Retiring Ramsgate RNLI crew honoured for combined service of 143 years
A presentation evening was held recently at the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate in the presence of more than 70 guests and crew, to honour and thank four people who between them have selflessly served the RNLI as volunteer crew for a combined time of 143 years.
The introductions and welcome were done by Coxswain Ian Cannon with the presentations being made by Ramsgate RNLI Chairman Eric Burton.
Captain Philip Lloyd Toghill joined in 1989 as Deputy Launch Authority until 2017 and also served as Honorary Secretary from 1989-1992.
Raymond William Noble started as inshore lifeboat crew and helmsman in 1982 and served until 1997. He was also an all-weather lifeboat crew member from 1982-2002. He was then shore crew from 2002-2011 before becoming Deputy Launch Authority from 2011-2016 and then Lifeboat Operations Manager from 2016-2017. He continues today to raise money for the RNLI as Collections Manager.
The longest serving member is Derek Austin Pegden who joined in 1964 and served as all-weather lifeboat crew until 1976 and as inshore lifeboat crew and helmsman from 1974-1996.
From 1976-2000 he was Second Coxswain and Assistant Mechanic, then from 2000-2001 he was Second Coxswain and Second Mechanic and then became Deputy Launch Authority from 2005-2016.
When asked if he had his speech ready, it was short and sweet: 'No I haven’t, no I’m not!' much to the amusement of everyone present.
Also honoured was Dr Malcolm Reeves who has looked after the health and well being of the crew and served Ramsgate for 27 years as Lifeboat Medical Advisor.
They were all presented with long service awards as well as a framed photograph of Ramsgate by Ramsgate RNLI Treasurer and photographer Steve Burton.
At the same event Coxswain Ian Cannon also presented Mechanic Phil Mace with his 20 years service medal.
An RNLI spokesperson said: 'The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and without courageous volunteers like these honoured tonight we would be unable to do our job.'
Ends
RNLI Media Contacts:
Karen Cox Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ramsgate Lifeboat Station. (07779) 848431 email [email protected]
Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Office for London and the South East. Contact details (07785) 296252 email [email protected].
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.