*click for larger
A great image from the Syd Bird archives!
You can sense the urgency as the train of horses pull the lifeboat out across the sands to the sea. I hadn’t previously appreciated just how many horses were used to pull the boat. And look at the number of men on-hand to assist. An excellent photograph.
What a fantastic record of a community acting as a team. Stirring stuff, gives me goosebumps.
I not at all sure but wasn’t, the third item in the logo the telegraph sign that was on Hilbre. I remember it was replaced in the 60’s when a Chinook helicopter flew over with a larger sign which replaced it. As I say it’s just a guess and I’m sure some of you out there will be able to verify/ correct me on this.
I have previously made an appeal for images of old Hoylake lifeboats and beachfront scenes on your site but so far not received any notices or invitations. There are two currently running that the Museum would dearly love to show. Please contact me. I PROMISE to look after any photos loaned for copying and I’ll clean them up for you to print.
Hi John H.H. and John C.
Talking of Lifeboats……..
Has anyone seen or photographed the memorial to Robert BECK, Coxswain of the “Point of Ayr” lifeboat. ?
He was raised in Hoylake, but transferred to P. of A. for his expertise.
He was drowned in the “Point of Ayr” tragedy 10/March/1857, and posthumouslly given a silver medal.
The memorial is supposedly in the Western end of St Bridget’s graveyard, and rather time worn.
(rather difficult to photograph ?)
Ricky Cooper.