Walking back from the nature reserve yesterday afternoon we crossed the lock gates when three lifeboats were leaving. Not an emergency at sea, just retired boats, now lovingly cared for by their new owners. First out was the Pentland, a restored ex-RNLI Watson lifeboat which originally served in Scotland. Then the Douglas Currie, a Mark 2 Solent class lifeboat built in 1973, also from Scotland, and last the lovely little Always Ready, a Liverpool class lifeboat built in 1933. These pictures were taken with my phone. (You can guarantee a picture opportunity if you don’t have a camera on you.) NB: Click on any photo to enlarge.

The Pentland, on the left, and The Douglas Currie.

The Douglas Currie, in front of The Pentland.

The Always Ready.