A new book has been published about the history of the Hoylake RNLI – one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the country.
The book, Hoylake and West Kirby Lifeboats, by Nicholas Leach, describes all the major events, rescues, lifeboats and main characters involved since the first lifeboat was built by the Liverpool Dock Trustees in 1803.
It also provides a history of the West Kirby lifeboat station, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding in June 2016.
Hoylake RNLI’s chairman John Curry said: “A huge amount of effort has been put into researching this book by a dedicated team made up from past and present crew and lifeboat supporters.
“We owe them a debt of gratitude for seeking to put down for posterity the long and proud history of our lifeboats and the crew who served in them, whose fortitude and gallantry will never be forgotten.”
The lifeboat crews at both Hoylake and West Kirby have performed many outstanding rescues, some recognised by the RNLI with the award of medals for gallantry.
There are accounts in the new book of all the significant rescues, as well as how technology has been used to overcome the challenge of launching lifeboats across the dangerous and challenging beaches of the Wirral Peninsula.
The book is available to purchase from the RNLI shop in Hoylake, Linghams in Heswall and on Amazon for £14.99