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Newbiggin RNLI Volunteer Coronation Medal Presentation

Lifeboats News Release

On Tuesday 19 November, Newbiggin RNLI welcomed His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Caroline Pryer to a special medal presentation.

Tim (left) accompanied by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Caroline Pryer

RNLI/Richard Martin

Presentation at Blaydon

The Lord-Lieutenant attended a special presentation at Blaydon to present the King's Coronation medal to Tim Martin at Newbiggin RNLI.

The commemorative medals were created to honour the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, that took place on 6 May 2023. As well as the Armed Forces, the medal was awarded to members of the Civilian Emergency Services, such as the RNLI, who had completed 5 years’ continuous service, and were in service at the time of the coronation. Coronation medals were presented to 4,500 frontline RNLI volunteers and staff, with Newbiggin RNLI volunteers receiving 8 for volunteers who had given 5 years or more continuous service.

After a welcome and introduction the presentation took place to Tim who has given almost 68 years to volunteering at Newbiggin RNLI with the Blaydon team providing an excellent spread of refreshments and a special commemorative cake.

Dr Caroline Pryer added 'This afternoon it was my huge pleasure to pop into Tyne and Wear and present His Majesty’s Coronation Medal to former RNLI crew member, Richard ‘Tim’ Martin at Briarwood Care Home. Tim crewed the former RNLI Mary Joicey and helped restore her when the RNLI Newbiggin-by-the-Sea extended family bought her back home to Newbiggin going onto forming the central exhibition at the town’s maritime museum. A huge ‘shoutout’ to the Briarwood staff who celebrated Tim’s achievement with a delicious afternoon tea. They have cared for Tim for many months. Thank you to everyone involved.'


Notes to editors

Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat ' Richard Wake Burdon.'

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.


RNLI Media contacts

For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected], Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.

Tim (left) accompanied by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Caroline Pryer medal presentation

RNLI/Richard Martin

Presentation at Blaydon
Tim (left) accompanied by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Caroline Pryer celebration cake cutting

RNLI/Richard Martin

Presentation at Blaydon

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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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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