Silloth RNLI crew member celebrates 40 years of saving lives
On Friday 8 December, Silloth RNLI volunteers gathered at Silloth Golf Club for their Christmas meal as well as a special celebration to mark the 40-year service of Crew Member Jim Blake.
Jim Blake, who is currently Silloth Lifeboat Station’s Mechanic and Launch Authority, has held down a number of roles during his time with the lifesaving charity. From shore and lifeboat crew, to helm and temporary Lifeboat Operations Manager, Jim reached his incredible 40 years of service in August (2023).
Councillor Tony Markley presented Jim with his medal whilst giving a speech thanking Jim for his dedicated to saving lives over the years. Silloth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Jeanette O'Connell, presented Jim – a proud Newcastle United Football supporter – with a signed photo frame from the players and paper weight of the stadium.
Silloth RNLI crew were also joined at the Christmas meal by their partners and Jeanette gave thanks to them and the extended families of the crew, for their support and understanding with all the disruptions that can come from living with a pager.
Jeanette then went on to talk about the achievements of 2023, including volunteer development at the station and everyone working together as one crew. Rebecca Clark, Silloth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said:
‘Jim has always been part of the day to day running of the station, keeping everyone motivated and ensuring that they all work as a team. If anything needs fixing, Jim is always on hand to help and if he can't fix it… it must be broke!
‘It’s lovely to be here and recognise Jim’s dedication to saving lives at sea. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to look back at the year and all we have achieved together as one crew.
‘As people prepare to get ready for family time this Christmas, our volunteer crew will be ready on call, should their pagers go off over the Christmas period.
‘Our crew couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to continue saving lives. Those same kind and generous donations that have meant Jim has been able to save lives for the last 40 years.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Silloth RNLI Volunteer Press Officer, Rebecca Clark at [email protected].
In the absence of the above you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
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 142,700 lives.
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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.