The Cromer Ladies Lifeboat Guild annual general meeting saw one of its long serving members and her husband receive prestigious National Awards in recognition of their long service and outstanding contribution to RNLI fundraising.

Retiring committee member, Peggy Webster, received a Gold Badge certificate and her husband, Cromer RNLI Station chairman Tony Webster, received a Gold Bar to his Gold Badge certificate. They will receive their Gold Badge and Gold Bar at a special ceremony in Norwich in September.

Peggy has been a member of the Guild for 28 years. She was a loyal, supportive and enthusiastic committee member for many years before taking on roles of greater responsibility. In 2006 she became Guild chairman, taking over the role from Daisy Spurgeon (now Honorary Life President) and then, on relinquishing her role as chairman in 2009, became the publicity officer.

For several years, Peggy and Tony hosted summer garden fetes at their home, enabling the Guild to raise further funds for the RNLI. Although Peggy is now stepping down from her role on the committee, she continues to be a member of the Ladies Lifeboat Guild.

Tony has been an active member of the Cromer RNLI station crew for many years and became the station chairman in 1978. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the successful operation of the Cromer Lifeboat, as well as supporting the efforts of the Ladies Guild.

As well as celebrating their golden awards, earlier this year Peggy and Tony also celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations were given and they were wished many more happy years together.

The presentation ceremony was introduced by John Davies, Cromer RNLI Coxswain, and the presentation of an engraved bowl, flowers and certificates were presented by Beryl Mansell, chairman of the Ladies Lifeboat Guild. After thanking the Guild and the Crew for their support and camaraderie, Peggy invited everyone to help her and Tony celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary with wine and canapes.

Cromer Ladies Lifeboat Guild continues to go from strength to strength. It was reported that the Guild had raised a total of £15,508 this year – the highest fundraising amount raised to date! Many thanks were given to the hard work and dedication of both the committee and Guild members and also many thanks were expressed to the members of the public who continue to support this important cause.

For anyone interested in joining the Guild and for further information about forthcoming events, please go to www.cromerrnli.org.uk and follow the link to the Ladies Guild pages. The next fundraising events are the Open Boat House (Sunday, May 1, from 10am to 1pm), Fish Supper (Friday, May 6, at 7.30pm) and RNLI May Day Coffee & Cake at North Lodge Tea Rooms (Saturday, May 14, from 10am to 4pm).