Looe RNLI Volunteers Celebrate the End of a Successful 2025

Looe RNLI volunteers came together earlier this month to mark the end of a busy and successful 2025, with a special evening held to recognise the people who keep the station running both on and off the water.

The celebration, described as a “One Crew” evening, was organised to thank everyone involved for their commitment throughout the year, from lifeboat operations to fundraising and public engagement.

A Whole Team Behind Every Launch

While the volunteer lifeboat crew are the most visible part of the station, Looe RNLI is supported by more than 60 additional volunteers working behind the scenes. Alongside the operational crew of 30, these volunteers staff the charity’s souvenir shop, welcome visitors to the boathouse, promote water safety and organise a wide range of fundraising events.

As 2025 draws to a close, Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Palfrey and the station’s operations team invited all volunteers to join them at the station on Wednesday 10th December 2025 for an evening of thanks.

Guests were welcomed with a drink and a buffet provided by Tonia from Original Looe Bakery, who also donated extra plates of food as a personal thank you to the station.

📷Clive Palfrey and David Jackman

Long Service Recognised

During the evening, Clive spoke about the successes of the station’s various teams. Alongside long-serving crew member, Launch Authority and former helm Brian Bowdler, several volunteers were recognised for their many years of service.

These included Paul Sedgbeer, who has spent 20 years as part of the station’s boathouse visits team, Barbara Leck, who has volunteered on the fundraising committee and in the shop for more than 13 years, and Sue Bungey, the station’s volunteer shop manager, who had already volunteered for several years before taking on the role.

A New Award and a Special Presentation

A new tradition was also introduced with the creation of a “Volunteer of the Year” award. Crafted by creative crew members, the award uses a wooden floorboard from the former D Class inshore lifeboat D-461 Regina Mary as a base for two yellow wellies.

The first recipient was Ray Jowle, who has given 15 years of service to the station through shop volunteering and guiding visitors around the boathouse. Although Ray was unable to attend on the night, he joined the evening by speaker phone as Clive thanked him for his contribution. Ray later received his award at home when the station’s Press Officer called to see him.

📷Clive Palfrey, Sue Bungey and Brain Bowdler

Welcoming Future Crew

Two members of the volunteer crew became fathers during the year. Clive presented Jack and Tom with yellow wellies for their daughters, with hopes that this would become another station tradition welcoming future generations into the RNLI family.

Crew Members of the Year

The evening also paused for a more serious moment as “Crew Members of the Year” David Jackman and Victoria Thomas were recognised. Earlier in the year, the pair saved the life of one of David’s work colleagues after he collapsed on the quay.

Clive said: “you never know when something will happen, but this is where RNLI training kicks with the quick reaction from David, coupled with Vicky’s rapid arrival on scene saving a life.”

Ending on a Light Note

Some light-hearted crew banter followed with informal crew awards, before the evening concluded with David returning the thanks by presenting Clive with a stepping plate, recognising him for stepping up into the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager.

The night marked the end of another year of dedication for the volunteers of Looe RNLI, whose work continues to support the RNLI’s lifesaving role in and around the town.

📷Clive Palfrey and Brain Bowdler with the volunteer of the year award

📷Clive presenting yellow wellies to Jack and Tom

📷Looe RNLI volunteers in the boathouse – 10 December 2025