THE speaker at the Malvern Link Probus Club meeting on November 16 was Frank Austin, who is from Cheltenham. His subject was the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). He is much involved in the work of this institution, and has been for many years. He has served on lifeboats, taken part in rescues, and been a leading member of the RNLI Cheltenham branch, of which he is a past Chairman. He has received many awards for his work.

The RNLI has its origins in the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, which was founded in 1824 in response to tragic losses of lives and ships. In 1854 the name was changed to the RNLI, and in 1860 a Royal Charter was granted. Craft were designed and built to fulfil the lifeboat function, and performance improved. At this time oars were the means of propulsion, but the volunteer lifeboatmen were willing and able to take the boats out in appalling weather, and to succeed in rescues. Getting the boats into the water was often very difficult. Often there was no slipway, and when boats had to be launched from beaches the wheels of the horse drawn carts that carried the boats could sink into the sand or mud, requiring huge efforts by men and horses to launch the boat, hampered by wind and wave.

Nowadays the role of the RNLI is wider than sea rescue. For example the Institution was involved in defending the electricity station at Tewkesbury in the floods of a few years ago. We were shown the evolution of lifeboats, which have changed profoundly over the years. The modern boats are remarkable craft, with various types available for different tasks. The latest seagoing boat costs about £2.2 million, and its trailer another £1 million. Superseded craft are sought after by private buyers for conversion into pleasure craft. Frank Austin’s talk was fascinating, and made more so by the accompanying images. Malvern Link Probus Club meets on alternate Mondays in the hall next to the United Reformed Church in Malvern Link.

The next meeting will be on November 30, when Michael Kippin will be talking about civilian recipients of the VC. If you are a retired professional or business man and would like to attend a meeting to see if you like the Club, please Phone Paul Dunleavey 01684 565190.

PAUL DUNLEAVEY