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The Lifeboat ELIZABETH SIMPSON
(Picture donated by Stephen Brewster Daniels)
Edward Philip Newson Bensley served from the day she was launched in the river Yare on October 23rd 1889, until his death in 1934.
The donor, through a Norwich solicitor sent a cheque for some £500 and remained anonymous until just prior to the launch, then it turned out to be (Miss Elizabeth Simpson Stone), however, she was unable to attend the ceremony but the following day she was able to view the vessel when the new Lifeboat was taken up river to Norwich in tow by the steam Tug Star.
The picture was donated by Stephen Brewster Daniels, who was one of the last crew members to serve on her. He has written many books on the Lifeboats. One of the books he has written is named 'The Gorleston Volunteer Lifeboat Elizabeth Simpson'.
HAISBRO LIFEBOAT 1902
Picture donated by Martin Callow
The Haisbro Lifeboat coming ashore in 1902, note the horse in harness, plus the holiday makers and locals preparing to give a hand to pull her up the beach.
The picture gives a good and clear impression of the public's interest in Lifeboats well over 100 years ago!
Helping the lifeboat service (and the Coastguard service) is the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI). This organisation is funded from voluntary donations and their vigilance has saved many lives.