Patrol boat named in honour of Robert Arckless MBE
Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) officially named their new patrol boat the Robert Arckless MBE, at a ceremony at Amble Marina. The new 9.50 metre cabin rib was named in honour of NIFCA’s ex-chair and longstanding member of the team, Robert Arckless.
l-r: Alistair Browne, Les Weller, Mike Hardy (NIFCA), Robert Arckless, Eileen Armstrong (Deputy Civic Head Northumberland County Council), Ian Hutchinson (Civic Head Northumberland County Council), Peter Dade (Fishermen’s Mission)
The new boat will be based in Amble Marina, and will help the marine conservation organisation with their patrols along the Northumberland coast. The vessel was part funded through the European Marine Fisheries Fund, and includes a wheelhouse, toilet and heating, all necessary for extended patrols – especially in the winter.
Robert said “I was very touched and surprised when I heard about this. I was very conscious that when I was with NIFCA I was always part of a team. It’s good to be remembered by the team who worked with me. And I think it’s very appropriate that it will be berthed here in Amble.”
Robert was a member of the Northumberland Seafisheries Committee from 1989-2010 when it then disbanded and NIFCA was formed. He chaired the organisation from 2010-2017 when he retired.
A long-time county councillor, Robert represented Amble for 34 years, standing on many committees and he was chair of Alnwick District Council, and in 2007 he became chair of Northumberland County Council. Robert was Mayor of Amble twice. He was awarded the MBE in 2017 for his contributions to public service.
Robert Arckless pours champagne over NIFCA’s new patrol vessel, named in his honour
Les Weller chair of NIFCA said “It was unanimously agreed by the Authority quite some time ago to name our new cabin rib after Robert, my predecessor, as very fitting recognition of his service to NIFCA. The vessel will work from Amble and hopefully benefit the fishermen of Amble (as well as throughout Northumberland) just as Robert served Amble and its people for many years”.
The boat was blessed by Peter Dade of the Fishermen’s Mission.
Anna Williams
