by Laura Hanton

ANYONE interested in lifeboats, shipping and maritime heritage will be pleased to hear that a new book tracing the history of Weymouth lifeboats has just been published.

Written to mark the 150 years of life-saving at the station, the book covers all the lifeboats that have served in that time, with detailed descriptions of the many famous rescues that have taken place in the surrounding seas. Weymouth’s station is recognised as one of the busiest on the RNLI’s network, with a fine record of gallantry.

The first lifeboat arrived in Weymouth town in 1869, with rowing boats serving the station until the early 20th century. Motor lifeboats arrived in the 1920s and several medal-winning rescues were made in the post-war period. The modern 17m Severn class lifeboat Ernest and Mabel has served with distinction since 2002.

The author of the book, Nicholas Leach, has visited every RNLI lifeboat station in the country. He has worked with lifeboat volunteers to produce this comprehensive, authoritative and unmissable book featuring high quality photos and detailed accounts of the station’s most exciting and significant events.

The book is being sold for £14 and is currently available from Foxglove Publishing Limited.