Harwich RNLI Volunteer Attends Royal Garden Party

Representing Harwich RNLI and in recognition of his 27 years of service and counting, John had been invited to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace.

In John’s 27 years with Harwich RNLI, he has served in a number of roles, from being a crew member on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats, to being an inshore lifeboat helmsman, an assistant and emergency mechanic on the all-weather lifeboat, and now serving as a Deputy Launch Authority. John’s most recent role draws on his years of experience, joining the station’s Operations Management Team to make important decisions in authorising the launch of the Harwich lifeboats. His in depth experience on board the lifeboats, knowing their capabilities, and his extensive local knowledge of the rivers and the open sea where the Harwich lifeboats operate is all key to the role.

John was joined by his wife Becky for the trip to the royal garden party, where they were presented to the RNLI's President, his royal highness the Duke of Kent. Commenting on the day and on husband John, Becky said:

‘It was the most amazing experience and memorable day. Shaking hands and talking to Prince Charles, Camilla and Princess Anne will stay with me forever. The Palace and the gardens were so beautiful and we were well looked after by the Palace staff. I feel very privileged to have met so many amazing people from all walks of life and of course very proud of my husband John for being chosen to represent Harwich RNLI for his 27 years of voluntary service’.

A spokesperson for Harwich RNLI said: ‘We are very proud to have had John representing Harwich RNLI, and very pleased for John to have his past and continued years of service and commitment recognised. 27 years of answering the call to help those in difficulty at sea, helping to train new crew members along the way, and leading many crew members on lifesaving rescues, it’s real dedication.'

RNLI media contacts

Daniel Sime, Lifeboat Press Officer, Harwich Lifeboat Station on 01255 502258, 07793 883797 [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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