Rhyl RNLI celebrate station volunteers and Annual Crew Dinner

The evening’s events took place at 1891 restaurant in Rhyl, just down the beach from Rhyl’s boathouse, and included awards and medal presentations for the crew.

The 'David Benjamin Jones Award' is given in memory of David, a crew member from Rhyl RNLI who sadly passed away at a young age. The award is presented in recognition of any person or group who have made a great contribution to Rhyl RNLI. This year, it was awarded to Paul Elwin for his commitment to Shore Crew training and wider work within the community.

The King’s Coronation Medal was awarded to Darrel Crowther, Peter Robinson (Ret), Martin Jones, Paul Archer-Jones, Callum Robinson, Andrew Wilde, Derek Denton, Mark Budd, Colin Jones, Dougie Lonsdale, Kevin Taggart, Matthew Baines and Bob Baines; accepted by Bob’s widow, Liz. More presentations of the King’s Coronation Medal are due to take place in the future for any members who were unable to attend the evening.

Paul Archer-Jones was presented a Long Service Medal and bars for his 40-year service to the institution.

The RNLI Special Supports Award was presented to Gareth Rogers from Waterloo Toilet Hire for the companies continued support of Rhyl RNLI’s fundraising events. Waterloo Toilet Hire have very kindly donated the use of two toilets annually for the past 6 years.

Mark Budd, Rhyl RNLI’s new Lifeboat Operation Manager said:

'It has been a rear honour to oversee my first Annual Crew Dinner as Lifeboat Operations Manager. All our volunteers work incredibly hard to ensure Rhyl RNLI are always ready to respond to anyone needing help at sea - and events like this highlight that we really are one crew.

'I’d just like to add a big thank you to all staff at 1891 for the brilliant service as always.'

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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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