RNLI Hastings Toasts Arthur Miles' 20 Years of Service
RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station is celebrating the retirement of a most valued volunteer, Arthur Miles, who steps down from active service at RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station after more than 20 years.
Over the years, Arthur’s role grew. He led the station’s fundraising and shop activities, serving as Chairman of Fundraising and Shop Volunteers for eight years. In this role, he played a key part in generating vital funds to support the station’s lifesaving operations. With more than 95% of the RNLI’s income coming from public donations and volunteer work, contributions like Arthur’s are central to sustaining the charity’s lifesaving mission.
When his beloved wife Patricia became ill, Arthur stepped back from some responsibilities but remained active at the station. Following her passing, he returned to volunteer in the RNLI shop, continuing to support his fellow crew.
Arthur retires this Christmas and was warmly acknowledged by volunteers at the station’s annual Christmas gathering, where colleagues and crew celebrated his many years of service.
Reflecting on his time with the RNLI, Arthur said: “I wouldn’t change my RNLI volunteering experience for the world. Everyone here became like family to me."
As Arthur opened his deeply personal gift, an engraved tankard featuring the Hastings lifeboat, presented by his fellow volunteers, he added: “Volunteering brought me out of my shell and connected me with incredible people. I’ve been privileged to be part of saving lives at sea and supporting our community.”
Paul Freathy, Chairman at RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station, paid tribute to Arthur’s contribution: “Arthur has been an integral part of our team for over two decades. His dedication, leadership in fundraising and shop activities, and support for station life have been invaluable. He will be greatly missed, but we wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”
The RNLI, supported by volunteers like Arthur, continues its lifesaving work 24/7, 365 days a year across the UK and Ireland. Those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities or supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving mission can visit rnli.org/volunteer.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.