Most of those that work or play, on or under the waters around the UK will know of the RNLI and their daring exploits. It is all a bit boys’ own stuff!!  But few of us are aware of the hard work and dedication that goes into providing and maintaining a life saving service that is the envy of the world.  As divers, we are only too aware of the dangers that lurk out there for those that are ill equipped, ill prepared, foolish or just downright unlucky, but we also know that if the worst happens, someone will move heaven and earth to help, without fear or favour.  We have seen it first hand!   We have intimate knowledge of being helped by, and helping the RNLI, so it was not surprising that we had a strong turnout for our club talk from the RNLI. 

But bearing in mind that we are based about as far from the sea as it is possible to get in the UK, it was a great pleasure to welcome David Steadman, a real life lifeboat man from Cromer in Norfolk, and his wife Daphne.  As a true Norfolk man, there was no mention of Suffolk!!  David informed us of the history of the service, its equipment, training and of course its famous boats, and entertained us with stories of bravery, daring, courage and humour from his own time in the service and from its rich history.  With some fabulously lifelike scale models of lifeboats that David had made himself and some great slides, we got a really good look into the working of this amazing organisation. 

Every year our South Northants BS-AC, holds a photographic competition, with two themes, “on” and “below” water – an echo of the privilege we have of being able to explore both environments.  David very kindly agreed to judge this year’s competition, and deservedly the first prize in both categories went to Pete Alibone.