Weston RNLI throws surprise birthday party for lifeboatman who dedicated life to service
He first joined the RNLI at the age of 17 back in 1965!
Last updated 5th Mar 2025
On Saturday (1st March), Richard Spindler, was greeted by 65 guests at Stone’s Café on the Weston-super-Mare beachfront for a surprise reunion party thrown by the RNLI.
Past and present lifeboat crew from Weston RNLI and members of Richard’s family came together to commemorate his 60 years of RNLI service, which happened to coincide with his 77th Birthday!
Richard, also known as ‘Spin, joined the team in 1965, when he was just 17 years old.
In 1996, he retired as active boat crew when he reached the RNLI's age limit for the inshore lifeboat but has continued to support the station in various other roles such as Deputy Launching Authority, Lifeboat Operations Manager and Boathouse Manager.
Spin was awarded an MBE from the Queen- presented by Prince William- for his bravery in extreme conditions.
RNLI stats show, in the last 55 years (since records began), he has been launched 2,168 times, aided 1,085 people, and- most importantly- saved 331 lives.
A heart felt speech was given by good friend and former Weston Lifeboat Press Officer and Deputy Launch Authority, Glyn Hayes.
He also read out a thank you message from Tom Mansell, RNLI Regional Life Saving Lead, who said: "60 years of service is remarkable.
"For the last 23 years since I started as a baby-faced lifeboat inspector you have been a main stay at the station, a wise counsel, an older brother.
"Someone who has seen it and done it.
"Someone who the crew and inspectors listened to and respect but someone who can still sit among and be considered as a crew member.
"This is a rare accomplishment, and I believe it’s something you deserve to be proud of.
"You are and always have been and always will be a lifeboatman.
"Spin, thank you very much for your hard work and commitment, thank you for your good humour and your perseverance through some fairly testing times and thank you for your compassion.
"You have played your part in countless rescues.
"You have helped saved numerous lives and you have helped look after and care for so many who have been rescued by the lifeboat, always with professionalism and empathy."
As a thank you from friends and volunteers at Weston-super-Mare RNLI, Richard was presented with; a commissioned sketch by local artist Malcolm Cleverley, a keepsake photo book depicting Spin’s RNLI life story, a lifeboat inspired cake made by crew, and a poem titled ‘An Ode to Spin’.
Charlotte Conroy, Weston RNLI Launch Authority and lead organiser of the surprise party, thanked Spin’s family for supporting his role at the station and presented his wife, Sue, with a bouquet of flowers.
Talking about the event she said: "I really don’t know how we all managed to keep it a secret.
"It was such a great evening and wonderful to see Spin reunited with his old crew mates, including Nicholas White, Anthony Blizzard and Julian Morris who all received RNLI commendations for a dramatic rescue in gale conditions where they saved 3 boys and 2 coastguards on Brean down 47 years ago.
"It was an emotional day and by the end of the presentations, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place!"
At the end of the event Spin thanked all his fellow friends and family- he said: "It’s been great serving on the lifeboat for 60 years.
"I can guarantee, whether you were with me when I first started or you're my friends here now, it doesn’t make any difference.
"You are the same great gang of guys and girls doing a great job of saving lives at sea.
"From the Deputy Launch Authorities, the Lifeboat Operations Manager, the boat and shore crew, we couldn’t do any of what we do without the whole team.
"Everyone from today to 60 years ago puts in the same dedication, enthusiasm, and I’ve got to say, courage, so thank you all very much.
"Finally, I want to say thank you to all my family who have had to put up with me disappearing at the wrong time on many occasions over the years.’