0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:03 > 0:00:08- It's been a special year - for the Porthdinllaen lifeboat crew.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19- After saying farewell to one boat, - they've welcomed a new one.
0:00:22 > 0:00:27- The boathouse was demolished - and a new one is being built.
0:00:31 > 0:00:38- There have been fundraising events, - training courses and exercises.
0:00:42 > 0:00:49- But all along, the work of saving - lives out at sea has continued.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- It has been - an exciting year of change...
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- ..for the crew - of the Porthdinllaen lifeboat.
0:01:12 > 0:01:13- Down in busy London...
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- ..Mike Davies, the Porthdinllaen - lifeboat coxswain...
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- ..has been invited - to a very special occasion.
0:01:22 > 0:01:28- We've been chosen by the lifeboat - service to come to a tea party...
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- ..in Buckingham Palace.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- It's just starting to hit me.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- I'm not feeling nervous, - but excited.
0:01:38 > 0:01:39- Why me?
0:01:39 > 0:01:41- Why me?
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- All I've done is my work.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- I've heard it's for wives too...
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- ..to thank them.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- It was amazing, really.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- I couldn't believe it - when Mike came home and said...
0:01:55 > 0:02:00- ..we'd been invited to represent - the RNLI at Buckingham Palace.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- He had to pinch me. - I think he had to pinch himself too.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- The word I'd use is proud.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- I'm proud of my work, - our team, everything.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- I represent Porthdinllaen here.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- Back in Pwllheli, Mali, one of - the Porthdinllaen lifeboat crew...
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- ..is given a lesson in driving - the lifeboat by Peter Gale...
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- ..from the RNLI college.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- Now we'll look at driving - the boat backwards.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- OK. Right!
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- I've been learning - how the engines work.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- The boat has two engines, - port and starboard.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- I've learnt to turn the boat.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- You pull one engine astern - and one engine forwards...
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- ..then she turns.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- It's mainly to get - a feel for the boat.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- Imagine that the boat's - centre is here when you steer.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- I understand the theory.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- It's another matter - to actually do it.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- I'm actually going to steer - the boat into Pwllheli Marina now.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- So hold tight!
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- Entering the harbour, you have - to watch out for a lot of things.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- What, Pete? Sorry.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- Look over there.
0:03:38 > 0:03:39- Oh, yes.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- One gets used to steering at sea.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- This is very different. - There are traffic rules here.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- You have to concentrate and keep - an eye out for a lot of things...
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- ..like water depth under the boat.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- It's quite a responsibility - to steer a 2.7 million boat.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- I couldn't stop - thinking about that film...
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- ..when a big boat went up - on a pontoon and smashed everything!
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- I didn't do that, thankfully.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- After entering the marina safely...
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- ..the two Caryls get a chance - to dock the lifeboat at the pontoon.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- I've done it in Porthdinllaen, but - not in a confined space like this.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- It was a good experience.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- The two Caryls docked successfully. - But how will Mali fare?
0:04:57 > 0:04:58- OK.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- I watched Caryl and Caryl do it. - It looked easy.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- But when you're up there, - it's not as easy.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- Am I moving?
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- When docking - or approaching another boat...
0:05:23 > 0:05:29- ..fenders are put on the side - so the boat isn't scratched.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- On this occasion, - thank goodness they were in place.
0:05:33 > 0:05:39- The bottom of the boat curves in, - so you can't see how far it is.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44- So it's very important to have - fenders and the crew watching...
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- ..in case you scratch the side.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- I don't think Mike would be happy...
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- ..if we scratched the boat's side.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- Back in London, - the tea party's over.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- Everyone is leaving the palace.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- How did it go - for Mike and his wife Fran?
0:06:10 > 0:06:16- We walked to the garden, down the - steps and chose a place to meet.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- The Queen went down one side - and the Duke of Kent the other.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- Who else was there?
0:06:23 > 0:06:24- Prince Edward.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25- Prince Edward.- - Yes.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- Prince Edward was there and quite - a few members of the royal family.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- We talked to a few people.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- We had tea, cucumber - sandwiches, egg sandwiches...
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- ..scones and clotted cream.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41- Very tasty.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- The best thing was the iced coffee.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- It was excellent.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- I think it was the grand occasion.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- It really was very grand, - special, very well organized.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- Just the atmosphere. Fantastic.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- It was amazing to be part of it.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- This country's good - at doing that kind of thing.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- I'll never forget it.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- Back in Pwllheli, - the boat is on its way out again.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- This time, Robat, - the second coxswain, is in charge.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- Hi!
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- You OK? It's nice.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- They're doing a slightly - different exercise...
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- ..joined by the Pwllheli - lifeboat and crew this time.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- BACKGROUND CONVERSATION
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- LIFEBOAT RADIO
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- Stand by your approach.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- We'll take the heaving line - off you when you're ready.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- It doesn't often happen.
0:07:52 > 0:07:58- We don't see another lifeboat, - unless we're searching out at sea...
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- ..working with the Abersoch, - Pwllheli or Holyhead boat.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- We don't often do - an exercise with another boat.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- It's nice to see the Pwllheli - crew for a towing exercise.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17- It's flat calm.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- It's a good time to see - how the boats turn into the wind.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- To tow a big boat - to Pwllheli from Bardsey...
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- ..we'd need help - from the Pwllheli boat.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- If we had a rope on the casualty...
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- ..we or Pwllheli could be - behind it, like an anchor.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- There would be three boats in a row.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- It's good to work as a team.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- Although most of the calls RNLI - Porthdinllaen get involve towing...
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- ..the crew has - to be prepared for anything.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- The John D Spicer and the crew...
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- ..were called out - to two kayakers in danger...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- ..five miles down - the coast in Porth Ysgaden.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- We were called out - at about 5.00pm on Sunday...
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- ..to two kayakers in trouble.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- It was reported that one - had capsized and lost his oar.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- The other one helped him.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- They were holding - on to a lobster cage buoy.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- One had been in the water.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- He had managed - to get back in the kayak.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- They were rather poor quality - inflatable rubber kayaks.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- The rising wind had affected them.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- They were carried out.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- They were very unstable - because they were so light.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- We were only ten feet away - from where we wanted to get to.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- But the current - was pulling us back each time...
0:10:05 > 0:10:06- ..as much as we tried.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- Eventually, we were able - to hold on to a buoy for support.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- We couldn't get in, we couldn't get - out. We were just marooned, really.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- They did the right thing by holding - on to a buoy and staying together.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- If they'd separated...
0:10:23 > 0:10:28- ..one could have capsized again and - failed to climb back in the kayak.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- They could easily have drowned.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- We thought we were - being quite sensible.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- We got the gear and we really - hadn't gone out far at all.
0:10:38 > 0:10:39- In a split second...
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- ..the power of the sea, the tide, - did take us out so quickly.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- So we feel quite stupid that we put - so many people's lives at risk.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- But maybe if anything good comes - out of it, it's to say to people...
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- ..be so careful whenever - you're out anywhere at sea.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- Down in St Davids, - a group of cyclists meet.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- To raise funds - for the new boathouse...
0:11:18 > 0:11:24- ..Porthdinllaen lifeboat crew - members and boathouse builders...
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- ..are going to cycle 161 miles - from St Davids to Porthdinllaen...
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- ..in three days.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- I think I've done enough, - 500 miles or so.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- I've done about 250 - in the last fortnight.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- On the way down, we saw some - of the hills we'll have to climb.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- I'm a bit worried about them.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- I might have to push the bike!
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- I'll try.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Take it slowly in this weather.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- If I reach New Quay tonight, - I'll be happy.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- It's not a race.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- We'll take our time.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- We'll do it.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- St Davids' mayor says a few words.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- You've come from one excellent view - to another one.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- So safe journey, - have a wonderful time.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- It's going to be a long - journey back to Lleyn.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- APPLAUSE
0:12:25 > 0:12:25- .
0:12:29 > 0:12:29- Subtitles
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- The lifeboat crew families - and friends wait eagerly...
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- ..for the cyclists - to arrive from St Davids.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- It's part of the campaign - to raise 100,000...
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- ..for the RNLI Porthdinllaen - boathouse appeal.
0:12:53 > 0:12:59- After 161 miles, - the crew's journey is almost over.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- APPLAUSE
0:13:06 > 0:13:07- How did it go?
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Fantastic!
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- We had a good crew. - Everyone got on well.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- We all enjoyed ourselves. - The first day was tough.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- I never want - to see Llangrannog again.
0:13:21 > 0:13:22- The hills!
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- They kept on coming.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- For two hours, - all we had was steep climbs.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- We went up and down, - along narrow back lanes.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35- Knackered!
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- I want a nice bath now.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- And just chill out.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- It's been three days - of seeing Wales at its best.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- The weather and the company - have been perfect.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- Twenty five of us cycled 161 miles.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- Everyone had low moments.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- But it was a close, friendly crew. - Everyone supported each other.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- We've arrived. - It was an unforgettable experience.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- Now there's a chance to relax - and celebrate with a barbecue...
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- ..and some beer.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- But it wasn't an easy - journey for everyone.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- Two of the crew - had punctures and two crashed.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- I was one of them, - the day before yesterday.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- I was going downhill too fast.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- I thought the road was - wider on one corner, but no.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- I ended up in the ditch.
0:14:42 > 0:14:48- My legs and knees bled a lot, - but luckily, Dr Harris was with us.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54- As the trip doctor, I took plenty - of medical supplies with me.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Thank goodness, - I didn't have to use too much.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- Bikes broke down more than people.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- Several vehicles followed - the cyclists to support them.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- Ken Fitzpatrick's campervan - was the target of some teasing.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- Ken was great. We've taken - the mick out of the motorhome.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- The campervan has - been brilliant. The fridge works.
0:15:21 > 0:15:27- It kept the drinks cold. - It hasn't used much diesel.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- I've slept well in it - for three nights.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- The Porthdinllaen appeal - got off to a successful start.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- What comes next, - to reach the total of 100,000?
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- We'll see how we've done first.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- We'll wait a few weeks - and check the texts and website...
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- ..to see how much we raised.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- We have to collect sponsor forms - and wait for the money to come in.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- Then we'll think of something else.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- The work on the boathouse has been - continuing for over ten months.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- Alan Parry has been keeping - an eagle eye on the work.
0:16:15 > 0:16:21- A lot's going on. They're concreting - the last piece of the floor.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- The diesel tank has just gone in.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- They had to put it in before - the rest of the building went up.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34- They're putting sockets on the - pillars to support the wooden frame.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- They're doing the exterior - stone wall too, which looks great.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- The next part of the building will - be the top half, the wooden frame.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- Then we'll see something - that resembles a real building.
0:16:56 > 0:17:02- People will be able to see the size - and shape of the boathouse...
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- ..in the next two or three weeks.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10- Everyone's looking forward to the - new boathouse. We've got the boat.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- All we need now is a boathouse.
0:17:24 > 0:17:30- A year has passed since the John - D Spicer arrived in Porthdinllaen.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- Today, it's going to the port - of Caernarfon for the first time.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- We did an exercise - near Llanddwyn Island.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- It's high tide, - so we could call in Caernarfon.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- People here haven't seen it...
0:17:58 > 0:18:03- ..although we're only - down the coast in Porthdinllaen.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- The new boathouse is being built, - so people can't go on it.
0:18:08 > 0:18:14- We've called here. It's a chance - to have an unofficial open day.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- Does this boat - have a hole in the bottom?
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- No, it doesn't. It goes and rescues - people with holes in their boats.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- A year without a home - has been a challenge...
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- ..in several ways - for the Porthdinllaen crew.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- Mike can't wait - to see the building work finish.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- I just want - the boathouse to be ready.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- We'll have to spend half - the winter on the water...
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- ..and dark nights in the bay.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- As soon as we're in the new - boathouse, we'll have a clean slate.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- It'll be a new beginning for us all.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- As well as being homeless...
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- ..the crew had to get - to know the new boat.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- Everyone is getting used to it, - but new things still crop up.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- I'm still learning, to be honest.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- It plays up a little sometimes, - especially when it's rough.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- We ask a lot of the crew. - Everyone has worked hard.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- We're all getting - up to speed with the new boat.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- On a personal level...
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- ..I feel a little more - comfortable than I did a year ago.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- At the end of her first year - as a full member of the crew...
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- ..there's no turning back for Mali.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- I'll never forget this year.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- It's opened my eyes to a new world, - a maritime world.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- If someone told me I'd be doing this - two or three years ago...
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- ..I wouldn't have believed it.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- I've taken to it - more than I expected...
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- ..and enjoyed it - much more than I expected.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- Being out at sea is - very different from my daily work.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- There have been so many experiences.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- Navigation, radar work, - steering, even first aid.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- The opportunities are great.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- I wouldn't change it for the world.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- Some of the crew have been members - of the RNLI Porthdinllaen...
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- ..for decades.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- Now, a new generation wants to join.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- They have a lot of fun, - but they're good learners.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- My son joined recently.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- A few more are coming through.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- There's a great crew. I want to put - them on the boarding boat too.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- When the boarding boat - returns, they clean it.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- Like Formula One, the boys are there - when the Land Rover comes in.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- It's a good way to learn.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- I decided to join to follow - in Dad's footsteps. He inspired me.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- I admired him going out. They - have to go when the pager sounds.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- It's voluntary too. - I'd love to do that.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- I want to follow in his - and the family's footsteps.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- Many of the family are - in the coastguard and the lifeboat.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- It's good to have friends - like Daniel and Sion here.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- A lot of us joined at the same time.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- We'll be a crew - all our lives, I hope.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- The future of the Porthdinllaen - lifeboat crew seems secure.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- There will be a year - of celebration in 2014 too.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- There will be two celebrations, - naming the boat and the boathouse...
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- ..and 150 years since founding - the Porthdinllaen station.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- It's going to be another busy year.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- It's an honour for us all - to have a new boat.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- Celebrating 150 years - is another important chapter for us.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- The lifeboat has been a big part - of Morfa Nefyn and Porthdinllaen.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- It's always been there.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- It's a great honour to say...
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- ..I was a member of - the Porthdinllaen lifeboat crew.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- We're all volunteers.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- We don't get a penny for doing this.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- There's something inside - every individual on the crew...
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- ..that makes them - want to go out on that boat...
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- ..to rescue people in danger.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- That's the important - thing at the end of the day.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- We only get one chance. - It doesn't come often.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03- I'm very proud of it.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- The crew should be too - and everyone who is part of this.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- They've had - a new boat and boathouse.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- Some stations would give anything - to have what we've had.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:46 > 0:23:47- .