Ralph was a leading boat builder who built many gigs and played a central role in the rebirth of the sport of gig rowing and racing. Ralph supported Gail McGarva and advised and offered help in building Lyme Regis first gig Rebel and attended her launch. Lyme Regis Gig Club is very sad to learn that Ralph died and offers condolences to his family and many friends in Cornwall.’

Obituary for Michael Rushforth

News of the death of Michael Rushforth has been greeted with sadness by his many friends who include the members of Lyme Gig Club. Michael worked resolutely to establish the Lyme Regis Club and forged close links with HMS Conway and its Association, whose seafaring traditions the Club works to uphold. To the last Michael lived life to the full and will be remembered for his energy,intelligence,experience and his lasting love of the sea.
Michael was born in 1938,educated at Bentham Grammar School and HMS Conway. After a spell in the Merchant Navy with the Blue Funnel Line he left the sea to help care for his parents who were suffering from poor health. Michael's career thereafter was in agriculture,specialising in animal nutrition sales and advice. On retirement he was living in St Mawes,Cornwall and moved to Lyme Regis in January ,2007.
Michael leaves his wife Angela, children Sue and Tom , and grandchildren Gemma and Jake who miss him greatly.
A family service for Michael will be held at the Parish church of St Michael the Archangel in Lyme Regis on October at 2.30 pm. followed by a gathering for family and friends at the Pilot Boat inn.
Marcus Dixon Chairman Lyme Regis Gig Club.Tel 01297445021 e-mail:marcus@lrdt.co.uk

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Sadness to report.

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Michael Rushforth, cox and gentleman of the sea died this morning having suffered a heart attack following an operation to repair a burst aorta.
We will be sending flowers to his wife Angela, and family,over the next couple days,with the condolences and sympathy of all at the Gig Club.
I will let you know as soon as l know of the date of the funeral.

Liz.

You will see Mike featured in an article with Archie Smith just below on this blog

EGM of the Lyme Regis Gig Club

The meeting of the EGM on the 18th September at the Power Boat Club with Chairman Marcus Dixon leading the proceedings. To agree a slight amendment to the constitution and agree to establish a rowing committee.

Launching of the latest Gig took place today REVENGE

The launch of our latest Gig was put into the water after the usual splash of a bottle by the members. If any member was there and took some pic's perhaps they would like to send them to me by email

Archie and Mike

Archie Smith a very welcome visitor to the LRGC

PRESIDENT of the HMS Conway Club, which aims to maintain relationships with former cadets of the HMS Conway training ship, visited Lyme Regis last week and praised the town’s boating organisations.

The visit from Archie Smith was organised by Lyme Regis Gig Club member Michael Rushforth, who is a former cadet on the HMS Conway.

He said: “This visitor is special and could do a lot of good for the youth of the town in terms of either sea careers or maritime employment through his wide office of expertise.”

The Conway Club has already donated the gig club with a super cruiser to sell at Rob Perry Marine to fund their new safety boat, which will be called “The Conway”. They will also be awarding a historical cup from a collection that has been on display at HMS Devonport in Plymouth.

Mr Smith, who is also director and chief of the global Oil Spill Response Ltd, was shown around the Boat Building Academy and viewed the gig club’s first vessel “Rebel” with bosun Chris Douglas, followed by a viewing of their second boat, which is currently under construction, “Black Ven”, with boat-builder Gail McGarva.

The academy also provided lunch for the guest, who was given a “Rebel” polo shirt and cap.

Mr Rushforth said: “Archie left with a big smile on his face and was amazed at the skill and dedication here in Lyme Regis on all matters to do with the sea, and the community spirit portrayed at the Boat Building Academy.

“His interests spread far and wide in the marine industry and he has special feeling for our gig club.”

Mr Rushforth is also hoping to open a Conway Centre in the town, full of artefacts and memorabilia from the training ship.

FORMER CADETS: President of the HMS Conway Club Archie Smith with former HMS Conway cadet and member of Lyme Regis Gig Club, Michael Rushforth.

GOOD JOB: Archie Smith meets Boatbuilding Academy Student Paul working on his boat..