Pen and brush bring the latest chapters to historic lifeboat restoration appeal
As work continues to restore former Appledore lifeboat the Jane Hannah Macdonald III, a new book chronicling her life has been launched, alongside the creation of a stunning painting
A new book and a stunning painting have become the latest chapters in the ongoing story of a historic Appledore lifeboat and one of the Dunkirk Little Ships.
Six years on from the arrival of the Jane Hannah MacDonald III on Bideford Quay, the former lifeboat which served Appledore between 1912 and 1923 has been made the subject of a book written by Annemarie Munro and a painting by local artist Michael Lees.
There was celebration on Saturday (May 23) with a gathering at the Fairway Buoy in Westward Ho! for the official book launch of The Many Lives of Jane Hannah Macdonald and the unveiling of the painting.
Since the JHM III was bought and transported back from France by local businessmen Simon and James Morris and Rob Braddick, the Appledore Maritime Heritage Trust has been working on restoring her.
Proceeds from the book will go towards the restoration fund, while the painting itself was sold on the day, with proceeds being split between the trust and the RNLI.
The prints and postcards of the stunning painting showing the JHM III in a storm-tossed sea will go on sale at the RNLI shop at Affinity Devon shopping outlet in Bideford and at other local outlets.
The mahogany and oak built Jane Hannah Macdonald III saved 23 lives during her service at Appledore, before being replaced by the station’s first motorised lifeboat.
She is a typical example of a self-righting, ‘pulling and sailing’ ketch rig of standing lugsails lifeboat.
The JHM III went on to serve in Eastbourne and Flamborough as a lifeboat, before being sold into private ownership.
During this time, the sturdy vessel took part in the Dunkirk ‘Operation Dynamo’ evacuation – dubbed the ‘Little Ships’ – during World War Two, which saw more than 300,000 British and Allied troops rescued from the beaches in the teeth of the advancing Germans.
The fundraising event on Saturday was attended by volunteers who work on the boat, representatives from the RNLI, SS Freshspring and local people who have followed the progress of the work on Facebook.
Chair of the trustees Andrew Laugharne thanked everyone for their contributions and said he looked forward to the day when the JHM III can be on the water and play her part in the celebration of the area's rich maritime heritage.
You can follow the progress of the restoration or make a donation towards the project at https://www.amhtrust.co.uk