July 3 2011.


Lawrence (Lol) Deakin, has dedicated 37 years, 30 of them as a mechanic, saving lives off the Sussex coast.

Lol joined the station as a volunteer launcher in 1974 and then joined the RNLI volunteer crew in 1977. He has served on three lifeboats, the Waveney class Louis Marchesi of Round Table (1977-1985), Arun class Keith Anderson (1985-1999) and the Severn class David and Elizabeth Acland (1999-2011)

Lol has been awarded both a Long Service Badge, Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and has represented the RNLI at a Buckingham Palace garden party.

A farewell party was arranged by the crew to celebrate Lols time on the boat to thank him for his considerable contributions over many years. Lol was presented with a certificate of service from RNLI Divisional Engineer Peter Barnes. In addition he was presented with a canopy for his caravan, a crystal decanter and numerous other gifts.

There were representatives from Brighton RNLI lifeboat station plus many retired RNLI lifeboat volunteers. Attendees also included Coastguards from Birling Gap and Newhaven.

Lol looks back on a remarkable record of achievement at the Newhaven station. Between 26 June 1974 and 25 June 2011 he has been out on services where he has helped to save more than 320 lives.

On the same evening Andy Macqueen, who was the previous full time mechanic at the Newhaven station was presented with a certificate of service covering two periods 1977 - 1988 and 1996 through to 2011 by RNLI Divisional Engineer Peter Barnes.

Andy also looks back on a remarkable record of achievement at the Newhaven station; he has been out on services saving around 305 lives.

To follow Newhaven Lifeboat services visit www.newhavenlifeboat.co.uk for the latest pictures and video.