Cromer lifeboat volunteer receives award for over 60 years of service
At a recent awards evening, RNLI volunteer Edwin ‘Ted’ Luckin was presented with a certificate and crystal trophy for having been a member of Cromer RNLI for over 60 years.
He spent 40 years with Cromer Lifeboat as a crew member in such roles as Senior helmsman, Winch operator and boatcrew.
Ted shared his memories of his time as a serving crew member saying,
'I was first invited to be a member of crew by Coxswains ‘Shrimp’ Davies and ‘Tuna’ Harrison and during my time I have served under seven Honorary Secretarys (or Life Boat operations Managers as they are now called). I have made lots of friends and have many memories of shouts and rescues. One time we were out on an exercise and I was lifted from the ILB [Inshore Lifeboat] by a Wessex helicopter, which was then diverted to Winterton for a rescue. The helicopter returned to Cromer and the ILB had to be launched again so that I could be dropped back into the boat. Serving with the RNLI has taken me to Buckingham Palace twice as well as appearing at a Royal Command Performance.’
For the last few years Ted has diligently looked after the appearance and cleanliness of the main boathouse at the end of Cromer pier, in addition to his role as Treasurer of the Cromer RNLI crew fund.
John Payne, Director of Lifesaving Operations in his citation said that Ted had been described as
‘a fine ambassador for visitors to the station with a font of knowledge which he readily shared. The value of this extensive knowledge and experience that he also shares with other crew members cannot be overstated’
John further stated that ‘You have fully embraced the RNLI values of being courageous, trustworthy, selfless and dependable and I would personally like to thank you for that’
Presenting the award Derek Hinds, Cromer RNLI Chairman, reflected that 'This award is most deserved. Ted's extensive knowledge and dedication over 60 years of volunteering has made him an invaluable part of Cromer RNLI and it shows a man who upholds the best values of the RNLI.'
Ted’s family also attended the evening and saw the presentation.
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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.
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