Portpatrick Lifeboat - Our Galley: Where We Keep Our Stuff....!


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The Thurso Station's big new toy moored alongside our relief boat (47-007). The crew picked her up in Poole and were en-route home to Thurso when they called in to rest, re-fuel, and party with the Pirates!	Welcome to our scrapbook & photo album, or The Galley as we know it. This is where we'll be keeping a (loose) record of what's going on, in, off, on and around the boat. Also in this section, pictures from the past and the May 2004 Ceremony for the 'Hands' sculpture. This intriguing sculpture commemorates the loss of the Princess Victoria ferry, 1953. The sculpture, and an accompanying plaque, are dedicated to the lifeboatmen of Portpatrick. One of the few survivors still living, Charles Thompson, was present at the ceremony, as were the crew of the Donaghadee lifeboat.	The 'Poplar Diver'. Originally a Clyde Class Lifeboat with a full time crew. She patrolled the Orkneys once upon a time. We sailed thru the Caledonia Canal in company with her. She is a diving boat nowadays.
Interior shot of the boat looking forwards from back of Mechanic/Radio Op's seat.	Stern compartment and access hatch to props and emergency steering. The engine room can also be accessed from a small hatch (unseen) in here too.	View across Navigator's position and chart table.
Mechanic's gauges (left) and Radio Op's system	Coxwain's control position and view to Navigation radar, helm position.	Deck-side helm position and hatch down into main crew compartment. Mast can be lowered right back.
The Hands. Abstract, unusual, a definate talking point for the area. Donated anonymously. The sculpture is hanging above a small plaque whith a dedication to the Portpatrick lifeboat crew of that awful night in 1953 when the ferry sank.	What made the ceremony so unusual was that the sculpture, plaque and buffet afterwards (at 'The Crown' - great spread Gary!) were all donated by an individual who wishes to remain anonymous. Naturally, this has provided the community with much to speculate on, and should keep us guessing for years! So, on behalf of the Portpatrick & Donaghadee Lifeboats, we'd like to thank our benefactor for their generousity in providing this commemorative sculpture and ample repast afterwards. Thank you!	Above, the ceremony to unveil the plaque and sculpture at Portpatrick, May 22nd, 2004. Donated by an anonymous benefactor. The sculpture depicts (in abstract) hands emerging from a stormy sea and grasping the 'Princess Victoria'.
Our Secretary (right) at the ceremony. One of the survivors of the tragedy, Mr C. Thompson, is in the centre of the picture. He was one of the last off the boat as it turned over and sank.	This is the plaque which stands below the sculpture. Its elegance is all the more enhanced by its simplicity of form and skilfull use of natural colour and material. It should age very well.	The Donaghadee boat - 'The Saxon' alongside the 'Mary Irene Millar' on the day of the ceremony. Both boats were flag be-decked and made quite a sight in the harbour that Saturday.
Another shot of the Thurso boat. In the foreground is the 'Solstice'. Yes, it is the boat used as the 'Ronansay Ferry' in '2000 Acres of Sky'. Michelle's the station pin-up you know?	The entrance to Portpatrick harbour, passing close to the shattered remains of the old outer walls, eaten by the sea a while back. Great fun at night....	This former Lifeboat can be found in the harbour at Portpatrick, either afloat or ashore depending on its mood. It's for sale if you're interested, but contact the owner, not us!
Interior of the Thurso boat. Hi-tech equipment and comfortable seats with racing harnesses. The green lights are for the Phaser and Tractor beams...	More hi-tech gear as found at the helm position of the Severn Class lifeboats. They say the new Tamar Class boats will have Replicators aboard....	Intense Wheelhouse activity. None of your hi-tech stuff here, just good old fashioned dead-reckoning, sextants, today's horoscopes and loadstones...
LIFEBOAT WEEK AUGUST 1ST - 8TH We raised in excess of £22,000.00! Thank You To All Concerned!	The day of the ceremony for 'The Hands' sculpture we promoted our Cabin Boy to Fleet Commodore (acting)....	LIFEBOAT WEEK AUGUST 1ST - 8TH We raised in excess of £22,000.00! Thank You To All Concerned!