Laurence Andrews

For the Lifeboats!

As all of the very few people who read my blog will know, I am a big supporter of the RNLI. The charity has been close to my heart since childhood, I used to build lifeboats out of lego bricks, subscribe to Stormy Stan’s monthly magazine and became known as Lifeboat Lolly. I recall with glee the fantastic opportunity I had once to sit on the Atl... Read more

The Atlantic Coast Line

How best to spend a windy and rainy day in Cornwall? Well, a trip to Newquay on the train of course! This is the penultimate journey of all the Cornish branch lines and one I’d been looking forward to for a while. It’s the longest of all the branch lines in Cornwall and during summer special direct services are scheduled using HST sets to/from L... Read more

Port Issac Lifeboat Station

I’m not going to beat around the bush here… I’ve seen better kept stations. It appears to have been attacked by seagulls! Port Issac Is a tiny town on the north coast of Cornwall between Tintagnel and Padstow, it’s become famous for being the set for the ITV series Doc Martin. It’s an operational fishing port with some lovely pubs and spectacula... Read more

Whitstable Lifeboat Station

This picture doesn’t do the weather much justice, but it was an amazing July Sunday afternoon. @tigziefc decided that the first beach visit of the year was in order, she has been looking forward to going crabbing for at least the last six months. With everything in order and tide tables checked we headed off for Birchington-on-Sea. Some way into... Read more

Tower Lifeboat Station

Without a doubt one of the more unique RNLI stations, this branch was set-up in 2002 following a request from the government. It has grown to become the busiest station in the UK, manned 24/7. Because of the unique city location the boats moor on a dedicated floating pier, known as Lifeboat Pier. The station officially has three Class E inshore ... Read more

Fowey Lifeboat

Fowey is literally one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, it’s fantastic! It is a small town situated on the banks of the River Fowey in Cornwall, the town has a very strong sailing community, similar to that of Cowes IoW. The river is packed with yachts, cruisers and all manner of craft, all surrounding a main town quay. The Quay is t... Read more

Holyhead Lifeboat

What to do when in Bangor, Wales? Go and see Holyhead Lifeboat of course! The boat was spotlessly clean and very prominent in the small marina. To get to the marina involved a 10 minute walk from the train station, which was pretty cold for February. We weren’t able to get up close as the boat is moored on a private pontoon but luckily it was w... Read more