A TAVISTOCK lifeboat supporter has been awarded the RNLI?s silver badge in recognition of his individual services. David Squibb has been on the committee of the Tavistock and District branch of the RNLI for approximately nine years, and for the last seven has been the box secretary, being responsible for the 50 or so collecting boxes at various public houses, shops and other outlets in the area. David was born in Jersey but moved to Tavistock in 1958. He said his interest in lifeboats started at school, where his PE teacher was a member of the lifeboat crew. ?When he got fed up with teaching us PE he would tell us about the lifeboat and their rescues,? he said. The interest was increased by living fairly close to the harbour on the island and hearing maroons giving warning of the lifeboat?s call-out. But it was not until many years later that he decided to become involved with fundraising. The presentation of the award will take place in the spring, and the good news has been welcomed by the local branch, which is currently mourning the loss of its treasurer for many years, John Hardy, who died suddenly a few days before Christmas. The branch?s annual dinner will be held at Tavistock Golf Club on Saturday January 28 and anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Jane Huxtable on 615027 or Ann Parsons on 840609 as soon as possible.
