Lifesaving and volunteering were celebrated at the RNLI’s Annual General Meeting and Presentation of Awards at the Barbican in London this May. Chairman Admiral the Lord Boyce, in his morning address, also praised the work of the charity in building foundations for the future, even in the current challenging economy.

In the afternoon, the RNLI’s President, HRH The Duke of Kent, presented crew with RNLI Gallantry awards:
Silver Medal – Port Isaac Helmsman Damien Bolton
Bronze Medals – Port Isaac Crew Members Nicola-Jane Bradbury and Matthew Main; Flood Rescue Team Leader Paul Eastment, Helmsman Chris Missen and Crew Member Martin Blaker-Rowe; and Anstruther Helmsman Barry Gourlay.

An RNLI Honorary Silver Medal was presented to RNLI Operations Director Michael Vlasto (see page 48). Yorkshire Building Society received one of the National Supporter Awards, as did 15-yearold Natasha Lambert from Cowes (page 14). Other committed supporters also received formal recognition for years of dedication.

In his last AGM speech as Chairman, Lord Boyce thanked all supporters: ‘Our charity always relies on people who are willing to answer the call for help – the sort of people who refuse to stand by and let the call go unanswered, or let rescuers go ill-equipped.’

Lord Boyce retires in July and hands the helm over to Charles Hunter-Pease, following a 5-year tenure.

Watch a film of the highlights, including medal-winning rescue videos and crew interviews, and read copies of our 2012 publications online at RNLI.org/2012.