Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteer honoured at local civic service

The award is in part for the work he carries out with the RNLI. A brief summary of the citation appears below:-

‘Dave Parsons has been involved with Burnham RNLI for over 16 years, and has been a tractor driver for one of the tracked vehicles that launches the lifeboats. Dave also assists the RNLI treasurer and has been chairman and treasurer of the Burnham Allotment Holders Association for 28 years.’

The award was presented by Sherriff of Somerset Johnnie Halliday, at St Andrews Church in Burnham-on-Sea, during a dedicated church service, which was attended by 150 guests and representatives from local community organisations. After the ceremony, participants, and honoured guests retired to a delicious cream tea at Southwell Gardens in Highbridge,

Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Davies says; ‘We are extremely proud to see Dave Parsons receive a civic award on behalf of Burnham & Highbridge Town Council. Dave has been a member of the RNLI team for over 16 years in various roles and today continues as a Deputy Launch Authority and our Boathouse Manager. His continued efforts help keep the Station ready and operational along with giving authorisation for the boats to launch on service at a moments notice, he is a great asset to both the RNLI and local community.

Notes for editors

Images with this short brief

File name Dave_Parsons (RNLI/Mike Lang)

Dave Parsons with his newly presented award

File name Dave-LOM-Senior_helm (RNLI/Mike Lang)

Lifeboat Operations Manager Matthew Davies, Dave Parsons and Senior Helm Nick Edrich

File name Dave_jubilee_medal (RNLI/Mike Lang)

A past image of Dave Parsons accepting his Jubilee medal from RNLI inspector Nigel Jones

RNLI media contacts

For more information about this release please telephone Mike Lang, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07889 815860 or email [email protected],

In the absence of the above, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Alternatively, telephone Amy Caldwell RNLI Public Relations Manager (South)

Tel 07920 818 807, [email protected] , or Emma Haines Press Officer; 07786 668847 [email protected]

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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