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Thank you Richard, from all your friends in the Mudeford RNLI crew

Lifeboats News Release

On Sunday 27 August, in recognition of all that he has done, volunteer crew members and their families gathered for a barbeque brunch at the Mudeford Lifeboat Station to thank their friend and colleague, Richard Stride.

Mudeford RNLI crew with friends and family. Centre, L to R, Steve Doe, Richard Stride and Tim Hewett

RNLI/Robert King

Mudeford RNLI crew with friends and family. Centre, L to R, Steve Doe, Richard Stride and Tim Hewett

After almost 10 years as the Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM), Richard decided it was time to step down. Having been responsible for the oversight of all day-to-day processes and operations, including managing the team, succession planning, boat and station safety and mechanics, he is looking forward to a much needed rest from the enormous workload.

As a local fisherman, Richard was invited to join the RNLI in 2005. His first role was as Launch Authority, where he was responsible for overseeing rescue operations from the Mudeford Lifeboat Station. Richard was appointed LOM in 2014 and looking back at his time in role Richard reflected, ‘The greatest satisfaction I have is seeing how the station has grown and developed and I am very proud to have played a part in making the station what it is today.

‘We have an amazing team of dedicated individuals, who commit a huge amount of time and energy to the station to enable us to continue our vital work saving lives at sea. I couldn’t have done the role without their incredible support. Thank you all and thank you for organising this wonderful event and your kind messages; I am very touched.'

The event also saw the formal handover from Richard to his successors, Steve Doe, and Tim Hewett, who will share the LOM responsibilities. Richard concluded, ‘By passing the baton of responsibility to Steve and Tim, I know the station is in very good hands and I am excited for its future. I wish them both every success.’

Tim commented, ‘On behalf of the entire Mudeford RNLI crew, Steve and I, would like to thank Richard for his service. He has shown tremendous commitment and hard work in keeping the station running smoothly for the last 10 years. The responsibilities of the role are huge, and Richard has carried this burden with professionalism and dedication. We are also delighted that Richard is not leaving us but will remain a key member of the station crew staying on as a Designated Launch Authority.’

The Mudeford Servant lifeboat has been called out 75 times this year, more than the whole of 2022 when the station had 65 shouts.

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.

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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.

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