New Chairman for Cromer RNLI

Derek Hinds, a long time supporter from Cromer RNLI has been appointed its chairperson, following on from the retirement, after many years, of Tony Webster.

Derek has been involved with fund raising for Cromer RNLI for the past 22 years and during this time he has been recognised by the RNLI and was a regional winner in the RNLI supporter awards 2012 alongside his wife Rita.

In 2017 they were rewarded with an Excellence in Volunteering thanks in recognition of fund raising through their innovative football competition (For the past 22 years he has been chairman of the Cromer Lifeboat Football Cup competition which was established in 1906, raising funds for Cromer RNLI).

Derek is a member of the RNLI visits team at Cromer giving talks to all groups from schools and other organisations at Cromer Lifeboat Station and visits local communities giving talks on the RNLI. Over the years Derek has also worked as a volunteer in the lifeboat shop. During the past twelve months, alongside his wife Rita, they have carried out a meet and greet to visitors, in particular visitors who are unable to access the stairs to the viewing gallery to the lifeboat station and answering many questions about the lifeboat. Over the years Derek has built an excellent relationship with the crew and the management committee and also the Ladies Guild at Cromer RNLI.

Derek said that he was honoured to be invited to take on the role of chairperson of Cromer RNLI and to continue the excellent work of the past chairman, Tony Webster, who has been a most dedicated and inspirational chairman.

Derek said that he will always endeavour to promote the outstanding work of Cromer RNLI both in the local community and further afield.

RNLI media contacts

• Audrey Smith, Cromer RNLI Volunteer Press Officer 07773 097094/ [email protected]

· Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer (North and East) 01642 790636/

07824 518641 [email protected]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.