The RNLI held its Annual Presentation of Awards in London’s Barbican on 14 May, with HRH The Duke of Kent as guest of honour in his 40th year as the charity’s President.

The Duke presented Lifeguards Chris Boundy and John Dugard from Trebarwith Strand in Cornwall with Silver Medals for Gallantry. Chris and John saved the life of an angler on 28 June last year after he slipped into the water in an area known locally as the washing machine. A full account of the rescue was published in the Autumn 2008 issue of the Lifeboat.

Dedicated RNLI supporters were also honoured at the ceremony. Funeral Director Robert Holland was named Individual Supporter of the Year for his help with in-memoriam giving. The new Supplier Award was presented to Microsoft, while the Northern Ireland Tourist Board won the Group Award. The Oddfellows’ long history of support for the RNLI led to their picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Trotters Family Bakers from Seahouses was named Corporate Supporter of the Year.

Earlsdon primary school from Coventry was the winner in the Youth Under 13 category, while Victoria Redman from Kent won the 13–18s Award. Iain Webster from Network Media won the Media Relations Award for his TV series on Portrush lifeboat station, while Dunbar RNLI shop was named best of the year in Retail.