Inshore Lifeboat

Palling Volunteer Rescue Service Ltd.

Registered Charity Number 267211

www.pallingrescue.co.uk

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Since before the formation of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), lifeboats have been operated from the Palling Station. As far back as 1840 two lifeboats owned by private companies were stationed at Palling. The salvage value of ships that came to grief off these shores was used for the upkeep of the lifeboats and to supplement the income of the Palling beach-men.

In 1858 the Palling station came under the control of the RNLI. In 1870 a second station was established here. The achievements of the Palling lifeboat service are now almost forgotten, yet when the station was closed in 1930 it had one of the finest records known to the RNLI. During this period the Palling lifeboat was launched 400 times and saved 795 lives, a record bettered by only three other stations. There were 4 silver gallantry medals and several commendations awarded to men from the Palling lifeboat for bravery. A replica of the RNLI silver gallantry medal awarded to Tom Bishop is on show in St Margaret’s Church, Sea Palling.

 

During 1929, the RNLI reduced the service to one boat and then closed the station on 16th January 1931.

In 1972, because of the increasing number of tourists visiting this area of the coast, several local residents thought it prudent to provide an inshore lifeboat based at Palling and the present company Palling Volunteer Rescue Service (PVRS) was formed.

Following much fund-raising and hard work in 1974 our first inshore lifeboat, the 'Hearts of Oak’ was launched. After seven years service this boat was replaced by the rigid hull inflatable (RIB) named 'Leo'. Many local associations contributed towards its purchase including The Norwich Leo club. 'Leo' was on service for over twenty years and carried out many rescues throughout the years.

In April of 2008 a new lifeboat was put into service and named ‘Lions' Roar’ to acknowledge the continuing support of one of our major benefactors, The Hoveton and Wroxham Lions club.

‘Lions' Roar’ is a 5.6 metre RIB powered by a 90 hp outboard engine, which allows a top speed of 38 knots. She carries many modern electronic aids such as GPS and VHS radio, along with essential life saving equipment.

‘Lions' Roar’ was blessed by the Bishop of Norwich on 4th May 2008 and continues to be in service 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

 

 

All crew are unpaid volunteers and carry pagers to ensure a 24-hour service. They also give up their spare time on a regular basis to exercise and practice, thus carrying on the proud tradition of life saving by Palling lifeboat crews.

The service is operated, financed and administered entirely by local people on a voluntary basis. It is a registered charity and is independent of any other organisation and receives no financial support from the R.N.L.I., or the Government. All volunteers are unpaid.

Operation and maintenance of the service is expensive. The annual running expenses are between £12,000 and £14,000. This figure reflects the costs of keeping the EXISTING equipment in good working order and essential insurances. It does NOT allow for capital expenditure.

 

 

 

Should you wish to help the Palling Volunteer Rescue Service by sending a donation, please make cheques payable to PVRS Ltd and send to the following address.

Sam Sheldon, Chairman, Sea Palling ILB, 3 The Hollies, Chapel Road, Sea Palling, Norfolk, NR12 0UQ