By Mal Butler
The Coxswain of Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, Tony Moore, draws breath as he ponders the question, and finally says: “I’m 62-year-old. It’s all about youthful enthusiasm; I have done my bit – I’ve done nearly 25 years.”
Tony is chatting about why it’s the right time to announce his retirement. His lifeboat career has had its highs and lows, but now he has decided it’s time to call it a day.
He says: “I never wanted to be coxswain, but, at the time, there was no-one else. Everyone looked at me, so I felt I had to do it.
“I originally went down to the lifeboat to help as ground crew, but then they were short, so I went out and it all started from there.
“Times have changed. The lifeboat has a real enthusiasm out there now. I’ve been thinking about retiring for three years, since I was seriously ill and nearly died. It’s the right time to do it. I have made my decision, and I have no problem with it; it’s over.”
He’s seen a lot of changes over the last 25 years and said: “The actual boat users, the Coastguard, there is a lot more red tape and health and safety, sometimes I feel it’s gone mad.
“A few years ago, we were taken off station and had to ensure we adhered to the Rescue Boat Code, which we did, but things like this continue to be ongoing. We also lost the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation which looked after our needs, but it dwindled away.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom, as he remembers the good times, saying: “There was one night and we were looking for a couple of fishermen. It was awful weather and took us one-and-a-half hours to get around the light at the Needles; it was a terrible sea.
“We eventually found the fishermen, and the former Fat Cat pub, in The Bay, opened for us at 3am! We sat there thanking God we had all got back safely. They were different times and the crew would socialise all the time.
“We’re also still very lucky that we have the NCI Coastwatch, at The Needles, which is a wonderful organisation, and they are the eyes and ears for us on the cliff, which is fantastic.
“I feel grateful to all the local community who we are representing. It’s their money we are spending and I’m passionate about the support they give us; we have top equipment and have been supported by them since the early days.
“I’ve also been supported by our principal fund-raiser, Rod Adams and his team, as well as stalwarts like Dave Kempster and Martin Gould.
“And there’s lots to look forward to with the youngsters in the crew and the extension to the lifeboat house which should be finished in July.”
I asked if there were any more memories, and he replied: “I still can’t believe how honoured I was to be representing the lifeboat at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
“I had a great time walking around there with my wife, Kelly. I remember thinking of the rest of the crew while I was mooching around the Palace!
“I’ve had a ball. I’ve met loads of people and helped loads of people; I’ve been very lucky.”
Press Release