THIS last fortnight has been particularly busy for those involved with Appledore RNLI.

On August 17 the inshore rescue boat was diverted to Bideford during a routine training exercise to a vessel which had broken its mooring.

It was made safe on fresh moorings and the training exercise continued.

On August 19 the Douglas Paley, Appledore's inshore lifeboat, and crew were tasked to investigate a report of another boat adrift, this time off Instow beach.

The lifeboat located the vessel and found that it had appeared to have broken free from its moorings.

After carrying out a quick search of the area it was taken in tow by the lifeboat and handed over to Instow coastguard on Instow beach who secured it to a new set of moorings.

On Monday 23 at 15.30 two young teenage boys had decided to try and walk across the estuary from Instow to Appledore, obviously unaware of the strength and speed of the flooding tide. Inevitably they were cut off.

The Douglas Paley was again tasked by Swansea coastguard and by the time the casualties were reached they had just managed to swim ashore, cold and shaken, where the local coastguard checked them over.

Luckily all was well. Later the same day three more people were cut off by the incoming tide, this time on Longbar Rocks just off Putsborough Beach.

The Douglas Paley and the helicopter were tasked to help. On arrival on scene the lifeboat stood by while the casualties were winched to safety by the helicopter. The helicopter then landed on the beach and handed over the three people to the local coastguard unit.

At this time of year, with extra high tides and uncertain weather, please check your moorings regularly and keep an eye on your boat. At least one has already sunk in the estuary from filling with rain water and not being baled out.

Please also take care when you go to your boat. In the past people have gone out to save their boats in the midst of gales, only to put their own lives in jeopardy — better a sunken boat than a drowned owner.

Do not attempt to walk across the estuary at low tide, or swim it. The tides are extremely strong and flood or ebb very quickly.

The Appledore RNLI would like to remind everyone that the naming ceremony and dedication service for our new all-weather Tamar class lifeboat, takes place at 3.30pm on Sunday, September 19, on Appledore Quay and all are welcome to witness this historic event.

However, we should point out that the Churchfields' slipway will be closed all day so there will be no launching of any boats from the slipway at any time.

Part of the Churchfields' car park will also be closed for the day and reserved for pre-booked VIP and disabled car parking.

Please also remember that Appledore is not designed for a lot of cars and we are expecting many visitors. If possible, please leave the car at home or outside the village and use the bus.

We would like to remind everyone of two fundraising events being held in September.

Jazz with Alan Lewis All Stars takes place on September 2, 7.30pm at the Big Sheep with tickets in advance from Liz Wilson 01237 470082.

A James Bond Themed Fun Casino Night on board the MS Oldenburg takes place on September 12 from 7.30pm to 10pm. For details phone Sue Newcombe 01237 423335.