Honours for Hoylake Lifeboat Station's long-serving members

Howie Owen, Andy Dodd, Emily Jones, James Whiteley and Mary Costello-Smith were presented with their awards by the RNLI’s new Chief Executive Peter Sparkes and wife Karen on Friday, September 20. It was Peter's first visit since he was appointed.

Peter and Karen met RNLI volunteers from across the station’s operational, fundraising and management teams and sat down with them to hear their insights into the lifesaving charity. Peter also shared his vision on leading the RNLI beyond its 200th anniversary year.

Coxswain Howie received the RNLI’s Long Service Medal with a 30-year bar, having begun his volunteering at RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat in the early 1990s.

Coxswain Howie Owen was presented with the RNLI’s Long Service Medal with a 30-year bar at Hoylake Lifeboat Station (Image: Hoylake RNLI) He served for over 20 years on the inshore D class lifeboat, before later joining the all-weather lifeboat crew at Hoylake. Howie became Coxswain in June 2021.

Andy was presented with the RNLI’s 30-year Long Service Badge, having joined the Hoylake Lifeboat crew in 1994.

Andy Dodd was presented with the RNLI’s 30-year Long Service Badge at Hoylake Lifeboat Station (Image: Hoylake RNLI) Currently a deputy second coxswain, he served in many volunteer roles before becoming full-time 2nd Coxswain/ Mechanic in 2009 and Hoylake RNLI’s first full-time Coxswain/ Mechanic from 2016 to 2021 - the fourth member of his family to serve as Coxswain. He is now a full-time RNLI Fleet Staff Coxswain.

Emily received the RNLI’s Long Service Badge in recognition of 20 years’ service with Hoylake RNLI after joining in 2004. She has served in several roles including as a Navigator and for a period as Hoylake RNLI's first-ever female Deputy 2nd Coxswain.

Emily Jones received the RNLI’s Long Service Badge in recognition of 20 years’ service at Hoylake Lifeboat Station (Image: Hoylake RNLI) She is also a Water Safety Advisor and has been instrumental in promoting safety skills and advice in the local community.

James was presented with the RNLI’s Long Service Medal, recognising 20 years of volunteering after joining the Hoylake Lifeboat crew in 2004.

James Whiteley was presented with the RNLI’s Long Service Medal recognising 20 years of volunteering at Hoylake Lifeboat Station (Image: Hoylake RNLI) James has served in numerous roles and is currently a mechanic, navigator, hovercraft commander and lifeboat assessor trainer. He is currently training to become a Coxswain.

Former volunteer Mary received the RNLI's Certificate of Service after stepping down as a crew member following 23 years of service from 2000 to 2023.

Former volunteer Mary Costello-Smith received the RNLI’s Certificate of Service after stepping down as a crew member following 23 years of service at Hoylake Lifeboat Station (Image: Hoylake RNLI) She was Hoylake RNLI's first-ever female operational volunteer and during her service on the crew, Hoylake RNLI saved 29 lives.

Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dave Whiteley, said: "Congratulations to Howie, Andy, Emily, James and Mary on well-deserved recognition for their remarkable service, which totals over 123 years.

"We couldn’t save lives at sea without the dedication of our volunteer crew and it was an excellent opportunity for Peter Sparkes to give his personal thanks to them as our new Chief Executive.

"As one crew, we look forward to working with him in the RNLI’s mission to save every one."