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RNLI volunteer celebrates 51 years of service

Hsin-Yi Lo
BBC News, South East
Chris Davey A coastguard volunteer inside a lifeboat station.Chris Davey
Mike Judge joined RNLI Whitstable in 1974 at the age of 18

A man celebrating 51 years of service at RNLI Whitstable says he has lost count how many times he has answered a call to be involved in rescue missions.

Former lifeboat operations manager Mike Judge joined the service in 1974 as an 18-year-old.

Now aged 69, he said he was always around the station in his teenage years as his father was a founding member in 1963.

"Whenever the maroon was fired to summon the crew, my brother and I followed our father out of the door to help," he said.

Mr Judge recalled one of his most memorable missions in 1995 when he was called to assist a Norwegian seaplane that had landed off the coast of Seasalter.

The aircraft went up The Swale to Milton Creek in search of a mooring in the darkness.

Mr Judge said he and his team had guided the seaplane by having it follow them, before towing it onto a mooring.

Chris Davey A black and white image of four coastguards on an RNLI lifeboat on water. There is some rope also in shot. Chris Davey
Mike Judge's father was a founding member of RNLI Whitstable in 1963

He said while it was "gratifying" to receive recognition for his service, there was "little acclaim for those who support them at home".

"Turning out at all hours cannot help but impact family members living in the same household, whether by disrupting sleep or ruining meals that have had to be abandoned," he said.

"There is often an element of stress involved waiting for a safe return from a long or dangerous call."

Chris Davey Mike Judge pictured in 1983. He has a beard and is wearing a dark coloured top. He is looking directly at the camera. Chris Davey
Mike Judge, pictured in 1983, now volunteers as launch authority

Now serving as launch authority, Mr Judge says his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren have not been in a position to volunteer due to their geographical location.

"That may yet change and l would be happy to see them apply," he added.

Jason Carroll, RNLI area lifesaving manager, said: "I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mike Judge for his extraordinary 50-year career with the RNLI.

"In that time, Mike has held roles from shore crew to lifeboat operations manager. Mike's unwavering dedication, bravery and selflessness have been an exemplary beacon of the RNLI's values.

"Your legacy will continue to inspire future generations of lifesavers at Whitstable Lifeboat Station."

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