The Story begins

13th April 2014, Above Priscilla Macbean restoration continues.

13th July 2014 Thanks to the volunteers and sponsors work on the “Priscilla Macbean” has been proceeding apace and she’s getting nearer and nearer to her final coats of paint. In the meantime work has also been going on at her new resting place where she will be seen by all in a purpose-built ‘dry dock’ at the bottom of Old London Road in Hastings’ Old Town.

On Saturday 15th November 2014 The boat will be dragged to the dry dock by Blue Watch from Hastings Fire Service but the day will start at 9.00 am when the story of the "Priscilla Macbean" and her history will be told by Jonathan Mendenhall in front of RNLI Station followed by the story of the Rye Lifeboat tragedy (the "Mary Stanford") on 15th November 1928, exactly 86 years prior to this day. Father Featherstone will then bless the "Priscilla Macbean" and conduct a Service of Remembrance and read out all the Rye crew members' names, followed by one minute's silence in memory of the disaster. Fiona Harrison will sing a hymn (or two).
At around 10 am the parade, led by Hastings Old Town Crier will assemble to leave the lifeboat station and is expected to include Lord Boyce, Amber Rudd, MP, Michael Foster, The Mayors of Rye, Eastbourne and Hastings, Rye lifeboat crew and family members, Eastbourne lifeboat crew and family members, "Priscilla Macbean" pulled by Blue Watch Fire Service, Hastings lifeboat crew, Coast Guard Association, invited Guests and Councillors. The parade will move off up the A259 (The Bourne) to arrive at the dry dock at about 11am. VIP’s and guests will then proceed to a reception in a marquee opposite, where hot drinks, snacks and refreshments will be served. Fiona Harrison will provide entertainments in period style.