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Gavin and Stacey cast member Gwynfor Roberts shows support for Barry Dock RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Barry Dock RNLI is delighted to have the support of Gavin and Stacey cast member, Gwynfor Roberts, who recently visited the RNLI Shop and Experience Centre at Barry Island to show his appreciation for the charity’s vital work.

The photo shows Gavin and Stacey's Dick Powell, aka Gwynfor Roberts and RNLI shop volunteer Helen Bond in the RNLI shop

RNLI

Gavin and Stacey's Dick Powell, aka Gwynfor Roberts and RNLI shop volunteer Helen Bond

Gwynfor, known for his role as Dick Powell, the only exclusively Welsh-speaking resident of Barry Island in the beloved TV series, has been a resident of Barry for over 40 years and is deeply connected to the local community. Gwynfor’s visit was made even more special by his long-standing friendship with Helen Bond, a volunteer at the RNLI Shop.

Helen says: I’ve known Gwynfor for over 40 years and to see him in the RNLI Shop and Experience was fantastic! He’s lived in Barry for over four decades and is probably the only member of the Gavin and Stacey cast who still calls Barry home. We’re thrilled that he’s chosen to get involved by recording a video for us to help raise awareness of the incredible work our volunteers do.’

Gwynfor Roberts adds: ‘I’ve always admired the work of the RNLI, but having lived in Barry for so many years, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station holds a special place in my heart. The dedication of the volunteer crew, who are ready to drop everything to save lives, is incredible.

'It’s not just the crew, though – so many volunteers underpin the whole operation, from those in the shop and Visitor Centre to the fundraisers and support teams. I’m proud to support such a vital service, and I encourage everyone to do what they can to help ensure the lifeboats and volunteers continue their amazing work.’

Barry Dock RNLI is grateful for Gwynfor’s backing, which helps shine a light on the efforts of the volunteer crew who are on call 24/7 to save lives at sea. The RNLI relies on the generosity of the public and local supporters to continue its life-saving work and visitors to Barry Island are encouraged to drop by the RNLI shop and Experience Centre to learn more about the charity’s mission and show their support.

Notes to editors

  • Photos: Gwynfor Roberts, who plays Dick Powell in Gavin and Stacey, showing support for Barry Dock RNLI at the shop and Visitor Centre with Helen Bond and Dave Jones.
  • Barry Dock Lifeboat Station operates an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore D-class lifeboat, providing search and rescue services along the Vale of Glamorgan coast.

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.

Dave Brown, volunteer at the RNLI Experience on Barry Island with Dick Powell (Gwynfor Roberts) of Gavin and Stacey

RNLI

Dave Brown, volunteer RNLI Experience tour guide on Barry Island with Dick Powell (Gwynfor Roberts) of Gavin and Stacey

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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