Dover.uk.com

The Front Page. - Copy 119 ( The Regatta)

14 August 2010


Busy Day for Dover Lifeboat crew on Regatta Saturday


An emergency call out to a disabled angling boat on Saturday morning (14th) was the first stage in a very busy Regatta Saturday for the volunteer RNLI crew. Once ashore they then spent the rest of the morning competing in the Dragon Boat racing before performing a Search and Rescue demonstration in the Harbour.

The angling boat had suffered a complete failure of its electrical systems and reported to Dover Coastguard after a night fishing that they were disabled in the vicinity of the Varne Bank at just before 0600hrs. The relief lifeboat Roger and Joy Freeman, under the command of Deputy Second Coxswain Jon Miell, headed out to the vessel and towed it back into Dover. This was Jon’s first ‘shout’ in command since passing his Coxswain’s assessment in June.

So it was a slightly bleary eyed crew that appeared on the beach to take part in the Dragon Boat racing sponsored by Dover Harbour Board with all funds raised from sponsorship going to the RNLI. It isn’t too late to sponsor the Dover Lifeboat Station’s team through the JustGiving website at.. www.justgiving.com/doverlifeboatdragons.

The crew were thrilled that their performance during the heats was enough to see them through into the finals where they finished third behind Team Jenner and the Wood Butchers.

The Search and Rescue display in the harbour saw crews demonstrate some of the capabilities of the Severn class lifeboat and smaller IB1 inshore lifeboat from Walmer. Unfortunately, the helicopter that it had been hoped would be able to attend was called away to an emergency whilst making its way to Dover.


Deputy Second Coxswain Jon Miell said: “I’m pleased to have been able to bring the anglers ashore safely and thank my crew for their support and expertise.”

Dover Lifeboat Coxswain Stuart Richardson said: “Despite the weather this has been a really good weekend. I’m pleased that Jon’s first job as Coxswain went smoothly and third place in the Dragon Boats was a good improvement on last year.”

Picture above by Martin Collins ...shows the highly energised RNLI dragon boat powering home into third place in the Dragon Boat Race. All crew enjoying themselves madly despite the difficult day. If you look to the left you can see the Romans invading Britain yet again! sheesh! Some people never give up!


One thing you can certainly say about The Regatta is that it brings all our people together from all walks of life. You meet absolutely everyone. On sunday it was a delight to meet the near legendary figure of Jackie Cobell, who swam the channel in a staggering 28 hours and 44 minutes. You may remember her feat attracting much attention from newspapers and so on...the feat being, that she was the swimmer who took the longest amount of time ever to complete the task. Yes indeed, she kept going with spellbinding grit and determination to complete the hugely difficult swim in that aforementioned time of 28 hours and 44 minutes. Bet she needed a cup of tea after that one!

Jackie is an effervescent ever cheerful individual who made the swim on the 25th of July this year in aid of the Huntington's Disease Association.
 
That's Jackie in the centre of the shot above posing with former mayor Cllr Jan Tranter. Unfortunately yours truly had a spectacular senior moment and forgot the get the name of the very pleasant chap next to her who was full of enthusiasm....Ah!!..problem solved. Just had the information through from Andy in Eltham, London. See post below, the chap on the left is none other than Jackie's No 1 supporter, husband Dave. Many thanks for that info Andy.

Jackie's swimming adventures havent ended yet, as she has now been invited to the USA to do the infamous Alcatraz swim. So, some going....if you would like to help Jackie's drive for a cure for Huntington's Disease you may like to visit this website and make a small donation as every little helps. www.justgiving.com/jackiecobell. PaulB


This picture is just in 'hot off the wires'. Many thanks to our tip top forumite Ian Lillford for the lovely shot. It shows Deputy Mayor David Hannent, who is of course another tip top forumite, performing his ceremonial duties at the Regatta today in the company of his delightful sister, who has flown in all the way from South Africa. I wonder if she brought a vuvezuela!? Unfortunately as I write I dont have sisters name but no doubt one of you will let me know as soon as possible. Thanks again Ian. Very nice shot.
LATEST: David's sister's name is Kay Hersov. Many thaks to Colette B for the info. see post below.
 
The Firework display exploded into life around 10pm last night. Not quite sure why so late, as it had been dark for quite a while. One thinks of the little kiddiewinks trying desperately to keep their sleepy eyes open as they wait and wonder. But when it started it was very good, but as ever with fireworks, all too brief. We have added a couple of pictures here to show the general display. The pictures arent classics by any means but nevertheless give a general idea of the display.


Although battling with some dodgy weather, the Regatta has still attracted a very good crowd. As I write in late afternoon saturday the sun is now well and truly out, so the thousands of visitors are enjoying everything from kiddie rides to the French Market, all in blistering sunshine. Earlier the RNLI did their eyecatching display as did the Newfoundland Dogs and all visitors were entertained marvellously.

Dover Regatta



It is still early morning (7.40am saturday) in the picture left and the Regatta is taking shape. Lots of stallholders are readying themselves for the day ahead, as you can see in the picture.This is perhaps Dover's premier seafront event, so it's bound to be the busiest of busy days. Lots to do for everybody on the seafront this weekend so 'come on down'. No doubt there will be thousands of people enjoying it all later and of course dont forget..there are fireworks saturday night. Oh the excitement!


end link