By Isle of Wight Observer
The Island’s Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, congratulated the voluntary crew of Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat (SSIL) on being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, as she presented coxswain, Mark Birch, with the unique glass award and certificate personally signed by the King.
Deputy Lieutenant, Dr Nick England, read the citation during the presentation, which took place at Sandown’s Broadway Centre, with an audience of almost 100 people. Those present included the chairman and vice-chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Karl Love and Vanessa Churchman, newly-elected MP for East Wight, Joe Robertson, Sandown’s mayor, Alex Lightfoot, and former mayors, Heather Humby, Paddy Lightfoot and Gary Young.
Mrs Sheldon said: “The selfless dedication and commitment of Mark Birch, the crew, and the support team of fund-raisers and volunteers, more than they deserve recognition with the King’s Award of Voluntary Services. They are one of only 262 recipients nationally, and it was a delight to see the importance of the award to Mark and all involved.”
Mark Birch responded: “It was a great honour to accept the award on behalf of the crew and all involved with the lifeboat, especially from the Lord-Lieutenant who has been incredibly supportive since she took up her post.”
Lifeboat volunteers also enjoyed a specially-made cake, and members received special King’s Award badges in recognition of their individual contribution and service to the community of the Bay and the Island.
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the award, now called the King’s Award, shines a light on the work of voluntary groups across the country. It is equivalent to the MBE, and is the highest award given to local voluntary groups.