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September 10, 2004
Lifeboat station appeals for help over wheel mystery

Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station is appealing for help in discovering more information about the history behind a ship's steering wheel.

The item was handed in to Burnham RNLI by a Bridgwater man who bought it in a local auction.

It is not known whether the wheel is from Burnham's Philip Beach lifeboat, which was in operation during the early 1900s and is mentioned on the town's lifeboat callout board.

A spokesman said: "It's very difficult to find out the wheel's history as there are no markings on it.

"We know it is old - possibly even a hundred year's old - and that it has been looked after very well, but we'd like to know more about its history to find out whether it really is from one of Burnham's early lifeboats or if it's from a lifeboat elsewhere in the area."

The wheel, pictured here, has been crafted out of hard wood and has a metallic surround with six spokes that are showing plenty of signs of wear.

If you can help with any information about the wheel, call in at the RNLI lifeboat station in Pier Street, Burnham-On-Sea, on Monday evenings.

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How To Get Involved with Burnham-On-Sea RNLI
Please contact the Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Martin Cox or telephone Burnham-On-Sea RNLI's Lifeboat Administration Officer, Clare Rundle, on 01278 781123.