LIFEGUARDS TO DOUBLE

RNLI charity trustees have approved measures that will lead to a doubling of RNLI lifeguard units on UK beaches over the next five years.  The announcement coincides with new research indicating that over 25 million adults visited the beach at least once during 2006, an increase of 30% on 2005.  This new information on rising seaside visitor numbers is extremely timely as the RNLI expects to provide lifeguard services on potentially another 60 beaches around the UK coastline by 2011.

RNLI National Lifeguard Manager, Peter Dawes explains,  "Although we're not experts in climate change - our weather does appear to be changing and one of the effects is an extended summer season.  In addition, advances in equipment and clothing technology, mean that more and more people are visiting the seaside for leisure pursuits at other times of the year.  The RNLI is a charity that exists for one purpose - to save lives at sea.  Ultimately the aim of our lifeguard expansion is to save even more lives by providing a co-ordinated rescue service from the beach to the open sea by using RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crews in the most effective manner.  The advantages of this approach have been clearly demonstrated in the south west of England where RNLI Lifeguards have been operating since 2001, helping more than 47,500 people.   As a sea rescue charity with a national presence, we are well placed to extend this to other areas of the UK and save more lives, particularly on beaches where there is a clear need and no co-ordinated safety measures in place."

The most visited seaside area is the south west of England where RNLI Lifeguards already patrol 62 of its most popular beaches.  Here the number of adults and children needing help has risen again, reflecting the increasing visitor numbers. During 2005, 9,930 adults and children were assisted, rising to 10,286 this year.

FRANCIS & EILEEN BULLOCK

In January 1946 Frank returned home to Sheringham and soon met up with Eileen again.  Francis gained employment as a mechanic at the Central Garage in Sheringham.  Eileen had resumed her work with the International Stores.  Romance blossomed and they were married on the 20th September 1946.  At first they lived in the annex of the Head Gardeners' house at Sheringham Hall.  In September 1949 their first child was born.  In 1952 Francis, more often called Frank in the town, moved to Sheringham Garage, their second child was born and they moved into Sheringham, first to a bungalow in Common Lane and then to a house overlooking Beeston Common.  In 1958 following Frank's promotion to Manager of Sheringham Garage the family, which now comprised a daughter and three sons, moved to live above the garage.  In 1959 a second daughter completed the family.  Frank retired in 1976 at the age of sixty as the General Manager responsible for the Cromer and Norfolk Road sites of Sheringham Garage.

Frank's hobby throughout his working life was keeping bees.   As well as looking after up to thirty hives for honey production and pollination he was a Bee Disease Inspection Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and lectured for the Beekeepers' Association.  Eileen stayed at home while the children were growing up, helped with the paperwork for the garage, events at St Joseph's Church and with the Cubs and Scouts.  In the 1960's she went back to the International Stores in Sheringham on a part-time basis, starting late, finishing early and taking a long lunch break so she was home for the children.

From April to October every year while the children were growing up at the garage a distinctive wooden beach hut (no 77), painted grey with a red roof, ensured that the children enjoyed plenty of fresh air and sunshine.  The weekends were often spent checking up on the bees and enjoying picnics and walks in the North Norfolk countryside and coastal marshes.  There would be camping holidays with the Bedford Dormobile 4752 AH.  The children enjoyed visiting much of England, Wales and Scotland.  At one time Frank bought a boat called 'The Yonne' which was moored at Brundall near Norwich and provided more family fun.

Retirement coincided with their children getting married; the first wedding was in 1975.   Eileen and Francis visited each one helping them shape many, many houses into homes as far afield as Harrogate, Chester, Leamington Spa, Biggin Hill and St Alban's as well as near Sheringham and North Walsham!  Then grandchildren came along who have their own memories of life in Sheringham; long days on the beach, games on the lawn, walks on the Common.

Their children are immensely proud of their quiet and unassuming parents.  Francis and Eileen have always been 'best friends', providing mutual support and encouraging each other during difficult times.  They have been helped by a vivid sense of humour.

All five children were at the celebrations on Sunday together with five granddaughters and one great granddaughter.  The three grandsons could not make it.  One is travelling in South East Asia.  Another is in China working with the British Council.   The youngest was playing in his first Rugby tournament of the season.  To mark this very special occasion their children have re-furbished the bathroom with a walk in bath.

Life has not been easy, no modern gadgets when they were first married but one family member's motto keeps them going, "Think Positive."