Launching the Guide of Dunkirk

We last mentioned the Guide of Dunkirk on 14^th October when some of the ARC volunteers made their way to Reedham in Norfolk to learn how to make rope to contribute to the restoration of the ex RNLI lifeboat.

This week has seen the launch of the absolutely stunning restored lifeboat. Abbey and her team welcomed visitors to the boatyard where Guide was pulled out of the shed and swung around to face the Broads. Abbey gave a memorable thank you speech to the gathered group, and presented lots of surprised people with gifts. On behalf of Girlguiding, Helen, our County Archivist accepted a memento, made from a wooden piece of the boat with a brass picture of Dunkirk on the water inlaid. Our aim is to produce a badge of a similar design.

Guiding, who purchased the boat initially with funds raised during Guide Gift Week – Empire Week in 1940, was represented by three members in uniform of the era, a leader, a Guide and a Sea Ranger. A current leader and a guide and members of the Trefoil Guild also came along to support and cheer and enjoy the wonderful feast laid on by Abbey. Thank you so much for including us… and taking us on boat rides! We hope to join in with more events. To be able to share our archives linked to the fundraising and history of the boat was very special.

Intern Rosanna said, ‘It was fascinating to see the boat come back to life and imagine its voyage to Dunkirk, and to know it’s retiring to a loving home.’