Annual Report 2006

This page was updated on: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I was very proud of the smart and seaman-like turnout of the Cadets who attended a service of Commemoration at Boldre Church for those who lost their lives on the 24th of May 1941.

HMS Hood exploded after being hit by a shell leaving only 3 survivors from the entire ship's Company of 1418.

It is important that the youth of today remembers the youth of yesterday who gave their lives for their Country.

The Venturers who were founded by my late wife and myself in 1961, had a very successful 45th year reunion, attended by many old Venturers where old Log Books, Photographs, and stories were swapped.

It would appear their training and experience with the Venturers had been of great benefit in adult life.

One had been awarded a BEM and MBE for duties in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Belize, and stated his Venturer training stood him in good stead. Another had risen to Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

Whilst one who was in Afghanistan and unable to attend e-mailed to say his experience with the Venturers had given him the courage to join the RAF Fire Service. Yet another Venturer said thanks to his RYA qualifications, he gained a place at Royal Naval College Dartmouth, and is now a Cadet Officer with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in offshore Iraq.

Although some people suggested that our 50thyear would have been a better time for a reunion, at my age I might not be around; after concerns that E.U. Legislation would preclude youngsters' under 18 from being in command of a boat.

However, to learn how many of my old cadets have made a success of their adult lives, left me with a feeling that I am doing something useful with my own life.

Digging out old photographs I came across the "French" yacht who anchored at high tide in St. Bredale's Bay Jersey.

Attended by ourselves (who were on a navigational training exercise) and the Pilot Launch Duchess of Normandy.

We were able to refloat her with a halyard tow on the rising tide.

Our log shows 35 rescues, these included: 10 Yachts aground, 14 boats with engine or rigging trouble, 1 collision, 4 capsized sailing dinghies, 3 wind surfers and one canoeist. All towed to a safe haven.

Letters from the grateful owners have said, 'the actions and behaviour of your crew were exemplary'.

While others have complimented our crews on their standard of seamanship. It is a pity we still suffer from opposition from some jealous adults who think teenagers should not be allowed to operate a rescue service. Most distressing are the malicious stories circulated, which dissolve in smoke when questioned. I was once accused in the News of the World as being "Capt Clueless with as much nautical knowledge as Captain Pugwash".

We continue to work well with the Coastguard and R.N.L.I. and had an interesting combined rescue, when a Yacht reported it had an engine fire.

The fore stay had snapped, there was also a strong smell of Calor Gas and the anchor was dragging close inshore.

The Venturers had the difficult problem of lifting 2 anchors and towing it to meet the Yarmouth Lifeboat in deeper water. With the added danger of a possible gas explosion the Yarmouth Lifeboat removed the crew and towed it to meet the Fire Service at Calshot.

As a recognised non-commercial RYA Power Boat Training Centre of levels 1 & 2, Safety Boat, Intermediate and Advanced Power Boating, a lot of time is devoted to a high standard of training over a much longer time schedule than it would be for adults.

It takes 1 year before we award a level 1, 2 years for level 2, and 4 years for Safety Boat Coxswain. Only a few pass the exams for the latter.

This year we had 4 level 1's, 3 level 2's and 1 Safety Boat Coxswain. I was also very pleased when Richard Watkins an ex-Venturer, came back in with the words "I Want to put something back in return for the enjoyment I had with the Venturers".

He has now passed the RYA Instructors exams, and spends most weekends training the cadets. He is also our main Rescue Coxswain.

In July we had an invitation from Sweden to take part in an International 4x4 Rally to "The Land of the Midnight Sun".

Using our Landrover 90, we had a very interesting time of navigating remote off-road challenge courses, from glutinous mud to soft sand and deep water. While camping in picturesque woods; (Which the Swedes have a lot of) or by the sides of lakes with 'stealth mosquitoes', who made no warning buzz and seem to posess the 'Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak'.

Only large white bumps the next morning let you know they had paid a visit. As always with our ancient Landrover, all did not go well.

Day one, a cloud of steam indicated an internal engine gasket had failed.

This seemed a good time to give the cadets first hand experience (with myself as helpful supervisor) as they struggled to pull the engine apart.

Further problems when the trailer bracket departed from the chassis were resolved by a kindly farmer with a welding set, who refused any payment; but was pleased with the presentation of a Venturer Baseball Cap.

On the maintenance side, the cadets (note cadets) de-rusted and repainted the launching tractor, painted the new 40' container (we now use for secure storage of the Beach Rescue Rib), Lifejackets, Dry Suites and Quad (which is used to tow the rib and also as a fast response first aid on the beach.)

All venturers are trained in the use of the Heart Start Defibrillator, and oxygen CPR which at my age is comforting to know!

For 2007 we need to replace our safety helmets, as we have been told they do not come up to the standard for marine rescue use.

The beach rescue rib is now over 8 years old and the glue is starting to part company with the tubes.

We are planning to upgrade it with a larger 6.5 metre Humber Rib which will be mainly used for RYA Level 2 training, as having an outboard engine and steering wheel will have different handling characteristics to our 9 metre Diesel Jet Water Rescue Rib.

Although I am not sure how we will raise the cash required. We do not seem to meet the Lotteries "Target Group", the New Forest District Council tell us they have no money, and a training boat does not meet the County Council's Youth Grants criteria.

I think it is fortunate we have the support from some old established Charitable Trusts, who are only interested in what you do, are able to accept a grant application which is not concerned with your ethnic background and allows you to explain in your own words rather than things like "have you planning permission" (for a boat?).

"How many Afro Caribbean's or Chinese in your group". (Bit difficult to find in the New Forest).

So with best wishes, and thanks for your help since our Foundation in August 1961.

Yours Very Sincerely

P.G. Pearce-Smith MBE VSC
Hon. Executive Officer