Held at The Regent in The Lizard village a full crew were on standby should the pagers have sounded! Three long service medals were awarded to current personnel, a retirement letter of 16 years’ service to the station and a letter of recognition and thanks were also presented.
Winchman and former lifeboat crew member Richard Woodmansey was presented with a medal for 40 years’ service whilst Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway and Second Mechanic Johnny Bray each received their medals for 20 years loyal, and continuing operational service to The Lizard RNLI Lifeboat Station. Robert Goddard left his role as lifeboat crew after 16 years and was also presented with a framed letter of gratitude for his service.
Visitor Centre Manager David Gascoigne was also recognised for his tremendous work within the lifeboat station and supervision of our fabulous gift shop including his famous roadshow which he takes to various local events thus raising funds for our station.
Each of the presentations were made by former Lizard Lifeboat Coxswain (and great friend of the station) Phil Burgess and current Boathouse Manager and former Head Launcher Jeff Ashby. All four crew members have worked alongside both Phil and Jeff.
Lizard Lifeboat Operations Manager Ned Nuzum said "A memorable evening honouring almost 100 years of dedicated service to the RNLI by four of our operational volunteers was made all the more special by having one of our former Coxswains, Phil Burgess along to present the awards. Phil's memories as he explained they had all sailed together in years past with one common endeavour at heart, saving lives at sea, made the evening a wonderfully joyous occasion for all present. Our Head of Region, Adrian Carey's fitting honour of David Gascoigne's unwavering enthusiasm and commitment, in keeping the station Visitor Centre and Shop team together over the 3 years we were closed during Covid was a very fitting way to round the celebrations off with, heroes them all"
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.
