As part of Penarth RNLI’s 200-year celebrations on 4 March 2024, volunteers who had served for over 30 years or more were given special recognition and presented Long Service Awards.

On Monday 4 March at Penarth Pier, representatives from RNLI lifesaving community gathered to commemorate, celebrate and inspire. The pier was decked out with image boards depicting stories of historical events that have occurred over the last 200 years.

The evening was enjoyed by Penarth Town Mayor, Melissa Rabaiotti, members of the community and emergency services that support the charity. The guests had nibbles and beverages whilst watching and listening to youngsters from the Stagecoach Penarth Choir. There were also speeches by Chairman Laurie Pavlin, and Lifeboat Operations Manager Jason Dunlop.

Jason said: “In our 200-year history the RNLI has evolved in many ways, but the one thing that has remained the same is the continuing dedication and effort of all of our volunteers, that ultimately means our crews can go out and continue to save lives at sea they have done for the past two centuries.”

The evening was rounded up with long service awards, amounting to 270 years in total. Andy Vye-Parminter and Rod Hill were recognised for 30 years of service, whilst Karl Lawrence, Gareth Wigmore, Chris Youde and Mike Kingston were awarded for 40 years of service, which will be presented to him at a separate event later this year.

Laurie Pavlin also took the opportunity to bring to the attention of all, Lifeboat Operations Manager Jason Dunlop, who was trying to avoid the limelight. Jason’s selfless work performed over many years was recognised by an ‘Excellence in Volunteering’ certificate signed by RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowey.

Jason added: “Receiving this award was a real honour and I’m so proud to stand alongside the other recipients and the rest of the Penarth RNLI one crew, who all do a fantastic job in their volunteer roles and give up so much time to this unique charity.

“We have plans to continue the RNLI 200 celebrations throughout 2024, marking this special moment in history and hoping to inspire the next generation of lifesavers.”