Judy
Savory and the RNLI Selsey
Judy joined the band of RNLI helpers in 1983/84, having been introduced
by her son Andrew, who joined the year before. These were the
days of Jean & Denny Warwick, Mavis Underwood, Jock and Vic
Westlake, to name but a few.
Over the years, she has been involved with at least 3 carnival
floats, namely, Blue Peter, The Captains Table and the Celebration
Cake. Everyone joined in and a good laugh was had by all. How
many rolls of brown tape and staples? Well, lots. It was all about
working as a team.
Anyone remember the Lifeboat Day BBQ on the green? Cooking hundreds
of sausages and burgers. Once you have seen that many, weeks can
go by before you can face another one.
As Souvenir Secretary, she was instrumental in getting a proper
fitted out shop after many years of struggling with a dilapidated
old caravan, which was only recently replaced again. Family commitments
(and lack of storage space,) meant that Judy handed over the role
to a new member.
Then followed years as general helper, especially at 6am on Lifeboat
Day, when Judy and family are down on the field booking all the
stall holders in.
With some gentle persuasion from John Light, Judy joined the Fundraising
Committee and with the help of husband Les (and any available
family member) took on the collection boxes at short notice for
the town and surrounding area (over 60 of them). New RNLI and
charity rules were introduced at the end of 2007, which were quite
a challenge to say the least, but it all worked out. Due to the
considerable time it took to count, record and bank the money,
she asked to step down as of the end of 2008. No replacement could
be found, so she agreed to stay until a replacement was found,
which was early in 2009.
John Light, Chairman of Selsey Lifeboat says:
“Judy was one of those willing helpers who could be called
upon at any time, to step in when we were short of volunteers.
Selling programmes; shaking a bucket or selling raffle tickets.
She will be sorely missed and I know that the team at Selsey Lifeboat
Station join me in wishing Judy & Les a long and happy retirement”
