Bangor lifeboat volunteer receives Excellence in Volunteering Award

Tuesday 5 August 2025

Last night Monday (4 August) volunteer Bangor lifeboat helm James Gillespie was presented with an Excellence in Volunteering Award by Bangor Lifeboat Operations Manager Captain Byron Griffiths.

James Gillespie receives Award from Captain Byron Griffiths. Photo Credit: RNLI/Bangor

The award was in recognition of James’s outstanding contribution to the RNLI. The award from the Council of The Royal National Lifeboat Institution wished to record their sincere thanks and stated.

‘James is the embodiment of the One Crew ethos. Going above and beyond his operational role, his positive engagement with the local stakeholders, press and internal teams was integral to the success of both the station’s 60th anniversary celebrations, and the naming ceremony and service of dedication for the station’s new lifeboat, B-944 Ruby Robinson’. The award was personally signed by RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes.

James said afterwards ‘This award was totally unexpected and uncalled for. However, I very much appreciate the recognition and would also like to that all our volunteers who helped make the anniversary celebrations and naming ceremony such a great success. The award will now take pride of place in ‘the corner’ at home.’