Celebrating the RNLI family, past and present

Next generation join dads on Douglas crew

Douglas Lifeboat Station, Isle of Man, has a history of lifeboating families. Sir William Hillary, who founded the RNLI, served on the first Douglas lifeboat with his son Augustus. Almost 200 years later, three fathers have been joined by their children on the crew of the Sir William Hillary, Douglas Lifeboat Station’s Tyne class lifeboat. They are Peter Cowin and his son Philip (20), Tony Radcliffe and his son Robert (20) and Peter Washington and his daughter Lavinia (20). Lavinia says: ‘Growing up, Dad being on the lifeboat crew was all I knew. It took me a while to realise that not all dads are lifeboat crew but as soon as I understood more, I wanted to join the crew too.’

Hello Harry

Crew Member Michael Brown and his wife Laura have been celebrating something special: the Christening of their son, Harry. The event took place onboard Tynemouth’s Severn class lifeboat, Spirit of Northumberland, in front of family, friends and Michael’s fellow crew members. Michael says: ‘I’m following in my own father’s footsteps as a volunteer lifeboat crewman, and my mother was a fundraiser for the RNLI, so I’d like to think Harry will also become a volunteer.’

Ramsgate’s new arrival

There’s been plenty to celebrate for Volunteer Crew Member Harry Hughes and his fiancée Kerry! Earlier this year, Harry planned a surprise proposal for Kerry at Ramsgate Lifeboat Station. One month later, their son Theodore Dean Roy Hughes was born, weighing 7.6lb. Harry says he hopes Theo will one day follow in his footsteps and join the RNLI. They’re hoping to get a pair of yellow wellies for Theo as soon as they can find some small enough!

40 Years of Service

Veteran Volunteer Peter Greenslade has been presented with an award for his longstanding service to the RNLI. He retires after 41 years of dedication to the Lizard Lifeboat Station. His RNLI journey began in 1976, when he joined his local lifeboat committee. ‘From then on, my involvement just grew and grew,’ Peter says. Over 4 decades of service, Peter was the deputy launching authority, letting off the maroons and making sure the lifeboat got to sea safely, and the station honorary secretary. He was also chairman of the Lizard Fundraising Branch, a period Peter describes as ‘filled with happy times and moments I will cherish for the rest of my life’.

Celebrating Life

Join us in remembering our RNLI Family members who have recently passed away.
Pat Mitton – April 2018
Committee Member at Northwich Branch
Ronnie Campbell MBE – April 2018
Chairman of Ross of Mull and Iona Branch

Words: Nikki McMullen
Photos: RNLI/(Chris Cox, Karen Cox, Adrian Don, Mike Howland, Geoffrey Squibb)