It might be a quieter time of year, but every Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat (PLIRB) volunteer continues to be busy. As an independent lifeboat service, we are proud that we are completely self-managed – which means we are responsible for raising our own funds, co-ordinating our training, carrying out maintenance, organising our administrative and financial arrangements and planning huge projects.
Collectively our volunteers dedicate over 20,000 hours each year. So we are delighted when our hard work is rewarded with generous support from our community and the fruition of significant projects.
New boathouse development
After more than three years of planning and fundraising, the work to develop our boathouse has finally started. Our existing cramped boathouse and dilapidated garage will be demolished and rebuilt as a single, flexible space to house our lifeboat and vehicle assets with much needed improved working conditions for our crew.
With unexpected electrical works, our volunteers got stuck in to dig the trench for new cabling – saving us a lot of money.
We appointed local firms Bellco Constructions and JenCo Electricals and Renewables to carry out the development works.
Our thanks go to everyone who has supported this journey to future-proof our lifeboat service.
Future replacement lifeboat
Our current lifeboat will come to the end of her service life in 18 months. For 12 years our Zodiac MilPro 5.4 metre RIB has served us brilliantly. Our team are working hard to raise the £150,000 it will cost to purchase a new lifeboat.
Fundraising
We only exist through the generosity of our community. Recent donations have included:
- Bexhill Rotary Club who raised £1000 from a collection at their Christmas dinner. Thank you to club President David Dixson.
- Kathryn Dixson who raised over £400 from selling home crafted Christmas decorations and gifts.
- Rye Ukelele Project who generously donated £500.
- Bob and Dec’s Quiz in Fairlight who raised £1200 from a brilliantly entertaining evening.
- Jan and Kit McLean who donated £1000 from the proceeds of the Elm Tree boot sales.
- MC Glass Bexhill who responded to an appeal to repair two windows in our lookout where the gas had blown and impaired our visibility.
- Lucy Hogg who is running the Hastings half marathon to raise funds for us – get in touch if you would like to support Lucy and us.
If you would like to support us, please visit www.plirb.org or email info@plirb.org.
PLIRB says goodbye to a legend
On Thursday 12 February, our dear friend and crew mate, Kevin Nuttall, lost his fight with cancer. Kevin was a volunteer at PLIRB for almost 15 years and served as our head launch vehicle driver. Kevin was an extraordinary man, a force of nature and we miss him dearly. Our love and condolences go to his wonderful wife Chrissie, his sisters, brother and sons.
The Pett Slip Buoys
Since our very own bonkers shanty group formed in 2023, they have raised an astonishing £21,000 through their singing efforts! A group of PLIRB volunteers who came together to casually sing have sung at community events, weddings, engagements, pub nights and at all sorts of venues.
Every penny they raise is committed to our future new lifeboat project which we launched this year – more intensive fundraising to protect our future.
Crew news
We have been tasked on service three times this year and have responded with full crew for each. Thank you to our amazing team for always being rescue ready.
In November, 12 crew completed their three-day casualty care refresher training course. It is costly but means that nearly every volunteer has an advanced level of first aid training.
In January we made our annual visit to our local HM Coastguard unit in Fareham. Always incredibly interesting and so valuable to build relationships.
One of our newest recruits, Jack Pearson, was made up to crew. A talented young local carpenter, he has a natural affinity for being on the water.
Get involved!
Join us in any way you can! Boat or shore crew. Events, social media and fundraising – even folks to make hot drinks after training. There are so many ways you can support us.
Thank you!
Image Credits: Hawkins and Hawkins , Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat .