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Presentation For Holyhead Volunteers

Lifeboats News Release

New and existing lifeboat crew members were honoured at a presentation ceremony in Holyhead today (Sunday 13 October).

Richard Burnell

Crewman Gavin Wright (centre) receives the 'Crew's Crew' John Cave Shield from Mayor Cllr. Alan Williams and Hywel Williams of the South Stack Committee.

The annual event is held by Holyhead RNLI to formally welcome new volunteer crew members, as well as marking one full year’s service for other crew.

In addition, the volunteers have the chance to vote for one of their own to receive the ‘Crew’s Crew’ John Cave Shield. The award was set up in the name of John Cave MBE, who was a good friend of the station, and who sadly passed away last year. John took many of the station’s photographs over the years, and was a strong supporter of the RNLI.

The event was held in Holyhead Sailing Club, and presentations to crew were made by the station’s coxswain Tony Price.

Speaking on Sunday, Tony said:

‘It’s always fantastic to get our crew together to mark everything we have completed over the past twelve months. It’s great to welcome the two new crew members, Ben Russell and Ben Harper, aboard, and we wish them both a safe and successful RNLI journey.‘

He added:

‘It’s also brilliant to thank all of our crew, and say congratulations to those who have successfully completed a full year volunteering for the station. Kiri, Sean and Toby have all proved themselves invaluable crew members already, and I’m very proud of everything they have achieved so far.’

Deputy launching authority (DLA) Howard Browes was also honoured for a year's service, but could not attend the presentation.

The John Cave Shield, or ‘Crew’s Crew’ award was given this year to Gavin Wright, who was nominated by fellow crew for his dedication and enthusiasm. It was presented by Mayor of Holyhead, Cllr Alan Williams, and Hywel Williams of the South Stack committee.

Speaking of the award, Holyhead coxswain Tony said:

‘This is a thoroughly well-deserved award for Gavin, and a recognition of everything he has brought to the station. He’s a fantastic member of the lifeboat crew.’

Photographs were taken by Richard Burnell.

For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07531 681409 or email [email protected]

Richard Burnell

New crewman Ben Russell receives his lifeboat pager from coxswain Tony Price

Richard Burnell

Coxswain Tony Prices presents new volunteer Ben Harper with his pager

Richard Burnell

Coxswain Tony Price congratulates crewman Sean Roberts on one year of lifeboat service

Richard Burnell

Kiri Chaplin receives congratulations from coxswain Tony for a year's lifeboat service

Richard Burnell

Tony Price, lifeboat coxswain, congratulates Toby Brooksbank on a years service with the Holyhead RNLI.

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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