The Boss Bows Out!
Sunday 17th June 2007 was a very special day for everyone at the Redcar Lifeboat Station. After 25 years involvement, Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Readman has finally hung up his seaboot socks to dry!

Ian celebrated his 70th birthday and therefore has to retire from his post. His valuable on-shore role has helped ensure the station's smooth running since 1983, when the former River Tees pilot of 38 years was appointed deputy launching authority.

Ian paid tribute to the crew who have saved over 175 lives during his time in charge. Ian was awarded the RNLI's gold badge for long and distinguished service in 2006 and was presented with the award by Princess Alexandra at London's Barbican Centre.

But modest Ian, while admitting he was thrilled with the award, preferred to heap praise on the station's crew. He said: "They've always done a great job for me and are incredibly dedicated. I'm delighted to have been involved with them - my role pales into insignificance compared to what they do at sea.

"Lifeboat service is in people's blood. My job was just to keep the station ticking over happily. It's time consuming but it's time I happily gave. And you never know when the pager is going to go off.

"The only certainty is the lads will be ready to go."

During his time, Redcar's lifeboats have launched on service nearly 900 times, helping over 700 people and saving over 175 lives.

Lifeboat Press Officer Dave Cammish said: "Ian came to us as a highly-respected pilot on the River Tees and carried that respect forward to our lifeboat station.

"I have had the privilege of serving alongside Ian, initially as a crew member and for the last twelve years as one of his deputies. He is one of those people with the gift of getting the best out of everyone, without even raising his voice in the most difficult of situations."

Ian is suceeded by Dave Cammish as Lifeboat Operations Manager.

Ian wasa presented with a ships decanter by members of the Redcar Ladies Lifeboat Guild at a special ceremony at the lifeboat station and at the end of July there will bea special celebration dinner in honour of Ian and attended by local MP Vera Baird QC.

...first published 17 June 07...