DATE 22/09/2007 TIME 11.10 PM REFERENCE: SMT/070921-002

OVER 23 YEARS OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO THE ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION.

On 29 September, Rye Harbour lifeboat station will hold a presentation ceremony for Mrs Dianne James who is retiring from her roles as Lifeboat Treasurer and Lifeboat Press Officer after deciding to move away from the village with her husband Colin. Di has given over 23 years of voluntary service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in general and specifically at Rye Harbour.

Di joined Rye Harbour lifeboat station on 15/03/84 as the Lifeboat Treasurer and was awarded a Silver Badge on 01/01/1995 in recognition of her services to the RNLI. On 31/01/2001 Di took on the role as the Lifeboat Press Officer when the position became vacant.

Steve Tollett, RNLI Chairman - Rye Harbour Lifeboat Management Group says:

‘Di is the longest serving Station Honorary Official we've had at Rye Harbour. I would like to express, on behalf of the RNLI and especially the Lifeboat Management Group and Crew at Rye Harbour, our most heartfelt thanks to Di for all that she has done over the past 23 years. We all wish Di and Colin a long and happy retirement'.

END

Photo caption: (Click option to see photo)

Photo: Dianne James stood on slipway at Rye Harbour

Notes to editors

1. The RNLI has over 330 lifeboats at its stations. This fleet enables the lifeboat service to reach at least 90% of all casualties within 10 nautical miles of lifeboat stations within 30 minutes of launch in all weathers.
2. During 2006 RNLI Lifeboats launched 8,377 times, that is an average of 23 per day. Rescuing 8,015 people, an average of 22 per day
3. The average cost of launching is estimated at £2,200 for an inshore lifeboat.
4. There are over 230 lifeboat stations strategically placed around the UK and Republic of Ireland. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews, and since 2001, its lifeguards, have saved over 137,000 lives.
5. The RNLI is a registered charity and continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income.

For more information please contact Steve Tollett the RNLI lifeboat press officer Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station on email: Press Officer.

Vision

To be recognised universally as the most effective, innovative and dependable lifeboat service.Royal National Lifeboat Institution headquarters:

West Quay Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 1HZ
Tel 0845 1226999
Fax 0845 1261999