A memorial dedicated to the RNLI’s most decorated lifeboatman has been left to decay amidst a dispute between councils over its maintenance.
The 1930s lifeboat, used by RNLI hero Henry Blogg, lies in disrepair next to his bust in his hometown of Cromer in Norfolk, where he served for an impressive 53 years from 1894.
Blogg is credited with saving an incredible 873 lives before retiring in 1947.
However, the preserved section of the QJ and J crab boat, which he used in his heroic rescues and was placed at North Lodge Park, is now deteriorating despite previous renovations.
A 10nyear campaign saw a group of volunteers work tirelessly to preserve the front section of the boat at the Museum of the Broads in Stalham before it was established as a memorial in 2016.
The boat was found to be in such a dire state that it had to be cut in half, with some parts sold off to raise funds.
The museum carried out the restoration work free of charge, while the Q J and J rescue group raised thousands to cover the cost of necessary materials.
However, nine years on, fresh concerns are being raised about its condition.
Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council and a member of Cromer Town Council, said: “It is deteriorating, despite the huge effort of the community to get it back.”
Minutes from Cromer Town Council meetings reveal ongoing difficulties in finding contractors willing to undertake basic maintenance on the boat and other town assets.
Despite advertising the work, no firms have come forward.
The council is now turning to the Probation Service to see if Community Payback teams can take on the task.
Councillor Tim Adams commented: “It raises some questions why contractors are not willing to work with Cromer Town Council.”
A spokesperson for the RNLI stated: “As the charity that saves lives at sea, the focus of our collection is on lifesaving heritage.
“Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to preserve RNLB HF Bailey as a lasting tribute to Henry Blogg and all the people of Cromer who contributed so much to saving lives at sea.
“We understand the affection in which Henry Blogg’s fishing boat, the QJJ, is held and hope a resolution can be found.”
The disagreement has exacerbated tensions between the district and town councils, with allegations of neglect extending to planters outside Cromer Museum and even the war memorial.
Henry was involved in numerous medal-winning rescues including one where his crew launched four times in 14 hours in 1917.
They braved 50mph winds to rescue 22 crew onboard a Greek vessel and upon returning, were sent straight back out.
A Swedish ship – the Fernabo – had been split in two by a mine and the crew rowed out three times to rescue sailors on board.
Henry joined the lifeboat crew in 1894 and became their coxswain 15 years later.
He remained coxswain at 70 years old, ten years beyond the statutory retirement age, and requested to continue.
The coxswain retired at 74 and passed away four years later in 1954.