First RNLI female crew honoured

Nicola Goodban, who joined Walmer RNLI lifeboat crew in 1997, has been recognised for two decades of saving lives at sea during an annual ceremony.

Nicola was honoured on Sunday 3 September during the annual blessing of the town’s lifeboats at Walmer lifeboat station.

She joined the town’s lifeboat station in 1997 and was the first female volunteer on the crew. Since then she has served as a first aider, inshore lifeboat crew member, tractor driver and as the first female Atlantic class and D-class lifeboat helm.

Conducting the service, Lay Minister Paul Henderson from St Saviour’s Church, Walmer, presented Nicola with an RNLI Long Service Badge to recognise her service. Lifeboat Chairman Roger Blown read the ‘Lifeboat Prayer’, and assembled Lifeboat Management Group members, boat and shore crew joined in with hymns, prayers and readings.

An ‘Excellence in Volunteering’ presentation was also made to shore crew member, Sam Culpin, in recognition of his efforts and dedication to the station, especially the annual Car Show which has raised more than £23,000 for the RNLI over the last five years.