Saving Lives At Sea

The Bradford Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was formed in 1859 by local mill owners & textile merchants, due to the many shipwrecks around our coasts at that time. The ships would bring wool from places such as Australia & New Zealand, & cottons from the America's, only to be wrecked when they reached the coasts of Great Britain. Many major Cities of that time collected money to buy lifeboats which bore the city's name, Bradford was no exception. The first Bradford lifeboats were stationed at Ramsgate Kent & the latter 20th century lifeboats at Spurn Point at the mouth of the River Humber. Many outstanding bravery awards have been won by the crews of these boats. In the 20th century, the boats were fitted with engines & were the largest class in the R.N.L.I fleet.The last boat to bear the city's name is an Atlantic 75 of the inshore fleet which cost £65.000 & was collected in the Bradford & West Yorkshire area over 2 years, this was accomplished by various fundraising events & donations by local firms/schools & individuals. The boat was named in Centenary Square in May 1999 & was handed over to the Flamborough lifeboat crew. Fundraising still continues as much as ever, for the upkeep of the 220 lifeboat stations currently serving the shores of the U.K. the rnli has also opened 4 inland lifeboat stations on the river thames and is looking at opening more on inland stretches of open water where there may be a need for lifeboat cover, the rnli has also started to train and use beach lifeguards on beaches where there has been no lifeguard cover ie local authoritys councils etc . plus 4 new hovercraft to be used on certain esturys and mud flats where normal lifeboats cannot operate. The R.N.L.I is a registered charity,& receives no government funding whatsoever. If you are interested in helping us at the Bradford Branch, be it holding a coffee morning for us, arranging a sporting event, giving up an hour of your time to help us collect on flag day or anything whatsoever, we would be most grateful! or if you require a free presentation or a group talk with film either about the work of the rnli or sea or water safety please dont hesitate to get in contact. have a look at the other pages and sign the guest book if you would and thankyou for your intrest. The branch meets every second month at laisterdyke trinity church rooms ,leeds rd ,laisterdyke,bradford At 7:30pm-9:00pm. Or contact: Mr M Chappellow (Chairman)07748013243 or MR R FIELD(vice chairman) on 07733228418 or sue ledger hon sec on 07971459767 (mobile)