The present crew meet the old lady herself.
The present day RNLI crew at Appledore Station visit Jane Hannah Macdonald III to see the restoration progress. It was particularly apt for the Appledore RNLI crew to meet up with Appledore’s last rowed lifeboat, the 114-year-old Jane Hannah MacDonald 111, during the Bicentenary year of the RNLI and whilst preparations are taking place for Appledore RNLI’s own bicentenary next year.
Names in photo: Del Elsmore, Matt Rowe, Richard Withey, Billy Evans, Bob Mellor, Tony Short, Verna Green, Andy Millar, Sheila Millar.
Restoration progress is explained.
Those in charge of her return to the River Torridge, gave the crew a guided tour of the boat, explaining the processes being undertaken as well as relating the exciting life story of the boat. With new steps and viewing platform in place, charity members showed the visitors how the rotten timber is being removed and wires put in place to hold her shape while repairs are made.
The last surviving boat of her vintage who worked on the Rover Torridge.
Jane Hannah MacDonald III served at Appledore from 1910 until 1922, saving 23 lives. The four-tonne wooden vessel was hauled into the sea by horses, and the crew of eight rowed out in storms pulling together on oars, their backs to the crashing waves.
After the first world war, she was replaced by a motorised vessel and sold to be a fishing boat. Later, she rescued troops from the shores of Dieppe in the second world war and earned a certificate as a recognised ‘Little Ship’. Discovered rotting in a French boatyard, she was brought home to hopefully once more serve the community through providing pleasure and educational trips.
She is the last vessel of this vintage that worked on the River Torridge and will provide a great heritage resource for all the community. This old lady will be a flag ship for the RNLI 200 and help celebrate the unbroken chain from then until now of heroic acts of strength and bravery in saving lives at sea.
Come for a visit and support the good work being done.
Please get in touch through this website if you would like to arrange a visit.