Cromer RNLI appoints new Chair

Cromer RNLI has appointed long time volunteer Paul Jeffries as Chair following in the footsteps of Richard Annis who stepped down from the role earlier this year.

Paul is no stranger to the station, having served as a dedicated volunteer from 1981 to 2014. Over the course of more than three decades, he served aboard both the inshore lifeboat and the all-weather lifeboat. His roles included Emergency Mechanic, Assistant Mechanic, and eventually Second Coxswain.

Now retired, Paul is looking forward to once again supporting the station and its vital lifesaving work—this time as Chair.

Cromer RNLI Chair, Paul Jeffries said: "It’s a real honour to return to the station in this new role. Cromer RNLI has been such a big part of my life, and I’m proud to be supporting the incredible volunteers who continue to give so much to our community. I’m excited to play my part in helping the station move forward."

John Redmond, Cromer RNLI lifeboat operations manger, said: "On behalf of everyone at Cromer RNLI we are so pleased that Paul has accepted the position as chair. His involvement with the station spans decades and it is wonderful to welcome him back. Together with all the volunteers at the station, I look forward to working closely with him."

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

Key facts about Cromer RNLI

The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D Class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat. The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.