A Silloth RNLI volunteer has been recognised for 40 years of helping to save lives at sea.
Jim Blake was presented with his long service medal by Councillor Tony Markley at a celebration of his career as 2023 draws to a close.
Jim, who is currently the station’s mechanic and in charge of launching the lifeboat for a callout, has had a number of roles during his 40 years, including shore and lifeboat crew, helm and temporary operations manager.
He reached the milestone in August but his celebration was held as part of the volunteer crew’s Christmas meal.
Current operations manager Jeanette O’Connell presented Jim – a proud Newcastle United Football supporter – with a signed photo frame from the players and paperweight of the stadium.
Silloth RNLI crew were also joined at the Christmas meal by their partners and Jeanette gave thanks to them and the extended families of the crew, for their support and understanding with all the disruptions that can come from living with a pager.
Rebecca Clark, Silloth RNLI press officer, said: “Jim has always been part of the day-to-day running of the station, keeping everyone motivated and ensuring that they all work as a team. If anything needs fixing, Jim is always on hand to help and if he can’t fix it… it must be broken!
“It’s lovely to be here and recognise Jim’s dedication to saving lives at sea. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to look back at the year and all we have achieved together as one crew.
“As people prepare to get ready for family time this Christmas, our volunteer crew will be ready on call, should their pagers go off over the Christmas period.
“Our crew couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to continue saving lives. Those same kind and generous donations that have meant Jim has been able to save lives for the last 40 years.”
