St Agnes RNLI unveils plaque in honour of former chairman.
Family, friends and lifeboat crew members were joined by RNLI staff for the unveiling of a plaque in honour of former Lifeboat Chairman, Gerald Simmons.
Mr. Simmons, who passed away in April 2019, gave over 50 years of dedicated service to St Agnes RNLI. A founder member of the St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club and former lifeboat crew member, Gerald Simmons was at the heart of the unique lifesaving community of the village. Having crewed the former Blue Peter D-Class lifeboat, Gerald went on to become the station’s Operational Manager and eventually the Chairman.
The event was attended by Gerald's three daughters, Lisa, Philippa and Libby and his partner Debbie along with friends and RNLI volunteers past and current. Leading the unveiling ceremony, Area Lifesaving Manager for North Cornwall, Dickon Berriman said, “Bringing everyone together was one of Gerald’s strengths, always with a glint in his eye, a broad smile and a quick wit. Having this plaque on the station allows us all to remember Gerald’s special contribution to lifesaving and to ‘be a bit more like Gerald’ when we are dealing with life’s challenges.”
Gerald’s youngest daughter, Libby, unveiled the stone plaque against the beautiful backdrop of Trevaunance Cove before it was later mounted on St Agnes RNLI’s headquarters, Ocean Cottage.
Gerald’s oldest daughter Lisa commented, “The sense of community we all felt that day was immense. We were as children very lucky to grow up in St Agnes and be part of the RNLI community which remains so strongly today and I’m sure will continue to grow for future generations. (This was) a lovely occasion in memory of Gerald who I’m sure would have approved.”
The RNLI relies on thousands of volunteers to maintain its lifesaving service. St Agnes Lifeboat station is no exception. The team is currently looking for a new shop manager and other roles arise regularly. If you are interested in volunteering please visit
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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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