Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat Volunteers awarded Kings Coronation Medal
Volunteers from Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat Station received the King Charles III Coronation Medal at a special presentation night, celebrating their dedication to saving lives at sea.
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 Lieutenant Erika Clegg.
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.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Ruth White 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 Lowestoft.’
King’s Coronation Medals were awarded to the following Lowestoft RNLI volunteers: John Fox, Karl Jackson, Nigel Lyman, Phil Holdsworth, Michael Robbins, Stuart Edmonds, Vanessa Shillings, George Webster, Gary Horton, Tamar Okasha and Henry Carter
In addition to the King’s Coronation Medals, a Long Service Certificate on vellum was awarded to Paul Henry Carter in recognition of his 44 years of service to the RNLI.
His certificate states that Mr Carter served in the following capacities - All Weather Lifeboat crew at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston 1980 - 2003 and as Sea Safety Volunteer there from 2003 - 2008. Then at Lowestoft he was appointed Deputy Launching Authority 2008 – 2011 and progressed to be Lifeboat Operations Manager from 2011 -2024.
The certificate signed by Peter Sparkes RNLI Chief Executive also records that ‘During his service at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston and Lowestoft the lifeboats rescued 259 lives, and the RNLI council are glad to place on record this testimony to his personal participation in the lifeboat service
Mrs White added “ I would like to congratulate all the recipients who together with our thousands of other volunteers around the country deliver our essential lifesaving service.”
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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