Teignmouth Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) has appointed a new volunteer lifeboat operations manager.

Andy Lilburn takes on the role from Charlie Woolnough who has stepped down after holding the position for 13 years. Andy is currently one of the launch authority volunteers.

‘Teignmouth RNLI has an exciting future,’ Andy said. ‘We recently received our new Atlantic 85 lifeboat Claude and Kath and we have a highly skilled group of volunteers. I look forward to leading them into 2025 and beyond.’

Prior to taking on the role of lifeboat operations manager, Charlie served as helm and before that he volunteered as one of the launch authority and tractor drivers.

Throughout his 30-year association with the RNLI, Charlie has achieved some notable successes. One of his proudest moments as lifeboat operations manager as ‘leading the station and volunteers through the Covid pandemic, keeping the boat and her crew on service throughout’.

Two years ago, Charlie was one of 24 volunteers from Teignmouth RNLI who were awarded a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award.

Speaking at the handover, Charlie said: ‘The timing is right for a new operations amanger. I wish Andy and the station all the best for the future as they continue to save lives at sea.’

Charlie will still be a familiar face at Teignmouth RNLI and will continue volunteering for the launch authority and will also help with some of the station mechanic duties.

‘Everyone at Teignmouth RNLI would like to extend our thanks to Charlie for his dedicated service as lifeboat operations manager and we wish Andy all the best for the future at Teignmouth Lifeboat Station,’ a Teignmouth RNLI spokesperson commented.

The changes in personnel at Teignmouth come as the RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary. The charity, which depends on donations and legacies, is hoping to conclude the year with a Christmas number one with Police Dog Hogan’s single Pull Away.