RNLI Rye Harbour welcomes High Sheriff
On Sunday 17 March, in his final week as our county's High Sheriff, Major General John Moore-Bick paid a visit to Rye Harbour lifeboat station accompanied by his wife, Anne, and his assigned police cadet, Emily Mabbott
The office of High Sheriff has existed since the Middle Ages. Over time the rôle has evolved and today can be summarised as lending active support to the Judiciary, the Police and other law-enforcement agencies, ensuring the welfare of High Court Judges and representing the Royal Family in Sussex, in support of the Lord Lieutenant. Promoting the work of voluntary organisations is a key element of the work and, as the High Sheriff explained when thanking volunteer crew members at the station, 'It is difficult to think of an organisation doing more for the good of the people of Sussex than the RNLI at stations such as this one.'
Major General Moore-Bick was born in Stonegate and now lives in Ewhurst Green. His military career has encompassed the Royal Artillery, the Royal Engineers and the Royal Marines and has involved posts in various countries: he speaks German, Serbian and Italian. The principle of service has informed his life and he was already a Deputy Lieutenant of Sussex when he was selected as this year's High Sheriff. In the course of this year’s duties he has travelled thousands of miles and attended hundreds of engagements. 'What I have consistently enjoyed,' he says, 'has been the opportunity to support and affirm all those who, in one way or another, contribute to the good of our society.'
The High Sheriff was interested to see part of the weekly training programme at the Harbour, to listen to the views and experiences of crew members and to learn more about Hello Herbie II, our Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat. His commendation of the work being done to help save lives at sea was well-received and all of us who met him would surely agree with the verdict of police cadet Emily, as she nears the end of her assignment: 'I couldn't have asked for a nicer couple to work with than John and Anne - they are kind, generous and gracious.'
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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