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Princess Diana remembered

THE Princess of Wales has been fondly remembered by the crew of Barmouth RNLI station this week, 20 years after her death.

Princess Diana, who died after in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997, had a lifeboat in Barmouth dedicated to her shortly after she married Prince Charles.

She visited Barmouth in 1982, a event well remembered by those who were there.

Norma Stockford, who now works for Barmouth RNLI in their press office, recalls: ”I was introduced to the princess as I was Ladies’ Guild Treasurer at the time.

“I recall it being a bitterly cold November day.

“She was very shy, I think she gained more confidence later in her life.

“She was very keen to go aboard the lifeboat and showed a great interest, even in the engine room!”

Tony Jeffs, 62, was a member of the Princess of Wales lifeboat on that auspicious day.

Tony, who was the son of the coxswain George Jeffs at the time, remembered: “I was the youngest member there that day and my dad was there too, it was a real honour for the family.

“I’m an artist - I was head of Arts in Tywyn Comprehensive school for years - so was asked to paint something to commemorate the occasion so I presented her my picture, she seemed to really like it.

“She was with Prince Charles and they seemed so fresh, so right for each other.

“Things must’ve changed over time but it’s certainly a day I’ll always remember.”

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