Calshot RNLI opens new training room in memory of former station Chaplain

Peter, or ‘Murf’ as he was more commonly known, served as the station Chaplain in the 1980’s when he was the vicar in Hythe, and after moving to Lyndhurst for a time, he returned to the area around 2008 where he rejoined the crew.

After his passing in 2021, Shelley Wilson, the daughter of a friend of Murf set up a Justgiving page in his memory and the proceeds were donated to Calshot RNLI to use as they needed. It was decided that the upstairs space in the station was not being utilised effectively and the money was used to convert the space into a training room.

The new training space incorporates foldaway tables, large enough to accommodate the many charts that the crew uses, plus a new projector and screen to enable group training via the RNLI’s online training platform.

Additionally, there are two comfortable chairs to allow crew time to sit and take a moment or two out or have a place to sit and speak on a one-to-one basis in a more informal setting.

Murf’s widow, Trish said: ‘Whenever the pager went off, Peter would always check on the status of the boats and when he saw them coming back to station, would make his way down, in case it had been a tough job and any crew needed support. Often that support would just be to sit and listen, he viewed himself as a shepherd watching over his returning flock. Peter also had the pleasure of marrying members of the crew, as well as baptising their children. He also went afloat to administer the scattering of ashes until his health deteriorated, after which he trained crew to perform the task, whilst he participated from shore via radio.’

Members of Murf’s family, plus friends, including members of his darts team, named The Improbables saw Calshot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jane Banting give a speech, followed by a blessing of the room by current Chaplain Barry James, before the retiring downstairs for refreshments.

Of the room, Jane Banting said: ‘The room upstairs was tired and not very welcoming. With the money bequeathed, we have been able to transform it into a space that has regular use. The fact that its Murf’s Room is a fitting tribute to a wonderful man who did so much for not just Calshot RNLI, but also for the wider community. It is an honour and a privilege to have Murf’s name on the door and his picture adorning the wall in our station. We are also very lucky that his legacy lives on as Trish joined the crew as our Admin Officer.’

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