RNLI volunteer celebrates 50 years of service with special award

A dedicated volunteer with RNLI Ilfracombe has been rewarded at a recent awards night held at the Carlton Hotel on February 24. 

Bob Thompson, a former teacher at Ilfracombe Academy and a former councillor on Ilfracombe Town Council was  awarded an RNLI medal for an incredible 50 years of volunteering with the station. 

In 2009, Bob retired from the boat crew after serving as the second mechanic on both Lloyds II and the Spirit of Derbyshire.

Leigh Hanks succeeded him in this role. 

Bob then dedicated the next 15 years to serving as the Deputy Launch Authority, where he was responsible for gathering initial details of each callout and approving the launch of the most suitable boat.

Despite stepping back from active duty, Bob remains involved with the RNLI, contributing to the station management group and continuing his role as an author.

Recalling his early days joining as shore crew in 1972, Bob reminisced about the challenges aboard the Lloyds II lifeboat. As technology evolved, Bob transitioned to newer vessels like the Spirit of Derbyshire in 1990.

Bob recalled the challenges and adventures aboard the Lloyds II, Ilfracombe's lifeboat at the time. 

"She was a fantastic sea boat, but it was all pretty much open, and we were exposed to whatever weather there was," Bob reminisced.

Beyond his sea duties, Bob is known for his fundraising efforts, rallying community support for essential equipment. 

In 1978 Bob wrote his first book on the history of Ilfracombe lifeboats. 

Three more editions followed and he is now working on the fifth. 

For each book, he raised enough money to cover the printing costs so that all the proceeds of book sales go straight to RNLI Ilfracombe.

Former Coxswain/Mechanic Andrew Putt presented Bob with his 50 years' service medal and an Excellence in Volunteering award. 

“I was so honoured to receive these awards,” says Bob.

“And so happy to be given them by Andrew who has been a great friend for so many years. It was a wonderful evening, catching up and remembering all the old stories,” he continued.

Other volunteers who had dedicated a combination of 190 years of service to RNLI Ilfracombe were also celebrated at the awards night.

Richard Woolmer, one of the event organisers and a boat crewman, showed his delight at the turnout, saying, "It was a fantastic evening with so many people able to relax and catch up with old friends. It was probably one of the biggest awards nights we’ve ever had, and all areas of our work were represented."

One of the  highlights of the night was the recognition of six individuals for their exceptional long service, totaling 190 years.

Among them was Bob Thompson. 

The night also saw five other crew members receiving long service medals, along with certificates of thanks to six former crew members who contributed significantly during their tenure.

RNLI Ilfracombe's next event, scheduled for March 16, invites the community to Capstone Hill for a town photograph to celebrate the RNLI's 200th birthday.