Guernsey's RNLI Station awarded Royal Honours

Monday 02 August 2021

The St Peter Port Station of the RNLI has been presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award given to volunteer groups in the British Isles.

At a ceremony at the Lifeboat Hut at the New Jetty, His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder presented the crystal award to Jim Le Pelley, Chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group, on behalf of the Station.

Mr Le Pelley said it was a great honour for the St Peter Port Lifeboat Station, which has been honoured for its life-saving work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"All the operational crew of the lifeboat have shown exceptional extra dedication throughout the period of the pandemic. But the award recognised not just their service but that of all the volunteers of the Station."

Pictured: The QAVS recognises outstanding groups of volunteers 'whose level of initiative and impact are truly exceptional'.

His Excellency also presented 23 medals for the crew, which were specially awarded to recognise 'impactful covid-related support' provided during the pandemic.

Sir Ian reflected that, as a former mariner, he knew that the waters around our islands are among the most treacherous in the world. Over the lifeboat station’s 217 years there have been 47 awards to various individuals, but never one to the charity as a whole.

Sir Ian also expressed surprise that the St Peter Port Lifeboat Station had not received this prestigious award before now, given the role played by our guardians of the sea. 

Pictured top: The awards ceremony at the St Peter Port Lifeboat Station. All images by Tony Rive.