HELP FOR HEROES PAGE. Worbarrow and Tyneham.
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TRIP STATUS: SUCCESS
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A BAND OF BROTHERS
Event No 2015051400023685
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READ THE STORY
Donations:
NOW CLOSED. H4H HAS RECORDED A TOTAL OF £950. THEY MAY HAVE RECEIVED OTHER FUNDS THAT DID NOT QUOTE THE EVENT NUMBER SO WE MAY HAVE RAISED OVER A £1000. WHAT A GREAT RESULT. THANK YOU EVERYONE. |
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Introduction:
Out of the House of Duff came a sparkling idea to create a Help For Heroes event. # Be the first. Following on in the footsteps of the Klepper Challenge Simon made contact with a group of Vets and some apprentices to crew Stella Ann,create a Beach Head at the Tout and finally carry out an assault on Tyneham. That said we will remember all those who gave up their homes in Tyneham in the 1930's so we truely respect this village and its lost people. |
The PSI. He has to be tough.
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Assault Ship Stella Ann
Skipper's report(SIMON DUFF):
Stella Anne's crew, 8 veterans ranging in age from 58 to 76 and 2 somewhat younger regular serving men from different units, mustered on Friday evening and Saturday morning. An evening meal was enjoyed at the Harbour Lights and then a good yarn ensued around the mess table. Preparations for sailing the next morning included running out the bowsprit and bending on Stella's heavy canvas sails. A photocall with banners and flags was organised by Brendan Moore at 1030hrs and two very generous sponsorship and donation cheques handed to the skipper, Simon Duff by Geoffrey, the crew's leader.
Stella Anne left the berth at 1100 hours and proceeded out of harbour. All plain canvas was set and with a following wind of about 8-10 knots, Stella made her way rather slowly towards the Isle of Purbeck. The sun was shining and the sea fairly benign so it was a good chance for the crew to relax and enjoy the Jurassic Coast scenery. The wind did drop a bit so the main engine was re-started and we motor sailed to the east end of Worbarrow Bay, anchoring about 100 yards off shore. The whole crew including guests Brendan and Pam Moore were then ferried ashore in Stella's RIB and they walked along to Tyneham.
During the course of the afternoon the wind picked up again so by the time the crew returned to the beach there was quite a sea running onto the shingle, making re-embarkation rather a wet affair. However all personnel were recovered safely to Stella Anne and we set off back to Portland.
Stella Anne returned to her berth in the marina and, once all was secure, the BBQ was started and a great feast was cooked by Geoffers(Our Crocodile Dundee) and enjoyed by all. Once again a jolly evening ensued, with the presentation of a birthday cake to Geoff , and much ribaldry to accompany it ! Sunday morning was windy and wet so the ship was cleaned, RIB hoisted and gear stowed before the crew dispersed mostly back to Portsmouth and Southampton area, and London.
OUR BAND OF BROTHERS
Crew :- Geoff , John , John , Andy , Ian , Nobby , Geoffrey, Mal , Ben and Gecko.
Stella Anne's crew, 8 veterans ranging in age from 58 to 76 and 2 somewhat younger regular serving men from different units, mustered on Friday evening and Saturday morning. An evening meal was enjoyed at the Harbour Lights and then a good yarn ensued around the mess table. Preparations for sailing the next morning included running out the bowsprit and bending on Stella's heavy canvas sails. A photocall with banners and flags was organised by Brendan Moore at 1030hrs and two very generous sponsorship and donation cheques handed to the skipper, Simon Duff by Geoffrey, the crew's leader.
Stella Anne left the berth at 1100 hours and proceeded out of harbour. All plain canvas was set and with a following wind of about 8-10 knots, Stella made her way rather slowly towards the Isle of Purbeck. The sun was shining and the sea fairly benign so it was a good chance for the crew to relax and enjoy the Jurassic Coast scenery. The wind did drop a bit so the main engine was re-started and we motor sailed to the east end of Worbarrow Bay, anchoring about 100 yards off shore. The whole crew including guests Brendan and Pam Moore were then ferried ashore in Stella's RIB and they walked along to Tyneham.
During the course of the afternoon the wind picked up again so by the time the crew returned to the beach there was quite a sea running onto the shingle, making re-embarkation rather a wet affair. However all personnel were recovered safely to Stella Anne and we set off back to Portland.
Stella Anne returned to her berth in the marina and, once all was secure, the BBQ was started and a great feast was cooked by Geoffers(Our Crocodile Dundee) and enjoyed by all. Once again a jolly evening ensued, with the presentation of a birthday cake to Geoff , and much ribaldry to accompany it ! Sunday morning was windy and wet so the ship was cleaned, RIB hoisted and gear stowed before the crew dispersed mostly back to Portsmouth and Southampton area, and London.
OUR BAND OF BROTHERS
Crew :- Geoff , John , John , Andy , Ian , Nobby , Geoffrey, Mal , Ben and Gecko.
The brothers arn't used to handling Navy flags.
Cruising
Secretary's Report: Brendan Moore:
When Simon came to me with this idea late last year I thought this could be big and had visions of seeing Worbarrow black with boats but life never does turn out how you might wish. Circumstances for me meant that I only had three weeks to bring it together as an open event to all the yacht clubs of Weymouth and Portland. Stella Ann was only available for the end of May. Invitations were sent out along with mail shots but the short time scale, clash of events and the uncertainty of the weather conspired against us. Never the less Simon and I pursued it with vigour. It was going to happen. Web site data was laid out but with a notice that a Sail Plan would not be known until the night before departure. I got Heatwave into the marina with the help of Michael Gregory and went home. Rang Simon. "May go to Bill then across to MUPE then back to Weymouth". If this was the plan I would sail out into the bay and return as the weather window was too risky. Times for a Pontoon Party/Photo shoot were set prior to departure at 12:30. Info placed on Web around 22:30 and another mail shot sent. Not another email from Brendan. You've just got to do it. Bed time. Saturday up early and out with dog. As I entered the door on return Pam said "ring Simon now". Message. "Departing 11:00 to 11:30. Target Tyneham" # OMG. We would not be ready. "Simon, request permission for two extra people". "Granted". Immediate update to Web page and mail shot. Feed the dog. Grab the food bag, sail bag, beer, Camera and Pam. I think I got the priority right. Kiss the dog and out. Arrive at 10:00 marina gates punch the code and grab a trolley. De-store Heatwave of necessary provisions:More Beer and life jacket for Pam. Arrive Q 3. Quick intros and request the brothers help to get the banners up. Simon is receiving Cheque from the senior Brother. Simon has covered the Sea Crossing in his report so I will pick up from the landing.
When Simon came to me with this idea late last year I thought this could be big and had visions of seeing Worbarrow black with boats but life never does turn out how you might wish. Circumstances for me meant that I only had three weeks to bring it together as an open event to all the yacht clubs of Weymouth and Portland. Stella Ann was only available for the end of May. Invitations were sent out along with mail shots but the short time scale, clash of events and the uncertainty of the weather conspired against us. Never the less Simon and I pursued it with vigour. It was going to happen. Web site data was laid out but with a notice that a Sail Plan would not be known until the night before departure. I got Heatwave into the marina with the help of Michael Gregory and went home. Rang Simon. "May go to Bill then across to MUPE then back to Weymouth". If this was the plan I would sail out into the bay and return as the weather window was too risky. Times for a Pontoon Party/Photo shoot were set prior to departure at 12:30. Info placed on Web around 22:30 and another mail shot sent. Not another email from Brendan. You've just got to do it. Bed time. Saturday up early and out with dog. As I entered the door on return Pam said "ring Simon now". Message. "Departing 11:00 to 11:30. Target Tyneham" # OMG. We would not be ready. "Simon, request permission for two extra people". "Granted". Immediate update to Web page and mail shot. Feed the dog. Grab the food bag, sail bag, beer, Camera and Pam. I think I got the priority right. Kiss the dog and out. Arrive at 10:00 marina gates punch the code and grab a trolley. De-store Heatwave of necessary provisions:More Beer and life jacket for Pam. Arrive Q 3. Quick intros and request the brothers help to get the banners up. Simon is receiving Cheque from the senior Brother. Simon has covered the Sea Crossing in his report so I will pick up from the landing.
 Dundee the Oz hits the beach
1. Despite a couple of the brothers going down with mal de mare, we hit the beach in the fast rib,one member literally(Nobby), who says he fell in the heavy breakers but the other lads said they threw him out for misbehaving. Just boys having fun.
3. We were just heading out away from the beach when a lone yacht came in and anchored. Bravo Zulu to Bob and Lura Myers, who in Moonlight made the crossing despite a very shaky and narrow weather window. True Heroes against the cold.
As we yomped the long mile to Tyneham we came upon Carl and Julia Holland,son and dog. Nobby carried two specialised sniper rifles that where disguised as Walking Sticks. Amazing weapons with telescopic barrels for close in work, clip on Tele Sites and 9 mm mags for the handles. 
Dont mess with the Barbie
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 THE BAND OF BROTHERS
2. Though the landing was not exactly SBS style a beach head was established prior to the assault on Tyneham. I was ready to hand out black boot polish but they said; “make up was for girls”.
Two "pass" forgers and the PSI were sent out of class.
4. Tyneham was taken within an hour. After a debrief in the school house with some of the brothers chilling outside it was time to return to the assault ship. At the beach the two apprentices went AWOL and headed over the hills to the Smugglers in Lulworth where after blagging a lift were picked up somewhere in the vacinity of Weymouth and Portland and thrown in the brigg.
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In the evening we had a Pontoon Party. Crocodile D took control of the BBQ but no shrimps. He said the British ones fell through the grill.Peter & Annette Goss,grand children plus Oscar(dog) plus Ernie Rowe joined us. I struggled on the Pontoon trying to compete with Crocodile D's BBQ. No Contest. Dunked my Barbie in the drink and stuffed it in my bag.
Where's the Shrimps?
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The Hat needs some corks on strings.
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Warming up before an Irish adventure.
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The following Galleries are provided as a record of the event: Click on the first photo and use paddles on edges. Mouse over photo top centre. RH mouse button "Save image as" if you want to keep them.
The Pictures are not in order as the need to get the site out is the priority. A couple of video's to do yet.
Pam Moore's Gallery.
The Pictures are not in order as the need to get the site out is the priority. A couple of video's to do yet.
Pam Moore's Gallery.
Carl and Julia Holland's Gallery.
Ian Singleton's Gallery
Brendan Moore's Gallery
Acknowlegements.
Our thanks to:
Simon Duff and Stella Ann. A great Skipper and great boat.
The Band of Brothers
Bob and Lura Myers
Carl and Julia Holland,son and dog
The Army at Lulworth Camp for allowing this event.
Help For Heroes organisation for their guidance and support.
Rob Silvester, Ian Singleton, Michael Gregory, Peter and Annette Goss,grand children and Oscar(dog), Ernie Rowe.
Dean and Reddyhoff Marina for their support. WPNSA for the use of their facilities.
All members of all the yacht clubs of Weymouth and Portland in their continuing support in working for closer ties between us.
Our thanks to:
Simon Duff and Stella Ann. A great Skipper and great boat.
The Band of Brothers
Bob and Lura Myers
Carl and Julia Holland,son and dog
The Army at Lulworth Camp for allowing this event.
Help For Heroes organisation for their guidance and support.
Rob Silvester, Ian Singleton, Michael Gregory, Peter and Annette Goss,grand children and Oscar(dog), Ernie Rowe.
Dean and Reddyhoff Marina for their support. WPNSA for the use of their facilities.
All members of all the yacht clubs of Weymouth and Portland in their continuing support in working for closer ties between us.