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Barry Dock lifeboat crew awarded King’s Coronation medals at One Crew evening

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteers from RNLI Barry Dock Lifeboat Station received the King Charles III Coronation Medal at a special One Crew curry night, celebrating their dedication to saving lives at sea.

The photo shows Brendan Pitt receiving his long service medal

RNLI

Brendan Pitt - 50 years of service to the RNLI

The medal recognised volunteers who have dedicated at least five years of continuous service to the RNLI, commemorating the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The medals were presented by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colin Jones, a former Launch Authority at Barry Dock, adding a personal connection to the memorable event.

The commemorative medals were created to honour the coronation, which took place on 6 May 2023, and have been awarded to members of the Civilian Emergency Services, including 4,500 frontline RNLI volunteers and staff who were in service at the time.

This milestone evening celebrated each volunteer’s service and the unique blend of backgrounds and experiences that make up the crew. Volunteers from across the community, each bringing their own skills and perspectives, unite to serve a shared mission: saving lives at sea.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Bill Kitchen remarked: ‘It’s an incredible honour for our volunteer crew to receive the King’s Coronation Medal. This evening is about recognising the remarkable commitment and resilience they show every day, balancing careers, family, and life’s demands. The medal is a tribute to their dedication and the strong sense of community they bring to Barry Dock.’

In addition to the King’s Coronation Medals, two Long Service Medals were awarded. Brendan Pitt was recognised for his 50 years of service to the RNLI, and Joshua Brown for over 20 years of operational volunteering. Together, Brendan and Josh’s dedication represents over 70 years of combined service, showcasing the enduring spirit of the Barry Dock RNLI family.

A special note of thanks was also given to two exceptional volunteers who support the lifeboat station in different but vital ways. Rosie Fisher, a dedicated fundraising and shop volunteer, has contributed countless hours, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the RNLI shop and inspiring others to get involved. Dave Jones, serving as both a shop volunteer and lifeboat visits officer, engages thousands of young visitors with the life-saving mission of the RNLI, sparking a passion for safety and community service in the next generation.

Even on an evening where the crew had a chance to relax and kick back, those on call remained ready to respond at the first sound of the pager.

Andy Gavan, Coxswain at Barry Dock, said: ‘Those who are on call tonight are ready, and as a crew, we will always be ready—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—even on a OneCrew curry night!’

This memorable event provided an opportunity for family, friends, and supporters to come together in recognition of the commitment these volunteers bring to every call-out, 365 days a year.

Notes to editors - Key information:

  • The Kings Coronation medal follows a long history of awarding medals to Mark Royal celebrations, with the first one awarded to mark the 50th year of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1887. The King’s Coronation medal is the first medal issued during the reign of King Charles III.

  • King’s Coronation Medals were awarded to the following Barry Dock RNLI volunteers: Spud Davies, Mark Fisher, David Brooks, David Phillips, Martin Bowmer, Nigel Parry,Dan Brown, Howard Metcalfe, Christopher White, Gareth Williams, Benjamin Phillips, Ian Watts, Jonathan Atkins, Craig Pedersen, Joshua Brown, Brendan Pitt, Rod Lewis.

  • Barry Dock Lifeboat Station has been saving lives since 1901, and in July 2024, the station opened its new state-of-the-art facility.

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889.

Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

The photo shows Josh Brown receiving his long service medal

RNLI

Joshua Brown - over 20 years of operational volunteering with the RNLI

RNLI

Volunteer crew, water safety, shop, visitor experience, Launch Authority and fundraisers of Barry Dock RNLI
A row of King Charles III Coronation Medals

RNLI

King Charles III Coronation Medals

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.

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