A MAN who dedicated 60 years of his life to saving lives with the RNLI in Weston-super-Mare has been celebrated.

Richard Spindler – known as Spin – first joined the crew in 1965, when he was just 17 years old.

His first job was a ‘dedicated swimmer,’ which saw him diving off the lifeboat to rescue those whom the lifeboat could not reach.

In 1996, he was forced to retire as an active boat crew member when he reached the RNLI’s age limit for the inshore lifeboat – but he didn’t let that stop him.

Richard continued to support the station in various other roles, such as deputy launching authority, lifeboat operations manager and boathouse manager.

His achievements saw him earn several awards for his bravery in extreme conditions, including the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award that recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and an MBE from the Queen presented by Prince William.

Detailed RNLI data only goes back until 1970, but in the last 55 years that Richard has been at the station, the Weston lifeboat has launched 2,168 times, saved 331 lives and aided 1,085 people.

A surprise reunion party was organised to honour Richard on his 77th birthday on Saturday (March 1).

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65 guests, including past and present volunteers and lifeboat crew, as well as his family packed Stone’s Cafe.

Party celebrations were kicked off with a performance by High and Dry Shanty Group, which included a special Sea Shanty written by band member James Barattini and dedicated to ‘Our Spin’ to commemorate the momentous occasion.

A heartfelt and emotional speech was given by good friend and former Weston Lifeboat press officer and deputy launch authority, Glyn Hayes.

He also read out a thank you message from Tom Mansell, RNLI regional life-saving lead, who said: “60 years of service is remarkable.

1983 (approximately) Spin perched on the bow of the Atlantic 21 (B-557) Lifeboat in his Lifeboat swimmers wetsuit with Julian Morris as helm Picture: West Air Photography

“For the last 23 years, since I started as a baby-faced lifeboat inspector, you have been a mainstay at the station, a wise counsel, an older brother.

“Someone who has seen it and done it. Someone who the crew and inspectors listened to and respect but someone who can still sit among and be considered as a crew member.

“This is a rare accomplishment, and I believe it’s something you deserve to be proud of.

“You are and always have been and always will be a lifeboatman. Spin, thank you very much for your hard work and commitment, thank you for your good humour and your perseverance through some fairly testing times and thank you for your compassion.

“You have played your part in countless rescues.

“You have helped save numerous lives and you have helped look after and care for so many who have been rescued by the lifeboat, always with professionalism and empathy.

“I hope you all have a great evening and enjoy reflecting on your service.”

Richard was presented with a commissioned sketch by artist Malcolm Cleverley, a keepsake photo book depicting Spin’s RNLI life story, a lifeboat-inspired cake made by the crew, and a poem titled ‘An Ode to Spin’.

Charlotte Conroy, Weston RNLI launch authority and lead organiser of the surprise party, thanked Spin’s family for supporting his role at the station and presented his wife, Sue, with a bouquet of flowers.

Richard Spindler and the High & Dry Shanty Group Picture: RNLI/Holly Turner

Sue said: “I really don’t know how we all managed to keep it a secret.

“It was such a great evening and wonderful to see Spin reunited with his old crew mates, including Nicholas White, Anthony Blizzard and Julian Morris who all received RNLI commendations for a dramatic rescue in gale conditions where they saved three boys and two coastguards on Brean down 47 years ago.

“It was an emotional day and by the end of the presentations I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place.”

At the end of the event Spin thanked all his fellow friends and family.

“It’s been great serving on the lifeboat for 60 years,” he said.

“I can guarantee, whether you were with me when I first started or you’re my friends here now, it doesn’t make any difference.

“You are the same great gang of guys and girls doing a great job of saving lives at sea.

“You’ve been talking about me all evening but I couldn’t do it without all of you!

“From the deputy launch authorities, the lifeboat operations manager, the boat and shore crew, we couldn’t do any of what we do without the whole team.”