Our volunteer crews give up their time and comfort to carry out rescues in difficult and often dangerous conditions.
Denis joined Walmer lifeboat crew in 1972 and rose to become coxswain of the all-weather lifeboat in 1988. He served as coxswain until the boat was replaced by an Atlantic 21 in May 1990. Denis than became senior helmsman of the new boat until retirement in 1999.He spent a year as deputy launching authority before becoming lifeboat operations manager in August 2000.
Les has the impressive record of over 50 years' service at Walmer station, during which he has held most roles both afloat and on the shore. In 1970 Les was awarded the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum for his part in the rescue of two men cut off by the tide in a cave. Despite his recent 'retirement' from active lifeboat work, he remains at Walmer as the Boat House Manager. Les' son Andy is one of Walmer's helmsmen.
Bill is a retired cross channel ferry captain.
John Turgoose
Deputy Launch Authority
John was a member of Dover Lifeboat crew before becoming DLA, Treasurer and Press Officer at Walmer Lifeboat Station. John is a retired Port Director who provides port consultancy services, specialising in cruise and marina activities.
Andrew Coe joined the Walmer lifeboat crew in 1988, having spent much of his youth on the beach by the lifeboat station, following in his father's footsteps. Andrew is a commercial vehicle workshop manager during the day and is the D class lifeboat mechanic in his spare time. Andrew has a long service award for 20 years in the RNLI
Matt Pavitt joined the Walmer lifeboat crew in 1993 and became a full-time lifeboatman at Gravesend from 2002-2007. Matt now works for the Coastguard. During his time off he is also the Chairman of the Walmer, Deal and district fundraising branch. Matt is married to Emma, a member of the Walmer crew.
Nicola (Nic) joined the Walmer lifeboat crew in 1997 and became a helmsman in 2004. Nic lives and works close to the sea, being a full-time Coastguard Watch Officer at Dover. Nic received a letter of appreciation from the Operations director for a service in 2000.
Brad joined the Walmer lifeboat crew in 2001 and became a helmsman in 2006. Brad lives in Deal with his wife and son. Brad is a full-time fire fighter at Deal Fire Station.
Adam has been on the crew at Walmer since 2001 and has recently been appointed as a D-Class Helmsman. Adam lives in Walmer and works in IT.
Andy has been on the crew since 2000 and is a designate Helmsman. Andy works on a local dairy farm and lives in Walmer with his wife Jess and their baby daughter.
Like many others on the crew, Andy grew up working on the beach at Walmer. He lives in Walmer with his fiancée.
Lucy has been on the crew at Walmer since 2000. Lucy is a PE teacher at Sandwich Technology College. and helps local young adults complete their Duke of Edinburgh awards with the RNLI.
Steve has been on the crew since 2001. He lives in Deal and works as a car body work specialist.
James Evans is following in his father's footsteps as a crew member at Walmer. He has been a crew member since 2001 and qualified as a D-Class helmsman in 2008
Emma joined the crew in 2003. When she is not giving up her time with the RNLI Emma works as a nurse in the local A&E department. Emma iis married to Matt.
Gary has been on the crew for 3 years and has also served as a crew member on Dover Lifeboat. Gary lives in Deal and works as a mechanical engineer for Dover Harbour Board.
Sam has been a member of the crew since 2004. Sam works as a Police Officer and lives in Walmer with his wife.
Justin has been a member of the crew since 2005. Justin works for HM Revenue and Customs and enjoys a game of rugby in his spare time.
Dave has been a crew member since 2006. Dave works in London as an IT specialist and lives in Walmer with his wife and two children.
Colin has been at Walmer since 2006 and works as a paramedic.
James joined the crew in 2006. James works as a machinery instructor/assessor and part time DJ. He lives in Deal his wife and young son.
Jim Richards
Crew Member
Jim is an Immigration Officer and lives in North Deal with his wife and two children. Jim has been a crew member since 2007
Lou is a Virgin Atlantic long haul airline pilot based at Heathrow. Lou is married with two children and lives in Deal.
Martin joined Walmer in 2005 after completing Duke of Edinburgh duties with the station. Martyn is at Southampton Solent University studying Ship and Port management.
Simon Moore
Crew Member
Details to follow
Dan is a self employed handy man. Dan Lives in Mongeham and joined the crew in 2008
Former crew member Andy volunteers as a tractor driver at Walmer.
Tony was a crew member at Walmer between 19??-20??. Tony is now a tractor driver and Atlantic mechanic. His son James is currently a member of the crew
Chris was a member of the lifeboat crew between 1988 - 2003. Chris now volunteers as the Tractor Driver and Mechanic.
Vic became a crew member in 2003. In 2007 she became a shore helper and in 2008 the Lifeboat Training coordinator. She works as a research scientist and is married to Chris.
James has been on the crew since 2005. He works as a security officer at Pfizer.
Tom Williams
Shore Crew
Tom joined the shore crew in 2007 after completing his Duke of Edinburgh service with the station. Tom is at Canterbury College studying for a B-Tec National diploma in public services. He can often be found running around Walmer on his 'springy' legs. in his spare time
currently a member of the crew
Merv Lewis Brophy
Shore Crew
Merv is a Coastguard Watch Officer and enjoys sailing, fishing and canoeing. Merv lives in Deal.
Chris was a member of the lifeboat crew between 1988 - 2003. Chris now volunteers as the Tractor Driver and Mechanic.
Ian Packman
Shore Crew
Ian started his RNLI career in 1976 with a 4 year stint as a shore helper. This was followed by 10 years of service as crew and ultimately helmsmen on Walmer's D Class lifeboats, receiving a certificate of service in 1990. Rejoing the lifeboat station in 2008 Ian is currently a tractor driver and shore helper once again. Ian lives in Walmer and works at the Walmer and Kingsdown golf club
James has been on the crew since 2005. He is a security control room operator and lives in Deal with his financée.