Flamborough RNLI Treasurer steps down after 46 years service

Paul’s lifelong passion for the RNLI began in August 1952, when, as a three-year-old, he witnessed the aftermath of the tragic Bridlington lifeboat capsize at Thornwick Bay during the search for two missing swimmers.

The incident claimed the lives of the two girls Joan Ellis (aged 16), Gillian Fox (aged 16) and the Bridlington Lifeboat Bowman Robert P Redhead, sparking an interest in lifeboats and the work of the RNLI that has remained with him throughout his life.

Coming from a seafaring family, Paul became a member of the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society in 1969 before joining the Flamborough Lifeboat Appeal Fund Committee in 1980.

Reflecting on his lifelong connection with the sea, Paul said: “Coming from a seafaring family, the sea, ships and boats have never been far from my thoughts. Perhaps sea salt runs through my veins.”

The Flamborough Lifeboat Appeal Fund Committee was formed to raise funds for improvements to North Landing Lifeboat Station ahead of the arrival of the station’s 37ft Oakley class lifeboat.

The appeal successfully raised more than £126,000, allowing vital upgrades to take place, including the realignment of the slipway, construction of a new tractor house and provision of a crawler tractor. 37-05 The Will and Fanny Kirby (ON 972) arrived on station in January 1983.

Paul joined the Flamborough Lifeboat Station Management Committee on July 21 1980 and has taken the minutes of management meetings since 1983.

He became the station’s first Honorary Press Officer when the role was introduced by the RNLI in 1988, before being appointed Treasurer on November 11 1991.

Paul served as Treasurer for almost 34 years, until stepping down on 31 May 2026.

Alongside his wife Sylvia, he also managed the North Landing souvenir shop between 1991 and 1993, helping to develop it into a successful fundraising venture while both were working full-time.

During his time with Flamborough RNLI, Paul witnessed many changes within the charity and the station, working alongside generations of volunteer crew members, station officials and five Honorary Secretaries/Lifeboat Operations Managers, three of whom were retired Master Mariners.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Paul received the RNLI Silver Award after completing 20 years of volunteer service.

Then in 2021, he was recognised for 40 years of outstanding volunteer service with the RNLI Long Service Medal. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the medal was sent to him by post and was never officially presented.

Paul’s dedication was also recognised by colleagues at the RNLI Support Centre in Poole. Lisa Shevill, Finance Volunteer Support Manager, thanked Paul personally for his many years of hard work, dedication and commitment, noting that he had been one of the few Treasurers who had been in post throughout her more than 30 years with the RNLI.

Finance Supervisor Kelly Hunt also paid tribute, saying Paul had done far more than the RNLI could ever have hoped for. She added that his thoughtful questions over the years had not only kept her on her toes but had also helped improve her own understanding of the charity’s financial systems and procedures.

Paul also published Safe Within The Lifeboat, the history of Flamborough Lifeboat Station from 1871 to 1993, in 2021. The book was a great success, with profits donated to the station. Paul presented a cheque for £1,000 to Lifeboat Operations Manager Captain David Freeman on September 22 2022.

Reflecting on his years of service, Paul said: “I have put in a very long shift and thoroughly enjoyed my time working for Flamborough Lifeboat Station.

“It has been an immense pleasure to be involved and to serve such a great station.

“Lifeboats have been a big part of my life for so many years and that interest will hopefully continue.’

Lifeboat Operations Manager for Flamborough RNLI, Captain David Freeman, said: “On behalf of everyone at Flamborough RNLI, we would like to thank Paul for his outstanding dedication, commitment and unwavering support over the past 46 years.

“His knowledge, professionalism and passion for the station have been invaluable, and his contribution to the RNLI has left a lasting legacy.

“Paul will be sorely missed in his role as Treasurer, his years of service have helped shape the station we know today.

“We wish Paul and Sylvia a long, happy and well deserved retirement, and we look forward to welcoming them back to the station whenever they visit. Once part of the RNLI family, always part of the RNLI family.”