Douglas RNLI volunteer crew members were presented with their Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals by former Secretary and Lifeboat Operations Manager, Captain David Cowell, at a reception hosted by Cains Advocates at the Fort Anne last Thursday evening (1st November).
 
Following a welcome and introduction by Mary Corran, Lifeboat Operations Manager, before presenting the medals Captain Cowell remarked on the significance of the venue:

‘Although now rebuilt, there could not be a more appropriate place than the Fort Anne, as the former home of RNLI founder Sir William Hillary, for the presentation of the Jubilee medals.’
 
Medal recipients boat crew: Neal T. Corran (Coxswain); Juan L. Howland (Emergency. Cox); Tony W. Radcliffe (Mechanic); Peter D. Cowin (Emergency Mechanic); Donald A. Bottomley Emergency Mechanic); Simon G. Bushe (Emergency Mechanic); Peter J. Washington (Emergency Mechanic); Emily M. Heaton; Richard Coase; J. Noel Farrell; Mark Versluijs; Richard Forrest; Graeme Cushnie; Nigel Smallwood.
 
Medal recipients shore crew: Mary E. Corran (LOM); Paul Cunningham (Head Launcher); Alex D. McBride (Winch Operator); Robert Corran M.B.E.; John McCreadie; Paul Zywicki.
 
At the conclusion of the presentation, Mr. Peter Cain, RNLI Douglas Branch President, thanked Cains Advocates for hosting the evening and for their continued support.
 
RNLI volunteer crew have everyday jobs like doctor, teacher, housewife, fisherman, paramedic. Only 1 in 10 have professional maritime background, so training is essential. It costs ?1,255 each year to train a lifeboat crew member. The RNLI provides the best possible lifeboats, equipment and training to ensure that the volunteer lifeboat crews can do their job safely. The charity needs to raise ?150 million every year to run its life-saving services.  98% of the RNLI’s income is from voluntary donations.
 
Photo caption - Douglas RNLI volunteer boat and shore crew with Capt. David Cowell who presented the medals.