Our meeting on the 4th October was memorable in being another hopeful step along the road to ‘normality’. After a careful review and risk assessment and following all Rotary and governmental directives and guidelines, we met once again at the Rockies Restaurant in Anstruther Golf Club.

It was good to be back and, following a meal and business, we were treated to a well-researched illustrated talk by Malcom MacDonald on the history of lifeboats in Scotland; especially Anstruther.

From the 1865 ‘Admiral Fitzroy’ - a 32 foot long 2 ton boat driven by 10 oars at a newly established lifeboat station in Anstruther, Malcolm told the stories of the eight craft that bring us to today - including the ‘Rotary Centenary Queen’ a small inshore boat. What was common to all the stories was the heroism and courage of crew going out in the worst of weather with the aim of rescue and the saving of lives. It is difficult to imagine just how hazardous it was in the early open boats, propelled by oars and with little in the way of flotation aids - for boat or crew. We heard of many remarkable rescues but also, sadly, of some that ended in tragedy.

It was particularly good to hear of the constant developments and improvements made to rescue craft over the years. Improvements that made the chance of a successful rescue greater and also made the task a little less dangerous. And then we get to today’s rugged, sophisticated self-righting designs that are equipped with the very latest of technologies. Malcolm mentioned the 'Shannon' class, due for Anstruther once the planned new shed is built. Without doubt what has not changed though is the courage and dedication of the RNLI crews.

Following questions an appreciative vote of thanks was proposed by Derek Mathie.