Walmer RNLI welcomes new lifeboat

Representatives of the donor, invited guests, volunteer lifeboat crew, fundraisers, shop volunteers, operational and station support teams and local Coastguards gathered at the station for the occasion.

The lifeboat was funded by the generous legacy of Miss Lorna Grace Newman. Her late parents John Alfred Newman and Grace Florence Newman were the founder members of the Hounslow Branch of the RNLI and as a family they spent many hours raising money and working to increase the public’s awareness of the Charity.

Lorna left her entire estate to the RNLI with a request that the funds be used for the purchase of a boat named Hounslow Branch in memory of her late parents.

The proceedings were opened by Roger Blown, Chair of Walmer’s Lifeboat Management Group who welcomed guests. He began by introducing Lorna’s representative Nick Fry, who handed the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI saying: ‘Her generosity for the purchase of the lifeboat is inspiring, and the boat and the service of Walmer’s crew will be a tribute to her support.’

The new lifeboat was accepted on behalf of the RNLI by Admiral Sir George Zambellas GCB, DSC, DL, Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports.

Walmer’s Operation Manager Denis Brophy, who accepted the boat on behalf of the station said:’ Hounslow Branch will begin writing a new chapter in the history of Walmer lifeboat station. Since its arrival in March 2025, it has launched on 37 occasions saving four lives and completing over 100 afloat exercises. It means that we have the latest and finest equipment available. I know that when crews head out to sea we all have peace of mind that this lifeboat will keep them safe.’

The Service of Dedication which followed was conducted by The Reverend Canon Seth Cooper, Chaplain to Walmer lifeboat station.

The day was made extra special during the Vote of Thanks speech by Walmer helm James Evans with Excellence in Volunteering Awards made to Denis Brophy recognising his leadership, adaptability and unwavering dedication to the RNLI for over 59 years. A second presentation was made to Launch Authority Tony Evans for being recognised by crew as a pillar of strength and experience and organising activities and events supporting crew welfare. The awards were presented by Area Operations Manager Jason Carroll.

Following the christening of the lifeboat by Nick Fry, volunteers took to sea and gave the guests and onlookers assembled on the beach a demonstration of its capabilities.

Walmer volunteers would like to extend their thanks to Georgia Byrne and Katy Lee from the RNLI’s Events Team for their organisation of the day, local musicians Albotat for accompanying the proceedings and to Olivia Whitbread for making a celebratory cake.

RNLI Media Contacts

Christopher Winslade, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 01304 374475 [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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