Port Isaac RNLI volunteers honoured at Dartmouth naval college

Twenty years is a long time to keep answering the pager. For one Port Isaac lifeboat volunteer, that commitment has now been marked in front of a packed hall at one of the country’s best known naval buildings.

Volunteer crew and committee members from Port Isaac RNLI travelled to Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth on Saturday 19 September, where their years of service to the RNLI were formally recognised.

📷Credit: Port Isaac RNLI

Two decades on the crew

Among those recognised was Matthew Main, who was there in person to receive an award marking 20 years of service.

The station described it as “an incredible 20 years of dedicated service”, adding: “Twenty years of volunteering represents an enormous commitment of time, energy and personal dedication, and is a wonderful achievement to be celebrated.”

Matthew was not the only one to reach the milestone. Mark Grills and Tom Brown were also recognised for 20 years, although neither attended the event.

📷Credit: Port Isaac RNLI

The people behind the scenes

The day was about more than the crew who go to sea. Other members of the Port Isaac committee were present and received awards for their own service.

The station named Jan Rowe, David Rayor and Carole Raynor, with 30 years of service recognised.

Port Isaac RNLI called it “a truly special and memorable occasion”, one that gave the chance to formally recognise the contribution made by volunteers “both on the lifeboat and behind the scenes”.

A thank you from the station

The station finished with a message to everyone involved.

“A heartfelt thank you and well done to all our crew and committee members for the countless hours given to support the RNLI and our local community. Your dedication, commitment and generosity are very much appreciated.”

📷Credit: Port Isaac RNLI