Former Lowestoft Lifeboat Crew honoured for service to the RNLI
In celebration of a cumulative total of over 50 years of voluntary service to the RNLI, four Lowestoft Lifeboat crew members have been awarded their Certificates of Service.
In addition, the station’s retiring Lifeboat Operations Manager Henry (aka Paul) Carter was also recognised for his leadership, commitment and passion for the RNLI
The presentation at the town’s lifeboat station on South Pier was made by RNLI Lowestoft Lifeboat Management Group Chairman Richard Musgrove
Former crew members Ben Arlow (19 years of service as crew, navigator and mechanic with 47 lives saved), Michael Beadle, (16 years of service as crew and mechanic with 47 lives saved), Andrew Smith (11 years of service as crew with 14 lives saved), and James Tacon (11 years of service as crew with 14 lives saved), each received a framed Certificate of Service to mark their contribution
Mr Musgrove said “This year we are marking the bi-centenary of the RNLI. Over the past 200 years lifeboatmen have been showing bravery and dependability and all four are no exception as all have been key members of the operations team at the station. As volunteers they have selflessly responded to a variety of callouts over many years and our thanks are not only due to them but also to their families who have supported them in their roles.”
“They have all shown immense commitment and unwavering support for Lowestoft lifeboat. They have trained hard to learn the skills required and when their pagers sounded, they have been willing to stop whatever they are doing and head to the lifeboat station to help those in trouble at sea.”
Presenting Henry (Paul) Carter with a framed ‘‘Excellence in Volunteering Award’ Mr Musgrove read the citation which stated “Sincere thanks to Henry Carter in recognition of his exemplary commitment to the RNLI through his role as Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lowestoft Lifeboat station. Henry successfully supported the station and crew through the transition to a Shannon class lifeboat.
He also selflessly undertook the role as sole Launching authority at Southwold Lifeboat Station after the retirement of the Lifeboat Operations Manager. His leadership, commitment and passion for the RNLI is an inspiration for all. Henry has continuously displayed the RNLI values of being trustworthy, courageous, selfless and dependable. His valuable contribution has helped the RNLI to save lives at sea.”
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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