THERE has been a changing of the guard at Criccieth’s lifeboat house.

At the recent annual open meeting of Criccieth RNLI Lifeboat Station, major changes were announced, with the departure of the station’s long-serving chairman Dr Elwyn Tudor Jones and changes of lifeboat operations manager and senior helmsman.

Dr Tudor Jones, a retired local GP, had served the station since 1961, first as assistant lifeboat medical adviser, before taking up post as the medical adviser in 1976 and retiring in 2005. In addition, he was elected chairman of the station in 1984 during which time he was awarded a Gold Badge and Bar for long and distinguished service. Dr Tudor was also awarded an Excellence in Volunteering Award by the RNLI.

Peter Williams, the station’s lifeboat operations manager since January 1991, announced he would step down from the role on 1 March 2019 to take up chairmanship of the station, in place of Dr Tudor Jones. Peter first joined the crew as a shore helper in 1965. He was awarded a Long Service Badge in 1988 and has since been awarded a Gold Badge and Bar as well as an Excellence in Volunteering Award.

Peter’s present role will be filled by William Walker-Jones who served on the Crew between 1986 and 2009. William has been the station’s deputy launch authority since 2014. During his career with the RNLI, William has been awarded a Long Service Badge and a Chairman’s Letter of Thanks for the rescue of two people from the yacht, Lady Amanda in October 1993. Recently retired helmsman Gordon Emery, will replace William as one of the station’s deputy launch authorities.

Paul Filby also announced his departure from the role of senior helmsman, a post he has held since 2004. Paul has taken up post as the Flood Rescue Manager for Wales. Paul has also been awarded a Long Service Badge and 30 Year Service Bar too.

Paul’s position of senior helmsman will be taken over by Clive Wright. Clive has been a crew member since 1993.