IT’S a great honour and privilege to have not one, but two, lifeboat stations in my constituency.
Both Weymouth and Swanage have long histories and records that are second to none.
Last month, the spotlight was on the latter, where a new lifeboat arrived on a sunny afternoon.
At the helm was new Coxswain Dave Turnbull.
I wasn’t there to see for myself because my daughter was getting married.
However, I know that the resort turned out in force to greet the new vessel.
Costing over £2 million, the all-weather, Shannon class boat, is 13 metres long and designed to last 50 years.
Operations manager Captain Neil Hardy says she’s a remarkable boat, “built to take a lot of punishment”.
And he should know, as the first Swanage lifeboat was skippered by his great, great uncle in 1875.
Today, Swanage has both an offshore and inshore vessel, each responding about 60 times a year.
With our stunning coastline and waters attracting tourists, walkers, divers, rock climbers and boat users, the lifeboat is a vital asset.
Married to Angela, and with a two-year-old son called Noah, Mr Turnbull is no stranger to the job, having served as a crew member for 23 years already.
He is the latest in a long-line of distinguished seaman to devote their lives to saving others.
A more honourable role is hard to imagine.
And we should not forget his predecessor Martin Steeden, who’s just retired after 40 years’ service.
His contribution is incalculable.
It would be negligent of me not to mention the volunteer crew, who come from all walks of life.
To all we owe so much.
Finally, nothing could more accentuate the town’s affection for the service than the appeal for funds for a new boathouse.
A staggering £430,000 was raised, more than twice the target.