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This page was updated on: Tuesday, November 22, 2011

After 50 Years

At the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Venturers Search and Rescue which was well attended by cadets and parents, Philip Pearce-Smith MBE, affectionately known as Tiffy, announced that he was handing over control of the Venturers to Mr Martin Bennett.

Tiffy founded the Venturers in 1961 with his late wife Pamela and financed it personally until 1969, when it became a charity and able to raise its own funds.

The Venturers were the fore runners of the Independent life boats, many of which were formed using their example all round the UK; which used relatively cheap, seaworthy inflatable ribs which had been developed by Atlantic College RNLI.

The idea was to be actually afloat on patrol ready and able to give instant assistance via the Coast Guard. This has over the years saved many lives.

The Venturers also developed an early water proof VHF Radio by sealing one in a box with just an on and off switch, an external loud speaker and microphone protected in plastic bag.

In 1967 the Needles Coast Guard Station officer wrote to compliment them on their excellent communications.

Their first rescue Rib was an Avon Red Start with the reliable sea gull engine. Over the years and thanks to a legacy divided between them and the RNLI the Venturers now have a 9 metre, Ocean Dynamics diesel water jet boat with an aluminium hull.

Tiffy went on to explain his reasons for letting go of the helm, at age 78 “he did not bounce so well and the cuts and bruises take ages to heal”.

He has also been diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimers and apart from forgetting where he left his car keys, he often has to use the phone to find his mobile.

With the long term future of the Venturers in mind he was fortunate to find a younger and enthusiastic like minded person to take over.

The Venturers use the challenges of the sea to develop the character, leadership and initiative skills of teenage boys and girls. Also as a marine teaching academy they are able to award internationally recognised certificates of seamanship and navigation which are appreciated by potential employers.

Many Venturers have progressed to become Ships Captains, with others going on to join, The Royal Navy, The Marines, Army, Fire Service and even Supermarket management.

One Venturers qualifications, gained him a £5000 Bursary to Royal Naval College Dartmouth, with 2 others having passed out from Warsash, as Marine Engineers.

Another Venturer retired as a Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

Tiffy went on to say “happiness comes from what you can do for others and has made my life worthwhile”.

At the end of a very good evening, after fireworks and a barbecue Tiffy was given a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.