The day we had waited 150 years for finally arrived on September 1st 2002. The weather was typically Cullercoats with the sun beating down and hardly a cloud in the sky. Preparations had been in hand for some time (a couple of years, actually) by our hard-working 150 Committee, lead by Sandra Oliver. With a couple of the inevitable last-minute hitches sorted out, we were ready for the big day. Basically everything worked like a dream.

We had the Newcastle Concert Band who played the Cullercoats 150 March, composed for the occasion; the Backworth Male Voice Choir (whose contribution included the vocal theme from "Titanic" - an odd choice considering the venue) and the crew and supporters all turned in their RNLI finest. Rob Sutton revealed his Master of Ceremony qualities by presenting the whole event.

We had the Newcastle Concert Band who played the Cullercoats 150 March, composed for the occasion; the Backworth Male Voice Choir (whose contribution included the vocal theme from "Titanic" - an odd choice considering the venue) and the crew and supporters all turned in their RNLI finest. Rob Sutton revealed his Master of Ceremony qualities by presenting the whole event.

We were delighted to welcome Elizabeth, Dowager Duchess of Northumberland, a regular and long-term supporter of the RNLI, to help us celebrate the occasion. From the RNLI, we were pleased to see the Chief of Operations, Mike Vlasto, who actually presented the 150 Vellum to the station, making complimentary remarks about the station's record. Commander Brian Miles, our Patron and immediate past Director of the RNLI, also attended and recalled some of his experiences at Cullercoats, particularly with Raymond Oliver, the Coxswain of the last all-weather lifeboat at Cullercoats and father of the present Leading Helmsman.

The event celebrated 150 years of Cullercoats Lifeboat but there was an additional reason for the day. We had specifically asked if the Duchess would unveil a plaque to commemorate the six men who lost their lives in the disaster of April 1939. This she graciously did and the plaque is now displayed, in our newly extended boathouse.

I referred earlier to last minute hitches - one of these was the dropping-out of our seating transport group. At precious little notice, the local unit of the Royal Logistics Corps undertook to collect, deliver, re-collect and return to the various owners the 200 seats we needed for our guests. Which was very much appreciated.

Finally, our thanks to the Committee and members of the Cullercoats Crescent Club for the use of their premises to enjoy some much-needed refreshment after the event. Everyone was very grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a long cool drink and some excellent food.