Senior RNLI officials have acknowledged the hard work of local shop volunteers and issued two separate awards in their RNLI 2012 Honours list.

The Chief Executive of the RNLI, Paul Boissier wrote to Margaret Eaglesham, Souvenir Secretary and informed her that both she and her retail team had won awards. Margaret receives a national Silver Badge in recognition of her devoted service with the Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Guild. This will be presented at a ceremony later in the summer. In the letter, Mr Boissier writes;

‘I am very conscious of all you have done for the Institution and would like to add my own thanks to those of the Council for your loyalty and support.’

The team of volunteers, who work in the new station shop on Queens Drive, are regional winners in the retail category in the RNLI Supporter Awards, 2012. The team headed by Margaret will receive a framed certificate at a regional presentation also later in the year, based on outstanding efforts on behalf of the RNLI.

News of these awards arrived just after a letter from Nigel Jones, Deputy Divisional Inspector of South Division, praising Margaret and her team for their role in Exmouth’s Christmas Cracker. During this community event organised by the Exmouth Town Council, the team raised £610 throughout the day selling souvenirs and Christmas cards for the RNLI.

Kevin Riley, Lifeboat Operations Manager of Exmouth RNLI and Tim Baker, Chairman of Exmouth Lifeboat Management Group are amongst those who have sent congratulations and thanks this week. Margaret commented that she was rather overwhelmed by it all but nevertheless delighted that their efforts had been recognised.