Cromer RNLI bids farewell to chairperson

Richard‘s association with the charity began in 1993 when he became a Cheshire Branch Chairman, the role in which he continued until 2006.

In 2006 he joined the Shore Crew at Cromer RNLI, which meant he was involved in various roles including Talus driver for beach launch/recovery while the boathouse was updated for the arrival of the all-weather lifeboat Lester, Winch Operator, Visits Officer (LVO), Training Co-ordinator (LTC), Deputy Launch Authority (DLA) and Family Support volunteer.

Richard will however continue to volunteer at the station as a member of the Visits team. This role involves giving in-house talks to groups from schools to other organisations and visiting local communities to provide talks about the RNLI.

Richard said: ‘My respect and love for the sea over many years sailing and fishing meant the only real option for me was to volunteer to serve with the RNLI over the years and at Cromer for 19 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed all my roles and it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve in the local community. I am proud of the incredible work of all of our volunteers across the Cromer RNLI family and it has been a privilege to be part of it.

‘The time has given me many memories and throughout it all I have developed an even greater respect for those who continue to answer the call for help whatever time of day or night. I look forward to continuing to volunteer with the charity as part of the lifeboat station’s Visits team.’

RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Redmond, said: ‘We thank Richard for his hard work and dedication in his role of station chairperson. We are pleased though that it’s not ‘goodbye’ and that he will continue to help us save lives at sea as part of the station’s Visits team.’

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East: [email protected] or, Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Cromer RNLI: [email protected]

Key facts about Cromer RNLI

The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat. The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry.

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.