jeff commented on what a great effort had been put into raising this sum by the Guild and other fund raisers. Mentioned at the meeting was the good news that a Tamar class lifeboat and new station would be provided by 2012, also that a new IB1 inshore lifeboat would be arriving on station in 2008.

The station would also like to record its heart felt thanks to members of the public for their unstinting support.

St David’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Mr Jeffrey Davies, was presented with a Gold Badge by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent at the charity’s annual presentation of awards, at the Barbican Centre, London on 17 May, 2007. The dedicated supporter, who has been a member of the St David’s branch/guild for 42 years, has been honoured for his long and loyal service to the Institution by the charities trustees.

Jeffrey was thrilled to be presented with the Gold Badge award during the prestigious London ceremony, which is part of an age-old tradition recognising the invaluable commitment of the lifesaving charity’s volunteers.

RNLI Regional Fundraising Manager Phae Comber says: ‘As a charity which relies entirely on voluntary contributions, the RNLI is indebted to volunteers such as Jeffrey who do so much to support our lifeboat crews and help RNLI volunteer crews to continue saving 22 people every single day. The RNLI has over 1,200 fundraising branches and guilds, supported by volunteers such as Jeffrey who work tirelessly to raise the £330,000 per day it costs to run the lifeboat service.'

Jeff joined the Lifeboat Committee in 1965 and has held various posts since he became DLA in 1982. In 1990 Jeff became Honorary Secretary. St David’s lifeboat station has a very high public profile with around 60,000 tourists visiting our premises each year. This brings with it a certain degree of extra responsibilities and Jeff attends several meetings each year with National Park, local and County Council representatives as they seek to manage the implications of hosting so many tourists to a rural area. For his dedication and commitment to the RNLI, Jeff is strongly recommended for the award of a Gold Badge.

Jeff commented “I was delighted and honoured to receive my gold long service badge by HRH Duke of Kent. I feel very privileged to be part of a dedicated and successful lifeboat crew and management committee”.

Lifeboat Operations Managers (LOMs) at St Davids and The Mumbles got word on Thursday, 5 April, that the RNLI Trustees have approved the replacement of the stations’ Tyne class lifeboats with Tamar class lifeboats.

St Davids LOM Jeff Davies says: ‘I was absolutely delighted to receive this letter securing the future of St Davids RNLI lifeboat station. It demonstrates a real commitment from the RNLI to invest in our future and enable our volunteer crew to save even more lives at sea.’

The £2.5M Tamar, at 16m and capable of a speed of 25 knots, is bigger and faster than the Tyne. Its state-of-the-art safety features include a new seat design to protect crew members’ spines in rough conditions. An award-winning on-board computer system enables crew to carry out many tasks remotely, meaning they can be strapped into their seats for extra safety.

Divisional Inspector Andy Clift says: ‘This is the first step in a very long journey, which will involve fundraising, planning, design and shoreworks before the dream is made a reality.

‘The RNLI is a unique charity and has to plan well ahead into the future to ensure funds are in place to bring our plans off the drawing board.

‘It is envisaged that the Tamar will arrive on station at The Mumbles in 2011 and at St Davids in 2012.’

The annual St Davids Lifeboat Dinner was held at the Warpool Court Hotel, St Davids on Friday the 1st December. Following the dinner the following presentations were made:

A Long Service Badge was presented to the new full time coxswain of St Davids Lifeboat, Mr David John, by Mr Andy Clift (Divisional Inspector of Lifeboats West).

The gift of a Bolton Wanderers FC shirt, signed by the 2006 squad, was presented to ex-Coxswain Malcolm Gray MBE by the new full time coxswain David John on behalf of the crew. Malcolm is a lifelong supporter of Bolton and, although he has stood down as coxswain, will continue on the launch and recovery side of the lifeboat.

Henry Griffiths was presented with a long service certificate by Mr Andy Clift (Divisional Inspector of Lifeboats West). Henry was also presented with a brass clock by Mr Jeffrey Davies (Lifeboat Operations Manager) on behalf of the crew.

Henry joined the RNLI in 1958 and has completed 48 years service to the St Davids Lifeboat Station. Henry is the third generation of his family to hold the post of winchman at the station, his grandfather served from 1909 until 1934, followed by his father the late Ivor from 1923 until his retirement in 1973. Henry took over the post of winchman from his father which he held until earlier this year.

Henry's mother the late Mrs Ivy Griffiths also gave wonderful support to the station being a member of the ladies guild ending with being President and recieving the RNLI's Gold Badge and Bar. The family association continues today with Henry's son David who began in 1999 and became Head Launcher in 2001. So far over 130 years service has been made by the Griffiths family which the RNLI is very grateful.

Following the presentations the group was photographed - pictured from left to right above are:

Rear: Mr Jeff Davies St Davids Lifeboat Operations Manager, Mr Malcolm Gray MBE (ex coxswain) St Davids Lifeboat, Mr Andy Clift Divisional Inspector of Lifeboats West, Mr Henry Griffiths (ex winchman) St Davids Lifeboat, Mr David John (coxswain) St Davids Lifeboat.

Members of the St Davids RNLI Lifeboat crew will join with relatives of the late Mr Ieuan Bateman on the 8^th November to lay wreaths to mark the 50^th Anniversary of his death.

Ieuan Bateman was a crew member onboard the RNLI lifeboat Swn-y-Mor which launched on the 8^th November 1956 to the aid of the French trawler ‘Notre Dame de Fatima’ which was in distress approximately 4.5 miles from Skokholm Island in extremely severe and dangerous conditions.

The lifeboat crew successfully rescued the eight crew members onboard the trawler and were heading into Milford Haven when the lifeboat was swamped two by large following waves whilst off St Anns Head. It was discovered that Ieuan Bateman had been washed overboard. His body was recovered two days later at West Dale Bay.

The French government posthumously awarded Ieuan Bateman the Lifesaving Silver Medal 1^st Class and the French Lifeboat Society awarded him the bronze medal and diploma. Coxswain David Lewis was awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal.

Ieuan Bateman’s brothers Byron, John and Roland have together served for over 100 years as crew members of the St Davids Lifeboat.

The present Coxswain and crew of the St Davids Lifeboat felt that it was important to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Ieuan Bateman in giving his life whilst attempting to save others as a crew member of the RNLI.

Pictured from left to right is David John aged 38 who on October 2nd was appointed as the new full time coxswain of St David's lifeboat and Malcolm Gray MBE aged 57 who has stood down as coxswain a post he held for twelve years.

David began his career with the RNLI in June 1986 joining his father Fred John who was coxswain of the lifeboat at the time. David has been on many service calls over these last twenty years - too numerous to mention. One in particular, a call out in December 2004 to the fishing vessel "Yves Marie Amil" which was on fire, the lifeboat crew managed to save three lives. This call out was recognised by the RNLI when the crew received vellum certificates for their efforts in what were atrocious conditions.

David was made Deputy 2nd coxswain in 1996 and Training co-ordinator in 2002. Everyone associated with the lifeboat station wish him well in his new appointment. David's father Fred was coxswain from 1981 until 1988.

Malcolm first joined the crew in 1965 before joining the Merchant Navy in 1966 until 1971 when he rejoined the crew of St David's Lifeboat. He has carried out many rescues some of which have been recognised by the RNLI. The rescue of the vessel "Marigold" which Coxswain Fred John had a Vellum certificate in 1986 also he was 2nd coxswain on the rescue of the "Stephanie Jane" where coxswain David Chant was awarded a Bronze Medal and his crew Medal Service Certificates in 1989.

In 1994 he was made coxswain and has been on many rescues - two of which were recognised, the saving of the tanker "Blackfriars" in December 1999 and the "Yves Marie Amil", on both occasions coxswain and crew were awarded vellums.

Malcolm also has two of his children serving on the crew, his son Ian and daughter Gillian. Malcolm has also stated that he is only standing down as coxswain he will continue to be part of the launching crew.

On Monday 18th September charity walker Mrs Jannina Henderson from Bath called into St David's lifeboat station during her walk around the entire coast of Britain. She is pictured with from left to right St David's Lifeboat Operations Manager Mr Jeff Davies and former lifeboat crew member Mr Byron Bateman. Mrs Henderson is collecting funds for four different charities the RNLI being one of them. She started her walk in Lyme Regis on January 1st and has walked anti clockwise around Britain covering 3,600 miles to date. She has approximately 1.500 miles to go and hopes to arrive back at Lyme Regis late October.

For further details of her walk and how you can support her please visit her web site on www.walkingthewalk2006.com

On Sunday 27th of August St Davids lifeboat station held a very successful annual open day. Visitors to the station were able to look over the lifeboats and learn about how the station operates. After the open day the lifeboats launched on exercise. Funds were boosted by a donation made to the station of £700 by children who were on holiday at Newgale camping site. The children are pictured presenting their donation to St Davids Lifeboat Operations Manager Jeff Davies. The RNLI is very grateful for this donation.

Lifeboat crew from St Davids are to receive awards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for braving rough seas in the darkness to rescue three men stranded on board the Yves Marie Amil which burst into flames on 21 December, 2004.

Coxswain Malcolm Gray (MBE), 55, is to be accorded the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum for his courage, determination and display of seamanship under adverse weather conditions. Six crew members are to receive vellum service certificates and a Letter of Appreciation signed by RNLI Operations Director Michael Vlasto.

Deputy Second Coxswains David John, 37,and Robin Copley, 40, Station Mechanic Michael Phillips and Second Mechanic Jestyn Martin, 28, will receive the accolade for their part in the rescue as will crew members Roland Bateman, 50, and Nicholas Phillips, 20.

Captain Michael Poole, master of the Isle of Inishmore ferry is also to receive a letter of appreciation from Mr Vlasto for the seamanship he demonstrated in locating the fishing boat, illuminating the area and manoeuvring his vessel to provide a lee.

Malcolm Gray, Coxswain of St David’s RNLI lifeboat in Pembrokeshire is thrilled to have been awarded an MBE as part of the Queens New Year's Honours.

The award is in recognition of Mr Gray’s 33 years of service to the RNLI. He was a dedicated volunteer, and then Second Coxswain until becoming Coxswain 10 years ago.

It is not the first time the father-of-four’s courage and commitment has been recognised. He was awarded the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum for his tenacity, determination and seamanship during a service to the 1,500 ton tanker Blackfriars on Christmas Eve, 1999.

More recently, Mr Gray, who has a son and daughter on the crew, was in command of the station’s all weather lifeboat during the rescue of three people on board a fishing vessel, which burst into flames on 21 December.

The St Davids lifeboat 'Garside' (47-026) has been transferred by road to Lowestoft for refit. She has been replaced on station by the relief lifeboat 'Sarah Emily Harrop' (47-037) which has previously provided relief cover at St Davids. The 'Garside' is shown below arriving at Lowestoft. Photo courtesy of Scott Snowling.

Meanwhile, the inshore lifeboat 'Dewi Sant / Saint David' (D-453) has been sent for her annual refit and has been replaced on station by 'Corydd' (D-476).

The annual lifeboat dinner was held this year at the Grove Hotel, St Davids where crew members and guests enjoyed a pleasant evening.

St Davids lifeboats 'Garside' and 'Dewi Sant / Saint David' attended the Round Ramsey Rowing Race to assist with safety cover for the seven participating rowing boats and a large number of spectator boats.

St Davids all-weather lifeboat 'Garside' attended the Solva Children's Regatta where a large number of children were able to look over the lifeboat whilst she was moored alongside the harbour wall.

St Davids inshore lifeboat 'Dewi Sant / Saint David' attended the Solva Regatta.

The ex-St Davids lifeboat 'Swn-y-Mor (Civil Service No 6)' paid a visit to St Davids with her owners Warren and Jill Scott. It's her first return to St Davids in about 10 years. The Swn-y-Mor is now much travelled (over 84,000 miles!) having been to such places as Australia, San Francisco, Alaska and the Great Lakes - next stop is Sardinia! Although she looks quite different, having been converted for sailing, there are still plenty of reminders of her lifesaving past. Amongst these is a plaque remembering crewman Ieuan Bateman who was lost overboard in 1956.

The St Davids lifeboat 'Garside' paid a courtesy visit to the Solva Regatta on Sunday 3rd of August. The lifeboat tied up alongside the quay for about an hour and allowed members of the public to come on board and look over the boat. On Tuesday the 5th August the inshore lifeboat attended the Solva Children's Regatta.

Members of the lifeboat crew assisted the crew of a local passenger boat in landing an injured woman at the lifeboat station. The woman had injured her back and was conveyed to Withybush Hospital by ambulance.

The D class inshore lifeboat 'Dewi Sant/St David' has left the station temporarily for it's annual refit at the ILB base at Cowes, IoW. The relief lifeboat D447 'Thomas Campbell' has been allocated to the station in her place. Above, the ILBs are swapped over at Porthclais harbour (Photo: Robin Copley).

St Davids lifeboats 'Garside' and 'Dewi Sant/St David' joined the offshore and inshore lifeboats from Fishguard station for a joint exercise with the RAF rescue helicopter 'Helo 169' from Chivenor in Devon. In all 5 crew members were winched from the St Davids boats and RNLI training assessments made. (Photo: Robin Copley)

The annual Fishguard RNLI -v- St Davids RNLI darts match took place at the Atramont Arms, Croesgoch on 18th January 2003. The team from St Davids arrived early and were able to get in a bit of practice before the arrival of the Fishguard team whose minibus had suffered mechanical problems outside several pubs en-route!

The first match was 1001 for all team members. For the third year in succession St Davids proved to be too strong. With their confidence high, the St Davids team were able to give the Fishguard crew a 5 match start in the individual matches. By the end of the evening it was all square with Fishguard ex-Coxswain Frankie George MBE up against the St Davids Coxswain Malcolm Gray. In a close match it was Malcolm who came out on top - the Atramont Cup returning to St Davids after a year's absence.

The St Davids crew would like to thank the Atramont Arms for their hospitality and the crew members from Fishguard who made the evening so enjoyable.

PS - No doubt Fishguard RNLI would have their own version of the above events!!!!!

St Davids Lifeboat features in the rescues section of the RNLI Winter 2002/3 edition of 'The Lifeboat'. The article recalls the rescue of the 3 surfers from Newgale in March 2002.

The Annual Lifeboat dinner was held at the Old Cross Hotel, St Davids on the 23 November 2002. After the dinner, presentations were made to Jeffrey Thompson, Neil Thomas and Michael Phillips.

Deputy 2nd Coxswain Jeffrey Thompson retired after 27 years service to the St Davids Lifeboat station. He was presented with his RNLI Certificate of Service and a barometer from the crew. Flowers were also presented to his wife and mother.

Michael Phillips and Neil Thomas were presented with their RNLI Certificates for their involvement in the rescue of 3 surfers from Newgale beach in March 2002 - see services section for more information.

Crew members will be attending RNLI courses for VHF and MF radio operation in the mobile training unit from Poole HQ during October. The course instructor is Steve Howard.

The relief lifeboat 'RNLB Owen and Anne Aisher (47-017) was on station from 8th September until 1st October whilst the station boat 'Garside' (47-026) was in the boatyard at Appledore for repairs.

ILB crew members Michael Phillips and Neil Thomas are to receive RNLI 'Letters of Thanks' for the rescue of surfers at Newgale on 21st March 2002. Please see the Services section for more details.

Crew members Jestyn Martin, Paul Taylor, Ian Gray and Matthew Cox have attended the RNLI's sea survival course at Fleetwood Nautical College.

Deputy 2nd Coxswain Jeffrey Thompson has retired from the crew following over 20 years service. Jeffrey was presented with an RNLI Letter of Thanks in 1985 for his part in the rescue of the MFV Miss Ali Jane and a Vellum Service Certificate in 2000 for the 'Blackfriars' rescue.

The RNLI's mobile training unit visited the station to provide training to crew members in the use of electronic navigation equipment (RADAR, GPS and Laserplot). Instructor Steve Clark held daytime and evening courses over a two week period with 10 crew members attending.

Members of the lifeboat crew were involved in an incident in which 2 injured people were landed at the lifeboat station slipway by the passenger vessel 'Ocean Raven'. Although the lifeboat was not launched, crew members assisted the St Davids Coastguard, the local Doctor and paramedics in transferring one woman with suspected back injuries and a second woman with a head injury after the boat had encountered a large wave to the South West of Ramsey Island.

D543 'Dewi Sant / St David' has returned to her station at St Davids following her annual refit.

St Davids lifeboat appears twice in the Winter 2001/02 Lifeboat Journal. An article and picture about the rescue of the 'Wasini' appears on page 23 (13th June 2001) and a picture from a medical exercise held on Ramsey Island appears on page 4.

St Davids lifeboatman Paul Taylor has received a letter of thanks from the RNLI for his part in the rescue of the occupant of the yacht "Curachan" which sank after hitting a submerged object near St Davids Head.

RNLI officials recently visited St Davids Lifeboat station to carry out the five-yearly coastal review. Coxswain Malcolm Gray and his crew, along with members of the branch committee and ladies guild had assembled to greet the visitors.

The meeting discussed the building of a new boathouse to house one of the next generation of slipway lifeboats (the FSB2) which will be allocated to replace the Tyne class lifeboat 'RNLB Garside'. The delegation said how impressed they were by the overall condition of the 'Garside' and boathouse which reflected much credit on the Mechanic and his assistants, and wished them all the very best in the future.

St Davids lifeboat station held a well attended open day with visitors able to look over both the all weather and inshore lifeboats. Crew members and station personnel were available to discuss the work of the RNLI in St Davids, the history of the station and the qualities of the boats.

Both of the lifeboats launched at the end of the day and performed a practical demonstration of the boats for the crowd that had gathered to see the launch.

St Davids ILB attended the Porthclais Harbour Childrens Aquatic Sports where the crew were greeted by a large crowd.

David Lewis (Dai the Mill), a former coxswain of St Davids lifeboat died at the age of 97 on Wednesday 8th August. Dai joined the crew in 1936 and during his 33 years service he was involved in many epic rescues including those of the two capsized landing craft in 1942 and the tanker 'World Concorde' in 1954.

David Lewis was appointed coxswain in 1956 and served in this role until his retirement in 1969. He was awarded an RNLI Bronze medal for the rescue of the crew of the French trawler 'Notre Dame de Fatima' during his first year in command. David Lewis was presented with 'Maundy Money' by Queen Elizabeth when she visited St Davids in 1982.

A well known character around St Davids, Dai proved an inspiration for many past and present crew members and will be a great loss to the local community. An autobiography was published in 1992 and provides a very interesting read.

Twelve members of the St Davids Lifeboat Ladies Guild joined the crew on exercise. During the past year over £14,000 has been raised by the Guild for RNLI funds.

St Davids lifeboat featured briefly in the BBC Choice satellite television programme 'Rush'.

Fund raising event organised with Welsh language television programme 'Twrio'. The programme included footage of the lifeboats 'Garside' and 'Dewi Sant / Saint David' plus interviews with crew members past and present.

Following an evening exercise the lifeboat crew held their Christmas party at the Farmers Arms, St Davids. A presentation was made to Mr Rex Lewis who recently retired as Head Launcher.

Presentation Evening - Saturday 25th November 2000 - Whitesands Bay Hotel, St Davids

For the service to the 1500 ton tanker 'Blackfriars' on Christmas Eve 1999 the executive committee of the RNLI have awarded the following: the Tanks of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution inscribed on vellum to Coxswain Malcolm Gray (50). The remainder of the crew are awarded Vellum Service Certificates: Second Coxswain Clive Hayes (46), Deputy 2nd Coxswain Jeffrey Thompson (52), Mechanic Michael Phillips (21), Emergency Mechanic Paul Taylor (24), crew members Robin Copley (35), Cindy Pearce (37).

Coxswain Gray launched the Tyne class all-weather lifeboat 'Garside' at 0026 on 24th December 1999 to go to the assistance of the tanker which had parted it's anchor cable and was aground on Musselwick Sands. The lifeboat stood by for two hours until it became apparent that unless the tanker was towed clear at high tide she would be swept further up the beach and stranded. There were also four people left onboard. Coxswain Gray and his crew managed to connect a towline despite very shallow water and gradually towed the tanker off the beach and into deeper water. The lifeboat held the tow for several hours until a tug arrived.

Following reading of the citations by Divisional Inspector (West) Mr Andy Clift the Coxswain and crew were presented their awards by the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council Mr Bill Hitchins.

St Davids lifeboat head launcher Rex Lewis has been forced to retire on reaching the age of 65. Rex commenced his service with the RNLI on the 1st April 1976 when he became Head Launcher following the retirement of the late Mr Dewi Rowlands.

Rex who was a teacher at Ysgol Dewi Sant in St Davids until his retirement has been responsible for encouraging many of his former pupils to join the crew and they are all grateful for his help and guidance over the years, none more than the present full time Mechanic Michael Phillips who said "I would personally like to thank Rex for all the help and assistance he has given me". The Coxswain, crew, launchers and station officials wish Rex best wishes and good health in his retirement.

A presentation will be made to Rex at a later date. Rex will be succeeded as Head Launcher by David Griffiths.

A large crowd gathered at St Justinians on Wednesday evening to watch the station's annual medical exercise. The all weather and inshore lifeboats under the command of Coxswain Malcolm Gray and Helmsman Robin Copley gave a superb demonstration of rescue techniques. This year the lifeboats were joined by the South Wales Sea Fisheries vessel 'Cranogwen' in it's demonstration of fisheries protection and safety, also Dyfed Powys Police launch 'Delta 66' and it's work in crime prevention at sea. The medex was organised by station personnel and Dr Chris Wooldridge from University of Wales Cardiff. The RNLI would like to thank Dr Wooldridge, South Wales Sea Fisheries, Dyfed Powys Police, Mr Eric O'Brien and Mr Alan Richardson for all their help and participation in this exercise.

The RNLI's Director Mr Andrew Freemantle MBE visited St Davids lifeboat station on Monday 17th July. There to greet him was Branch President Dr George Middleton, station officials, Coxswain Malcolm Gray and crew, also members of the ladies guild. This was the first visit to St Davids station by the director since his appointment in January 1999 following the retirement of the then Director Mr Brian Miles.

Gold badge	Maureen Owen	St Davids - Fundraising Treasurer
Silver badge	Sue King	St Davids - Souvenir Secretary
Statuette	John James	St Davids - Branch Treasurer

Lifeboat crew from St Davids are to receive awards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for braving rough seas in the darkness to rescue three men stranded on board the Yves Marie Amil which burst into flames on 21 December, 2004.