November 2006 vol. 2: 55

This Month’s Headlines

Services Atlantic 85 Carriage

Bonfire And Beach Clean Remembrance Sunday

Weather Almanac for November 2006

November began with a very rough sea running following sustained north west winds. There was even a bit of frost to remind us that winter was around the corner. However the month was more noteable for being mild with a succession of fresh offshore winds accompanied at time s with showers or longer periods of rain.

Exercises were held on the 5^th (helicopter) and 29^th.

Photographs showing the exercises can be viewed on the RNLI web page and go to the Newbiggin Gallery.

Services

There were no services during the month

Newbiggin Lifeboat Station today hosted trials of a new type of launching carriage to suit the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat - the successor of the current Atlantic 75 class lifeboat. This particular carriage is destined for the Cullercoats Lifeboat Station but before going there an opprtunity to check for fit was achieved at Newbiggin. Before the trial, the carriage had to be 'put together' from its transport layout to an operational one.

Volunteers from Newbiggin Lifeboat Station joined forces with other community volunteers to clean the beach and build a bonfire during Sunday.

Since the 1970's there has always been a bonfire on Newbiggin's north beach and this year was to see the tradition continued. The day began with a thorough beach collection of all flotsam which has accumulated during the Autumn. Some of the larger pieces of such beach debris could damage the lifeboat or any other vessel afloat in the bay hence the importance of this intiative.

Fine weather during the evening meant that bonfire conditions were perfect with visitors on the beach enjoying the spectacle as well as the array of fireworks in Newbiggin and along the coast.

The Community of Newbiggin by the Sea gathered today to remember those who have served their Country both in times of conflict and in other roles around the world.

Remembrance Sunday has been commemorated in Newbiggin for many years with local residents, visitors, councillors and representatives from numerous community organisations, including Newbiggin RNLI, gathering for two services of remembrance and wreath laying at the two war memorials here.

Fine and sunny weather encouraged almost 200 to take part and witness these special services.

After completion of the first service at the 'Colliery' memorial the gathering lined up on the main road to march to the other end of Newbiggin. Led by the local Greggs Band scores of people came out of their houses to watch the procession as it made its way almost a mile to 'Memorial Park' to the second service of remembrance.
Richard J. Martin

30^th November 2006.