Long-serving Cromer RNLI volunteer recognised for 30 years’ service

Cromer RNLI volunteer Gordon Nichols has recently – and somewhat belatedly – been presented with his 30-year long service medal, marking nearly 35 years of dedication to the station.

Gordon’s RNLI journey began back in 1990 in Cromer after spending weekends crab fishing at sea with Billy and his brother Bob Davies. Billy was second coxswain at the time at Cromer RNLI and Bob was head launcher, and they both said to Gordon, ‘If you can do this, you can join us on the lifeboat.’ So he did – and never looked back.

Gordon has been a key and much-valued volunteer throughout his time at the station, serving as both a lifeboat crew member and mechanic. Known for his commitment, experience and willingness to help wherever needed, he has played an integral role in keeping the lifeboat and crew ready to respond when the call comes.

Over the years, Gordon has been involved in a number of life-saving rescues. Most recently, he made his debut on the BBC’s saving lives at sea in 2025 for his part in the rescue of a man and his dog who had entered the sea from Cromer promenade.

Gordon said: “Volunteering with Cromer RNLI has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. You don’t do it on your own though – when the pager goes off, it’s not just the crew who are affected, it’s your family as well. I’ve only been able to give the time I have because of the constant support and understanding of my family, and I’m very grateful to them, as well as to everyone at the station, for being part of such a dedicated and supportive team.”

John Redmond, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “Gordon is one of those volunteers who just quietly gets on with the job and makes an enormous difference. His knowledge, reliability and commitment over so many years have been invaluable to the station. This recognition is thoroughly deserved, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything he has given to Cromer RNLI.”

Everyone at the station extends their thanks and congratulations to Gordon for his outstanding service and dedication.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [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. Cromer RNLI lifeboat station was founded in 1804 and became part of the RNLI in 1824, and in that time its crews have launched the lifeboats 1435 times and saved 1294 lives.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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