Tribute to St Ives RNLI volunteer John Chard on his 30 years service

On 28 December 2017 St Ives RNLI coxswain Robert Cocking, in the presence of his volunteer crew, presented John Chard with his 30 year long service bar.

John Chard was first introduced to the St Ives RNLI in 1983 by his friend, and coxswain, Tommy Cocking, having worked locally with boats and as a fisherman in the St Ives and Newlyn area.

The St Ives RNLI was undergoing a crew change at the time and John stepped in to cover a crew member who had become ill. Initially learning to drive the tractors, he soon established himself as a valued member of the team, acting as tractor driver/crew member.

When the tractor driver returned from illness, John turned his attention to servicing and assisting on shouts. With two sons of his own, he recalls a couple of callouts where youngsters had found themselves in difficult and dangerous situations. These rescues had a huge impact on him and reinforced his commitment to the RNLI. “There is no better feeling than to save a life, especially a child,” he says.

Over the years, John has seen a number of changes and advances in terms of technology, standard of boat, communication and equipment.

In his current role, John is head launcher of the lifeboats and also spends time training up new recruits and offering advice where required. His legacy to the service lives on through his son, David, who is a crew member and helm of the inshore lifeboat at the St Ives RNLI station.

John continues to demonstrate his commitment and enthusiasm for the RNLI – it never ceases to amaze him how the public appreciates, trusts and supports its work. In addition to his duties at the station, he loves to chat to the community at large and to promote the work of the service. There is nothing he enjoys or values more than receiving a letter of thanks from family or friends of those involved in a rescue.

John says: “I have come to realise over the years the importance of every member of the lifeboat station and not just the crew aboard the boat. From the shore crew, tractor drivers, fundraising team, the shop, St Ives Ladies Lifeboat Guild and head launcher – especially with the new boats.”

The St Ives RNLI extends its thanks and gratitude to John for his long service and commitment to the RNLI over the past 30 years and for his continuing work and support.