People donate to lifeboat project

As well as saving lives at Hastings, the boat played a key role in evacuating troops from the beaches at war-torn Dunkirk, earning her the name The Ghost of Dunkirk.

Ian Mantel, of Manor Insurance, presented a cheque for £1,200 to Hastings Mayor Judy Rogers.

Dee Day White, who is involved in the project, said: “Manor Insurance will be included on our honours board in the near future.”

In addition Roger Young, whose father was on the beaches at Dunkirk, gave a heart-stirring talk at Hastings Lions Supper, prompting the Lions to make a donation to the cause.

Dee Day said: “Bombing and strafing from enemy planes could not stop the little ships from doing their job of saving the 308,000 French, Belgian and English troops who were surrounded by the enemy.

“Dunkirk was on fire, the harbour bombed beyond use. Only the beach was left and only small ships with shallow draft were suitable. The Cyril and Lilian Bishop was one of these.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by post to The Treasurer, 4 All Saints Crescent, Hastings TN35 5PD or at Santander Bank. Sort Code 09-01-28. Acc number 49444310.

The team is also looking for a retired volunteer painter in the Hastings area.

The lifeboat can be seen in the boat yard next to the Lifeboat House. It is hoped it will be fully restored and on display in the Old Town next summer.

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