Local Vicar joins Weston-super-Mare RNLI as new Lifeboat Chaplain

Reverend Craig Philbrick and his family moved from Winchester to Weston-super-Mare in March 2022, when he became Vicar of St Paul’s Church. Craig said “The RNLI is a great charity that provides a valuable service both internationally and in our local community. I’ve always been a supporter and wanted to get involved in some way”.

Since joining the charity, Craig has been spending some time down at the station getting to know the crew. Lifeboat Helm Simon Johnson said “He has quite literally submerged himself into the role, by putting on all-in-one dry suit crew kit and joining us for some training in Marine Lake. He was a hit with the crew and everyone is really pleased he has become part of our team”.

When asked what he wanted to bring to Weston RNLI, Craig replied “I want to stand with the crew in the good times and the not so good times, supporting them where I can as their new chaplain”.

Chris Ware, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Weston RNLI said, "It’s great to see Vicar Craig joining in with the crew. He’s an approachable, down to earth guy and has fitted straight into the Weston-super-Mare RNLI family. He will be an asset to the well-being of our dedicated crew who volunteer their time to save lives at sea.”

Notes to editors

· Attached is a photo of Reverend Craig Philbrick in the boathouse at Weston-super-Mare RNLI, July 2024.

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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 over 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 142,200 lives.

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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