
Neil Williamson recognised for service to the RNLI in King’s Birthday Honours.
Neil, 65 is curator of Whitby RNLI Lifeboat Museum and is awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) for his work at the museum.
After previous curator Pete Thomson retired in 2019, Neil took over as volunteer curator and was integral in the renovation of the museum, dedicating many hours to archiving and displaying many of the artefacts amassed over the years.
He was also instrumental in the restoration of the old rowing lifeboat, Robert and Ellen Robson, which is a centrepiece of the museum. Neil and a team of volunteers spent many hours meticulously restoring the old lifeboat.
Whitby RNLI Station Manager Barry Brown said: 'Neil has given many hours to ensure that the character of the museum created by Pete Thomson, has remained, whilst bringing it up to date for visitors to enjoy and learn about Whitby's life saving past.
Myself and all of the crew at Whitby would like to congratulate Neil on this well deserved award.'
Neil was a crew member at Whitby RNLI between 1976 and 1984 and now gives up his time to volunteer as a Launch Authority for the lifeboat station, which involves being on call to authorise the launch of the lifeboats during a shout.
Neil said: ‘It is a great honour to receive this award, but it is the dedication and commitment of all the volunteers within the RNLI that inspires me each day.
Without them the museum would not be what it is today, and we wouldn’t be able to continue without those that give up their time day after day.
There are people all around the country both volunteering or donating to the RNLI that make up a part of this charity that everyone can feel a sense of ownership of and I am very proud to play a part in that.’
Neil is one of eight RNLI volunteers and staff members recognised in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours, who together have amassed 304 years’ of dedicated service.
Janet Legrand OBE, Chair of the RNLI, said: ‘In our 200th anniversary year, it is especially pleasing to see both RNLI volunteers and staff from across four of our lifesaving regions recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours list.
‘Between them, these eight individuals have amassed a remarkable 304 years of service across a variety of roles from seagoing crew and water safety campaigner to museum curator and fundraising champion, all playing a vital part in saving lives at sea.
‘Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, our lifesavers have saved over 146,000 lives. This is only made possible by the selfless commitment of all our volunteers and staff across the UK and Ireland.
‘My congratulations and thanks go to all eight recipients and our thousands of other volunteers and staff who work tirelessly to deliver our essential lifesaving services as we strive to save every one.’
For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [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
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.