Helensburgh Lifeboat station open day welcomes hundreds

Helensburgh Lifeboat Station opened its doors to more than 250 faces last weekend for its 60th anniversary.

The current crew, management team and fundraisers were at the Rhu Marina base to commemorate the diamond anniversary with plenty to see and do for everyone who turned out.

Visitors were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the station, including close up views of the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Muriel and Angus Mackay, and had the chance to meet the dedicated volunteer crew who respond 365 days of the year to emergencies at sea.

Volunteer fundraisers Jo Clark (left) and Anne Whyte (Image: Ann Stewart) The day featured the chance to climb aboard the lifeboat on the slip, watch a live life raft demonstration, and have a chance to view the ‘60 years of Helensburgh Lifeboat Station’ exhibition.

Visitors on the lifeboat (Image: Ann Stewart) The town's lifeboat (Image: Ann Stewart) Tea, coffee and homemade cakes were provided and lifeboat themed games and activities were available for children.

Leslie Quirk (left) and Tina Munro, volunteer fundraisers serving tea (Image: Ann Stewart) The day raised more than £1,100 through donations, merchandise sales, and activities.

Howard Morrison, lifeboat operations manager, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday.

"It was great to see so many members of the community coming along to support us.

"We enjoyed catching up with many faces from the past including former crew, members of the management team and fundraisers, as well as meeting new people.

"The event gave us the chance to show what we do and why your support matters."

Duke of Edinburgh Award trainee Aspen Kerr gave a flare demonstration to visitors (Image: Ann Stewart) Flare demonstration by Kayleigh Leckie from HM Coastguard (Image: Ann Stewart) Local artist Catherine Page was on hand with her painting ‘2024 New Year’s Day Dook’, which she has donated to the station.

Visitors were also treated to the first viewing of a video by local choir, Tartan Harmony, singing their 'Lifeboat shanty’ as part of the exhibition.

The crew of the Helensburgh Lifeboat (Image: Ann Stewart) A demonstration of rescue with a life raft was shown to visitors (Image: Ann Stewart) The song was written by Vee Watkins and produced by Boo Buchannan at Live Link Media.

Howard continued: “Your donations help us to maintain the lifeboat, buy essential equipment and provide training for the crew. Thank you for supporting us to save lives at sea.”

Flare demonstration by Darcy Petchey – Duke of Edinburgh Award trainee (Image: Ann Stewart) (Image: Ann Stewart) The station was founded in June 1965 with a D-class lifeboat provided by the Helensburgh Ladies Lifeboat Guild.

Pre-1965, members of the Helensburgh Sailing Club Commodore made the business case for a small high speed rescue boat to be made available and to be based in the town due to the concentration of dinghy sailing in the area.

The first boathouse was established on the north side of the pier. Call-outs were co-ordinated by Helensburgh Police, who would alert the crew members as required.

In 1968, the original boathouse was relocated to the Helensburgh side of the pier.

As the relocation took five weeks, the lifeboat was kept on a trailer in Coxswain R. Hislop’s garage with the Land Rover so it could always be ready for launching.

The Helensburgh lifeboat has been called out 2,028 times since 1965.