Ramsgate volunteer crew members honoured for 20 years of saving lives at sea
On Saturday 22 September the members of the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate held their annual dinner in honour of their local RNLI station - and witnessed first hand how much time volunteers in the town dedicate to serving on the crew.
The Royal Temple Yacht Club was founded in 1857 by a group of yachtsmen sailing from the Temple Steps, on the River Thames in the centre of London, hence the name. The Ramsgate Clubhouse was opened in 1896 and two years later started the Ramsgate Week Sailing Regatta which continues to this day.
A lifeboat crew has operated in Ramsgate since 1802 due to the proximity of the Goodwin Sands, before being fully adopted by the RNLI in 1922, so over the years they have assisted many a club member. As a gesture of admiration and respect for the work done by the volunteer crews, the club always hosts them and their partners to a meal each year paid for by the members.
At this year's dinner Ramsgate Coxswain Ian Cannon took the opportunity to present long service awards to two of his crew, both who have been volunteering for twenty years. Clive Nicholls serves on the all-weather boat as well as covering when needed as mechanic. Lance Oram serves on both the all-weather and inshore lifeboat , when he is not providing support to cross channel swimmers.
The Commodore of the club Andrew Beaumont-Hope presented a photograph to say thank you to the station for their support and dedication. The picture was taken by a local photographer, Malcolm Kirkaldie, showing both lifeboats on a ‘shout’ this April during a storm off Broadstairs beach. In his speech Andrew explained how the RNLI relies fully on donations from the public and encouraged everyone to support them.
Media Contacts:
Karen Cox volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ramsgate RNLI: email
[email protected] 07779 848431.
Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer London and South East. Email
[email protected]. Tel nos. 07785 296252.
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
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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.