We find ourselves upon the first of December. A month of light. Of snow and feasts, glittering memories, little Christmas figurines and so many other joyful, precious things. On this magical note as the festive season begins, we wanted to say Thank You from the bottom of our hearts. Your loyalty and support means so much to us.
The 19th of this December will mark the 40th anniversary of the Penlee Lifeboat disaster. 40 years ago the Solomon Browne rescue boat was bndeployed from the Penlee Lifeboat station on the small scenic Cornish fishing town of Mousehole (Mouzle) to aid the Union Star 8 miles off the Cornish coast. This was one of the most challenging rescues of all time, battling with hurricane force winds with speeds of nearly 100mph and monumental 40 ft waves in the dark of December. Despite a successful initial rescue, the crew were all lost alongside the passengers of the Union Star, who were returning from Denmark on what was the ship’s Maiden Voyage. 16 people died in all, the 8 crew members of the rescue lifeboat and 8 people from the Union Star, including the Captain’s pregnant wife and his two daughters just off Wolf Rock, in what was a great tragedy for Cornwall that Christmas.
Hence, it is an honour and a privilege to have created the 40th Anniversary Book of Remembrance to mark the heartfelt occasion. This special Online Book is a place to commemorate the extraordinary courage shown from ordinary Cornish men and to share sympathies with a community who will never forget.
The book is open for everyone to sign online until January, when it will then be printed and put on display at the Penlee Visitor Centre at the Lifeboat Station in Newlyn Harbour (Cornish seaside town and largest harbour in England) as a lasting memorial and symbol of grace to those who were lost.
The village of Mousehole, has a long cherished tradition each Christmas, where local villagers put up a spectacular scene of lights which attract visitors from far and wide. The Christmas lights beautifully illuminate the port and reflect on out to sea…Every year on the 19th of December between 8pm and 9pm the lights are dimmed.
Have yourself a truly Wonderful Christmas and we will see you in the New Year.
With Warmest Christmas Wishes,
The Team at The Online Book Company
For a little more information, about our books, this short Vimeo film may be most helpful.
Mousehole Harbour Lights
We would love to show you more and can happily set up a screen sharing call at a time to suit. Just click here to drop us an E mail with your best contact number and we will be in touch to arrange a suitable time.