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Volunteer with 30 years service Bangor RNLI visits Buckingham Palace

Lifeboats News Release

Bangor lifeboat volunteer James Gillespie and his wife Nichola attended Buckingham Palace for the King and Queens first garden party of the year. James was nominated to attend by RNLI Ireland division as recognition of his 30 years service, volunteering for Bangor RNLI.

A couple poses for a photo in front of an ornate, historic building. The man is wearing a formal naval uniform with medals and insignia, while the woman is dressed in white with a navy blue fascinator on her head.

RNLI/Tom Bell

A couple stands in front of a historic building, with the man dressed in a formal naval uniform and the woman wearing a white outfit and a navy blue fascinator.
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Whilst being treated to afternoon tea James and Nichola strolled the magnificent gardens of Buckingham Palace with music from the bands of the Royal Marines and Welsh Guards be played throughout the afternoon.

The King and Queen were in attendance along with Princess Anne, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Gloucester.

The RNLI were also represented with volunteers from Falmouth, Torbay, Whitby and Bridlington in attendance.

James said afterwards 'We had the most wonderful afternoon and it was a privilege to be able to attend with my wife Nichola'
A couple posing for a photo on the lawn of an ornate building. The woman wears a white jacket and blue floral dress, holding a pink clutch, while the man is dressed in a navy uniform with a peaked cap.

RNLI/Tom Bell

A couple stands together on a grassy lawn in front of an elegant, historic building. The woman is dressed in a white jacket over a blue and white floral dress, holding a bright pink clutch. The man is wearing a formal navy uniform with a peaked cap.
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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 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.

About the author

Tom Bell
Lifeboat Press Officer, Bangor

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