Hythe is still very proud of the town’s fine lifesaving tradition carried out by
the 
fishing fleet and then, later, a number of lifeboats working from
three different Lifeboat Houses over many years; an early Lifeboat House was at
Battery Point but the better launching conditions further West brought the
Lifeboat to The Fishermans Landing Beach in Hythe just off Range Road. The two
boathouses can still be seen from the western end of West Parade. The most
recent is still in use as the H.Q of Channel Divers who welcome visitors.
The fishermen of Sandgate and Hythe manned the lifeboats until 1940 when the tragic loss of RNLB Viscountess Wakefield at Dunkirk occurred; that boat was never replaced.
Late in 1963 the Seabrook, Hythe, Women’s Fellowship invited an RNLI Speaker to a Members meeting, who was accompanied by the RNLI Area Organiser, Mrs Vivienne Robertson, who was dismayed that Hythe did not have an official Fundraising Branch.
Mrs Robertson requested that Mrs L. B. Turner, Chairman of the Fellowship, and the Secretary, Mrs Greta Dray, should form such a Branch. They agreed and, with the support of their husbands, and the further support of Hythe businessmen and Bankers, RNLI Hythe Branch was formed.
The first event held at a supporter’s home was a Coffee Morning that raised some £100.
To gain further support and recognition the Branch entered a float into The Hythe Venetian Fete held on the Royal Military Canal in 1964. This was a huge success and a very successful Flag Day followed. Mrs Laura Turner became the Chairman of the Branch with Mr Arthur Dray as Vice-Chairman. Further Fundraising events were organised and the Branch became more and more successful.
In 1970 another Float was entered into The Venetian Fete with the theme of “Davy Jones Locker”. One of the spectators on the bank tried to throw a coin into the wooden chest on the deck of the float, an idea that proved an instant success with the crowd, and further coins rained down, sometimes to the discomfort of the “Crew”.
In 1974 the Hythe Luncheon Club for the Lifeboat was started; it was an instant success. Luncheons were, and still are, held each month during the winter, with talks by invited guests from which we have raised a considerable sum for the RNLI. The current venue being The Hythe Conservative Club. (See the Events Programme for the dates!)
Fundraising has continued since the Branch was formed with various events organised, sometimes as a “one off” and others on a regular basis, all contributing to the funds of the RNLI. Over the years the RNLI has made several awards to members of the Committee for meritorious fundraising services.
We raise funds to help the Royal National Lifeboat Institution save lives at sea and along the shoreline of the United Kingdom.
The Branch comprises a working Committee, and a number of other helpers, who arrange and run Fundraising events throughout the year. Other, individual, fundraising efforts are encouraged and RNLI Regional HQ at Uckfield is able to help with advice, promotional T shirts and prizes where appropriate.
The Souvenir Secretary maintains a stock of RNLI Gift Catalogue items and is
always pleased to supply Christmas card and Calendar needs.
Committee Members organise a Flag Day; an Annual Garden Party; a Boot Fair; a number of Coffee Mornings with souvenirs, books and bric a brac on sale. One of the Committee Members gives talks and shows RNLI films to other organisations and Clubs.
The Branch Box Secretary looks after a number of collecting boxes in the shops, pubs and restaurants in the town. We have been told that we have as many collecting boxes in position in Hythe, as does Brighton, and we recognise of the generosity of the people of Cinque Port of Hythe.
The amounts raised by the branch have varied from year to year and are currently running at about £20,000 per year.
New
HelpersWe have, unfortunately, reached a stage where a number of the current Committee and the group of helpers have reached an age where they feel that they would like to cut back some of their commitments, especially as setting up some of the events can be fairly heavy work.
We would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be able to help us continue to raise funds for our Lifeboats, especially younger volunteers who could help set up the Coffee Mornings and some of the other events where we have to carry tables, chairs and the items that are to be displayed and sold.
Secondly we would like to have additional assistant Box secretaries to look after a small group of boxes so that they be emptied and counted on a more frequent basis.
New helpers with new ideas for events, or experience in sales and marketing would be most welcome assets to the Branch.
If you would like to join the Branch and be involved in our work please telephone our Secretary or make contact with any member of the Committee.
| Chairman | Lt Cdr William Kempson | Tel: 01303 252422 |
| Vice Chairman | John Chapman | Tel: 01303 813260 |
| Hon. Treasurer | Mrs Janet Adams | Tel: 01303 264074 |
| Hon Secretary | Douglas Fairley | Tel: 01303 269925 |
| Souvenir Secretary | Tony Clarke | Tel: 01303 261693 |
| Box Secretary | Richard Elston | Tel: 01303 267989 |
| Member | Eric Pettinger | Tel: 01303 261484 |
| Member | Bob Yeudall | Tel: 01303 264179 |
| Member | Dennis Pearson | Tel: 01303 267194 |
