Largs lifeboat volunteers attend Armistice Day

On Sunday morning the 11th. of November many of the volunteer crew members turned out to join in the remembrance of the first World War parade and Service to be held at the Local War Memorial,those who were not available for various understandable reasons were working,or out of Town and did apologise in advance for their absence.
Crew members for the day were selected to man the lifeboat and the remainder of the volunteers including shore helpers made their way to join the walking parade.
The day was wet and windy, however, despite the weather, an excellent turn out from all of the emergency services and support groups were present along with local youth groups and members of the public.
The service was conducted at the War Memorial by six clergymen from different faiths while the Lifeboat at a slow and respectful speed arrived off shore allowing two crew members to disembark making their way up the beach towards the memorial where their wreath was placed, a very moving moment for all assembled.
As the service came to an end the lifeboat returned to station as did the rest of the very wet volunteers.
The kettle was boiled, hot tea and coffee was the order of the day when a surprise overtook the moans and groans about the weather, an award, yes, an award was to be presented to our very own Bill Kerr , a well deserved long service award.
Bill, as his pals at the station know him, has three names all based on the name William, he is Bill at the station, Billy to his closest family including his good Lady and WILLIAM when he has had more than one can of beer at home.
Bill, our Bill has devoted many years of dutiful service to the station in several posts, he was for many years DLA and at the same time being,thee,very,most fastidious station treasurer within the institution, not for the first time, when there was a shout and few crew available,he would, without a second thought boldly get kitted up and go out on the shout .
His dear wife Liz recently retired from her career in banking as Bill retired from his DLA post, although, as they say ''you cant keep an old dog down'' Bill has chosen to remain in his position as treasurer at Largs.
Now that both (Bill) (William ) ( Billy ) and Liz have retired,we all,here at Largs lifeboat station wish them both a long and well deserved and happy retirement .

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