Kirkwall RNLI presentations

Two long serving members of Kirkwall RNLI were recognised at Kirkwall Lifeboat Station on Monday, as well as the lifesaving charity receiving a generous donation of over £600.

When Leslie Manson retired from OIC as executive director of education, leisure and housing after 37 years with the council, he asked for no presents to be given to him for his retirement, asking instead for donations, if desired, to Kirkwall RNLI.

A total of £630 was raised, and he presented a cheque to Smith Foubister, chairman of Kirkwall Lifeboat Management Committee, on Monday. Mr Manson also received a meal voucher from colleagues, and asked for this to be used as a prize in the very popular Kirkwall RNLI County Show raffle.

Mr Manson said that he always admired the work of the RNLI, with the service meaning a lot to his family. He said that at this stage in his life, he felt it was important to remember that connection with the RNLI. His brother, the late Stephen Manson was honorary secretary at Kirkwall Lifeboat Station for many years, as well as Leslie having other family connections with the service. Mr Manson, who retired back in May, also thanked all who gave so generously to the total raised.

Mr Foubister said that the RNLI in Kirkwall very much appreciated the generous donation, and said that it had been very good of Mr Manson to think of the RNLI.
He said that Mr Manson’s brother was extremely well thought of at the station, as he had been very dedicated to the RNLI, and particularly the crew of the lifeboat.

Two long service badges were also presented on Monday by Mr Foubister. Second coxswain Dougie Bain received his gold badge for 20 years service. Mr Bain has been second coxswain for the last 2 years and was deputy 2nd coxswain for 8 years prior to that.

Deputy launching authority Bob Hall received his silver badge for his valuable service to the RNLI as Deputy Launching Authority. Mr Hall served 28 years as lifeboat crewman and 12 years as DLA.