An Anglia Television news story about the Clacton Lifeboat's annual Christmas relief effort.
Genre:
News; Television
Transmitted on Christmas Day 1961, an Anglia Television item depicting the Clacton Lifeboat's annual relief effort bringing supplies and festive cheer to the remote light vessel at Barrow Deep.
Royal National Life Boat 'Sir Godfrey Baring' launches into the sea from the boathouse at Clacton-on-Sea, laden with goods and crew for the long journey out to Barrow Deep. On board, an Anglia correspondent interviews a crew member - most likely coxswain George Ellis - who describes his long association with the trip, held every peaceful year since 1930, and how he treats his work on the lifeboat as a religion. Also interviewed is Mr Carney, Secretary of Clacton Lifeboat, who describes the purpose of the 'goodwill' trip, and Captain Brook, who became an unofficial patron of the lifeboat following his rescue at sea.
Arriving at the lightvessel, crew climb aboard and deliver supplies and home comforts - including a fully-decorated Christmas tree - to the lightshipmen. Mr Davis, master of the Barrow Deep lightvessel, describes life ten miles off-shore, and his own journey home this Christmas, having spent the previous year on board. Also interviewed are lightshipmen who will stay aboard over Christmas, and who send festive messages to family and friends. The item concludes with shots of the Barrow Deep lightvessel, as the lifeboat embarks on its return journey.
Notes:
Mix of interview sound and mute sequences.
References to Mr Graham, suggest the presenter may be Dick Graham, who later became an Anglia Television continuity announcer.
Featured People:
George Ellis, Clacton Lifeboat coxswain; Mr Carney, Clacton Lifeboat secretary; Captain Brook, Clacton Lifeboat patron; Mr Davis, Barrow Deep Lightvessel master; Mr Cadman, lightshipman; Mr Church, lightshipman; Mr Ward, lightshipman
Featured Organisations:
Royal National Lifeboat Institution; Clacton Lifeboat; Trinity House