4 December 2011

'Certificates of Service' & Gold Badges for Crew Members

Left to Right - Mark Browne, Tommy Mason, John Murray (Station President), Jackie Harris, Brian Bailie (Lifeboat Operations Manager) and Jonathan Brownlee.

Photo: RNLI - Graham Edgar

Mark Browne, Thomas (Tommy) Mason, Jackie Harris and Jonathan Brownlee have been presented with 'Certificates of Service'; a combined total of 110 years of service to the RNLI.

Tommy Mason has also received a Bar to his RNLI Gold Badge for his 30 years of dedicated service to the RNLI.

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10 August 2011

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

'Lifeboat Day'

sponsored by the

Progressive Building Society

raised £3,200 for the RNLI

Results

Winning Lady - Debbie McMaster - Edenmore G.C.

Winning Ladies Team - Edenmore G.C.

Winning Gent - Gary Watson - Edenmore G.C.

Winning Gent's Team - Edemore G.C.

Winning Mixed Team - Donaghadee G.C.

Other prize-winners;

Marie McGratten - Ardminnan G.C.      Peter Alcock - Donaghadee G.C.

Brian Kissock - Bangor G.C.       Tom Andrews - Rockmount G.C.

Henni Taylor, Patsy McGoldrick & Eamon McGrattan - Kirkistown Castle G.C.

Thanks to everyone who tee'd off and helped make the 'Lifeboat Day' such a success.

Thanks also to Darren Clarke for taking the time to send us his best wishes for the 'Lifeboat Day'

&

a BIG thank-you to all from Sally McCoy (Event Organiser)

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23 June 2011

Margaret Barbour receives a 'Certificate of Thanks'

Photo: RNLI - Pat Browne

(L to R)  Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow; President - Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, Mrs Bernadette Rogers; Hon Secretary, Mrs Margaret Barbour, Mr Sam Barbour, Mr Andrew Gillespie and Mrs Pat Browne; Chair - Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild

Margaret Barbour from Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild has received a 'Certificate of Thanks' from the RNLI during the recent RNLI Awards ceremony held in the Great Hall at Queen's University, Belfast.

Margaret, who joined Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild in 2004 and became the Guild's Assistant Secretary in 2007, received the award for her central role in developing a 'Buy a Brick' campaign that raised £12,000 as a part of the station's 'Boathouse Appeal Fund' during 2009 and 2010.   (The 'Boathouse Appeal Fund' closed in 2010 having raised £119,828 towards the building of the new lifeboat station.)

Margaret was presented with her award by the Guest of Honour, the Very Rev Dr. Houston McKelvey, OBE, former Dean of Belfast Cathederal.

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9 April 2011

Churches & Sunday Schools visit Portaferry RNLI

Photo: RNLI - Beni Benstead

Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat volunteers held an open morning on Saturday, 9th April to thank five churches in County Down for their donation of £650 towards the crew's lifesaving work in Strangford Lough and the surrounding area.

Church members and children from Sunday schools had a chance to sit in the Lifeboat, trying on lifejackets and safety helmets while learning about the equipment onboard which is all funded by charitable donations.

Photo: RNLI - Beni Benstead

Brian Bailie, Lifeboat Operations Manager, giving the visitors information about the life-saving work of 'Blue Peter V'

They also enjoyed a tour of the Portaferry Lifeboat Station, officially opened last year, including the crew changing area and the upstairs training room with its views across Strangford Lough.

Mary Stewart and Myrtle McBride from the First Presbyterian (Non-Subscribing) Church in Downpatrick organised the collection earlier this year following a special service to celebrate 300 years in their present church building. They were joined by congregations from the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Churches of Ballee and Clough as well as the Presbyterian Churches of Downpatrick and Ardglass.

Photo: RNLI - Beni Bensead

Chair of the Portaferry RNLI's Fund Raising Guild, Pat Browne said "We are pleased we could welcome so many people from the churches to thank them for their kind support and to give them an idea of how their money will be spent, enabling our Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat volunteers to continue saving lives."

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1 January 2011

Sammy Gordon appointed 'DLA'

Sammy Gordon

Photo: RNLI - Colin Watson

Sammy Gordon has been appointed a 'Deputy Launching Authority' (DLA) of Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Sammy has been a crew member for many years and until recently was one of the station's helmsmen. He takes over the role from former DLA, Jackie Harris, who has been appointed 'Boathouse Manager'.

DLA's assume the operational duties of a lifeboat station's 'Lifeboat Operations Mananger' (LOM) in their absence and are therefore required by the RNLI to display the same qualities of leadership and good judgement.

Sammy joins fellow DLA, Leonard (Lenny) Lawson, in this vital operational role.

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December 2010

Gabriel Rogers retires

Gabriel Rogers

Photo RNLI - Colin Watson

Gabriel Rogers has retired from Portaferry Lifeboat Station after 30 years of service.

The annoucement of Gabriel's retirement was given at the 'Crew Christmas Dinner' on 17th December in the Portaferry Hotel.

Gabriel joined Portaferry Lifeboat Station on 1st September 1980, just a few weeks after the Station was opened on 1st May that same year.

Gabriel's work for the 'Station' and his help to the 'Lifeboat Guild', in particular during the Guild's formative years, is remembered by many.

After announcing Gabriel's retirement, Brian Bailie (Lifeboat Operations Manager) expressed the thanks of the Station & the Guild and presented Gabriel with a framed 'Certificate of Service' from the RNLI, and in appreciation, a clock & barometer from his fellow Crew Members.

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11th August 2010

RNLI Golf Day - Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

Photo - Progressive Building Sopciety

For over 15 years the Kirkistown Castle Golf Club has supported the RNLI by making its golf course exclusively available for one day each year to help raise funds for the RNLI.

The Progressive Building Society, with the help of Graeme Norris of the Wellington Place branch, once again kindly sponsored the fundraising event.

This year, the four-ball Stableford event attracted 226 golfers representing some 60 teams from golf clubs around Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, who came to enjoy one of Northern Ireland's best-supported one-day golf tournaments.

The competition resulted in over £3,600 being raised for the RNLI by the Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild.

David Peacock, event organiser, says, "Progressive's continued support is invaluable in helping us encourage and reward participating teams, in this four ball Stableford competition, with a wonderful buffet and fun prizes for coming along to help raise much needed funds for the RNLI.

The Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild is also deeply indebted to Kirkistown Castle Golf Club for their support for over 40 years through various fund raising activities in the club. "The money raised goes towards keeping the lifeboats in operation so the RNLI can continue to help save lives at sea.

Since opening in 1979, the Portaferry Station has launched its lifeboats 692 times, rescuing 582 people and saving 98 lives.

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26th June 2010

RNLI Annual Awards - Billy Ellison recognised

The RNLI Awards for 2010 were held in the Great Hall of Queen's University, Belfast on 26th June 2010.

Many members of Portaferry Lifeboat Station were present to witness the new Chairman of the RNLI, Admiral the Lord Boyce, present William (Billy) Ellison with a RNLI Statuette & Certificate of Service.

Billy Ellison was one of the earliest crew members of the Portaferry Lifeboat Station when it was established in 1980.

Billy was involved in many of the Station's early life-saving rescues and received the RNLI's 'Thanks on Vellum' after a daring rescue on Strangford Lough during a severe gale.  Billy's helmsman on that occasion was Dessie Rogers who was awarded a Bronze Medal by the RNLI for his leadership in the rescue. (View this web site's History page)

Billy Ellison is still closely involved with Portaferry RNLI as the station's Treasurer.

Photo: RNLI - Colin Watson

Billy Ellison receives a Statuette & Certificate of Service from Admiral the Lord Boyce, Chairman of the RNLI

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5th June 2010

Lifeboat House opening & 'Blue Peter V' Naming Ceremony

On 5th June 2010 Portaferry Lifeboat Station reached another milestone in its life-saving history - The opening of a magnificent new Lifeboat House and the naming of a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V'

The weather was kind for the outdoor ceremony that began with a welcome to guests by Mr David Russell, Chairman of Portaferry Lifeboat Management Group.

Mr John McCauley, Council Member of the RNLI, then gave the guests and the crowds of spectators an outline of the achievements of the Portaferry Lifeboat Station and expressed the thanks of the RNLI to all those past and present who had been involved with the Station.

Following a service of dedication, the Lifeboat House was delivered into the care of the RNLI by Mr Leslie McConnell (a friend of the legator, Mrs Elsie Sturgeon) and accepted by Mr John McCauley.

BBC Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere then delivered the new Atlantic 85 lifeboat into the care of the RNLI.

Following acceptance by Mr John McCauley of the Lifeboat House and the Atlantic 85 into the care of the RNLI, he then handed both into the care of Portaferry RNLI.

Mr Brian Bailie (Lifeboat Operations Manager) accepted the new Lifeboat House and the Atlantic 85 lifeboat into the care of Portaferry RNLI and expressed the Station's thanks to the donors and to the RNLI.

The ceremony was concluded with a 'vote of thanks' by Mrs Pat Browne, Chair of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, who expressed the station's thanks to everyone, past and present, who had worked to make such a day possible.

Andy Akinwolere then named the new Atlantic 85 lifeboat 'Blue Peter V' after which he joined the lifeboat crew in a launch to demonstrate the lifeboat's capabilities to a large group of guests and spectators.

Following the ceremony guests were invited for refreshments at the local community centre.

All photos: Colin Watson

RNLI Council member John McCauley chats with Dessie Rogers, former chief helmsman of Portaferry Lifeboat during a pre-ceremony reception.

Specially commissioned commemorative plates were presented to Andy Akinwolere of 'Blue Peter' and Mr Leslie McConnell, a friend of the legator, Ms Elsie Sturgeon, during a pre-ceremony reception.

The Opening & Naming ceremony begins

Large crowds attended the new Boathouse Opening & the 'Blue Peter V' Naming Ceremony

Andy Akinwolere from BBC Blue Peter hands over 'Blue Peter V' to the RNLI

Andy Akinwolere from BBC Blue Peter prepares to name 'Blue Peter V'

Old & new crew members helped to make the 'day' a great success

Brian Bailie (LOM of Portaferry Lifeboat Station), Anna Classon (Fundraising & Communications Manager - Ireland) and Andy Akinwolere (BBC Blue Peter) relax after the Opening and Naming ceremonies.

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1 June 2010

Boathouse Appeal Fund

Donations total - £119,828.

Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild were set the task in 2008 of raising £75,000 towards the cost of building a new 'boathouse' in Portaferry to house our new 'Atlantic 85' lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V', donated to the Station by BBC 'Blue Peter'.

Thanks to the magnificent support of the local community and beyond the members of 'Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild' have now exceeded their expectations by raising £119,828 for the Portaferry RNLI 'Boathouse Appeal Fund'.

The following photographs illustrate the progress throughout the construction of our new Boathouse that will be officially openend on 5th June 2010.

Our many thanks to everyone for your support.

2008 - THE 'Boathouse Appeal' BEGINS

All photos: RNLI - Portaferry

THE CONSTRUCTION STARTS

WORK COMPLETE

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27 May 2010

HRH Prince Michael of Kent presents 'Gold Badge' to Pat Browne.

Photo: RNLI

Pat Browne, Chair of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, has been presented with the RNLI's 'Gold Badge' by HRH Prince Michael of Kent during the RNLI Awards ceremony held at the Barbican Centre, London on 27 May 2010.

Pat received her Gold Badge for over 25 years of fundraising work for the RNLI.

31 May 2009

RNLI Annual Awards

Phil Coulter was the principal guest when several members of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild received awards for their fund-raising work for the RNLI during the 'Annual RNLI Awards' on 31st May 2009 at Queens University, Belfast.

All photos: RNLI - Colin Watson

Phil Coulter presented Joan Peacock with her Silver Badge and 'Certificate of Thanks'. Joan has been a member of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild for many years and is currently the Souvenir Secretary of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild.

Phil Coulter presented Jean Keenan with her Bronze Badge and 'Certificate of Thanks'. Joan has been a member of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild for several years and raises funds for the RNLI in the fishing port of Portavogie and the surrounding area.

Phil Coulter presented Mike Miall with a 'Certificate of Thanks' for his help with the 'Portaferry Boathouse Appeal'. Mike Miall joined Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild in 2004 and is currently its Vice-Chairman.

Phil Coulter presented Shane Branniff with a 'Certificate of Thanks' for providing premises to house the 'Portaferry Lifeboat' during the construction period of the new Boathouse.

Mrs Pat Browne, Chairperson of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, presents Phil Coulter with a RNLI pullover.

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2nd April 2009

Leonard (Lenny) Lawson's interview with Karen Brown of Culture Northern Ireland about Portaferry RNLI's history

Lenny Lawson (Deputy Launching Authority)

Photo: RNLI - Colin Watson

Lenny Lawson (DLA) was interviewed by Karen Brown from Culture Northern Ireland about the role played by Portaferry Sailing Club and others in establishing a RNLI Lifeboat Station in Portaferry in 1980.

Click HERE to read the interview

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21st January 2008

COAST REVIEW COMMITTEE VISITS PORTAFERRY RNLI

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

The RNLI's Coast Review Committee headed by the RNLI's Director of Operations, Michael Vlasto, visited Portaferry Lifeboat Station on 21st January.

Michael Vlasto (4th right, front row) was accompanied by several RNLI representatives from the 'review committee' and are pictured above with crew and Portaferry Station representatives.

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December 2007

PORTAFERRY LIFEBOAT CREW - 2007

Photo: Liam McVeigh

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9 June 2007

Volunteering for something higher... Tommy Mason and Anne Marie Mahon absieled down Belfast's BT Tower and raised a fantastic £500.

Photo: RNLI 

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1st January 2007

Gold Awards

Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow (President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) has been awarded a 'bar' to her RNLI Gold Badge for her many years of voluntary fundraising work for the RNLI.

Mr John Murray (President of Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station) has been awarded a RNLI Gold Badge for his many years of service since the opening of a trial Lifeboat Station at Portaferry in 1979 until his retirement as the station's Lifeboat Operations Manager in August 2006.

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23 November 2006

RNLI thanks Simon Rogers and Crew

Portaferry Lifeboat helmsman Simon Rogers is to be accorded the RNLI's 'Thanks of the Institution on Vellum' for his role in the saving of one person and the following searches for the missing crew of the fishing vessel Greenhill that sank off Ardglass, County Down, on 19 January 2006.

His crew, Philip Sands-Robinson, Andrew (Hugh) Edwards and Sinead Breen will each receive Vellum certificates.

The search and rescue operation saw one man saved by the Portaferry Lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V', but sadly two lost their lives after their fishing vessel sank.

In recognition of their efforts during the long and arduous service at night and in gale force winds the Portaferry Lifeboat Station is to receive a Chairman’s Framed Letter of Thanks and the recently retired Portaferry Lifeboat Operations Manager John Murray a letter of Appreciation signed by the Chief Executive.

Newcastle Lifeboat Station is also receive a Letter of Appreciation signed by the Chief Executive for their search for the two missing fishermen.

For further information on this rescue and the search for the missing crew, please click here

Photo: RNLI - Colin Watson

Helmsman Simon Rogers pictured with his crew,
Andrew (Hugh) Edwards, Sinead Breen and Philip Sands- Robinson.

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15 November 2006

RNLI Chairman visits Portaferry

Admiral Sir Jock Slater GCB LVO DL, Chairman of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, has visited Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station accompanied by Terence Johnson, Vice Chairman RNLI and Colin Williams, Inspector of Lifeboats - Ireland.

During the visit and over lunch Sir Jock Slater and his colleagues met many of the lifeboat crew, guild members and station officials.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Admiral Sir Jock Slater signs the Station Log Book
witnessed by Colin Williams (Inspector of Lifeboats - Ireland)

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1 November 2006

Blue Peter awards John Murray & Dessie Rogers Blue Peter 'Gold Badges'.

John Murray & Dessie Rogers have been awarded the prestigious 'Blue Peter Gold Badge' for their life-saving work over many years by the world renowned BBC Children's Television programme 'Blue Peter'.

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6 October 2006

JOHN MURRAY & DESSIE ROGERS RETIRE

A dinner marking the retirement of John Murray and Dessie Rogers after 27 years of voluntary service for the Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station took place on the evening of 6th October in the Portaferry Hotel, Portaferry, Co. Down.

John and Dessie became members of the lifeboat crew in 1979 when a 'trial lifeboat' was established by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Portaferry following representations made by Portaferry Sailing Club and others regarding the lack of life-saving facilities in the area.

After successful trials the RNLI decided to open a lifeboat station in Portaferry that became officially operational in May 1980.  Shortly afterwards John Murray was appointed 'Station Administration Officer' and Dessie Rogers, 'Chief Helmsman'.

In 1991 John Murray was appointed as the station's Honorary Secretary (now re-titled Lifeboat Operation Manager) and Dessie Rogers, having reached the retirement age for lifeboat crew in 1996, was appointed Deputy Lifeboat Launching Authority.

Attending the 'Retirement Dinner' were over 20 representatives from other RNLI lifeboat stations, Coastguards from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and other past & present RNLI officials.

Colin Williams, Inspector of Lifeboats (Ireland) presented RNLI 'Certificates of Service' to both retirees and thanked them for their many years of voluntary life-saving work.

Congratulatory messages to the retirees included two from CBBC 'Blue Peter ' through which children throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland raised monies over many years to provide two Portaferry 'Blue Peter V' lifeboats.

Messages received also included one from the Master & Crew of the Commissioners of Irish Lights vessel 'Granuaile' and past crew members from as far afield as New Zealand.

During the evenings festivities David Russell, Chairman of the of station's 'Lifeboat Management Group', announced that John Murray had been appointed the station's 6th 'President'.

Portaferry's new 'Lifeboat Operations Manager' will be Brian Bailie who has been the station's 'Lifeboat Administration Officer' for many years.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Colin Williams (centre), Inspector of Lifeboats (Ireland)
presents framed 'Certificates of Service' to Desmond (Dessie) Rogers (left)
and John Murray.

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9 August 2006

KCGC 'Lifeboat Day' raises over £4,000

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club once again hosted a golfing competition in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

A turnout of 239 golfers participated in the 12th annual KCGC 'Lifeboat Day' competition that was sponsored by the 'Progressive Building Society'. The popular 'sell-out' event raised over £4,000 for the RNLI.

Photo - Progressive Building Society

Pictured teeing off the call for entries to this year's event at 'Kirkistown Castle Golf Club'
is Progressive Building Society's Graeme Norris (right) with Pat Browne, Chair
of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild and Dr David Peacock, Event Co-ordinator

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8 June 2006

President of Ireland opens new RNLI headquarters

The President of Ireland, Mrs Mary McAleese, officially opened the new Ireland Headquarters of the RNLI in Swords, County Dublin.

Representatives from all 43 lifeboat stations in Ireland were in attendance along with supporters and staff.

Representing Portaferry Lifeboat Station were David Russell (Chairman of the Station Management Group), John Murray (LOM) and John Murray Jnr (Helmsman).

Photo: RNLI

Helmsman, John Murray Jnr, meets President Mary McAleese during the opening ceremony.

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18 May 2006

Posthumous presentation of RNLI Gold Badge

The late Dr William (Billy) Brown from Portaferry, Co. Down has been remembered during the Royal National Lifeboat Institution 'Annual Presentation of Awards' held at the Barbican Centre, London.

Dr Brown was to have been presented with a RNLI Gold Badge during the ceremony but unfortunately died (aged 84) on 8th March 2006 after a short illness.

Attending the 2006 RNLI Annual Awards ceremony in London were manymembers of Dr Brown's family including his daughter Heather, sons James and William and his brother 'Dickie' Brown.

The posthumous presentation was made by HRH The Princess Alexandra and received by the late Dr Brown's daughter, Mrs Heather Kennedy

Dr 'Billy' Brown was instrumental in the establishment of a RNLI lifeboat station at Portaferry, Co. Down, in 1979.

He was the RNLI Station's first Honorary Secretary and subsequently served as Chairman and latterly as the station's President.

Billy Brown had many interests including a love of sailing.

His mathematical and sailing expertise helped him to design a 33ft ocean racing yacht named 'Ruffian' that he and his brother 'Dickie' built in 1969/70. Billy Brown went on to design a smaller version, the 'Ruffian 23'.

Such was the popularity of both designs for cruiser racing that over 200 yachts were built in Portaferry during the 70's and early 80's by 'Weatherly Yachts', a company established by Billy Brown and his brother 'Dickie'.

The most popular model, the 'Ruffian 23', was sold throughout the British Isles and Ireland and further afield in places such as Hong Kong and Iceland. There are still some active racing fleets.

Billy Brown documented the story of 'Ruffian' in 1992. To read about the birth and fate of 'Ruffian' click here.

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8 March 2006 - It is with deep regret that we record the death of our esteemed President Dr William (Billy) Brown.

Obituary - Dr Billy Brown click here

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December 2005

Billy Brown awarded RNLI Gold Badge

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has awarded its prestigious Gold Badge to the President of Portaferry Lifeboat Station, Dr W P (Billy) Brown, for his outstanding services to the RNLI.

'Billy' Brown was the main driving force in the establishment of a lifeboat station at Portaferry in 1980.  Following successful trials in 1979 under his leadership the new station became operational in May 1980 as an official RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Billy Brown was the Station's first Honorary Secretary, an office he held until the late 1990's when he was then appointed as Station Chairman.

In 2001 Billy was appointed Station President.

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November 2005

RNLI 'Letter of Thanks'

Portaferry Lifeboat Crew and Shore Helpers have received a 'Letter of Thanks' for 'Devotion to Duty' for services on 11th & 12th January 2004.

RNLI Letter of Thanks

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February 2005

Tsunami Relief

The crew of Portaferry Lifeboat, 'Blue Peter V', held a 'Tsunami Relief Car Wash' in Portaferry last February to augment funds donated by them to provide a fully equipped fishing boat for one of the many fishermen in Sri Lanka who lost their craft during last December's Tsunami.

The monies raised by the Lifeboat Crew were channeled through the 'Irish Sri Lanka Trust Fund' that was established a few days after the Tsunami to provide practical assistance to fishing families by funding and co-ordinating the supply of replacement fishing boats destroyed during the disaster.

Amanda Hughes of the 'Irish Sri Lanka Trust Fund' stated; "Thanks to the efforts of many organisations and the generosity of the public throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, our trust fund has now ordered 992 fishing boats from three suitable boatyards in Sri Lanka. 630 of these vessels have already been supplied and are currently in use around the Tsunami affected coast of Sri Lanka".

"The fund has already created about 300 extra jobs in the boat construction industry and should eventually ensure the livelihood of about 3,000 fishermen and their families.  Our fund has no administration costs and all monies donated have been used to purchase the fishing vessels."

Each 6-metre, fibreglass, fishing boat is supplied complete with an outboard engine, fuel and fishing nets so that the vessel can put to sea without any delay.  In-shore fishing in Sri Lanka normally takes place at night and each vessel usually carries a crew of three.

A spokesperson on behalf of Portaferry Lifeboat Station commented; "Our Lifeboat Crew involvement in fund-raising would normally be solely on behalf of our own charity, the RNLI.  Because of the magnitude of this disaster and our close links with the local fishing community, the Lifeboat Crew felt that they would like to provide practical assistance to one of the fishing families in Sri Lanka who had lost their means of income."

"Thanks to the generosity of the local community one of these fishing families is now 'back in business'."

Portaferry's 'Atlantic 75' lifeboat was supplied by the CBBC children's programme 'Blue Peter' through funds raised by children throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland and is named 'Blue Peter V'.

In recognition, the Lifeboat Crew have named the new fishing vessel 'Blue Peter V - Portaferry'.

Further information about the 'Irish Sri Lanka Trust Fund' can be obtained by visiting www.irish-srilankatrustfund.org

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Presentation of a cheque (February 2005) to provide a fully functional fishing boat
in Sri Lanka by Thomas Mason, Treasurer of Portaferry Lifeboat Crew,
to Amanda Hughes of the Irish Sri Lanka Trust Fund

Photo:Irish Sri Lanka Trust Fund

Photograph of 'Blue Peter V - Portaferry', following the vessel's manufacture
in Sri Lanka but prior to fitting out with equipment

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19 May 2005

RNLI Gold Badge for Bernadett Rogers

Photo: RNLI

Mrs Bernadette Rogers, Honorary Secretary of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, has been awarded the Royal National Lifeboat Institution prestigious 'Gold Badge' for her 25 years of voluntary work for the RNLI.

The award was presented by HRH The Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI, during the institution's Annual General Meeting held at the Barbican Centre, London, on 19 May.

26 May 2005

Marie McGee & Jonathan Brownlee receive 'Certificate of Thanks'

Photo: RNLI

Mrs Marie McGee has received a 'Certificate of Thanks' from the RNLI in recognition of her voluntary work for the institution.

Marie is pictured above with UTV presenter, Pamela Ballentine, who made the presentation on behalf of the RNLI during the 'RNLI Northern Ireland Awards' ceremony held at the Cultra Manor, Cultra, on 26 May.

Photo: RNLI

Jonathan Brownlee, Station Training Officer and Helmsman, has received a certificate of thanks from the RNLI in recognition of his voluntary work for the institution.

Jonathan is pictured above with UTV Presenter, Pamela Ballentine, who made the presentation on behalf of the RNLI during the 'RNLI Northern Ireland Awards' ceremony held at the Cultra Manor, Cultra, on 26 May.

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17th February 2005

Guild raise over £31,000 to celebrate 25th

Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild decided to raise £25,000 for the RNLI to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the opening of Portaferry Lifeboat Station by the RNLI on 1st May 1980.

After months of fundraising it was announced at the Guild's Annual General Meeting that this target had now been exceeded and now stands at £31,939.  Several members of the Guild that helped to raise these monies are pictured during the Guild AGM.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

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February 2005

Guyana Flood Relief

Portaferry Lifeboat crew member, Hugh Edwards, has just returned from two weeks in Guyana, South America, where he was a part of the humanitarian and Search and Rescue (SAR) operation of the RNLI Rapid Response Unit (RRU).

Weeks of rain and flooding in Georgetown and surrounding areas had made 250,000 people homeless. The RNLI team of twenty, specially trained in swift water rescue techniques, arrived in the capital, Georgetown, on the 2nd February with six D class lifeboats. The RNLI team was able to get personnel from the Red Cross, World Food Programme and Pan-American Health Organisation into the more inaccessible and remote flooded areas to assess the situation and to provide assistance. Prior to returning home, the RRU trained members of the Guyanese Coastguard in lifeboat rescue techniques. The six 'D' class lifeboats were also handed over to the Guyanese Coastguard to help in future flood relief and rescue operations.

Members of the RNLI SAR Team ready to board an Antonov cargo plane to Georgetown,
Guyana. (Hugh Edwards pictured far right)

 Photo: RNLI - Hugh Edwards

Hugh Edwards (top right) pictured with children from Mahaica, Guyana.

Photo: RNLI - Hugh Edwards

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16th February 2005

Tsunami Fund Raising

Portaferry Lifeboat Crew has raised sufficient funds within two weeks through their recent 'Tsunami Car Wash' and other donations to assist them in purchasing a fishing boat in Sri Lanka that will be donated to one of those fishermen who lost their craft during last December's 'Tsunami'. It is to be supplied complete with fishing nets, a 25-hp outboard motor and sufficient fuel so that the fisherman can put to sea immediately after receipt so as to provide an income as soon as possible to support his family and himself.

The fishing boat is to be named 'Blue Peter V Portaferry'

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

RNLI Presentation of Tsunami cheque . Mrs Amanda Hughes, Fund Raising Co-ordinator of the Irish Sri-Lanka Trust Fund, receives a cheque to purchase the fishing boat, 'Blue Peter V - Portaferry', from Thomas Mason, Crew Fund Treasurer of Portaferry Lifeboat Station, accompanied by several members of the station's crew.

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11 Dec 2004

'Nautical' Walk

A 15 Nautical Mile Walk raises £3,884 for the RNLI

Jonathan Brownlee, Training Officer and Helmsman, assisted by Francis Arthurs raised £3,884 for the RNLI during a 15 Nautical Mile walk.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Jonathan (centre) is pictured handing over the monies raised to the
Treasurer of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, Capt Eddie McGee (left).

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5th November 2004

25th Anniversary Ball

Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild held their 25th Anniversary Ball on 5th November 2004 and raised £3,513 for the RNLI.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Pictured at the Anniversary Ball are Owen Medland (DDI Ireland), Mrs Pat Browne (Chairman - Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild), Nigel Ringland (principal guest), Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow (President - Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) and Mr John Murray (Lifeboat Operations Manager).

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June 2004

BBC Bargain Hunt

The BBC recently recorded its first 'BBC Bargain Hunt' programme in Northern Ireland with two competing teams from Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station.

During the recordings Simon Rogers (Helmsman) and Philip Robinson (Crew Member) represented the Lifeboat Station's 'Red Team' and Hugh Edwards (Crew Member) and Mike Miall (Member of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild) the 'Blue Team'.

The well-known presenter David Dickinson was assisted by antique experts Adam Partridge and Charles Hanson.

The programme was broadcast by the BBC on 23rd June and was watched by an estimated 4.5 million viewers.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

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26th May 2004

RNLI Chairman visits 'Portaferry'

Peter Nicholson CBE (Chairman RNLI) and his wife (Lesley-Jane) visited Portaferry Station accompanied by Mr Terrence Johnson (Chairman - RNLI Committee of Management - Ireland) and Owen Medland (DDI Ireland).

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Mr Terrence Johnson signs the 'visitors book' witnessed by Mr John Murray LOM and
Mr Peter Nicholson CBE, Chairman RNLI.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Mrs Lesley-Jane Nicholson enjoys a discussion with Portaferry crew member Lynn Browne

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27th May 2004

Jim Brown receives a 'Certificate of Thanks'

Jim Brown from Ballywalter has retired as the 'Co-ordinating Chairman' of Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Station and has received a framed 'Certificate of Thanks' from the RNLI.

David Russell from Portaferry has been appointed by the RNLI as his successor.

Jim Brown joined the team at Portaferry Lifeboat Station in 1994 shortly after his wife (Liz) retired as Chair of the Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild.

In 1996 Jim shared the newly introduced office of 'Lifeboat Press Officer' with crew member John Devlin.   

In 1998 Jim was appointed the station's 4th President.

In 2000 Jim was appointed by the RNLI for a 3 year term as the station's 'Co-ordinating Chairman', a new role then being trialled by the RNLI in a few lifeboat stations. This new office was established by the RNLI to co-ordinate the operational and fund-raising activities within RNLI lifeboat stations.   Dr Billy Brown, then the Station Chairman, was appointed President.

Photo: RNLI - Colin Watson

Jim Brown (right) past Station President and retiring Co-ordinating Chairman receives a 'Certificate of Thanks' from the RNLI from Peter Nicholson, Chairman of the RNLI.

Prior to Jim's involvement with the RNLI he served as Chairman of the Royal Yachting Association's Northern Ireland Council, having previously been its Honorary Secretary for a period of 8 years.  During this period he was appointed for a 3 year term to the RYA's UK Council when he also served on the RYA's Development Committee.

Jim is a former Honorary Secretary of the Association of Strangford Lough Yacht Clubs.  He was appointed by the Secetary of State for Northern Ireland to represent the RYA and that of local sailing interests at the founding of the Strangford Lough Management Advisory Committee.

Jim served as an ex-officio member of the Council of the Irish Yachting Association (now re-named the Irish Sailing Association) and on other advisory committees such as the User Consultative Committee of the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

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21 June 2003

Queen's Jubilee Medal

The Lord Lieutenant of County Down, Colonel W Hall, visited the station on 21st June 03 and presented the Queen's Jubilee Medal to seventeen members of the crew.

The presentation was further enhanced by the presence of the Mayor of Ard's Borough Council, Councillor J McBriar. Both are pictured above after the presentations with the awardees, guild members and station officials.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Phil Heath (former helmsman) received his
Queen's Jubilee Medal from John Murray (Hon Secretary) during a recent
visit to Portaferry from his home in New Zealand

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Services 2002

During the year 2002, Portaferry Lifeboat was launched on service 27 times saving 2 lives. In addition, 25 persons were brought ashore whose lives were at risk and a further 7 persons before they were at risk.

Two craft were also saved and a further eight were escorted to safety.

The lifeboat was also launched on a further 5 occasions but was not required to assist.

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28 January 2003

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland visits the Station

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt. Hon Paul Murphy MP, is pictured (right) with Station Honorary Secretary, John Murray, during a visit to the station.

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14 August 2002

RNLI Golf Day at Kirkistown Golf Club.

Over 200 golfers took part in the annual event which raised approx. £3,500 for the RNLI.

Since the RNLI Golf Day was first started by Portaferry & District Guild members, Terry and Joan Burrows, it has now raised in excess of £20,000 for the RNLI.

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June 2002

RNLI Awards

Leah Bradshaw, Lifeboat Shop Secretary, receiving her Silver Badge and Certificate for her fund raising work from Pam Rhodes at the NI RNLI Awards Ceremony.

Photo: RNLI

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8 May 2002 - James Fitzsimmons receiving a Certificate of Service for 16 years as Station Tractor Driver from television presenter and Member of the RNLI Committee of Management, Pam Rhodes, at the NI RNLI Awards ceremony held in Belfast on 8th may 2002.

Photo: RNLI

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21 April 2002

Exercise with HM Coastguard & the Strangford Ferry

An exercise took place with the Strangford Ferry, (the new 'Portaferry II') that involved the evacuation of several 'volunteer passengers' by helicopter and lifeboat.

Royal Navy Sea-king arrives at the ferry, Portaferry lifeboat assists

Photos RNLI - Jim Brown

'Got Ya'

Who's this guy - recognise him?

Yes - its Colin Watson, the RNLI's well known photographer, dressed for all weathers and, for a change, he was caught by us on camera.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

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May 21st 2002

Newtownards Round Table visit the Station

Newtownards Round Table members visited the station and presented a donation of £1,500.00 for the RNLI.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

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17 May 2001 Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow, President of Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild, receives a Gold Badge from HRH The Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI,during the RNLI Annual General Meeting held at the Barbican Centre, London on 17th May 2001. The award was made in recognition of over 36 years dedication to fund-raising for the RNLI. Photo: RNLI

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Kirkistown Castle Golf Club receives thanks

Mr Peter Nicholson, Chairman of the RNLI, presents a Scroll of Thanks to Mrs Daphne Molyneaux, Ladies President, and Mr Kenneth Thornton, Mens President of Kirkistown Castle Golf Club during the RNLI Awards ceremony held at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast on 9th May 2001. The Scroll of Thanks was presented to Kirkistown Castle Golf Club in recognition for over 40 years of fundraising for the RNLI. Photo: RNLI

Terrence & Joan Burrowes are thanked for their fund raising

Mr Peter Nicholson, Chairman of the RNLI, presents a Certificate of Thanks to Portaferry & District Lifeboat Guild committee members, Terrence and Joan Burrowes, during the RNLI Awards ceremony held in Belfast on 9th May 2001. TheCertificate of Thanks was awarded for their work over many years in organising the Annual RNLI Golf Day held at Kirkistown Castle Golf club. Photo: RNLI

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1st May 2001

21st Birthday

Portaferry Lifeboat Station was officially established 21 years ago on 1st May 1980. Since that time the station has responded to several hundred incidents and saved many lives. In addition, many vessels have been taken or escorted to safe waters.

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2nd March 2001

RNLI receives the 'Freedom of the Borough of Ards'.

Ards Borough Council has granted the 'Freedom of the Borough of Ards' to the RNLI in recognition of 175 years of saving life at sea and the Borough's association with the RNLI since 1866 when the first lifeboat station in the area was established at Ballywalter, Co. Down.

Representatives from the crew and the guild from Donaghadee and Portaferry Lifeboat stations attended the ceremony as did two of the last surviving members of the old Cloughey/Portavogie lifeboat station.

The Mayor of the Borough of Ards, Mr T Hamilton MLA, presented the certificate on vellum conferring the Honorary Freedom of the Borough upon the RNLI to the RNLI Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Freemantle.

Also presented to the RNLI was a silver replica of a prominent landmark, Scrabo Tower**, which overlooks much of the Borough of Ards.  

Reciprocating the gesture Mr Freemantle, RNLI Chief Executive, presented the Mayor with a suitably inscribed ship's bell.

Following the ceremony a luncheon was held at which expressions of thanks were conveyed to and from the RNLI.

Photo: The Newtownards Chronicle

Mr Andrew Freemantle, RNLI Chief Executive, addressing Aldermen,
Councillors and guests at the ceremony conferring the
Freedom of the Borough of Ards on the RNLI

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

Crew from the Donaghadee and Portaferry lifeboat stations pictured with
the Mayor of Ards Borough Council, Councillor Tom Hamilton MLA,
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Margaret Craig and Mr Andrew Freemantle, RNLI Chief Executive.

Photo: RNLI - Jim Brown

**Note: Scrabo Tower stands high on a steep hill of volcanic rock overlooking the town of Newtownards and is visible from most of North Down.  It was built in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, who was one of the Duke of Wellington's generals during the Napoleonic Wars.  Mount Stewart (the former home of Charles Stewart) and its gardens are now open to the public through the National Trust.  Please click here for further information.

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December 2000

During the last 12 months provisional service statisitcs for Portaferry Lifeboat Station indicate that:

4 lives were saved

3 Persons were landed who's life was at risk

10 persons were brought in before they were at risk

In addition, 2 craft were saved and 4 craft were landed

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