Volunteers from Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat Crew collected their King Charles III Coronation Medals from the Island’s High Sheriff, Graham Biss BEM, in a ceremony at Sandown’s Broadway Centre this week.
The award recognises the work of members of frontline emergency services and is only awarded to those with a minimum of 5 years service.
The King’s Coronation Medals recognised the service of: Mark Birch (31 years service), Chris Bartlett (8), Terry Hobbs (8), Ian Davidson (9), David Howes (23), Daniel Bircham (7), David Millard (14), John Burns (11), Stephen Woodhams (24), Sarah Gooden (6), Daren Sands (27), Richard Burns (10), Darren Fuller (11), Ian Butler (5), John Hayes (11), Lucy Burns (7), Kirren Shaw (5), Graham Arnold (8) and Neil Styles (5).
High Sheriff Graham Biss said:
“The voluntary lifeboat crew, under Mark’s leadership, more than deserve this recognition, reflecting the dedication and commitment they give for the residents and visitors to the Bay”.
Coxswain Mark Birch added:
“It’s been a challenging time for the team, with damage to our slipway home and our tractor, but it is an honour for all of the crew, to be recognised in this way”.
SSILB also received the Kings Award for Voluntary Service earlier this year.
