Walmer volunteers join retiring helm for presentation

The reception marked his stepping down from actively serving with the RNLI. He had recently been presented with his medal to mark 20 years of service with the Institution.

During the evening, Brad was presented with a framed Certificate of Service from the RNLI’s Chief Executive Mark Dowie and a Letter of Thanks signed by John Payne the RNLI’s Director of Lifesaving Operations.

Speaking at the presentation, Walmer’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy thanked Brad for all he has given to the station over the last twenty years and the support of his family. ‘Although you value the traditional methods of paper charts and compasses, ropework and knots when afloat, your professionalism shows your willingness to embrace new challenges and ideas. I will personally miss your calm and reasoned views’ he concluded.

Brad’s readiness to pass on his vast knowledge and expertise was also acknowledged, as was the huge respect he has gained from the crew. A final presentation on behalf of the volunteers of a framed Admiralty chart of the Dover Strait was made by helm Dan Sinclair.

In response, Brad thanked everyone for attending. He said he had enjoyed his association with Walmer over the twenty years, praising the station and his fellow volunteers for their friendship and commitment. He encouraged others to enjoy their service, share their knowledge and ‘not take yourselves too seriously.’

Two further awards for Excellence in Volunteering were also made by the Operations Manager to Julie and Andrew Coe. Julie’s award was made in recognition of her efforts in managing the station’s shop during the challenges of the pandemic, her commitment to supporting her volunteers and readiness to adapt to new ways of working.

Andrew’s certificate highlighted his commitment to the Institution by ‘actively volunteering to take on extra work to support and train the team. His strong leadership, boat handling and people skills and his ability to create and inclusive environment are much appreciated.’

Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry

Photo 1 Brad receiving his Certificate of Service and Letter of Thanks from Operations Manager Denis Brophy.

Photo 2 Presentation of an Admiralty Chart of the Dover Strait from helm Dan Sinclair.

Photo 3 Shop Manager Julie Coe and helm Andrew Coe receiving their Excellence in Volunteering Awards from Operations ManagerDenis Brophy.

RNL I media contacts

• Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]

• Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 07785 296252, [email protected]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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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