
RNLI Clacton long standing crew member receives a Royal invitation
When Tim Sutton, volunteer crew member of Clacton-on-Sea’s RNLI of 28 years picked up his morning post from the door mat, little did he know he was in for a surprise!
Upon opening the officially marked envelope, Tim and his wife Samantha were delighted to receive an official invitation from the Queen to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace on 25 May 2022.
Every summer, The Queen invites more than 30,000 people from all walks of life to Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace and Holyrood house. Garden Parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s.
Tim Sutton, who has held many roles within the Clacton-on-Sea lifeboat station over the years and saved countless lives said: 'It is a privilege and an honour to be invited to the palace for the garden party, but just as much an honour to represent the RNLI, and the important work we do in around our coast. These parties gather so many that tirelessly volunteer their time to such good causes and really demonstrates that with courage and fortitude anything is possible.'
In addition to the invitation, Tim was also presented with a commemorative medal to specially mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which rounded off the whole event beautifully.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or,
[email protected]
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
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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.