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High Sheriff visits RNLI Weston-super-Mare

Lifeboats News Release

The High Sheriff of Somerset, Rob Beckley QPM visited the crew of RNLI Weston-super-Mare during their Sunday morning training session.

RNLI/Rob Lewis

Crew of RNLI Weston-super-Mare meeting The High Sheriff of Somerset

On Sunday 26 January the crew of RNLI Weston-super-Mare welcomed the High Sheriff of Somerset, Rob Beckley QPM and his wife Sue to the station on Weston's promenade.

The plan had been to show Rob and wife Sue the low water launch and recovery of the D Class charity lifeboat. However the winds were so strong during the morning it was beyond the criteria to authorise a safe launch for training, Instead Rob was able to meet boat and shore crew as they carried out checks on equipment and the boats.

Crew shared the problems faced launching and operating from a temporary station, as well as the challenges working in the waters in and around the Bristol channel. LOM Chris Ware QPM also talked about the hopes of the RNLI returning to a new station on Birnbeck Island, in the coming years.

The High Sheriff spent time chatting to volunteer crew ranging from those in the first days of enrolling to those with almost up to 60 years service!

Speaking after the visit, the High Sheriff said, 'Continuing a weekend visiting voluntary emergency services, I was at Weston-super-Mare Royal National Lifeboat Institution base this morning. Goodness the weather was grim, but their makeshift base by Knightstone Island was packed with enthusiastic volunteers. It was such an interesting visit, learning about the boats (Atlantic 85 and D-Class), tidal streams and reaches, equipment, launching, tractors and, most importantly, the variety and commitment of the volunteers.' I met so many interesting people but one I must highlight is "Spin". He officially became a volunteer in 1965 so this year is his 60th official volunteering year. And he makes a mean bacon butty! Such an uplifting visit which reminds us of how lucky we are that so many people volunteer to keep us safe.'

RNLI/Rob Lewis

Crew explaining the challenges faced operating in the Bristol channel

RNLI/Rob Lewis

Meeting new recruits in the temporary boat house
The High Sheriff and Martin Potter, Launch Authority

RNLI/Rob Lewis

Braving the elements
Meeting our longest serving volunteer, with almost 60 years service.

RNLI/Rob Lewis

The High Sheriff meeting Richard Spindler

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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