The Guernsey Lifeboat Supporters Association was formed in 2004 as part of the reorganisation of the local branch of the RNLI. Its purpose is to promote awareness within the Island of “Spirit of Guernsey” and the activities of the local Lifeboat branch. The Association also undertakes major fund raising initiatives to compliment the work of the Guild.

Train One, Save Many

The latest initiative was based on the “Train One, Save Many” crew training campaign which was launched nationwide.

The national target, was to raise £10m in five years.

Under the Chairmanship of Edward Fattorini, the Guernsey Association agreed to try to raise £100,000 as Guernsey's contribution, under the "aegis" of the Association.

Amazingly, and thanks to the members and supporters, this was achieved in two years and the RNLI have now achieved their £10m target. We can be proud of Guernsey’s contribution.

Our grateful thanks go to those individuals and companies who have given so generously, and to all those clubs, school children and other organisations who have arranged fund-raising activities during the year.

Important Information

It costs an average of £1,000 a year to train and keep trained each volunteer crew member, and this equates to an average of £20,000 for each lifeboat station (Guernsey has 19 crew who can be called upon).

The RNLI has over 330 lifeboats at its stations.

This fleet enables the service to reach at least 90% of casualties within 10 nautical miles of launch within 30 minutes in all weathers.

We are fortunate in Guernsey that the majority of our volunteer crew have a professional maritime background. At some other stations, only one in ten volunteers join the RNLI with maritime experience.

2007/8 report

The Association has had a somewhat quieter year after the local fund raising for the “Train One, Save Many” campaign came to a successful conclusion. I am delighted to report that the campaign nationally has now reached a total of £9.3 million (towards the £10m target) with a year still to go. We can be proud of Guernsey`s contribution.

The most important event since the last AGM was undoubtedly the visit in May of the Chairman of the Council of the RNLI, Admiral Sir Jock Slater GCB, LVO, DL. together with Lady Slater. In an action packed twenty-four hours, Sir Jock visited the St Peter Port station and was able to take a short voyage on “Spirit of Guernsey”; indeed Buzz White handed him the wheel and Sir Jock executed a series of “man overboard,” drills before bringing the boat back alongside.

Following this, we regrouped at The Duke of Richmond where, after a short reception for committee and supporters, luncheon was served to a full house of 140 supporters and friends. Having been introduced by our President, and Royal Navy colleague of Sir Jock, Vice-Admiral Sir Fabian Malbon KBE, the Chairman gave a thought provoking talk on the work of the RNLI. We are most grateful to Peter Symes and his fellow directors at “Yorkshire Guernsey Ltd” for the sponsorship of the lunch. Whilst never intended as a major fund raising event,” Yorkshire`s” generous contribution will have enabled us to add a meaningful sum to local funds. Perhaps more importantly Sir Jock`s visit will have enhanced the already high profile of the Guernsey station. We are most grateful to Sir Jock for his all too brief visit to the Island – especially as, after being in this office for seven years, he will be retiring as Chairman later this year.

In October last year we sent out to supporters the first issue of “Shout”, the Lifeboat Association newsletter. It is intended that “Shout” will henceforth be published on a regular basis, with the next edition due out later this year. We are very grateful to “Wallace Barnaby and Associates,” for their generosity in designing the publication at no cost to the Lifeboats.

As always I thank everyone who has supported the Association this year—the Lifeboat crew and committee, the Harbour Master, Celia Allen and the Guild, our Branch Chairman Jurat Len Moss OBE and especially the Administration Officer, Alison Coquelin.

Edward Fattorini, Chairman Guernsey Lifeboat Supporters Association.