Saving lives at sea
Lifeboats have maintained their presence as Sheringham’s silent sentinels for over 200 years, protecting beachgoers and heroically saving lives at sea – let’s take a closer look at their inspiring story…
The picturesque seaside town of Sheringham, characterized by merry holidaymakers, ice cream, golden sands, and distant whistles from the steam railway, is a sparkling jewel of the North Norfolk coast. Ensuring all can enjoy the sea, whether in boats or swimming, the RNLI Lifeboat Station watches over the area with pride.
There has been a lifeboat in Sheringham since the early 1800s when small boats known as ‘pinkers’ were used to perform rescues, until the local Upcher family generously funded a dedicated craft. In 1838 the Augusta (named after their youngest child) was launched, going on to save over 200 lives.
After an inspiring 55 years of service, a replacement was needed and the Upchers once again provided funding. In 1894 the Henry Ramey Upcher set sail, and a lifeboat became a Sheringham mainstay. Further boats followed including the J.C. Madge, which was notably used for rowing practice by famous polar explorer, Ernest Shackleton, to hone his seagoing skills.
Since 1961 the lifeboats have been funded by the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, and their crucial support continues, with funds set aside for when the current lifeboat requires replacement.
Sheringham has reclaimed four retired lifeboats; the Henry Ramey Upcher (private) and three with the aid of the Oddfellows, the J.C. Madge, Foresters, and The Manchester Unity of Oddfellows (all RNLI), preserving its rich maritime history.
The town has three lifeboat stations; the current active station, the building that houses the Henry Ramey Upcher, and the initial home of Augusta. The latter of these has been restored and is run by the Sheringham Shantymen as a community centre called Oddfellows Hall, in recognition of the support the society offer the town.
Sheringham is unique in having had both private and RNLI boats rescuing people simultaneously - the privately owned Augusta (1838-1894) and RNLI William Bennett (1892-1903) were active alongside one another in a unique partnership. In 1894 the William Bennett set out to save a fleet of 20 fishing boats in distress, though they soon became overloaded, and the Augusta was launched to transport some of the rescued fishermen to safety.
In the present, the Sheringham RNLI is fortunate to have a large group of courageous volunteers who are available 24/7 to answer distress calls and respond to incidents. Once involved, people tend to support the RNLI throughout their lives. David Mann and Trevor Holsey were recently recognised with long service awards, devoting 52 and 62 years to the organisation. “Although the people, the boats and even the times have changed, the sea has not,” says Trevor. “We still do the same job we always have, saving lives, and that will always be the case.”
Those wishing to join the Sheringham RNLI come from all walks of life, from lifeguards and professionals to local fisherman. In the last year alone seven new members have joined the crew, filling a variety of essential roles.
New recruit Leanne McColm, a professional photographer and mum of three, says “I joined the RNLI because, after raising my children by the sea, I had seen many heroic responses to shouts and wanted to be part of the team that gives so much to the community.”
Gareth Davies, who works at a vaccine engineering organisation, has similar motivations. “I feel it’s essential to give back to the community you live in,” he says. “The incredible work of the RNLI is a matter of huge pride, and I felt I should do my bit.”
Local crab and lobster fisherman, Tristan, is an equally enthusiastic volunteer. “I’ve listened to vessels in distress over the VHF and have been powerless to help,” he says. “Watching the ‘big orange boat’ bringing fellow fishermen safely home fills me with comfort.” Another, lifeguard and rugby player, Harry, says “I joined because of the camaraderie in a lifesaving organisation and the sense of community spirit. There’s really nothing quite like it.”
The RNLI is also supported in their fundraising by their Sheringham shop, consistently a top fundraiser in the UK, and the Shantymen who raise over £6,000 each year through their performances of traditional maritime songs.
Having had an extremely busy summer, the Sheringham RNLI are proud to be part of an organisation that rescues an estimated 25,000 each year. Their aim will always be to prevent people getting into difficulty at sea in the first place and to reduce the number of lives lost to drowning.
By hosting adult and youth groups they hope to educate people to ‘Float to Live’, covering water safety, using buoyancy aids, always carrying a means of calling for help, and instilling the knowledge of what to do in the event of an incident.
The sea surrounding our island is beautiful and brings us delight in so many ways. We’re fortunate to be able to enjoy it safely thanks to the efforts of the RNLI, whose supporters and brave volunteers we all owe a debt of gratitude.
IMAGES: RNLI / christaylorphoto.co.uk