201 Years for the 201st Anniversary

After exercise afloat this morning,16 November, volunteers from across Walmer lifeboat station gathered to help celebrate six Long-Service Awards, presented by Area Operations Manager (AOM) Jason Carroll.

Boathouse Manager Les Coe was presented with a Bar to his medal commemorating 70 years service. Launch Authority Tony Evans was awarded a Badge to celebrate 51 years, and helm Andrew Howland received a medal and Bar celebrating 30 years with the station. Former crew member James Evans was presented with a 20 Year medal, Certificate of Service and a Letter of Thanks from the RNLI’s Director of Regions, fundraiser Richard Porteus was awarded a 20 Year medal and Steve Milne received a Certificate of Service commemorating 10 years as a Launch Authority along with a Letter of Thanks.

Other presentations this morning included a Letter of Appreciation from Head of Region Ryan Hall to Andrew Coe, Victoria Ward, Dave Mitchell and Luke Curry for a difficult, timely rescue carried out on the Goodwin Sands in April last year and Casualty Care for Lifeboat Crew certificates to eighteen crew who successfully completed the three-day intensive course in September.

Speaking during the presentations, AOM Jason Carroll said: ‘I’m honoured to be able to present such a range of recognitions to crew. It’s not many volunteers who reach 20 years, but to celebrate 30, 50 and 70 years at one station is a remarkable achievement. I would like to thank all volunteers at Walmer and their families for the support they give.’

Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry

To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

• Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]

• Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
• Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07483 488243 jessica_curtis@rnli.org.uk
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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