Walton & Frinton RNLI honour retiring crew members

The most senior of those to retire was Trevor Halls, who had served 44 years as a launcher, crew member and, since 2015, as Station Coxswain.

The Halls family have been part of the crew at the station since its founding in 1884 with Trevor joining his father Derek on several shouts in the past.

Also retiring is Russell Bettany who has served as launcher and crew since 1981.

Russell was well known in the town for his unflappable style and dry sense of humour, qualities which proved invaluable on many long and arduous shouts.

Russell’s son Sam Bettany will also be hanging up his wellies after serving eight years as crew and shore crew. During his time Sam has joined his father on several shouts and been an invaluable member of the team.

Retiring as well is John Hale. John joined the crew 14 years ago when semi-retiring after a long career in the City of London meant he had more time to give.

John’s experience in yacht racing brought a different set of skills to the team on the lifeboat and an empathy which was really appreciated by the skippers of vessels they assisted.

Commenting on the retirements, Walton & Frinton station 2nd Coxswain, Simon Berry said: ‘All four will be a great loss to the station and the RNLI. ‘

We have had some great times together and their individual qualities and mix of skills will be missed on board during service calls and training.’

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please telephone Miranda Rayner, Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799691852 or [email protected]

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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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