Bernard Matthews II
   
     
The lifeboat Fete 6th August 2006    
Hundreds flocked to the Caister lifeboat fete, always the first Sunday in August, the warm and sunny weather bringing locals and visitors alike to the beach to savour the delights of our traditional family fete day. Regulars will have noticed the many new features this year including the small pond for the model boats the heavy horse display the EDP and Radio Broadland attractions operating alongside the usual lifeboat stalls. Outside Tommy Garrod and other crew members took turns in the stocks, whilst Richard Miles spent a day in goal, others cooked chips, herring and barbequed food or organised raffles and other games. Some members worked inside the station to provide refreshments, cakes, the sale of books and souvenirs. Throughout the day Richard Thurlow Jnr organised guided tours around the offshore lifeboat where visitors could see and discuss its many advanced features. Over 160 visitors entered the popular "Win a trip draw", four of which later took the opportunity to take to sea with the crew and experience the speed of lifeboat first hand. The Coxswain, Paul Williams launched the lifeboat at 3.39 with a very large gathering watching from the shoreline.

Pictures Anthony Benson.

  
     

 

Tommy Garrod, Honorary Crew member takes his turn in
the stocks.

This year the lifeboat provided a small pond for the model boats
to operate on. Proud owners took turns to display the small vessels.

  
     

 

Just 15 minutes after the official opening time saw the
lifeboat station filling with interested customers.

Homemade cakes and biscuits proved popular again
this year.

  
     

 

Mrs Thurlow and Mrs Spooner again provided a range
of refreshments throughout the day.

    
     

 

Outside again, the crowds swelled viewing the many new
attractions this year which included horses small engines

Also new this year was the EDP stand with Goody bags and
a balloon race and the Radio Broadland team.

  
     

 

All enjoying the various stands and attractions in front
of the New Lifeboat Station.

The lucky winners of "Win a Trip" preparing to
experience the trip of a lifetime.
email us at caister.lifeboat@rjt.co.uk for some
full size pictures.

  
     

 

The winners seen again on the lifeboat
prior to the launch.

Jason Delf, crew member smiles knowingly, as he is to be one of
two crew who will take part in the MOB practice later.

  
     

 

The Bernard Matthews II lifeboat launches at 3.39 with
many onlookers at the shoreline.

The Jim Davidson OBE had launched a little earlier with
3 crew members aboard.

  
     

 

Jason Delf prepares to intentionally go over board.

Jason Delf and Tommy Williams, crew members take part in
a MOB practice display.

 
     

 

The crew of the Bernard Matthews II haul Jason
back on board.

The large crowd that had gathered to watch the display

  
     

 
     
     

 

The Bernard Matthews II beaches at 4.01
John Cannell, part of the Beach Crew today
ensures the lifeboat is safely recovered.

Bowman Richard Thurlow Jnr
looks on as Jason Delf walks ashore.

  
     

 

John Cannell checks all is secure before
Alistair Brown drives the tractor back up the beach.

An over view of Caister beach as the lifeboat is
manoeuvred with the many visitors watching the final
stages of its recovery.

  
Many thanks for making it a great day!
And so ended another lifeboat fete day, we are thankful for the generosty of all that attended and look forward to seeing you all again at a future event.