THE dedicated RNLI volunteer at the helm of Newquay Lifeboat Station is retiring from the role after helping steer a steady course for the lifesaving charity over the past 20 years.

Gareth Horner MBE is stepping as the lifeboat operations manager on his 70th birthday.

Newquay Lifeboat Station has saved more than 100 lives during his service
Newquay Lifeboat Station has saved more than 100 lives during his service

He has been an integral part of Newquay Lifeboat Station since first joining as a volunteer in 1974.

Mr Horner has served as lifeboat crew, shore crew, launch authority and the lifeboat operations manager for the past 21 years.

Newquay Lifeboat Station has saved more than 100 lives during his service.

He served on Newquay's inshore lifeboats for 27-years and has been Newquay's lifeboat operations manager since 2005, being responsible for the day-to-day management of the lifeboat station and available 24-hours-a-day as the first point of contact, alongside our launching authorities, when the Coastguard request a launch of our lifeboats on emergency calls.

Mr Horner was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to saving lives at sea
Mr Horner was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to saving lives at sea

Mr Horner received The Thanks of the RNLI inscribed on Vellum in 1997 for a service in the D class inshore lifeboat when three people were rescued after being cut off by the tide 'in very difficult conditions, with a fine display of teamwork between lifeboat, coastguard and helicopter'.

He was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2021 and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to saving lives at sea.

Mr Horner will be taking on a new role at the station as heritage co-ordinator and has been made honorary president following his decision to retire as the lifeboat operations manager.

He is looking forward to a quieter life as he hands his pager in today on his 70th birthday.

Two of Newquay's existing launch authorities will now be sharing the lifeboat operations role. Ian Pengelly supported by Ann-Marie Dale are looking forward to their new role, however they know that there are some big shoes to fill.

Mr Horner sent a message to all the volunteer crew thanking them for all their support and commitment during his time as lifeboat operations manager, which was met with praise, congratulations, shared photos and fond memories.

A spokesperson for Newquay Lifeboat Station said: “Congratulations and a huge thank you to Mr Horner for 52 years of selfless service and dedication to the RNLI.

“Happy birthday Gareth, enjoy your 70th birthday celebrations.””