
The end of an era. RNLI Standard Bearer of 19 years steps down
David Cox the RNLI’s standard bearer for 19 years has decided to step down after more than 50 years of volunteering for the charity.
On Saturday 31 August 2024, members from the RNLI alongside the lifeboat enthusiast’s society met to commemorate the commitment of David Cox, RNLI’s standard bearer for 19 years, and celebrate Stephen Wheatley, who will be stepping into the role.
The event took place at Chatham Historic Dockyard as part of the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society 60th anniversary’s meeting.
David Cox is one of the founder members of the Historic Lifeboat Collection at Chatham Historic Dockyard and has been involved in local fundraising for the RNLI for over 50 years.
Merchant Navy veteran, David attended the Merchant Navy Memorial at Trinity Gardens in London and became aware that there was no RNLI Standard present in the line-up of bearers. He raised this to the RNLI HQ; a little while later a Standard was sourced and David asked to carry it. David then began 19 years of representing the RNLI at events as the charity’s official standard bearer.
During his time as standard bearer he contributed greatly. He attended numerous events including many from local Merchant Navy branches. He was also very present supporting numerous lifeboat station and crew events across Essex, Kent, Dorset and further.
The role of the RNLI’s standard bearer is to be present at certain official functions where the RNLI has been invited to represent and to spread awareness of the dedication and commitment of all RNLI volunteers through the charity’s core values: Selflessness, Courage, Dependability and Trustworthiness.
Jamie Chestnut, dedicated speaker at the event spoke of David, saying: ‘You have carried this standard during the past 19 years, and by the conduct and bearing you have upheld the dignity and honour of the RNLI. The Institution is most grateful to you for your loyal and dedicated service’.
Stephen Wheatley has been a part of the RNLI family since 2005. He has volunteered at Tower RNLI taking part in over 300 shouts.
In addition to his shifts at Tower lifeboat station, Stephen has been a committed fundraiser for the RNLI. He has taken on a triathlon alongside some crew from Tower, as well as the London marathon in full RNLI PPE. Amongst other events, he has collectively helped raise over £60k for the RNLI.
Stephen spoke about becoming the RNLI’s new standard bearer. He said: ‘It is a great honour and privilege to be representing members of the RNLI as their next standard bearer’.
He attended his first official event as standard bearer on Sunday 8 September, a merchant navy commemorative service. He spoke highly of the event and is looking forward to his next.
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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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.