The Naming Ceremony for RNLI Dart D class lifeboat, Dudley Jane.

The Naming Ceremony and Dedication Service of RNLI Dart’s new D class lifeboat D838 Dudley Jane on Coronation Park, Dartmouth, at 2pm on Sunday 4 Aug 2019

Mrs Sarah Fuller explained in her speech how she and her husband Roy had decided to donate the funds for a new D class lifeboat, as well as a substantial sum last year to cover the cost of training the lifeboat crew to serve on the D class lifeboat and their equipment.
Her Aunt, Miss Dudley Jane Hunt, had originally set up the Trust and Mr and Mrs Fuller became joint Trustees when she died in 2011. The female family name on Mrs Fuller’s mother’s side of the family was Dudley, hence the name Dudley Jane.
Mr and Mrs Fuller lived in Dartmouth for eight years and were involved in the sailing scene locally, including taking part in the classic sail past in Dartmouth Regatta. Miss Hunt had visited them in Dartmouth several times and, when the decision was made to use the Trust to provide a lifeboat, Dartmouth was the natural choice.

Photo: Paul Weedon RNLI Dart Treasurer
Mrs Sarah Fuller names Dart's new lifeboat Dudley Jane
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
After the National Anthem had been sung Commodore Jake Moores OBE DL RN, Chair of the RNLI Dart Management Group, welcomed the guests and opened the proceedings.
Photo: Riki Bannister Dart ALPO
Mrs Sarah Fuller, the Donor, handed the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI.
Photo: Paul Weedon Dart Treasurer
The boat was accepted by Mr Martin Gregory, RNLI Council Member and in turn he handed her into the care of RNLI Dart lifeboat station.
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
Rob Clements, Deputy Launch Authority, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the lifeboat crew. In a brief speech he recalled the history of our first D class lifeboat, Spirit of the Dart, which the volunteers had used to save 12 lives and to rescue 644 peop
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
Father Will Hazelwood then led the Service of Dedication which consisted of prayers, a bible reading by Ewen Menzies from the Dart lifeboat crew and traditional nautical hymns.
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
The music was accompanied by the Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band and the Dartmouth Parish Choir
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
The Dartmouth Parish Choir led by Chris Helyer.
Photo: Riki Bannister Dart ALPO
The new lifeboat was then dedicated and blessed by Father Will Hazelwood.
Photo: Paul Weedon Dart Treasurer
Following the Service the lifeboat was named Dudley Jane by Sarah Fuller with English Quality Sparkling Wine from the Sharpham Estate
Photo: Andy Kyle
The Naming was accompanied by a five gun salute from the replica of HMS Pickles moored in the harbour.
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
The event was drawn to a close by Katy Locke, Dart lifeboat crew, who thanked all who had taken part and invited the guests to a Devon cream tea in the lifeboat station.
Photo: Riki Bannister Dart ALPO
Tea in the boathouse.
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
RNLI Dart lifeboat crew with guests (1)
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
RNLI Dart lifeboat crew with guests (2)
Photo: Paul Weedon Dart Treasurer
Sarah Fuller being thanked by Bob Gilbert, Dart Fundraising Chairman
Photo: Riki Bannister Dart ALPO
Mr & Mrs Fuller with Commodore and Mrs Moores
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
Mr & Mrs Fuller with their donated D class lifeboat
Photo: John Fenton Dart LPO
Clergy and crew with RNLI Dart's new lifeboat, D 838, Dudley Jane

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RNLI Dart Lifeboat Station
Coronation Park
North Embankment
Dartmouth
Devon TQ6 9RR

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