Pett Level planswill keep rescueboat crew afloat

The Rescue Boat Association recently raised £40,000 for a new boathouse, which enabled them to store a tractor for the boat.

Now they are pushing ahead with plans to refurbish the old boathouse.

This will involve re-cladding the exterior of the building and providing new lighting, plumbing and a kitchen, toilet and crew room for the volunteers who help keep the boat operational.

They need to raise £15,000 for the project and the campaign has already got off to a good start with Fairlight postmaster Ken Dixon raising £127 from customers with a donation jar on the counter.

Association committee member John Pulfer said: “We are an indpendent organisation which saves lives along the hazardous coastline and inland waterways between Hastings and Rye.

“It is run entirely by volunteers, whose ages range from 16 - 85.

“We get absolutely no funds from the Government or from the RNLI and rely entirely on our own fund raising events and sponsorship.”

Mr Pulfer explained that currently volunteers have to use an external toilet belong to the nearby Coastguard Cottage.

He said: “We want to make the public aware of this worthy cause and hopefull get some support so that we can begin building work soon.

“Fairlight Post Office have got us started with a wonderful effort.”

The Rescue Boat plays an important role in supporting lifeboats at Hastings and Rye.

It was also used inland to go to the assistance of stranded home owners after Robertsbridge was hit by severe floods in 2000.

It was also used when homes flooded at Pett Level some years ago.

Crew members train every Sunday.

The Association is a registered charity and was founded in 1970.

If you would like to support the Rescue Boat appeal, contact John Pulfer by writing to Calaise View, Channel Way, Fairlight, TN35 4BP or by calling him on 01424 814866.

You can find out more about the organisation by visiting www.pettlevelrescueboat.com.