Members of Barry Dock lifeboat crew have been awarded King’s Coronation medals.

The medal recognises volunteers who have dedicated at least five years of continuous service to the RNLI and commemorates the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla which took place on 6 May 2023.

The medals were presented by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colin Jones, a former launch authority at Barry Dock, which added a personal connection to the memorable event.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colin Jones presenting the award Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colin Jones presenting the award (Image: Barry Dock RNLI) Members of the civilian emergency services have also been awarded medals including 4,500 frontline RNLI volunteers and staff.

They were presented at a special OneCrew curry night, Friday evening (November 1st) celebrating RNLI Barry RNLI’s dedication to saving lives at sea.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Bill Kitchen said: “It’s an incredible honour for our volunteer crew to receive the King’s Coronation Medal. This evening is about recognising the remarkable commitment and resilience they show every day, balancing careers, family, and life’s demands.”

In addition to the King’s Coronation Medals, two Long Service Medals were awarded. Brendan Pitt was recognised for his 50 years of service to the RNLI, and Joshua Brown for over 20 years of operational volunteering.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colin presenting the award Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colin presenting the award (Image: Barry Dock RNLI) Together, Brendan and Josh’s dedication represents over 70 years of combined service.

A special note of thanks was also given to volunteers Rosie Fisher and Dave Jones.

Rosie was thanked for her fundraising and work as a shop volunteer and Dave Jones, another shop volunteer and lifeboat visits officer was thanked for his engagement with the public on visits.

Andy Gavan, Coxswain at Barry Dock, said: “Those who are on call tonight are ready, and as a crew, we will always be ready—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—even on a OneCrew curry night!”

RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

It operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland.