3 MALTBYS IN A BOAT

On 19th June, we completed our venture to row and sail the navigable length of the River Thames in our scow, Gannet Ripple, to raise funds for the RNLI Bembridge Lifeboat Station Appeal.

We went through 45 locks, dropped the mast 17 times for low bridges and raised the sail, optimistically, hundreds of times.  We were hoping to find some wind to relieve the sheer physical effort of rowing a scow but, unfortunately, it eluded us until the final day.  However, despite balmy conditions and the centreboard lever developing a large crack and having to be repaired twice, we made the Houses of Parliament in time for a photocall.

After travelling 180 miles from the navigable source in Gloucestershire and within sight of Southend and the open sea, Gannet Ripple and her exhausted crew ended their journey at Gravesend.

You can read about the journey on our very amusing on-line blog: www.scowonthethames.blogspot.com

We did this to raise funds for the RNLI Lifeboat Station at Bembridge, Isle of Wight.  This station is classified as a key station by the RNLI and covers a wide area including the Solent, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.  The current 1922 boathouse is not only too small but is crumbling at the base and needs totally rebuilding.  This will then house the new lifeboat and also will provide much improved facilities to enable the crew to achieve faster response times.  Seconds can make all the difference between life and death.

The RNLI lifeboat service receives NO funding from the UK government and depends entirely on voluntary contributions.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure.  It's also the most efficient way to sponsor us.  The RNLI gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, is added to your donation.  If you don't want other people to see what you have donated just put 'anonymous' in the Name Box.

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page and supporting us.

Caroline (Roe)        William Maltby        Sophie (Ross)