Falmouth volunteers recognised for over 450 collective years saving lives at sea
Falmouth Lifeboat Station has many dedicated volunteers who give their time in many aspects of supporting the RNLI, from lifeboat crew to fundraising, press officers, boat guides and water safety officers.
In recognition of this incredible commitment to helping save lives at sea, long-service medals have been presented to 15 volunteers who have passed significant milestones at Falmouth station, totalling over 450 years of service between them.
Awards have been allocated to Dave Nicoll (40 years), Andy Angove (40 years), Alan Rowe (just under 29 years), Nick Lewis (35 years), Jonathon Blakeston (25 years), Carl Beardmore (28 years), Tom Bird (19 years), Dave Proud (27 years), Pauline Allday (40 years), Josephine Bee (50 years), Elizabeth Bee (30 years), John Bennett (20 years), Simon Culliford (30 years), Chris Ruberry (20 years) and Mike Yarnell (20 years).
Nick Lewis, Falmouth Lifeboat Operations Manager who himself received a long-service award for over 30 years of volunteering at Falmouth station, said:
“All our volunteers play a vital role in every launch, rescue, and life saved. Without the dedication of our boat crew, shore crew, fundraising teams, and many more besides, we wouldn't have been able to serve the community of Falmouth for over 150 years. Even in this strangest of years, our volunteers have gone above and beyond, launching our lifeboats over 80 times, and it's wonderful to see this commitment recognised for these dedicated individuals. Thank you to all of them on behalf of all of us at Falmouth lifeboat station.”
Two volunteers, in particular, have been recognised in 2020 for their incredible commitment to helping save lives at sea. Long-service medals for 40 years of volunteering have been presented to Dave Nicoll and Andy (Snowy) Angove.
Jonathon Blakeston, Falmouth RNLI Coxswain and recipient of a long-service award for 25 years, said of Dave Nicoll and Snowy Angove's long service medal presentation:
“Dave and Snowy have served Falmouth lifeboat for the last 40 years, with Dave serving solidly in that time on the crew responding to shouts and training the forefront of the next generation of crew. I have nothing but admiration for the level of commitment and enthusiasm shown by both these men. A truly remarkable achievement that they should be immensely proud of what they have done for Falmouth and the wider RNLI.”
Whilst the intended formal presentation was unable to go ahead this Autumn, the awards have now been received by these members of the station, and it is hoped that a celebration will be able to take place in time.
We rely on donations to continue saving lives at sea - any donation to our JustGiving page will help support the running costs of stations in the South West including lifeboats based in Falmouth and their volunteer crew. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/falmouthlifesaversfund
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.