11 long service awards following commendation news for Aberdeen RNLI
Following news of a well-earned commendation for the local crew, Aberdeen RNLI crews and RNLI Aberdeen and District Lifeboat Fundraising branch has received recognition for voluntary long service to the RNLI totalling nearly 250 years.
The RNLI, which was founded in 1824, recognises long-standing and time served volunteers each year. Each receiving a medal and letter of recognition for their support.
This year, Aberdeen’s volunteer crew and RNLI Aberdeen Management Group members awarded included: Andy Watson, 40 years; Mark Gray, 20 years; Matthew Foster, 20 years; Jim Wilson, 20 years; Michael Cowlam, 20 years; and Rev Howard Drysdale, 20 years.
Furthermore, Margaret Buchan, Audrey Masson, Louise Reid, Dennis Williams and John Shewell all received 20 years long service awards for their time with the RNLI Aberdeen and District Lifeboat Fundraising branch.
Bill Deans, lifeboat operations manager at Aberdeen, said: “Without volunteers, the RNLI wouldn’t exist and the lifesaving work we do wouldn’t be possible. It is truly an honour to congratulate each person – whether our crew or fundraising groups – who received this award.”
Just last month, Aberdeen RNLI and Peterhead RNLI lifeboat crews received a commendation from Director of Lifesaving Operations, John Payne, for their joint efforts on a long and arduous shout, lasting over 18 hours, back in October 2019.
The RNLI is a charity and funded by donations from the public which allows us to continue saving lives at sea.
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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 146,000 lives.
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