Tim Abberley Steps Down as Weymouth RNLI Lifeboat Management Group Chair

Tim's journey with the RNLI began by chance. While walking past Weymouth Lifeboat Station during a volunteer recruitment event in 2023, he stopped for a conversation and, before long, found himself signing up to become the station's Lifeboat Management Group Chair. Although he had no previous connection with the RNLI, he quickly discovered that the organisation is about far more than the lifeboats themselves.

"The biggest surprise," Tim explains, "was realising just how many people make the station what it is."

Behind every launch is an incredible team of volunteers working across fundraising, water safety, lifeguards, station administration, the RNLI shop, visits and education, alongside our volunteer lifeboat crews. Tim's role has been to help connect those teams, ensuring everyone understands and supports each other's work.

He describes the Chair as "the thread" that helps keep communication flowing between the station's many volunteer groups. By organising regular management meetings, bringing representatives together and encouraging collaboration, the role helps ensure everyone is working towards the same goal: saving lives at sea.

For Tim, however, one part of the role has stood above everything else. "I've really enjoyed recognising the people who often work behind the scenes," he says. "The lifeboat crews rightly receive a lot of attention, but there are so many volunteers who quietly give their time behind the scenes every week. They deserve recognition too."

Whether thanking volunteers in the shop, acknowledging the fundraising team after another successful event, or recognising the work of the water safety and lifeguard teams, Tim has made it a priority to celebrate the contribution of every volunteer who helps make Weymouth RNLI such a successful station.

Away from the RNLI, Tim enjoyed a fascinating career as a teacher, teacher trainer and television producer, working both in the UK and overseas before retiring to Dorset. His experience in bringing people together and supporting others has proved invaluable in his volunteer role, where leadership has often meant listening, encouraging and connecting people.

As Tim and his wife look forward to spending more time travelling, he leaves the role knowing the station is supported by an exceptional team of volunteers. His departure also creates an exciting opportunity for someone new to become Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group.

This rewarding volunteer role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, building relationships and helping others succeed. The Chair works alongside representatives from every area of station life, helping coordinate activities, supporting volunteers and ensuring the many different teams continue to work closely together. The role typically requires around four hours a week, with flexibility around meetings and events, making it suitable for many people with leadership, organisational or community experience.

On behalf of everyone at Weymouth RNLI, thank you, Tim, for your commitment, enthusiasm and the encouragement you've given to volunteers across the station. Your contribution has made a lasting difference, and we wish you every happiness on your next adventure.

Interested in becoming Weymouth RNLI's next Lifeboat Management Group Chair? This rewarding volunteer role is an opportunity to help support our station, connect our volunteer teams and play a key part in keeping our lifesaving service running smoothly.

Find out more and apply here:

https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/lifeboat-management-group-chair-weymouth-611718.html

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lucy Erskine, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.