Round of clubs in West Dorset

THE founding principle of the RNLI Lifeboat College presented here latest book to members about the role played by women in the lifeboat service’s history.

Sue Hennessey’s book ‘Women of the RNLI – Hidden Depths’ was showcased for association members in Bridport – showing that women have always been at the RNLI, working unheralded in many different ways.

In 1838, Grace Darling, one of the Victorian era’s most celebrated heroines, risked her life to rescue the stranded survivors of a wrecked steamship and both Grace and her father were awarded medals for their bravery.

But it was not until 116 years later that the next woman, Aileen Jones, helmsman of the Porthcawl lifeboat in South Wales received such an accolade.

In Victorian times, women were ‘bad news’ as far as boats were concerned and it was not until the 1960s that the first woman joined an RNLI crew in South Wales.

Historically their work mainly involved launching the boats. As the saying went ‘men to the boats, women to the ropes’.

This was backbreaking work with the women, often ill-clad and up to their waists in water, turning out in the worst of weather to launch the heavy boats.

They then faced an agonising wait, not knowing whether their men folk would return or not.

In common with the rest of society, the RNLI has seen significant changes over the years and today some eight percent of lifeboat crew are women.

Sue herself has been part of that change being founder principal and the guiding light behind the RNLI Lifeboat College in Poole opened in 2004 by HM The Queen to provide a maritime training centre of excellence for the RNLI crews.

So whilst members should continue to celebrate the daily acts of heroism carried by our lifeboat service, people should acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices made by women now and in the past that has enabled the service to carry out its lifesaving work.

BRIDPORT HISTORY SOCIETY

THE society came together earlier this month for the Christmas meeting when members heard Lillian Ladle talk about the Roman villa at Druce Farm near Dorchester.

This site has exposed remains which date from Stone Age flint through to 600AD with what looks like Roman occupation from 200AD to beyond the end of Roman occupation.

After the talk, members enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies.

On January 13, members are due to hear Diana Trenchard talk about ‘Napoleon’s Coming, What Shall We Do?’.

The January Journal should be ready for collection so, if members cannot come to the meeting – please ask someone to collect it for you and save postage.

A Happy New Year to All.

LYME REGIS ART SOCIETY

This year, The Lyme Regis Art Society rounded of 2014 with an agm followed by a very interesting talk by Lynda White and a light Christmas tea.

The committee were able to give a very satisfactory report of the year’s events to the members.

All the demonstrations had met with glowing approval and workshops had been filled to capacity.

The treasurer in particular was pleased to announce an increase in spendable income and that, as a result, the club were able to book the Town Mill Malthouse Gallery for a longer exhibition next year than in the past.

Membership had increased and he expressed his gratitude to the Press for its continuing support in the coverage given to meetings.

Lynda White then gave an excellent illustrated talk to members on the life and work of the artist Samuel Palmer – an artist who had always inspired her since she first saw his work as a student.

The afternoon was rounded off with traditional mince pies and tea – a very cheerful end to an excellent term.

The club will reconvene in 2015 on Tuesday, January 6, with another demonstration by Jake Winkle entitled ‘Wildlife in Colour’.

Jake will also lead a workshop on this theme on Tuesday, January 27.

The club’s demonstrations take place on alternate Tuesday afternoons in Woodmead Halls, from 2pm to 4pm – with four workshops a year in The Lyme Regis Football Club on the Charmouth Road.

The annual subscription is £22 and potential new members and visitors are welcome.

For further information, please contact secretary Sheila Stratton 01297 445464.

BRIDPORT CHORAL SOCIETY

CLUB members are looking forward to the festive break after holding five concerts in the Bridport area during the Christmas season.

The main event took place at the newly decorated United Church amongst the Christmas trees – while other events took place at West Bay Holiday Park, Sidney Gale House, Askerswell Village Hall and Portesham Village Hall.

A collection raised £160 which will be split between the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Julia’ House.

The society’s 50 members were directed by Kriss Emmett – who wrote some of the music to commemorate the First World War, as well as carols for the choir and audience.

The second half of the concerts included a variety of works, including John Lennon and Faure. Anna-Maria Geare performed as the soloist, accompanied by Peter Pershall.