Fundraisers and lifeboat crew for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution have been recognised in the Queen’s 2012 Birthday Honours List.
Helmsman and fundraisers alike were rewarded for their services to Maritime Safety in the twice annual awards, which recognise contributions to society.
Andrew Findlay, helmsman of Macduff lifeboat in Scotland, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Andrew joined the RNLI in 1987, and received a Long Service Badge in 2007.
Kevin Christian, from Ramsey on the Isle of Man, has also been made an MBE. Kevin has served with the RNLI for 33 years, originally as second coxswain and more recently as Lifeboat Operations Manager.
Kevin, who celebrated his 50th birthday in May this year, said he was ‘over the moon’ at the news, and added it was a ‘novel birthday present’.
Two fundraisers have also been honoured – Eleanore Huston, of Portrush, Antrim, and Edna Weatherby of Staffordshire. They receive an MBE and a British Empire Medal (BEM) respectively.
The British Empire Medal, recently revived by David Cameron after being phased out during John Major’s term in office, is awarded to people for work in their local community. The re-introduction of the Medal is to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.
Mrs Weatherby has been Honorary Secretary of Alsager Guild of the RNLI since 1953, and received an Honorary Life Governorship in 2000.
Elsewhere, a handful of individuals have been commended for their links with the RNLI. Joanna Wiesner organised and performed a ‘Sea Symphony’ at Wells Cathedral in 2009, raising in excess of £10,000 for the RNLI. Commodore Ian Gibb has given talks on his career of 43 years in the Navy, and all monies raised are donated to the RNLI and other maritime charities. They both receive an MBE, whilst Admiral Sir George Zambellas was awarded the KCB - Knight Commandar, Order of the Bath, and John Bougourd received the British Empire Medal for services to Sark and the RNLI.
RNLI Chief Executive Paul Boissier said: "We are delighted to see so many people who are connected to the RNLI in this year's Birthday Honours List. As a charity we are dependent on the selfless commitment of our volunteer crew and the hard work of our dedicated fundraisers. It is wonderful to see such commitment and dedication rewarded by our patron Her Majesty The Queen."
Notes to editors
Photographs: Kevin Christian, from Ramsey on the Isle of Man, and the HM Queen Elizabeth II at the RNLI College opening in Poole in 2004.
Media contacts
For more information please contact Lauren Hockey, Public Relations Officer, on 01202 336789 or by email at lauren_hockey@rnli.org.uk