December 31 2011.


Pictured: Pat and Ian Johns.


Ian Johns, who has dedicated 37 years, nine of them as Coxswain, at Newhaven lifeboat, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's honours list.

Ian joined the station as a volunteer in 1974 and took over as Coxswain in 2002. In various posts he has served on four lifeboats, the Watson class Kathleen Mary (1974-1977), the Waveney class Louis Marchesi of Round Table (1977-1985), Arun class Keith Anderson (1985-1999) and the Seven class David and Elizabeth Acland (1999-2011).

Ian's wife, Pat Johns was also the Volunteer Press Officer with Newhaven RNLI for 31 years.

Ian explained: "I am very humbled by this award, which has come as a real surprise, but I am delighted to accept this as recognition of the whole team at Newhaven plus the wider RNLI."

Ian looks back on a remarkable record of achievement at the Newhaven station. Between 23rd March 1974 and 23rd March 2011 Ian has been out on 630 services, saving 337 lives.
(Pat & Ian)


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