Campaign launched for memorial to Hoylake lifeboat crew drowned during 19th century rescue
CAMPAIGNERS want to raise £30,000 for a memorial to a 19th century lifeboat crew who drowned after going to help a stricken ship.
The rescue and subsequent loss of life from two Hoylake families was long thought to be just a tale passed through the generations.
But research carried out by Hoylake train station manager Peter Fitzgerald proved it did happen, uncovering the details of the incident and the names of those who died.
The Hoylake 1810 Memo-rial Fund now hopes to raise £30,000 for a bronze memori-al at Hoylake lifeboat station.
The crew were all from Hoylake – or Hoose as it was then known.
They perished on December 22, 1810 while going to the aid of the ship Traveller in strong winds.
Lifeboat operations manager John Curry, who is one of the trustees of the fund, said: “It is important not to lose sight of our heritage, even though this happened so long ago. It is hoped the memorial will be installed at a ceremony in December 2010, the 200th anniversary of the event.
Donations to John Curry at 15 Devonshire Road, West Kirby CH48 7HR. Cheques to Hoylake 1810 Memorial Fund.
