two longstanding members of Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station are stepping down after over a century of voluntary service to the RNLI.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Richard Griffiths joined the RNLI as a volunteer crew member in Borth in 1972, also serving a member of Borth Coastguard Cliff Rescue team.

He transferred to Aberystwyth lifeboat Station crew in 1987 and was appointed Honorary Secretary and Lifeboat Operations Manager in 2002.

In 2020 Richard was awarded the BEM in Queens Honours list in recognition of his voluntary service. Station treasurer David Jenkins joined Aberystwyth Lifeboat crew in 1961 and appointed as Helmsman from 1964 until 1981 serving on the Liverpool class lifeboat Aguila Wren, and the first inshore rescue boat trialled in Aberystwyth. In 1981 David took up the position of treasurer serving in this position until December 2021. In recognition of his service to the RNLI David was awarded a gold badge in 2008 and bar in 2013. In 2018 David was awarded an MBE in recognition of his voluntary service to the RNLI. Following the retirements, long standing crew member Geraint Wheeler has been appointed Lifeboat Operations manager and Mrs Francis Lewis has taken up the post of station treasurer. Speaking of the retirements, Aberystwyth Lifeboat Chairman Mr Mark Morgan MNM said: “We are extremely grateful to both Richard and David for their years of service to the RNLI and their contribution in establishing the station and crew we have today. “We congratulate Geraint and Francis on their appointments. “Both have a longstanding involvement with Aberystwyth Lifeboat station and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.”