Margate RNLI’s standard bearer stands down from his duties
A former volunteer member of the shore crew at Margate RNLI lifeboat station who ‘carried the standard’ for the station for over 30 years has hung up his gloves and handed over the flag to the next generation who will continue the tradition.
Vic Champs was for many years part of the all-important team at Margate who never actually went to sea in the lifeboat but without whom the operation could not function.
The shore crew who include tractor drivers ensure the safe launch of the lifeboat and prepare the equipment for the lifeboat’s return including ensuring the rig is safely secured and ready for it next life-saving mission.
Vic also took on a ceremonial role representing the station and reminding the local community of its presence - that of carrying the station’s colourful standard, a stylised adaptation of the RNLI’s house flag.
Occasions when the standard is put to use include the annual Remembrance Sunday parade each November, along with escorting funeral corteges when those connected with the lifeboat service are laid to rest.
Vic continued in this role long after he retired from official duties in 2010 and as he approaches his 80th year has decided to stand down stating he has been “proud to represent Margate lifeboat for all this time”.
During a recent visit to the station to commemorate his 30 years of previous service in the cause of saving lives at sea Vic handed over the standard for the next generation to continue the tradition.
Two current serving lifeboat crew members, Casey Buckingham and Sam Peterkin will now share the role, Casey has previous experience having also ‘carried the standard’ for the local St John Ambulance group for whom she is also a member.
Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Margate RNLI said: “We are proud of our standard as it represents the station at ceremonies alongside other service standards and we are grateful for the service Vic has provided over very many years and thank him for continuing to support the service long after his retirement from formal operational duties.”
Notes to editors
· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station
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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 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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