RNLI Volunteer Couple Recognised for over 60 years service

Fri, 06 Nov 2020

Local couple John and Marion Payne were recently both presented with 30 years' service medals from the RNLI, as a recognition for their time and dedication to Port St Mary Lifeboat.

John and Marion moved to the Isle of Man 40 years ago, and with a love for boats and sailing, it is unsurprising that they had an interest in the RNLI. So much so that in 1981 they generously donated £1,000 towards the cost of supplying and fitting a VHF Direction Finder for Port St Mary’s then Arun class lifeboat RNLB Gough Ritchie. From then on, they continued their involvement in the RNLI by volunteering to join the supporters of Port St Mary Lifeboat.

After initially joining as a member of Port St Mary’s fundraising branch back in 1983, John took on the position of Membership Secretary for a time, before becoming Branch Treasurer in 1988, carrying out that role for around 18 years.

Meanwhile Marion joined Port St Mary’s Ladies’ Guild, which involved organising events such as Christmas Fayre’s, Car Boot Sales and Autumn Luncheons, as well as making lots of cakes to sell at various events. Marion also took on joint responsibility of co-ordinating the stalls and purchasing prizes for the annual Lifeboat Day for a few years.

One of John and Marion’s most notable contributions to Port St Mary’s fundraising, was the establishment of the infamous Murder Mystery suppers. This has now become an annual fundraising event, and one which has been a sell out every year, raising thousands of pounds for the RNLI.

A spokesperson for Port St Mary RNLI said: 'Everyone at Port St Mary lifeboat would like to thank John and Marion for all their time and dedication in helping to raise vital funds for the RNLI and would like to congratulate them on their well-deserved 30 years' service medals.'

The Port St Mary Lifeboat branch works closely with the local lifeboat volunteer crew and raises funds to support them in the demanding work they undertake on behalf of our community.

The branch seeks to organise fun events and activities that appeal across a wide spectrum of supporters – particularly those such as sailors, fishermen, divers. paddleboarders and kayakers who enjoy our maritime environment and know that if they are in trouble the RNLI is there to help.

Anyone interested in joining should contact Membership Secretary Susan Woolard by e-mailing ballakinlay@gmail.com

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