A Little About the Crew

There are currently 24 crew members at our Lifeboat station and one full time mechanic. Volunteers are from all manner of professions, some are fishermen but we have electricians, joiners, civil servants and we even boast about having the local high school headmaster. Every member is on call every minute of every day or night regardless of weather conditions.

The station also has a Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM), who is responsible for authorising the launching of the boats and is our contact with most of the outside media and the hierarchy at Lifeboat Headquarters in Poole, Dorset. He is supported by two Deputy Launching Authorities who take over his duties in case of his absence from station. If medical advice is required we have the able assistance of our Honorary Medical Advisor who is one of our local GP's

Everyone concerned with the station is of equal importance and is required to give total commitment. If the pager activates, each crewmember is expected to do his or her utmost and respond if they are able. All Station personnel carry an electronic pager (even to bed) as they never know when they will receive a shout. It has been known for crew to turn up on a shout half shaven or with their trousers on backwards.

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Malcolm Pritchard
LOM
Retired

A former civil servant, who spent his early working life in the Merchant Navy. Very handy to have around when a speech is needed.

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Rodney Burge
DLA
Former Fisherman

Rodney ran his own Trawler from Amble for many years and is well noted for his hilarious jokes and poetry.

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Paul Taylor
DLA
Harbour Master

A former Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy, spent his whole life at sea.

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John Connell
Ratty
Coxswain
1979
Trawler Skipper

His father is a past coxswain of many years standing. Appointed Coxswain July 1999 on delivery of 'The Four Boys' to Amble. Of a bright and carefree disposition and well known in the area for his athletic prowess, he has been known to complete the three minute mile when asked to stand his round.

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John Wingfield
Winkus
2nd Coxswain
1982
Civil Servant

Appointed Second Coxswain in 1999 same time as John Connell made Coxswain. Noted in the crew for his sensitive and retiring nature and is a football referee in his spare time.

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David Bell
Belly
Dep 2nd Coxswain
1979
Skipper

Appointed Deputy Second Coxswain 1999. A dog lover and fine example of tonsorial elegance. Can best be regarded as a dandy or a dedicated follower of fashion. His impeccable dress sense and immaculate manners compliment this effect.

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John Sim
Mechanic
1979
Full Time

A full-time station hand, runs the station like a naval barracks and it's shoes off when we enter, keep hands off the walls. Can regularly be located loafing behind the engines covered in oil.

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Willie Gibson
Crewmember
1995
Sparky

Enthusiastic crewmember and regularly attends parties. Runs his electrical contracting firm employing several local men.

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Trevor Nisbet
'Trev'
Mechanic
1997
Paramedic

Although all the crew are well trained in first aid, if called for a shout that involves administering first aid we consider ourselves lucky if Trevor is aboard. He enjoys crew parties and his hobby is rally racing.

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David Builth
Cockney
Navigator
1995
Charter Skipper

Of a serendipitous nature, a refugee from Middlesex that runs his charter business from Amble harbour and specialises in wreck fishing up to twenty miles out to sea.

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Gary Little
Emergency Mech.
1990
Shop Keeper

Has been known to suffer slightly from Mal De Mer but refuses to succumb.

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Keith Sim
3rd Mechanic
1978
Construction

An ex. miner and our longest serving crew member. Is well noted for his sense of thrift.

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Esmond Coulter
Ez
Second Mech.
1986
Joiner

Navigator and Helmsman for the inshore lifeboat, a dedicated party animal.

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Paul Allen
Navigator
1997
Head Teacher

Head of the local high school. Passes the time yachting and long distance road running.

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Christopher Nisbet
Chris
Emergency Mech.
?
Computer Tech

Son of Trevor, a handy man to have around when anyone presses the wrong button on the station computer. Also a trained Navigator and a Helmsman on the inshore lifeboat.

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Rodney Henderson
Navigator
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Fisheries Insp.

A man of mystery.

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Robert Henderson
Crewmember
?
Trawler Skipper

Runs a trawler out of Amble catching white fish and prawns.

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Mark Taylor
Crewmember
?
Berthing Master

Spent most of his life working at sea with the Merchant Navy.

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Paul Stewart
Crewmember
?
Civil Servant

A former soldier proving the long term effects of rifle recoil causes a shortening of the arms, as they never seem to reach the bottom of his deep pockets. Also a trained Helmsman on the inshore lifeboat.

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Steven Sim
Crewmember
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Apprentice Joiner

Son of John, not noted for his cheerful disposition.

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John Fannon
Crewmember
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IT Manager

A man of mystery.

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Dr Alan Fraser
Medical Advisor
?
GP

One of our local doctors, Dr Fraser is on standby to dispense medical advice when required. A reluctant sea hand in bad weather.

Finally, a special mention in dispatches for our two current prospects, Jason Allan and Christopher Boyd.