Newquay RNLI lifeboat manager receives Queen's birthday honour
Gareth Horner has been a volunteer with the charity for 47 years!
Last updated 15th Mar 2022
Three long standing volunteers have been recognised by the RNLI’s Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, in the birthday honours list.
They include Cornish volunteer Gareth Horner, who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and was among those to receive his award on Tuesday.
Gareth has volunteered with the charity for 47 years and has spent the last 17 as the Lifeboat Operations Manager at Newquay Lifeboat Station.
As an integral part of Newquay Lifeboat Station since first joining as a volunteer in 1974, Gareth has served as lifeboat crew, shore crew, launch authority and now LOM.
During his service, Newquay have saved more than 100 lives as one of the RNLI’s busiest lifeboat stations.
Gareth encourages his fellow volunteers to embrace new training developments within the lifesaving world and has overseen the introduction of two new lifeboats at the station (the D-class and Atlantic 85).
Since 2009, Gareth has worked on local initiatives such as Newquay Safe to ensure young people are made aware of the dangers of the coast.
Gareth said: "This award reflects the hard work and dedication of the whole team at Newquay Lifeboat Station. Without them I would have never been nominated in the first place or done what we have achieved.
"Neither would it have happened without the love, support and understanding from my wife, Shirley. I am one small cog in the machine that is the RNLI, particularly at Newquay Lifeboat Station".
RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie said: "As we continue to navigate the challenges of delivering a 24/7 rescue service during a global pandemic, I am delighted to see these RNLI volunteers recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
"The resilience and ingenuity of our volunteers over the last 15 months has continued to amaze me and these three personify the very best RNLI values in their ongoing commitment to our cause. It is particularly pleasing to see our visits, water safety and fundraising volunteers recognised alongside our operational crew.
"On behalf of everyone at the RNLI, my congratulations to you all and thank you for everything you do to help save lives at sea".
Gareth Horner was among a group of people to receive their honours at Windsor on Tuesday 15th March.