Gordon Nichols presented with RNLI Medal
One of Cromer RNLI’s crew, Gordon Nichols was the recipient of a long service award during the presentation evening on 17 November 2018.
Gordon is a valued and respected member of the crew who serves on both the RNLI D class inshore lifeboat – ‘George and Muriel’ and the RNLI Tamar class ‘Lester’. Gordon in the past has been mechanic for Cromer’s lifeboats and has also, in his nearly 29 years RNLI service, been a tractor driver for the lifeboat service.
He is one of the very few tractor drivers and possibly the first - to have received a letter of thanks – for his efforts. On December 5th 1998, he assisted in a launch off Cromer Beach, a north westerly wind gusting at 8 to 9, accompanied by snow and rough seas. The swell at the launching site was over 4 metres. The lifeboat was launched into hazardous and heavy seas.
The letter goes onto state:
'As tractor driver your skill and judgement was vital for the safe launch of the lifeboat and it is to your credit that the lifeboat was quickly and safely launched to go to the aid of the ‘Ocean Explorer’
Cromer RNLI has a long history of brave volunteers such as Gordon. On receiving his medal last week he said: ‘I am one person who is always willing to help anyone who needs it. I continue to be a committed member of a team and was proud to receive my long service award’.
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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