Farewell to Fishguard RNLI volunteers

Approximately 100 people attended the event to say thanks. They were present and past members of Fishguard and Goodwick Lifeboat Station and their friends and family as well as representatives from St Davids and Cardigan RNLI stations and the Coastguard.

Presentations were made to Paul Butler, Roger Tayler, Mike Iles, Steven Phillips and Roger Strawbridge by David Davies, the Chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group.

Paul Butler, who retired from his role as Fishguard RNLI Coxswain after 24 years of service was presented with a canoe from his colleagues and a letter of thanks from George Rawlinson, Operations Director, RNLI. Paul also received a framed photo of the Fishguard lifeboat from the Cardigan lifeboat station.

After eight years as Chairman of the Fishguard and Goodwick RNLI fundraising committee, Roger Tayler was leaving to spend more time with his family. He had also spent eight years as a Deputy Launching Authority and received a barometer.

Mike Isles, another DLA who was stepping down after reaching the statutory retirement age, also received a barometer as thanks for his 13 years of service.

Steven Phillips, the station’s full time mechanic, was thanked and presented with a 20 Year Long Service Badge. Steven joined the Station in January 1997 and after periods as crew, Deputy 2nd Coxswain, and 2nd Coxswain, became the station’s full time mechanic in 2005. Since then has maintained both the station's boats in immaculate condition.

Roger Strawbridge, who recently reached retirement age for RNLI sea-going crew but is continuing as shore crew, received a bottle of New Zealand ‘fizz’ to mark his 43 years of service.

David ‘Doc’ Davies said:

‘Individually and collectively these gentlemen have contributed a vast amount to Fishguard and Goodwick Lifeboat Station and on behalf of the station, I would like to both thank and congratulate them on their efforts.’

Notes to Editors:

The photo shows (L-R): David Davies, Steven Phillips, Paul Butler, Chris Osbourne (Fishguard’s new Coxswain), Roger Tayler, Mike Iles and Roger Strawbridge.

Credit: Paul Turner.

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