02/11/2026
A huge congratulations to Ross and Ray, who have both received their RNLI 20 Year Long Service Awards, recognising two decades of dedication and volunteering at Wells RNLI.
Ross is volunteer crew on both our Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh and our D class inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox.
Serving as crew on both lifeboats takes a huge amount of commitment. Over the past 20 years, Ross has given countless hours to training, exercises and responding when the call comes –day or night while continually maintaining the skills needed to be part of an operational lifeboat crew.
Twenty years brings plenty of changes, new boats, new equipment and new faces, but Ross has remained a dedicated and valued member of the Wells crew throughout. His connection with the station is now continuing into the next generation too, with his son now joining Wells RNLI as trainee crew.
Reflecting on his award, Ross said: ‘It’s been a great 20 years serving with Wells RNLI and hopefully I’m good for another 20! I’ve seen plenty of changes over the years, but being part of the crew and knowing we’re there when somebody needs us is what it’s all about. It’s an amazing organisation to be part of and I’m proud to serve alongside such a brilliant team. It’s also really special to see my son now starting his own journey as trainee crew.’
Ray has also given an incredible amount to the station over the past 20 years, taking on numerous roles including Head Launcher, SLARS and Soft-trak driver, Soft-trak mechanic and Deputy Launching Authority.
But Ray’s contribution goes far beyond his operational roles. He’s always using his skills to make something the station needs from our service boards and retirement plaques to the wooden step he made for HRH The Duke of Kent’s visit to Wells in 2023, when His Royal Highness officially named our Shannon class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh.
Ray said: ‘Twenty years has certainly gone quickly. I’ve been lucky enough to do so many different things at the station over the years – whether that’s helping to launch the lifeboats, driving and maintaining the equipment, making something that’s needed or even making a step fit for a Duke! But the best part has always been the people. We’re one crew and I’m very proud to have played my part for the last 20 years. There’s still plenty more to do yet!’
Together, Ross and Ray represent an incredible 40 years of volunteering for the RNLI years of training, call-outs, late nights, early mornings and countless hours freely given to their station and community.
Behind every long-service award are years of missed dinners, interrupted evenings, training sessions and times when the pager has gone and everything else has had to wait.
We are incredibly lucky to have them both as part of our Wells RNLI family.
Congratulations Ross and Ray and thank you for everything you have given over the last 20 years. Here’s to many more! 💙👏
