Port Isaac RNLI Chairman to stand down after 15 years

Bob has worked tirelessly over those years to fundraise for the RNLI and to secure sponsorship from a number of local businesses including Sharp’s Brewery, Nathan Outlaw, Wave Hunters and Buttermilk Confection. Bob also organises the printing of Port Isaac RNLI Christmas Cards and the annual prize draw for an original painting by a local artist, and a wide range of historic Port Isaac lifeboat images which raises thousands of pounds each year. Bob was also instrumental in organising the first Port Isaac RNLI Charity Ball which led on to other Balls raising a huge amount. Additional to these special events Bob and his Port Isaac RNLI team organised a series of fund raising sporting clay shoots over a period of five years in conjunction with the local Colquite Estate attracting teams throughout the county and raising further substantial funds. Bob was also joint Editor with well known RNLI historian Nicholas Leach in the creation and publication of a 112 page fully illustrated book charting the history of Port Isaac RNLI from it`s foundation in 1869 from which over £6,000 has been raised

In 2013 Bob’s dedication and hard work was recognised formally when he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours List. By 2013 Bob had raised £180,000 for Port Isaac RNLI, a figure which now totals over £540,000. The BEM nomination said "through his enthusiasm, determination and hard work, he and his dedicated team have arranged numerous balls, auctions, lotteries and tea parties to keep the charity at the forefront of peoples' minds," it went on to say "He also gives his time freely to encourage young people to become involved with the RNLI. He provides enduring and vitally important pastoral care for the crew. He genuinely cares about people and has an authentic and long held passion for the lifeboat and its place in the community." These outstanding fundraising efforts were again highlighted during the stations new lifeboat appeal. Over £80,000 has been raised to secure the station a new D-Class Lifeboat, which came on service in October 2019. The campaign ran for 18 months with the target of £52,000 being raised within the first six months of the appeal. All remaining monies will help fund the further development of associated facilities.

The RNLI recognise the huge contribution which Bob has made to the charity and have recognised that dedication through appointing him President of Port Isaac Lifeboat Station. In a letter to Bob, Mark Dowie Chief Executive of the RNLI says “I would like to thank you for continuing to give your skills, your time and your commitment to the RNLI and to the vital work of saving lives at sea.” In reply Bob stated that he was “indeed honoured to be considered for such a position following on from the Stations past highly respected President, David Castle, and pledged to continue his efforts in representing the best interests of both Crew and Committee of Port Isaac RNLI.”

Bob has made a formal proposal to hand over the responsibility of Chair for Port Isaac to Megan Rees who has unanimous support of the Committee, Crew, Executive officers and those associated with Port Isaac RNLI. On making this proposal Bob stated that he was very confident that Megan will prove to be an excellent choice in order to ensure the consolidation and future continuity of support and communication with Committee and Crew and looks forward to a close, ongoing, working relationship leading up to Megan’s formal appointment at the forthcoming Port Isaac RNLI AGM on April 2nd. 2020.

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.