'A fantastic day' - RNLI volunteer receives his MBE

Vic Dade given award by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle, for his contribution to maritime safety

"I was a bit nervous at first when we got to Windsor," admits Vic, who joined Hunstanton RNLI in 1979.

"But Princess Anne put me at ease straight away.  We got talking about lifeboats and what we do, the area we cover, King's Lynn, Boston, The Wash and the coast.  She was very knowledgeable, it's obviously something she's very interested in."

His wife Dee accompanied him to Windsor Castle - they were even chauffeured there by Hunstanton RNLI chairman Charles le Strange Meakin.

Dee and Vic at Windsor Castle, image RNLI/Kate Craven

The 64 year old signed up to volunteer at 17 years old, "The RNLI was just something I fancied joining, so I joined as a tractor driver.

"A few weeks later, I ended up being crew on the D-Class and the boats that followed it and then flying the hovercraft after that came."

Vic, who now carries out shore duties and helps maintain the station's tractor and craft, says his most memorable rescue is, "The three girls we saved at Brancaster, that was a close one."

He flew the hovercraft which rescued twins Daisy and Molly Cole, then aged 13 and their 23-year-old sister Zoe after they became cut off by the tide in 2013.

The girls' mum Stacey O'Donnell, who ran a London Marathon to raise funds for the RNLI, said she would have lost her entire family that day were it not for the crew.

The sisters came to the station in 2024 to see Victor. From left: Daisy Cole, Victor, Molly and Zoe

Vic brought the medal down to show his crewmates, who proudly lined up for a picture.

"Vic's MBE is true recognition for one of the most modest and humble of men," Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Gould says.

"He has saved and assisted hundreds during his time on the boat and the hovercraft and inspired generations of crew. It was well-deserved, Vic is such an inspiration."

Having volunteered now for 46 years Vic adds, "I'm hoping to keep going until I've done my 50 years, I'll hopefully have reached the age of 70 by then.

"I just enjoy being part of it, I like the people, I like mingling with the crew."

And says receiving the MBE, "Was just such a fantastic day."

Congratulations Vic!

Images RNLI/Chris Bishop