Hornsea Inshore Rescue has held a civic reception to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary, the highlight of which was the presentation of the King’s Coronation Medal to seven long-serving crew members.
The event on Friday, November 15, was attended by several distinguished guests, including the mayors of Hornsea, Withernsea and Beverley, as well as county councillors and representatives from the church and all the emergency services.
The Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Jim Dick, was formally introduced to the crew by CEO and station manager Sue Hickson-Marsay. Sue opened the proceedings by officially thanking the Lord Lieutenant and all the guests for attending the event.
She then made a speech highlighting the history of Hornsea Inshore Rescue and how it had become the organisation it is today, with many lives saved and numerous awards achieved. She mentioned the strong partnerships developed with other emergency services and how effectively they work together.
Sue also thanked the fundraisers, without whom the service would not be able to operate. She said: “It is through such fundraisers the charity was able to purchase the most up-to-date lifeboat, Spirit of Hornsea, and all the specialised equipment that went with it. Thank you to our devoted and dedicated team. You are all lifesavers. You’re amazing.”
The Lord Lieutenant then made a speech, describing his role as the King’s representative and expressing his pleasure at presenting the King’s Medal to the crew members of such an impressive organisation.
A reading was given by coxswain Jo Brown, followed by the presentation of medals. Sue then concluded the formal proceedings with a thank-you speech, after which guests enjoyed a buffet and informal socialising.
The following afternoon, Hornsea Inshore Rescue’s lifeboat was tasked to assist a person reported as being in distress in the sea.
Spirit of Hornsea was swiftly launched by launchmaster Carl Handley, with Jo Brown as coxswain and crew members Paul Jebson, Jake Roberts, and Liam Watson.
Spirit of Hornsea reached the scene within minutes and conducted an “expanding box search pattern,” working alongside coastguard teams from Hornsea and Bridlington and the coastguard helicopter.
The alarm had been raised by a member of the public who saw the casualty from the cliff top and called 999. However, after a thorough search by all parties, including the use of Hornsea Inshore Rescue’s thermal imaging equipment, no casualty was found. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to base, where it was cleaned and prepared for its next callout.
Jo Brown said: “This was a false alarm with good intent, but we always encourage people to phone 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see anything untoward at sea or on the coast. It could save someone’s life or even a number of lives.”
Meanwhile, for the fifth year in succession, Hornsea’s Seaside Soul at the Floral Hall has donated £500 to Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
The donation was presented by Kai Rivers to Sue Hickson-Marsay at the Hornsea Boat Launch on Thursday, November 14.
Seaside Soul is organised by volunteers at the Floral Hall on the first Friday of every month, running from 7pm to midnight with house and guest DJs. Many B&Bs in Hornsea stay open specifically to accommodate attendees wishing to stay overnight.
Kai said they were pleased to donate to Hornsea Inshore Rescue, describing it as a truly Hornsea voluntary organisation that relies on funds from local people and receives no funding from the RNLI, Government, or other national organisations.
Seaside Soul also donated £500 to the Yorkshire Baby Air Ambulance, a helicopter-based paediatric care charity.
Hornsea Inshore Rescue is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a fully independent local rescue organisation supported solely by donations and grants.
Visitors to Hornsea Inshore Rescue and new volunteers are always welcome, whether they wish to serve as crew (comprehensive training is provided), fundraisers, or general helpers.
Anyone interested can contact Sue on 07796 257989 or Ian on 01964 534302.
