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I would like to wish you all a happy new year, and to thank you for your continued support, The station was visited by a surprise new member just before Christmas I am sure you will recognise him on our web site. Since our last publication we have suffered some damage to the station when the wind decided to have an argument with our power generator, which was situated at the top of the mast above the lookout. The wind was blowing at a steady force 9 at the time when Weldon went out side to check the wind speed and direction, he noticed that the mast was vibrating a lot but thought no more about it. When leaving the lookout at 15.00hrs the mast was now swaying from side to side, eventually the wind won the contest and the whole lot crashed into the adjoining field luckily for us the turbine was undamaged as it fell on to a barbed wire fence. When I arrived the turbine was still turning and doing a good job at cutting the grass in the field. The mast had to be taken again to Padstow ship yard for modification by Adrian Hope one of our members, any way to cut the story short the mast has been put back up four feet shorter and with 4 guy wires attached, we cant always beat the wind but we are trying. The worst weather occurred on a Sunday afternoon in December when it reached force 12 and did it blow.
I am pleased to say that the watch keeping has been first class with only three watches not covered in the last 6 months. I think Christmas Day will be a memorable one for Jennifer with her visitors to the lookout bringing her mince pies; she received lots of phone calls on the day from her fellow watch keepers. Dave and I both tried to get through but each time we were beaten and put in to a stacking system!!!
During the season we have been in contact with Falmouth Coastguard several times, having sighted problems below the lookout, from Sailing boats to swimmers and surfers, being swept seaward and going on the Doom bar, Falmouth Coastguard have launched to Rock Lifeboat to assist, they have carried out some dramatic rescues with us keeping a watchful eye over them. We have had requests from Falmouth Coastguard asking for report updates on people believed to be cut off on the bar, these I am glad to say were only people out for a walk and paddling in the sea. Still a false alarm with good intent is better than a casualty. By far the most dramatic for our watch person was when a person called in and said a friend had fallen and broken a limb, the watch keeper called the coastguard and got the air ambulance to attend and take the person to Treliske hospital.
This last 12 months have seen a lot of wild life around our coast, sharks, dolphins, porpoises, sunfish and a host of birds, of which Jennifer Rawe, one of out watch team, is keeping records.
Ill health has hit us very hard this year with at least 6 of our company having a lot of time away recuperating. Len Peppiatt is doing his bit from home and keeping us on our toes from his computer, we are indebted to him for all his early efforts during the refurbishment and setting up of Stepper Point, also his watch keeping duties.
On a much sadder note several members representing Stepper Point attended the funeral of one of our regular fund raisers Susie Duerdoth she was 86 and a very welcome assistant at all our coffee mornings, except when she away from home on her frequent trips to Treliske Hospital, I don't think there was much wrong with her! I believe she had a fancy man among the hospital staff. I recall her having taken a zip and some stuffing to the consultant and saying you have opened me up so many times I thought this could save you some time in the future. I for one will miss her, having known her for 50 years as a Padstow Maid, also working with her husband Harold as auxiliaries at Stepper Point in the roaring 70's, where she would spend nights with him on watch feeding him with hot drinks and pasties.
I would like to finish on a happier note and hope all reading these reports from various members, will continue to support us. We need watch keepers and more friends of Stepper Point to keep this worthy operation alive on the North Cornish Coast.
Our door is always open to you please call in for a chat, and see at first hand what we are doing to help to improve safety around Stepper Point.
Safe sailing to you all!
Derek Lindsey, Station Manager. Back to topSince the last edition of our newsletter I have produced the annual accounts for the year 2001-2002 these have now been passed to the auditors. It was hectic year for our finances being we had major expenses in equipping and getting the station up and running but I am pleased to report that our income/expenses produced a surplus of approx £1200. Since the last newsletter the income through donations has decreased but this was only to be expected by virtue of the decrease in the numbers of people visiting the station during the winter months.
We held a successful pre Xmas coffee morning, which was well supported by the people of Padstow, and raised in the region of £200. Our thanks to Sharps Brewery and our supporters, for their contributions to the raffle. Also to Mrs Betty Shaw who organised the Tombola. The Tre-Pol-Pen Handbell ringers from Rock held a coffee morning recently the proceeds of which they donated to our funds, our sincere thanks to Pam & Bob Cleave & their friends for their efforts. The Padstow Merry Makers made us a handsome donation of £300 from their Xmas revelries, again our thanks to them, they are aiming to do another stint for us one evening in the summer. Martin Bishop one of our watch keepers has been banging the drum for us and has raised monies to buy some urgently needed equipment. My sincere thanks to all, who have worked so hard in the fundraising activities.
Back to topAs you may know we have purchased a set of radar equipment, which is due to be installed before Easter. We have to get the supporting ironwork made up galvanised and erected, after that the equipment will be fitted and tested. When we reach this stage familiarisation and training will begin, this will be overseen by Capt S Porter our Training Officer. Sid as he known is the skipper of a North Sea oilrig support ship. When home on shore leave he is very involved in the activities of the station, manning several watches, and attending to training commitments. I am pleased to be able to tell you that we have now been granted a licence by the RCA for the installation and operation of the radar equipment. The radar will have the capacity to search for distances of up to 24 nm offshore from our station this will give us a unique facility as a shore station on this part of the North Coast of Cornwall, enabling us to track targets in bad weather, and offer a service to HMCG Falmouth during incidents should they require it.
George Barnes, Treasurer & Deputy Manager. Back to topOn Wednesday 20th November, 16 of our members braved the elements to attend the social get-together at the London Inn, Padstow. Hopefully this will be the first of regular bi-monthly meetings to meet everyone and to update on the progress of Stepper Point lookout. Thanks to Mike & Pauline, our hosts for the evening. The beer was good too. George and Dave went to Rock Institute on Saturday 23rd November to attend a coffee morning organised by the Rock Bell ringers. The proceeds were donated to the NCI Stepper Point. This was a good opportunity to visit Major Bob Cleve at his home and show him photographs of the lookout, from day one up to the present. The ladies gave us a warm reception and provided us with refreshments. It was a very nice day for us and certainly worth the visit just to meet so many nice people.
Sadly we have lost three experienced watch-keepers recently and wish them all well in the future. To John Holmes, John Broomhead and Ian Kendall, we thank them for their support in the past. Pat Grimes & Derek Dennis have intimated that they would like to return to the lookout in the foreseeable future. Mike Humphrey's has had knee surgery & cannot make the trek to the lookout now.
The watch bill now consists of 24 volunteers. Sid, Tim & James are still serving at sea but make the trek to the lookout whenever they come ashore. Bob Jones lives near Grantham, Lincs, & spends some considerable time with us during his visit to Padstow. The Flu virus that has hit several of our watch keepers recently has meant others standing in (to ensure continuity) whilst they made a recovery but fortunately only two watches were cancelled in December (Christmas Day afternoon and Boxing Day afternoon) thanks to Jennifer and Vic who kept the lookout open on the mornings of both days. I think this is a commendable record for any NCI Station. Our stalwarts well supported January watches, by the second week of January the Watch Bill was full. British Summertime commences 30th March (not too far ahead now), which will mean hopefully warmer weather, longer daylight & back to the longer hours for each watch. Imagine, the lookout is open seven days each week - a wonderful effort by one & all.
A social/quiz evening organised by David Glover took place on 29th January at The Quarryman Inn, near Wadebridge. The event was well supported the winner of the quiz being Michael Fisher. The next bi-monthly meeting will be March 2003 so I sincerely hope somebody will arrange a venue and date if the scheme is to continue.
A new logbook has been designed to suit the conditions at Stepper Point, which hopefully will improve the record of inbound/outbound traffic from the Camel Estuary.
In all I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone for their commitment in ensuring the success of NCI Stepper Point.
Dave Helyar Back to topGreetings from the frozen, (well nearly) North. At the time of writing we (BUE Mull, my ship) are in Leith awaiting contract to attend another rig at another location in the North Sea. For those of you who do not know me my name is Sid Porter and I'm Master of the ERRV (Emergency Response & Rescue Vessel) BUE Mull, working mainly the Southern, Central & Northern North Sea, looking after oil and gas installations referred to mainly as "rigs", our task is to provide cover in the event of an incident, from a person falling into the water, to rogue vessels on a collision course with the installation, to helicopter ditching and major rig evacuation as in the Piper Bravo incident which I'm sure most of you will recall. Our role is mainly providing cover for personal working "over the side" in a position whereby they could end up in the water, and cover for helicopter operations which due to the number of personnel working on the rig, sometimes in excess of 300 people, could be up to 8 times a day sometimes more. Our normal tour of duty is 28 days, mainly sailing from Aberdeen, unfortunately when we sail for our 28 days we don't return to port until the 28 days are up, irrespective of weather we are always at sea on call, fortunately during the last eleven years I've been in the North Sea I've only had to respond to 2 incidents which is 2 to many, never the less like the Boy Scouts' "Be Prepared" could well be our motto. Training takes place practically every day in one form or another, and although we are the professionals continuous updating of knowledge both practical and theoretical is essential, which leads me on nicely to training. Having heard about NCI, I spoke to Derek last April time to find out a bit more, and from the information Derek gave, I eventually became a member, which although being away for six months of the year, I felt I could still contribute to NCI, this has culminated in being asked to take on the role of Training Officer, which I feel is a great honour but also a very great responsibility.
I'm currently in the process of co-coordinating training information not only from NCI but also from my own practical experience and knowledge, (more information to follow).
It is my intention to place the start of a structured Training program before the Station Manager in the next few weeks so that on the anniversary of the opening of Stepper Point NCI, there will be, in place, a new progressive training program from the level of Trainee Watch keeper to Senior Watch keeper, this will not be achieved in 5 minutes, but with the constructive comments of those of you who require and want training, I feel this is completely achievable.
Safe sailing to those that go to sea, and good and safe watch keeping to all.
Sid Porter, Training Officer Back to topWe would like to thank Martin Bishop, one of our watch keepers, who has obtained funding for Stepper Point from, the Rock Sailing Club and the Treglos Hotel Constantine Bay Padstow, enabling us to purchase some new badly needed equipment
To Sid Porter and the members of the Padstow Merrymakers for their wonderful donation of £300.00
I would also like to thank all the ladies for their help at our coffee mornings and all fund raising events, without their help, we would not be where we are today.
Membership is on the increase, with the help of the North Cornwall Volunteer Bureau
It’s nice to meet the Bevan family on their frequent visits to the lookout and for their interest on our web site.
Derek Lindsey, Station Manager Back to topA report by Victor Crisp the skipper of the trawler "Lady Luck"
Having just taken command of the Lady Luck we sailed from Milford Haven to the fishing grounds off Trevose Head near Padstow. The weather had cleared and a fresh breeze met us as we joined the fishing fleet of 12 boats including the some from Padstow. There were long rolls of Atlantic swells when we arrived running from the westward, these were causing all the vessels to roll considerably. We were able to get our hauls in regularly. The fishing grounds we were using were situated 24 miles off Trevose. This was called "The hole in the wall" owing to the V shaped dip in the high hill of Pendeen Highland. This was our landmark, which we used by day, having a moored channel buoy visible at night. Overnight the weather worsened and our nets were being hauled in; the crew went about their task of cleaning and gutting the fish. To the North of us were several trawlers making Padstow for shelter, to the South I could see a convoy with escort ships owing to their size I wondered why they were in so close, it was now time once more to haul another catch, we started this and noticed two destroyers approaching from the west they were not travelling at speed so I did not take too much notice. All of a sudden the nearest destroyer turned and was stemming us. I went aft to the flag locker and hoisted the relevant signal as laid down in standing orders. The destroyer then turned to her original course; I picked up my glasses and focused them on the ship, curious to see what they were doing.
Then it happened, there was a loud bang, smoke and flames were pouring from her stern, she was now before the wind and as the smoke cleared the ship was nosing her way through the water, then another explosion just aft side of the funnel, with that the after part of the ship rolled over to starboard and sank beneath the waves, hardly anyone could have escaped from the aft part of the ship. I was dumbstruck our gear was hove up and our catch dumped on the deck, the destroyer was very close to us by this time. The fore end of the ship from her bridge to her stem was floating high and on a level keel, it lay broadside to the wind and swell, her head pointing north. It was then that the U boat’s periscope appeared, it was only yards from us. We were now travelling towards the destroyer at full speed, she was approximate 1 mile distant when we heard the bulkhead give way, she rolled over to port you could see the men running around on deck and sliding down her starboard side into the icy water. The destroyer had almost disappeared except for a small part of her bows, which pointed to the sky. This floated for a considerable time after we had picked the men up. As we approached the men were in the water, our small boat was made ready but, having a small crew, some being over 60, I decided to go in close with the "Lady Luck." Our own vessel was low in the water, free board amid ships about knee high, we could reach over the side and haul the survivors in. We were now in the midst of this catastrophe and there was a thick oil slick with men trying to swim to us, there were only two life rafts that had come from the ship, men were clinging to these for their lives. One could not tell the ratings from officers owing to their being covered in thick black oil, after we getting the men out of the water, we then turned to those in the life rafts. My crew to a man were helping them into the galley or down into the cabin to get warmth into their bodies. At this time could not tell if anyone was injured, as I was having to control my vessel and jump to the deck to help the survivors on board. I steered to the raft, which only had one person on board, we tried to pull him aboard, we could not manage as our ship rolled and the raft went under. On the way back we got a line to him but found his legs were fouled in the raft, we cut him free and three of us hauled him aboard. It was at this time another trawler arrived on scene, she was so close she ran into our stern slight damage was done. This time we went to the bigger raft, there were 11 men on board, all looked in a bad way, we got them aboard. At last I was able to have a look around to see what had been going on, by now the other destroyer was searching for the U Boat, planes were overhead, dropping life rafts but they were too late, one government trawler I saw, was going at speed with a survivor trailing over the side with a rope under his armpits they were trying to haul him aboard. I believed the rule was not to stop to pick up survivors if a navy ship had been torpedoed. I rang the engine room asking for full speed to get us into Padstow as the tide was falling, just then I noticed another man in the water and slowed to go alongside, he was in a very bad way his uniform was saturated with water and oil, it took all four of us to get him aboard, he was taken aft to the engine room to try and warm him through. Once we had full speed we set course for Padstow. I went below where I tended a man, he was badly burned all over, his eyebrows and hair was burnt off and he was blinded and moaning with pain, there was nothing much I could do as I had a limited knowledge of first aid. All I could do was to make him as comfortable as I could and get him to harbour for medical attention as soon as possible. All my crews spare clothing and rugs were given to the survivors, I did have some whisky, which I carried for colds, and flu this was passed around but did not go far. I forget just how many we saved that day it was forty or more.
As we made our way at full speed and were met at the entrance to Padstow (Stepper Point) by an air sea rescue launch, who when along side hailed me and said "You are instructed to stop your vessel and pass all survivors to us". (Several years earlier 13 sailing fishing boats met there doom almost at the same spot and I was one of the very few survivors then). My reply to them was no way the "Lady Luck" has a full head of steam and if we shut her down now she could blow up. I went below and spoke with the captain of the destroyer and he said "blow them keep her going boy."
We made the quay berth but the two accompanying trawlers hit the mud and drove in hard, there were loads of people waiting to help the survivors off our boat, by now it was very cold, I was in my underwear as I had given the captain my one and only going ashore suit.
Mr Harry Westcott (Superintendent of the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen) came aboard and said the seaman's mission was open, with hot water for baths, and hot drinks. But alas the survivors were met yet again by red tape and had to stand on the quayside and wait for transport to take them to RNAS Treginiger St Merryn.
Derek Lindsey wrote this abridged story. The full report of this story can be seen at the Padstow Museum.
Since this article was posted here Dave Helyar has traced the son of Victor Crisp the skipper of the "Lady Luck" and is gathering further facts. He is also providing updates to Padstow Museum.
Back to topThis poem was written in 2001 by one of our watch keepers to commemorate the seafarers who served in convoys during the conflicts. When their ship was sunk all pay stopped and they were considered, "Paid off at sea."
The men who went to sea in ships
Some paid the price for freedom and gave their lives at sea,
Some spent time in lifeboats, adrift without a lee.Others faced the ice flows, arriving late in port,
But they all had suffered hardships without a second thought.Their pay was insufficient for the job they had to do,
Conditions were uncomfortable as for any crew.Wages stopped when the ship was lost, their families never knew,
The job had gone, all clothing lost; there was nothing they could do.Why did these men (and women too) decide to leave our shores?
To meet up with the convoy, carrying essential stores?Why did they join a ship again, in a port remote from home?
Why as a seaman such a thing? He would not have known!Are seamen made or are they born to do the job they choose?
Ask him for the impossible when you've nothing else to lose.He knows that he can make it with his shipmates galore,
But is a sailor different to his counterpart ashore?Are we proud of them? You know we are, they are the silent few,
In thick and thin you can count on him if there is any job to do.The Merchantman who sails the seas without a second thought,
by Dave Helyar
Brings home the food and petrol too and gives the troops support.
Back to topA Day By The Sea
Leaves, trees, south-westerly breeze, grey skies with cotton-wool clouds
Tide coming in to swallow the beach & boats with their swaying shrouds.Billowing sails, fishermen's pots, & trawlers preparing for sea.
Anglers too, paddlers few, wading out to the knee.Enjoying the sun and just having fun, and maybe an ice cream, or two.
Kiss-me-quick hats, cricket and bats and sand getting into your shoe.Fish and chips lunch, some candy to crunch, the dog chasing after a ball,
Watching Judy and Punch as we eat our lunch, when the children are home from their school.Watching ships out to sea and the yachts passing by, with the powerboats approaching the buoys,
Those wind surfer's sails, they brighten the sky, but those jet skis make so much noise.With the tide going out we want to go home and leave the gulls down by the sea,
Dirty and tired we have had a good day and look forward to mussels for tea.The wind now has changed and the birds start to sing, as the sun sadly sinks in the west,
The tide comes and goes as the boats rise and fall; the lights in the town look their bestThe fishing boats return with their catch of the day, to sell in the docks by the quay,
by Dave Helyar
Gradually darkness falls and the stars in the sky, reflect upon the sea
Last week Jennifer and I were making our way to the lookout being extremely cold and windy, we decided to go to the lea hedge and fight against the elements, on entering the muddy gateway we noticed a ewe laying in the ditch, we went closed to find the ewe had that moment given birth to twins. Quickly to the lookout, we telephoned the farmer (Charlie) and passed on this message, "Ewe No 22's time is up, she has produced twins and they look very wet and cold." Charlie and his wife Jane rushed to spot not believing this to be possible, as a week before this same ewe No 22 had given birth to a single lamb and having no milk, the lamb was taken back to the farm for warmth and nourishment, the ewe was taken back to the field again. These twin newborn lambs and the mother were rushed back to the farm and put under heat. The out come of this story is mother and twins are doing fine (Jane however is having to get up at all hours of the day and night to hand feed the twins and 24 others this must be a labour of love).
Well done Charlie and Jane.
Back to topWhile visiting my doctor two weeks ago, he said "Undress in the corner, then stand naked in the window & poke your tongue out."
"What will that do?" I asked.
"Not much," he replied, "but I hate my neighbour!"
In the local newspaper: Wanted, gravedigger. Must have the ability to work on their own and to meet deadlines.
We bought a new computer & were having problems with setting it up so we called the Help Desk. The man at the other end started to talk 'computer jargon' which confused us even more.
"Just a moment," I said, "just tell me what I must do, as if I was a four-year-old."
"OK," said the computer man, "Sonny, could you please put your mummy on the phone!"
My wife has her own system for labeling food in the freezer: "Anything," "I don't know" and "Food." Using this method, when she asks me what I want for dinner, she is certain to have it in stock.
My friend is a visiting hairdresser to a residential home & has become a confidante to a number of clients. On one occasion she asked one of her regular customers if her niece would be visiting her at the weekend. The lady said no, her daughter was due to go into hospital at the weekend. "Not too serious I hope," said our friend. Looking very somber the lady took her arm & whispered " Actually she is having an ex-directory."
Our grandson arrived late to his Sunday school class. As he was normally punctual, the teacher asked if anything was wrong. The boy admitted that he had originally planned to go fishing but his dad told him he must go to church instead. Impressed, the teacher asked if the boy's father had explained why it was more important to go to church than to go fishing. "Yes," the lad replied, "He said he didn't have enough bait for both of us."
At Tesco's the other day I noticed an elderly lady slowly pushing a shopping trolley back into the supermarket. Ever courteous I insisted on pushing it back for her & she struggled to keep up with me. At the entrance I said, "There you go, my love" & handed the trolley back to her. Catching her breath she said, "Thank you, but I was only using it to lean on."
My neighbour bought a new car with a built-in computer. When he got into the car to go to Church one Sunday, the digital display lit up and announced "Time for service."
Dave the Witt Back to topOn Saturday 1st Feb 03, Bob Harris & Dave Helyar were on watch when there was a knock on the door of the lookout.
There stood two gentlemen, one was dressed in a brown overcoat and wearing a brown trilby hat. The other man, much younger, stood beside him and wore a black overcoat and was carrying a briefcase.
"Hello, would you like to come in and look around?" said Dave.
"Good morning" said the elder of the two, "we just wondered whether you would like a copy of the Watchtower." (were they referring to the lookout or the day mark??)
They were members of a certain nomadic tribe of door knockers and had walked all the way from Padstow (3 miles) to deliver their magazine.
Bob and I thanked them and they left in the direction of Trevose Head (only about 5 miles to the west!). They were last seen disappearing into the sunset.
Note: Watch keepers will find the "Watchtower Magazine" in the lookout and, perhaps this may become a regular feature.
Dave Helyar. Back to topWe hope you have enjoyed our latest newsletter and will visit our site again soon.
If you have an article featuring Stepper Point we would be pleased to consider publishing it in a future newsletter.
Derek Lindsey, Station Manager.