On Friday 12th August 7 members of the Duddon Inshore Rescue team were presented with their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals awarded for 5 or more years’ service.
The combined number of years amounts to a staggering 140 years, with Chris McNamee and Ian Standing serving a bumper 94 between them.
The evening was especially poignant as the medals were presented by Phil and Timothy Boyle.
48 years ago on July 24th 1974 the brothers were here on holiday. As they played on the sands a fast-incoming spring tide approached and thanks to a local man, Eric Stephenson the alarm was raised that they were in danger. The boat was launched and thankfully the boys were rescued. A write up in The Evening Mail followed and each year their Mum donated to the RNLI, not realising that Duddon Inshore Rescue are in fact an independent charity.
Their words at the evening were especially touching and they had the opportunity to meet some of the crew who rescued them. Phil stated ‘I hope my belated thanks, 48 years late, will give everyone there a reminder, if one is needed, of the real difference your work makes.’
A big thank you must also go to Alun Newsome (Divisional Commander at HM Coastguard Operations) for hand delivering the medals to ensure their safe arrival.
With hot weather and holiday season underway we would always advise people to check tide times and be aware of the dangers on the sands and seas locally. If you, or someone you know is in danger call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
