30 Years of Dedication: Looe Fundraising Volunteers Honoured by RNLI

Published On: 27 August 2024Last Updated: 27 August 2024By CornishStuff

Marilyn Berry and Ann Watson Recognised for Decades of Service

In a heartfelt ceremony that took place during a bustling book sale on Saturday, 24 August 2024, two of Looe RNLI’s most dedicated fundraising volunteers were honoured with long service awards. The event, held outside the Albatross boathouse, saw Looe RNLI’s president, John Trethewey, recognise the outstanding contributions of Marilyn Berry and Ann Watson.

A Lifelong Commitment

Marilyn Berry, a familiar face in the Looe community, was awarded the 30-year RNLI badge. Marilyn began her journey as a fundraiser in 1993, just as the inshore lifeboat station was re-established. Back then, the D Class lifeboat was housed in a shelter and a portacabin on the seafront. Despite these modest beginnings, Marilyn was pivotal in the fundraising efforts, working tirelessly to support the lifeboat crew and their lifesaving mission.

Over the years, Marilyn has seen many changes, including the opening of a purpose-built souvenir shop in 1998, which provided a more permanent base for fundraising activities. Although she recently stepped down as branch secretary after an impressive 27 years, Marilyn continues to be actively involved, notably as the main organiser of this year’s summer concert programme.

A Legacy of Success

Ann Watson, who has been an active member of Looe’s fundraising branch for over 23 years, was awarded the 20-year RNLI medal. Ann’s dedication to the cause, alongside her late husband Laurie, has been instrumental in driving the branch’s success. She served twice as the branch chair, leading two successful lifeboat appeals that brought the Ollie Naismith and Ollie Naismith II D Class inshore lifeboats to Looe.

Ann’s contributions extend beyond the RNLI; she is also a member of the Looe Boat Owners Association, which has raised significant funds for the lifeboat station by organising the town’s annual raft race.

Honouring Their Achievements

In presenting the awards, John Trethewey expressed his deep gratitude to Marilyn and Ann for their unwavering commitment to the RNLI and the Looe Lifeboat Station. Alongside their long service awards, both volunteers were presented with gifts and flowers as a token of the station’s appreciation for their remarkable achievements over many years.

As a fully independent charity, the RNLI relies heavily on the dedication and hard work of volunteers like Marilyn and Ann to continue its life-saving work. Their contributions ensure that the Looe lifeboat crew remains ready and equipped to save lives at sea, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The recognition of Marilyn Berry and Ann Watson serves as a reminder of the vital role that fundraising volunteers play in supporting the RNLI’s mission, and the Looe community can be proud of the extraordinary efforts of these two remarkable women.