John Stewart Campbeltown coxswain John Stewart has been awarded Miss Maud Smith's Reward for Courage in Memory of John, 7th Earl of Hardwicke for the rescue of two people from the fishing vessel Sincerity (Summer 2001 issue, p. 10). The annual award is presented to the crew member who performed the outstanding act of lifesaving during the previous year.

Stephen Iredale Staithes and Runswick helmsman Stephen Iredale has been awarded the Walter and Elizabeth Groombridge Award for the rescue of a lone sailor from the trimaran SIS (Spring 2001 issue, p. 10). The annual award is presented for the most meritorious service performed by the crew of an Atlantic lifeboat.Birthday honours The following people were honoured by Her Majesty The Queen in the Birthday Honours.

Member, Order of the British Empire Lawrence Grove MBE Morton and Port Eynon lifeboat station Lawrie's great grandfather, grandfather, father and brother were lifeboatrnen and Lawrie joined the crew in April 1974. Just four months later he took part in the rescue of nine people in inflatables in Gale Force 8 winds and 10m seas, for which he was awarded the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum. He also received letters of thanks from the Chairman and from the chief of operations during his time on the crew. He retired as senior helmsman earlier this year and is now a deputy launching authority.

Member, Order of the British Empire Michael Judge MBE Whitstable lifeboat station Michael joined the crew in 1974. He quickly qualified as helmsman and served on the lifeboat until this year. During that time he was awarded a letter of thanks from the chief of operations in 1995 for rescuing two men from their grounded ship. He is now an active shore helper.

Commander, Order of the British Empire David AclandcBEDL Former Chairman David Acland joined the Committee of Management in 1966. He became Vice President in 1975, Deputy Chairman in 1993 and Chairman in 1996. He retired in 2000. He also served in the Executive Committee from 1980-2000 and the Finance Committee from 1971-93. He is a member of Royal Yacht Squadron Cowes and Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.RHS award for Scarborough crewman Crew member Will Cammish has been awarded the Royal Humane Society's Testimonial on Vellum following the courageous rescue of a drowning man.

Will, who is a taxi-driver, was driving along the seafront at South Bay, Scarborough, last March when he noticed a man in the sea. He immediately pulled over and went to see if his expertise was needed.

A strong north-westerly wind was blowing, with 2m waves.

Police were already at the scene but refused to enter the water due to the dangerous conditions.

Will grabbed his RNLI kit, including his lifejacket, from the nearby station and swam out 50m to reach the man.

Despite the man's obvious reluctance to be saved, Will managed to bring him back to the beach, from where he was taken to hospital.

Will later said 'It was the most testing rescue I've ever done on one of the worst days I've ever been in the sea.

I'm over the moon about the award. It's nice when you are appreciated but it's all part of the normal service of rescuing people.' Childhood friends John Crabb and Verity Pope, both aged 17, have recently joined the crew at Looe inshore lifeboat station, in Cornwall.

They are both continuing family traditions: John's elder brother Ben is a crew member and Verity's cousin Nick Pope is a helmsman. Verity's dad John retired from seagoing duties last year and is now a member of the shore crew. Verity also holds the honour of being Looe's first female crew member..