Dedicated lifeboatman celebrates 60 years of service with Weston-super-Mare RNLI

Richard, also known as ‘Spin, formerly joined the crew in 1965, when he was just 17 years old. He was a “dedicated swimmer” skilled in swimming off the lifeboat to rescue those whom the lifeboat could not reach. In 1996, he retired as active boat crew when he reached the RNLI's age limit for the inshore lifeboat but has continued to support the station in various other roles such as Deputy Launching Authority, Lifeboat Operations Manager and Boathouse Manager.

During his 60 years of volunteering Richard has saved countless lives, assisted many in difficultly and earned several awards for bravery in extreme conditions. Other acknowledgements include the Prime Minsters Points of Light award that recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and an MBE from the Queen presented by Prince William. Detailed RNLI data only goes back until 1970, but in the last 55 years that Richard has been at the station the Weston lifeboat has launched 2,168 times, saved 331 lives and aided 1,085 people.

Party celebrations were kicked off with a performance by High and Dry Shanty Group, which included a special Sea Shanty written by bandmember James Barattini and dedicated to ‘Our Spin’ to commemorate the momentous occasion. A heart felt and emotional speech was given by good friend and former Weston Lifeboat Press Officer and Deputy Launch Authority, Glyn Hayes. He also read out a thank you message from Tom Mansell, RNLI Regional Life Saving Lead, who said,

‘60 years of service is remarkable. For the last 23 years since I started as a baby-faced lifeboat inspector you have been a main stay at the station, a wise counsel, an older brother. Someone who has seen it and done it. Someone who the crew and inspectors listened to and respect but someone who can still sit among and be considered as a crew member. This is a rare accomplishment, and I believe it’s something you deserve to be proud of. You are and always have been and always will be a lifeboatman. Spin, thank you very much for your hard work and commitment, thank you for your good humour and your perseverance through some fairly testing times and thank you for your compassion. You have played your part in countless rescues. You have helped saved numerous lives and you have helped look after and care for so many who have been rescued by the lifeboat, always with professionalism and empathy.’ ‘I hope you all have a great evening and enjoy reflecting on your service.’

As a thank you from friends and volunteers at Weston-super-Mare RNLI, Richard was presented with a commissioned sketch by local artist Malcolm Cleverley, a keepsake photo book depicting Spin’s RNLI life story, a lifeboat inspired cake made by crew and a poem titled ‘An Ode to Spin’.

Charlotte Conroy, Weston RNLI Launch Authority and lead organiser of the surprise party, thanked Spin’s family for supporting his role at the station and presented his wife, Sue, with a bouquet of flowers. Talking about the event she said

‘I really don’t know how we all managed to keep it a secret. It was such a great evening and wonderful to see Spin reunited with his old crew mates, including Nicholas White, Anthony Blizzard and Julian Morris who all received RNLI commendations for a dramatic rescue in gale conditions where they saved 3 boys and 2 coastguards on Brean down 47 years ago. It was an emotional day and by the end of the presentations I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place.’

At the end of the event Spin thanked all his fellow friends and family, he said

‘It’s been great serving on the lifeboat for 60 years. I can guarantee, whether you were with me when I first started or you're my friends here now, it doesn’t make any difference. You are the same great gang of guys and girls doing a great job of saving lives at sea.

You’ve been talking about me all evening but I couldn’t do it without all of you! From the Deputy Launch Authorities, the Lifeboat Operations Manager, the boat and shore crew, we couldn’t do any of what we do without the whole team.

Maybe sometimes…(comical cough) I got an award or Julian, Nick White or Tony Blizzard did. It’s not just us though. It’s everybody in the boathouse doing what they do best. Everyone from today to 60 years ago puts in the same dedication, enthusiasm, and I’ve got to say, courage, so thank you all very much. Finally, I want to say thank you to all my family who have had to put up with me disappearing at the wrong time on many occasions over the years.’

Notes to editors

• Link to RNLI Lifeboat Journal Spring 1979, includes details of award winning rescue on Brean Down, see page 115, Weston Division Trapped in Cave; https://rnliarchive.blob.core.windows.net/media/1479/0491.pdf
• Video of the event and Special Sea Shanty by High & Dry Shanty Group is available from media contacts below.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Weston’s Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers Holly Turner [email protected] Tel. 07930279912 or Rob Lewis [email protected] Tel. 07493369282.

Key Facts

Weston-super-Mare RNLI lifeboat station was founded in 1882. Between 1882 and 2023 the Weston-super-Mare volunteer lifeboat crew have launched 2,269 times and saved 477 lives. Lifeboat crew are on call 365 days, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

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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