High Sheriff of Kent visits Sheerness RNLI lifeboat station
The High Sheriff of Kent, Jonathan Neame, accompanied by his wife Lucie, has visited Sheerness RNLI lifeboat station as part of a wider tour of voluntary organisations on the Isle of Sheppey.
Mr Neame is the Chief Executive of Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, and was appointed High Sheriff of Kent in April 2025. The non-political, ceremonial role represents the Crown in the county and focuses on supporting voluntary organisations, emergency services and community initiatives.
The couple were welcomed at the station by volunteer coxswains Rachel Collier and Clive Hancock, along with full-time Station Technician Andy Matthews. Their visit included time in the boathouse, discussing the RNLI's work, how the station is crewed, and the commitment required from volunteers to provide a 24-hour lifesaving service.
They were shown the station’s inshore lifeboat, Buster, before being given a guided tour of the afloat Shannon-class all-weather relief lifeboat, Eric's Legend, learning more about its capabilities and the work involved in keeping the vessel operational and ready to respond at any time.
Both were impressed by the lifeboats and highly complimentary of the professionalism of the crew and the dedication shown by volunteers in keeping people in Kent and further afield safe at sea.
Volunteer coxswain Clive Hancock said: "It was great to receive a request from the High Sheriff to visit the station and find out more about our work on the lifeboats tucked away in the port of Sheerness."
The visit took place on Friday, January 30.
Key facts about the RNLI
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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