New Quay RNLI Crew Honored at Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Seven dedicated volunteers from New Quay Lifeboat Station had the prestigious opportunity to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in celebration of the 200th birthday of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The New Quay RNLI attendees, including coxswain Daniel Potter, mechanic Bernie Davies, and crew members Rees-Tom Jones, Huw Williams, Dylan Price, and Simon Rigby, were recognized for their outstanding bravery during Storm Arwen in November 2021. They were also acknowledged for their long-standing service to the organization, with Mr. Rigby and Tomas Davies receiving special awards for their 20 years of dedication.
Speaking about the event, Mr. Potter expressed his gratitude, stating, “It was an honor to attend the special RNLI garden party at Buckingham Palace last week. It was a wonderful occasion to represent our lifeboat station.”
The garden party, hosted by The Princess Royal and attended by His Majesty the King and RNLI president HRH The Duke of Kent, brought together approximately 2,500 long-serving volunteers, staff, and families from across the UK and Ireland. The gathering included individuals from various roles within the RNLI, such as lifeboat crew, lifeguards, water safety volunteers, fundraisers, and recipients of meritorious service awards.
Since its establishment in 1824, the RNLI has saved over 146,277 lives, averaging about two lives rescued every day for the past 200 years. With 238 lifeboat stations currently operational throughout the UK and Ireland, the charity continues to play a vital role in coastal safety and rescue operations.