Peel RNLI honours Allen Corlett as he retires after 45 years

During Allen’s four and a half decades of dedicated commitment to Peel RNLI, he played a vital role in supporting the station, its volunteer crew and the wider community. Joining the RNLI in December 1981, Allen remembers it fondly:

‘I actually failed the eyesight test to become lifeboat crew but was immediately asked to join the Branch Committee. I then became Admin Officer in April the following year.’

Over the past 45 years Allen has held the role of Council Member, Admin Officer, Launch Authority and Lifeboat Operations Manager, helping uphold the RNLI’s mission of saving lives at sea, whilst being a constant, steady and trusted presence within the station.

As Lifeboat Operations Manager, Allen oversaw the operational readiness of Peel RNLI, helping ensure that the station’s volunteers were prepared to respond when called upon. His leadership, experience and dedication have made a lasting contribution to the station and to the many people who depend on the RNLI around the Manx coastline.

Allen reflected on his time with Peel Lifeboat Station saying:

‘Looking back over the last 45 years, it's been a real privilege to be part of Peel RNLI. I've had the opportunity to serve alongside dedicated and professional volunteers who are always willing to give up their time to help those in need. Over the years I've seen many changes at the station, from new lifeboats and equipment to new generations of crew, but what has never changed is the commitment and camaraderie of the people involved.

‘I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in supporting the RNLI's lifesaving work and helping ensure the station was always ready to answer the call. I'd like to thank everyone I've worked with over the years, along with my family for their support throughout my volunteering journey.

‘My family has had an unbroken link with the Peel Lifeboat for well over 100 years, and I am proud that this will now be continued by my two sons. Peel RNLI will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish Paul and the whole crew every success for the future.’

Allen’s dedication to the RNLI has rubbed off on his family, with his sons now also giving their time as volunteers at Peel RNLI. Allen has passed the reins of Peel Lifeboat Station to Paul Thompson, who’s taken over the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager. Paul said:

‘Allen’s 45 years of service represent an outstanding commitment to Peel RNLI and to the wider community. His contribution as Lifeboat Operations Manager has been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for everything he has given to the station.

‘I’m excited to be taking over as LOM for this next chapter of our lifesaving history and look forward to supporting our incredible volunteers.

‘It is both a challenge and an honour to continue the work that Allen has delivered here at Peel Lifeboat Station.’

The whole one crew team at Peel RNLI extend their sincere thanks to Allen for his decades of service and wish him the very best for the future.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information, please contact Claire Hamer Peel Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07624 388 608.

Alternatively you can contact RNLI Regional Communications Manager, Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, on [email protected] / 07977 728 315. For out of hours enquiries please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789. 

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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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