The senior member of Weston-super-Mare RNLI crew receives an award
Mike Buckland, Lifeboat Operations Manager is presented with his 20 year award by the Vice Chairman of the RNLI
Mike Buckland was brought up in Weston and joined the Weston RNLI lifeboat volunteers as soon as he was able. He developed his love of the volunteer service during a visit as a Cub Scout when he was inspired by Richard Spindler the longest serving member of the crew.
Mike went through the demanding training to become a helmsman for the lifeboats. As a helm he took part in many rescues and saved many lives. When Richard Spindler retired as Lifeboat Operations Manager some 18 months ago, Mike agreed to take over the role.
On Monday a group of senior members of the RNLI came to Weston to consult with the Weston crew and fundraisers. It was during this event that Sir Tim Laurence, Vice Chair of the RNLI surprised everyone by presenting Mike with his 20 year badge for his long service.
Sir Tim Laurence said;’ The team at Weston have done exemplary service in saving lives at sea despite the difficult conditions they have to work with. At last now we have a definite plan which should give our team the station they deserve. It is good to see what a strong team, crew and fundraisers, we have here.’
Mike Buckland, LOM said;’ Thank you for this award. It is great being part of this fantastic team.’
RNLI notes to editorsThe pictures show Mike being presented with his award by Sir Tim and with Richard Spindler, RNLI Weston volunteer when he was a Cub.
RNLI media contactsFor further information, please contact Weston-super-Mare RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Glyn Hayes on 01934 645555 or 07774 181418 or RNLI Deputy Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Cai Budd on 07379 636622
Lifeboats in service at Weston-super-Mare
- Atlantic 75 class lifeboat named Paul Alexander
- D-Class lifeboat named Adrian Beaumont
The station was established in 1882 at the request of the local inhabitants and moved into its current boathouse in 1902. In 2013 we had to leave our lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island as the access pier had become too dangerous. The temporary station at Knightstone is until we can get a new station built.
To find out more information about Weston-super-Mare lifeboat and for recent events, please log onto our website or contact Glyn Hayes on 01934 645555.
The RNLI’s annual running costs are around £176.5m (2017) – approximately £485,000 per day – and, as a registered charity, the organisation continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income
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
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.