Sudden passing of Lifeboat Chairman

Stan, who was a former Lifeboat Operations Manager had given many years of voluntary service to the Newbiggin lifeboat station, passed away suddenly earlier today.

Over the years Stan has overseen and managed the lifeboat operations from the 1970's when the offshore lifeboat Mary Joicey was on station as well as the transition and operation to inshore lifeboats that we have today.

Stan also took an active part in the vital fundraising work as well as education presentations for the younger audience with his dramatic story about Barney the dog, who was rescued by the lifeboat here.

We send our sympathies to the family at this difficult time.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected] or Jim Rice Regional Media Manager – North East & East telephone 07810 658 072 email [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then take a look at the local websites.

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.

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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.