Death of former Newbiggin RNLI Secretary

Anthony was the volunteer secretary and manager of the station over almost two decades from 1962 to 1977, a period of many changes and technological developments at the lifeboat station here. As he began his volunteer role, Newbiggin was operating a 35 foot Liverpool class lifeboat Richard Ashley which had arrived here in 1950. The modernisation of lifesaving equipment took a major leap forward with the arrival of the 37 foot Oakley class lifeboat Mary Joicey in 1966 with Anthony playing a major part in the many changes at Newbiggin including the modernisation of the boathouse to accommodate the new lifeboat. A year later he led the organisation for a memorable naming ceremony of the new lifeboat by Viscountess Ridley of Blagdon with thousands gathered to watch this event.

Anthony, the local butcher in the village, was frequently called away from work to oversee the lifeboat operation when the call came in. Indeed the Mary Joicey lifeboat undertook a number of memorable services including two that were recognised for vellum award during his time as secretary.

We recognise and commemorate Anthony’s dedicated voluntary service to the RNLI during his many years leading the Newbiggin lifeboat station and his contribution to local lifesaving will always be remembered.

A service to celebrate Anthony’s active life of 91 years in Newbiggin by the Sea will be held at St Aiden's Catholic church on Friday 20 June at 10.00AM.

Notes to editors

Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected], Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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