On 1 March, volunteers from Exmouth RNLI and their families gathered at the boathouse on Queens Drive for a double celebration.

Adrian Carey, RNLI Staff Officer Operations (Training) was invited to present Tim with his Certificate of Service. He recalled meeting Tim in the initial stages of his career and gave a moving tribute from George Rawlinson, the Institution’s Operations Director. George himself, was one of 15 Divisional Inspectors Tim worked under in his life-saving at sea career.

Crew volunteers presented Tim with a framed photo of Margaret Jean, which was signed by everyone at the station. The station’s Mersey-class was only one of 14 lifeboats Tim worked on at Exmouth RNLI. Shop volunteers presented the outgoing Coxswain Mechanic with a scale model of HMS Victory with a personalised plaque. Weymouth RNLI Coxswain, Andy Sargent presented Tim with a bottle of liquid refreshment on behalf of Weymouth Lifeboat Station to celebrate his retirement.

Exmouth Lifeboat Management Chairman, Tim Baker presented Tim’s wife, Melanie Mock with a bouquet of flowers for her enduring support for both her husband and their son, Henry who remains a crew volunteer.

In the second celebration of the afternoon, Regional Operations Manager for the South, Andy Hurley was invited to present crew volunteer Chris Sims with his 20 year service badge. Joining in October 1993 means Chris is the longest-serving crew volunteer at Exmouth RNLI. Second Coxswain, Scott Ranft presented Chris’ wife Karen with a bouquet of flowers for her continuing dedication in supporting her husband throughout his long-service in the charity.