An RNLI volunteer has been given an award for 40 years of service to the charity.

Nick Gentry, 62, has been with Newhaven RNLI since 1982 and has been called out for more than 960 emergencies.

Before joining the RNLI, Nick lived in nearby Hillcrest Road where he could see the boat house and hear the boat launching.

Nick started as part of the launch team before becoming part of the onboard crew.

“It was an apprenticeship really. Newhaven had a 44ft Waveney class lifeboat. I was at the boat house, helping out, whenever I could be. I was eager to get on board”, he said.

The Argus: Nick pictured in October 1999 on the David and Elizabeth AclandNick pictured in October 1999 on the David and Elizabeth Acland (Image: RNLI Newhaven)

Retired accountant Nick had his first opportunity when Newhaven RNLI were called out to help a boat that was taking part in the Royal Escape Race on May 2, 1982.

The coxswain at the time needed six people onboard and some of the regular crew were still on the way.

Nick said: “It was right place, right time. I pushed myself to the front and was the last one on.

“I made a lifetime commitment. I’ll be staying on until I get kicked off.”

During his 40 years of volunteering, Nick has served under six different coxswains and two second coxswains.
The Argus: Nick Gentry presented 40 years Long Service Award by Roger Cohen MBENick Gentry presented 40 years Long Service Award by Roger Cohen MBE (Image: RNLI/Christopher Moore)

There have been three classes of station lifeboats in this time, although Nick has crewed many more in the RNLI fleet.

The worst weather Nick was a Newhaven to Dieppe ferry being battered by gigantic waves in January 1990. The ferry had 80 passengers and 50 crew onboard.

Nick said he has always loved being out on the water. He went out with his dad on a fishing boat from the age of nine.

Roger Cohen MBE, lifeboat operations manager, said: “While crewing, Nick has also held the position of training coordinator in Newhaven for over two decades and five years ago became an assessor and trainer.

“Nick plays a critical role in bringing new recruits onto the lifeboat, working them through their competencies and supporting them as substantive crew.”