Newcastle RNLI names two new inshore lifeboats Berylium and Cameronian

The Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, which went on service last December and was officially named Berylium, has been funded by Beryl and the late Gilbert Williamson.

Beryl and her late husband Gilbert had always intended to fund a lifeboat on their deaths. After Gilbert’s death, Beryl decided that she would prefer to fund two lifeboats during her lifetime. Beryl wanted to name the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Berylium in the hope that she would be a treasured diamond in the fleet and a great asset in helping volunteers to save lives at sea.

Beryl and Gilbert’s association with the sea goes back to the 13th century and the couple were involved in opening the first RNLI charity shop, called the Lucky Dip, in Edinburgh in 1967.

Meanwhile, the D class lifeboat, Cameronian, which first went on service last October, has been funded by Margaret Cameron who also generously supported the funding of the new Shannon class lifeboat, Bobby Cameron, at Kilkeel RNLI.

Margaret who attended today’s naming ceremony, was brought up with three brothers on a farm at Gracehill in County Antrim during the World War II years. Money was precious and Margaret and her family were taught to be thrifty.

At the start of proceedings, Daniel Curran, Launch Authority at Newcastle RNLI, welcomed guests. Then in her absence, a short recording from Beryl Williamson, was played for the gathered crowd as she formally handed the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat into the care of the RNLI.

Margaret Cameron followed by handing the D class lifeboat into the care of the charity. RNLI Trustee Paddy McLaughlin accepted both lifeboats and handed them into the care of Newcastle Lifeboat Station.

Daniel Curran in accepting on behalf of the station, said the volunteer team had heralded a new era of lifesaving at Newcastle with the arrival of both new inshore lifeboats in the last year.

"Over recent months, I have watched as intensive training has been undertaken by our volunteers to get to grips with a new class of lifeboat and to bring a full inshore capability to Newcastle, matching the risk and rescue activity at our coast as well as the changing trends in water use,” he said.

“This year saw us bid an emotional farewell to our beloved Mersey class lifeboat when it came to the end of its operational life, but it has also saw us have the privilege of gaining not one but two new modern lifeboats to meet the search and rescue demands placed upon on us.

"We know thanks to the generosity of the donors and the commitment and dedication of our volunteers, that both Berylium and Cameronian will ensure we continue to provide the most effective lifesaving service now and long into the future.”

Canon Myrtle Morrison, Fr Jim Crudden, Rev Dr Richard Wright and Rev Adrian Moffett then led the congregation in the service of dedication that followed, during which the lifeboats were officially named. The gathered crowd of well-wishers including family and friends of the station, watched as a bottle of champagne was poured over the side of each lifeboat at the end of the ceremony.