A COUPLE who have volunteered tirelessly for Poole lifeboat station are stepping down from their roles after 24 years.

Rod and Carole Brown, who own Quay Sails, attended their last crew meeting on Thursday.

Rod started volunteering in 1993 as one of four Deputy Launch Authorities (DLA) before taking on the pivotal role of Lifeboat Operation Manager (LOM) – responsible for managing all operational activities at the lifeboat station and authorising the launch of a lifeboat.

Rod drew on his experience as a local sailor and his network of contacts to succeed in the role, as well as the support of his family.

He has been responsible for the day-to-day running of the busy station, ensuring the crew was trained and confident and the boats were safe, maintained and ready to launch.

Carole was persuaded to take on the role of treasurer in 2001 but had been Rod’s “rock”, PA and admin support, especially when he was promoted to LOM.

Carole dealt with administration tasks from answering emails, taking the minutes to procurement, managing the station’s spending, and producing the annual accounts - all this while running their own business and juggling family life.

Over the years they have both been committed fundraisers and have joined in all of the community events, photo shoots, and parades.

Carole has also experienced first-hand what it is like to be rescued by the lifeboat.

Poole’s longest-serving volunteer, Jonathan Clark, paid tribute to Rod and Carole.

He said: “I wish Rod and Carole all the best, certainly another end to an era. We have shared many good times and some very sad ones, we have laughed and we have cried together, we have worked hard and have shared special memories, especially the 150th year and when the City of Sheffield arrived and when it left the station.

“Throughout, Rod and Carole have been a huge part of the fixture and fittings, they steadied the ship through the changes and the station will be forever indebted to them - for their selfless support, friendship and willingness to put themselves out and be the turn-to people when something needed doing. The commitment that they have given through all these years is immeasurable and we cannot thank them enough.”

The crew held a surprise party to acknowledge all that the couple have done and to say thank you.