Members of Hoylake’s lifeboat crew have been presented with long-service awards by the charity’s Chief Executive.
Peter Sparkes met RNLI volunteers from across the station’s operational, fundraising and management teams and sat down with them to hear their insights into the lifesaving charity.
Coxswain Howie Owen received the RNLI’s Long Service Medal with a 30-year bar, having begun his volunteering at RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat in the early 1990s. He served for over 20 years on the inshore D class lifeboat, before later joining the all-weather lifeboat crew at Hoylake. Howie became Coxswain in June 2021.
Andy Dodd was presented with the RNLI’s 30-year Long Service Badge, having joined the Hoylake Lifeboat crew in 1994. Currently a Deputy 2nd Coxswain, he served in many volunteer roles before becoming full-time 2nd Coxswain/ Mechanic in 2009 and Hoylake RNLI’s first full-time Coxswain/ Mechanic from 2016 to 2021 – the fourth member of his family to serve as Coxswain. He is now a full-time RNLI Fleet Staff Coxswain.
Emily Jones received the RNLI’s Long Service Badge in recognition of 20 years’ service with Hoylake RNLI after joining in 2004. She has served in several roles including as a Navigator and for a period as Hoylake RNLI’s first-ever female Deputy 2nd Coxswain. She is also a Water Safety Advisor and has been instrumental in promoting safety skills and advice in the local community.
James Whiteley was presented with the RNLI’s Long Service Medal, recognising 20 years of volunteering after joining the Hoylake Lifeboat crew in 2004. James has served in numerous roles and is currently a Mechanic, Navigator, Hovercraft Commander and a Lifeboat Assessor Trainer. He is currently training to become a Coxswain.
Former volunteer Mary Costello-Smith received the RNLI’s Certificate of Service after stepping down as a crew member following 23 years of service from 2000 to 2023. She was Hoylake RNLI’s first-ever female operational volunteer and during her service on the crew, Hoylake RNLI saved 29 lives.
Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dave Whiteley, said: ‘Congratulations to Howie, Andy, Emily, James and Mary on well-deserved recognition for their remarkable service, which totals over 123 years.
“We couldn’t save lives at sea without the dedication of our volunteer crew and it was an excellent opportunity for Peter Sparkes to give his personal thanks to them as our new Chief Executive. As one crew, we look forward to working with him in the RNLI’s mission to save every one.”
The naming ceremony for the Leonard Pownall in West Kirby
On Saturday 21 September, the Chief Executive visited West Kirby lifeboat station to name their newest D class inshore lifeboat, Leonard Pownall.
Over 150 guests and more than 100 members of the public gathered to witness the ceremony, following a fundraising appeal and a bequest from Leonard’s late wife, Betty Pownall.
The official naming was carried out by retired Royal Navy and Britannia Captain Hugh Daglish. It was followed by a service of dedication and blessing for the lifeboat and crew.
A water safety demonstration then took place on the lake, featuring the new lifeboat in action, supported by RNLI lifeguards on their rescue watercraft.
Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority and Chair of West Kirby Lifeboat Appeal, said: “It’s been humbling and incredible witnessing the dedication, support and generosity of RNLI volunteers, businesses and our community as they came together, as one crew, smashing our target by achieving over £73,000 in just 8 months.
“Through your efforts and community spirit, we’ve secured our latest lifeboat, Leonard Pownall at West Kirby, where, through your support, our crew can continue the 200-year RNLI tradition of saving lives at sea.
“On behalf of the team at West Kirby Station, the RNLI and all those lives that will be rescued and saved during her service, thank you. It’s you, individually – and collectively as one crew, one community that makes this possible.”
Photo credits: RNLI
