There has been a very strong connection between local Freemasons and those who voluntarily give up their time and bravely take to the seas along the coast of the Province to protect others. In another chapter of the continuing links between West Lancashire Freemasonry and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the crew of the Fleetwood Lifeboat were presented with a new weather station, courtesy of West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society (WLMCPSS).
The unit presented is a Davis Vantage Pro2 that enables the operator to view all the weather live weather data on the interactive touchscreen display of the included WeatherLink console or stream over Wi-Fi and view it on the WeatherLink smartphone app. It was a gift from the society to assist the lifeboat volunteers in making better-informed launch decisions, which will lead to safer operations overall.
David Smith, one of the station’s Deputy Launch Authorities, said:
“I am delighted that our WLMCPSS Committee supported my request for £1,050 to procure this valuable asset for our local Fleetwood Lifeboat Station. This is an excellent tool to have at the station as it provides accurate weather readings in real-time before launching on a rescue mission. It is a real advantage and benefit to our work, and we are very grateful to the West Lancashire Clay Pigeon Shooting Society.”
The weather station will be used to add critical information to the station’s overall understanding of conditions en route to and around a casualty, contributing to decisions about crew makeup and mission plans that will enhance the safety of the lifeboat’s crew as they put to sea.
This is the second maritime charitable donation of £1,050 on behalf of the West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society this year. In September 2023, the society presented a cheque to support Merseyside Water Rescue, a Liverpool volunteer-based search and rescue charity.
West Lancashire Freemasons and their associated pastime societies and clubs will continue to enjoy life and social activities, helping good causes!
