RNLI chairman visits Tynemouth Lifeboat

March 3rd, 2008: Admiral Sir Jock Slater, Chairman of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, today visited Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat station to meet volunteer crewmembers and supporters.

Crewmembers and supporters with Sir Jock Slater

Sir Jock is presented with a bottle of Alnwick rum by Station Mechanic Kevin Mole

Tony Hogg, Chairman of the Tynemouth branch of the RNLI, welcomed Sir Jock Slater, who then spoke to the volunteer crewmembers, branch supporters and members of the Tynemouth Lifeboat Ladies Guild, before being given a tour of the lifeboat station.

He described developments within the RNLI, the importance of training for volunteer crewmembers and paid special tribute to the vital fundraising carried out by supporters, especially that of the Ladies Guild before answering questions.

Sir Jock Slater said: “This is the first time I have visited Tynemouth lifeboat station but I have fond memories of the Tyne from my time as the first Captain of aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious which was built at Swan Hunters”

He then continued on to Cullercoats, Blyth and Newbiggin lifeboat stations as part of the three-day tour that will see him visit twelve RNLI lifeboat stations on the North East coast, and officially open the refurbished Grace Darling Museum at Bamburgh.