Joy as Lowestoft Lifeboat crew awarded Freedom of the Town

The Freedom of the Town has been awarded to Lowestoft Lifeboat crew - past, present and future - for "outstanding service" and "show of courage" that has saved many lives.

During a special ceremony at a waterfront setting, Lowestoft Town Council honoured Lowestoft's RNLI Lifeboat crew as it conferred the honorary title of Freedom of the Town.

The Freedom of the Town is awarded to Lowestoft Lifeboat Crew. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Speaking at the gathering at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club on Sunday, Mayor of Lowestoft Sonia Barker awarded the Freedom of the Town to representatives of the current and past lifeboat crew.

Cllr Barker said: "It is an honour to be able to confer the title of Honorary Freedom of the Town to the Lowestoft Lifeboat Crew – past, present and future."

Adding that while it is "not a title that the town council bestows lightly," Cllr Barker added: "Lowestoft has one of the oldest lifeboat stations, being founded in 1801, some 23 years before the RNLI was established.

"Our beaches and coast are a part of the character of Lowestoft and a major attraction to tourists and ensuring the safety of people using the sea is where the brave crews of the Lowestoft lifeboat steps in.

Mayor of Lowestoft, Sonia Barker, awards the Freedom of the Town to Lowestoft Lifeboat Crew. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Ever since this presence has been in Lowestoft, a team of dedicated volunteers - of which I am delighted that some of the present volunteers are here - have faced all kinds of dangers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to make sure that everyone using the sea is safe.

"This long, outstanding service and show of courage has saved many lives and will continue to do so."

'Delighted and humbled'

Receiving the prestigious award on behalf of Coxswain John Fox and the past and present crews of Lowestoft Lifeboat, was newly appointed lifeboat operations manager Ruth White, who said: "Everyone at the lifeboat station is both delighted and humbled to receive this honour and appreciates that is given by representatives of the people of Lowestoft.

"Over the years lifeboats have changed but the bravery of the crews manning them and responding to callouts remains the same and the current crew carries on that tradition.

Lowestoft Lifeboat Operations Manager Ruth White receives the Freedom of the Town award from mayor of Lowestoft Sonia Barker. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Thirty-nine medals have been awarded to Lowestoft crew members over the years, two Gold, 21 Silver and 16 Bronze - the last being in 1997."

"We are delighted to receive the medal and certificate marking the Honorary Freedom of the Town from Lowestoft Town Council."

With the Freedom of the Town the highest award that the town council can offer, previous recipients have included The Excelsior, John Wylson and Christopher Brooks.

Busy few days

Within two hours of the award being presented the lifeboat crew was called out.

They responded at 12.48pm to help a windsurfer in difficulties off Pakefield, but on arrival the novice windsurfer was found wading ashore dragging his sail in the surf.

Lowestoft Lifeboat responding to reports that a windsurfer was in difficulties. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

After the crew checked that he was OK he continued ashore unaided.

A busy few days for the volunteers at Lowestoft Lifeboat station saw them take part in the next stage of the RNLI’s ‘Connecting our Communities’ relay-style event last Friday – one of the ways in which the charity is marking its 200th anniversary in 2024.

Lowestoft Lifeboat station takes part in the next stage of the RNLI’s ‘Connecting our Communities’ relay-style event. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With a scroll, bearing the RNLI pledge, being passed through RNLI communities – lifeboat stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches – around the UK and Ireland and being signed by representatives at each location on its route, at Lowestoft lifeboat station the scroll was signed by Philip Holdsworth (Lifeboat Deputy Second Coxswain), Paul Packham (RNLI Shop Manager), Sandra Lincoln (Fundraising Stalwart) and Sam Every (Lifeguard Supervisor).

A scroll, bearing the RNLI pledge, is signed at Lowestoft Lifeboat Station. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Fundraising chair Mary Thompson said: "It was great to be part of the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the RNLI."

A scroll, bearing the RNLI pledge, is signed at Lowestoft Lifeboat Station as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)