FUND RAISING

In the short time it has taken you to read this brief message it will have cost the RNLI £77 to keep the boats operational. None of this cost comes from the government, that's why fundraising and donations are so vital!

To date the branch has raised in 2001:

SHOPPING

The Branch runs a small shop at the Horton RNLI Station on the Gower. We open most weekends during the summer, however, souvenirs can be bought on-line at the main RNLI Homepage. Souvenirs are also taken to most of the events organised by the branch.

HISTORY

THE GREATEST LIFEBOAT HEROINE

A storm on 7th September 1838 woke the keeper of the Longston Lighthouse, William Darling and his 23year old daughter Grace.

Looking out over the turbulent North Sea they spotted a ship that had run aground nearly a mile away on the Farne Islands. As they gazed through their telescope at the wreck they saw its crew clinging on to what was left of the ship.

Grace begged her father to help rescue them, he agreed and between them they lowered their small rowing boat into the sea. Although both experienced rowers the violent storm continually took the boat off course, severely hampering they bid to reach the stranded surviviors of the steam ship Forfashire.

Unfortunately when they finally reached the wreck they where only able to take 5 of the 9 survivors. When they returned them to the lighthouse her father and 2 of the survivors took the boat out again to rescue the remaining 4. Grace remained behind with her mother to help tend to the injured. Reports after the event claimed that 40 people had drowned before the Darling's had arrived.

The story hit national newspapers and Grace was declared a heroine....although she did not welcome the attention she became a media celebrity of her time, boat trips were organised to Longstone lighthouse just for people to catch a glimpse of her. Unfortunately Grace died four years after the event from an outbreak of tuberculosis. She was buried at Bamburgh church, a monument was erected in the churchyard designed to be seen by any passing ship.

Visitors today can visit a little museum in the village of Bamburgh and see the original boat in which Grace and her Father rowed out in, is still in the care of the RNLI

The current Bishopston and Pennard branch was formed in 1984, and is made of people from various background all of which live in the local community and who give their time freely in support of the RNLI

CAN YOU HELP?

We are always seeking new members to join the committee and help organise events, if you're interested in becoming a committee members please contact us. Even if you're not interested in joining the committee as a regular member we also seek volunteers to help with collecting on Flag Week, which is usually the first week in June. Most importantly though is just supporting us by visiting us at the events we attend. Donations are always welcome and need if you feel you would like to make a contribution visit the RNLI main webpage