Walmer's RNLI first female crew member honoured for 20 years' service
Nicola Goodban, who joined Walmer RNLI lifeboat crew in 1997, has been recognised for two decades of saving lives at sea during an annual ceremony.
Nicola was honoured on Sunday 3 September during the annual blessing of the town's lifeboats at Walmer lifeboat station.
She joined the town’s lifeboat station in 1997 and was the first female volunteer on the crew. Since then she has served as a first aider, inshore lifeboat crew member, tractor driver and as the first female Atlantic class and D-class lifeboat helm.
Conducted the service, Lay Minister Paul Henderson from St Saviour’s Church, Walmer, presented Nicola with an RNLI Long Service Badge to recognise her service. Lifeboat Chairman Roger Blown read the 'Lifeboat Prayer', and assembled Lifeboat Management Group members, boat and shore crew joined in with hymns, prayers and readings.
An 'Excellence in Volunteering' presentation was also made to shore crew member, Sam Culpin, in recognition of his efforts and dedication to the station, especially the annual Car Show which has raised more than £23,000 for the RNLI over the last five years.
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825, [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
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