By IW Observer.co.uk
A total of 21 members of the Cowes RNLI crew received their Platinum Jubilee Medals from Isle of Wight Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Caroline Peel, last Thursday (June 23).
The presentations were made at the Duke of York Hotel, prior to the volunteer crews’ summer family barbecue. The station also marked the retirement from the boat of helms, Neil Archer and Jason Hughes. Both will stay on, with Neil as shore crew and Jason a launch authority.
A Cowes RNLI spokesman said: “Caroline is also a hard-working RNLI volunteer herself in Bembridge and London.
The venue holds happy memories for many inshore lifeboat crews from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales as it was the accommodation venue when inshore training was undertaken here.
“When Cowes Inshore Rescue was founded the Duke of York was as generous and supportive to the independent boat as they are to the RNLI.
“It was a great evening for the crew, their partners and children. The food was delicious and the rain stopped just before we started!”
Earlier in June, Mrs Pell awarded members of Bembridge RNLI with their Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Isle of Wight Observer