Two past crew at RNLI Cromer awarded medals

Ted (Edwin) Luckin’s medal, has a bar across it, showing the 60 years he has served at RNLI Cromer. Whilst Paul Russell was awarded his with a bar showing 30 years as a volunteer for the RNLI.

Ted has spent 40 years with Cromer Lifeboat as a crew member in such roles as Senior helmsman, Winch operator and boatcrew. Ted was first invited to be a member of crew by Coxswains ‘Shrimp’ Davies and ‘Tuna’ Harrison and during his time he has served under seven Honorary Secretary’s (or Life Boat Operations Managers as they are now called).

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.

Paul was a long serving member of the crew, having 16 years dedicated service at Cromer RNLI.Before becoming a winchman he was a valued member of the shore crew, their role is to assist with launching andrehousing the lifeboat when it returns from a call for help or a training exercise. He helped launch and recover various classes of lifeboat including both the slipway launched Tyne and Tamar all weather lifeboats, plus the beached launched Mersey lifeboat.

His last role was as head winch man and Paul has an amazing knowledge of Cromer Lifeboats and has published books using his vast portfolio of pictures and associated historical notes.Before moving to Cromer Paul also served for over 20 years on the committee of the Hitchin & District Branch of the RNLI.

Derek Hinds, Cromer RNLI Chairman, reflected that 'These awards are very well deserved. With Pauls extensive knowledge of the history of Cromer RNLI combined with his 30 years active volunteering and Teds dedication over 60 years this has made them an invaluable part of Cromer RNLI and it shows volunteers who upholds the best values of the 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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.