Porthleven RNLI president Mike Carter stands down

Mike Carter said that, now in his 70s, he wanted to hand over to someone "younger and more energetic" to continue the fundraising for the charity and in particular Penlee Lifeboat Station just across Mounts Bay in Newlyn.

He told the Packet: "Having now entered my seventh decade, I feel I have given as much as I can to this great cause.

"It is now the right time for me to relinquish the post and let someone younger and more energetic to take on the presidency, someone who has the dedication and enthusiasm to help the committee take the branch forward keeping alive one of Porthleven’s great traditions."

Mr Carter, who has been president for three years and vice president before that, first became involved when he joined Stan Lloyd working on the harbour lights in 1989. Mr Lloyd began chatting about Lifeboat Day and the committee being without a treasurer, due to the previous one being posted from RNAS Culdrose.

With some experience in the area, Mr Carter volunteered to take on the task - thus beginning two decades of support.

His first Lifeboat Day was the summer of 1990, when it was then known as the Helston and Porthleven Branch of the RNLI.

A while later he suggested Porthleven should form its own committee and the Porthleven Lifeboat Branch was founded.

With Stan Lloyd having already passed, Jean Lloyd and Brian Buxton were made lifetime presidents.

Mrs Lloyd subsequently died some years ago, followed by Mr Buxton in 2017. Some years earlier, when Mr Buxton became ill, Mr Carter was asked to become vice president and later became branch president upon his predecessor's passing.

During his time on the committee there have been many notable moments, but one in particular, in 1981, is branded on his memory.

"I will always remember the Solomon Browne incident as the boat and crew were in the harbour helping on lifeboat day the year of the heroic rescue attempt when the crew lost their lives in an effort to save lives at sea.

"Since records began over 800 volunteer crew members have failed to return to their loved ones doing exactly the same.

"Brian and I were asked many times why we put so much energy into the fundraising? Our reply remained the same throughout - 'If the crews risk their lives to save others, then we should make sure they have the best equipment available, so they can return home with those they have saved, but without your donations and support we could not do so.'

"I have been proud to have played my part in helping to raise over a quarter of a million pounds by Porthleven Branch and enjoyed every minute, and I know the branch is safe in the hands of the committee as long as locals and visitors continue their support at the same level previously experienced."

Mr Carter said he would miss the annual trips at Christmas to thank the Penlee Lifeboat crew, adding: "I wish Patch and the crew all the best for the future, as I do those who follow them."

Chairman Chris Freer thanked Mr Carter for his years of service and said the branch was looking for a new treasurer and volunteers to become committee members. Anyone interested can call Mr Freer on 07905 742810.