Nick has left the helm after 20 years


Looe’s long-serving RNLI helmsman has hung up his drysuit for the last time after retiring as a volunteer crew member.


Nick Pope has served as volunteer helm for 20 years since the station was re-established in 1992.


Highlights of his time at Looe RNLI include being selected to represent the charity with his wife Mags at the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace last summer, attending the opening of the RNLI’s training college in 2004, and seeing the growth of Looe RNLI from a summer-only facility to its new station housing two state-of-the-art lifeboats.


Nick, a research scientist for the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, said: ‘Things at Looe RNLI have changed dramatically during my time, from a summer-only station to the current set-up.


‘I have lots of memories. The more memorable shouts which stick in my mind are ones with sad outcomes, but there have also been lots of laughs and fun.’


Nick, 50, joined the crew in 1992 at the age of 29 when the RNLI reintroduced its station in Looe.


For the first year, the town had a lifeboat for the summer months only but it soon became clear that a full-time service was needed and the following year Looe was provided with its own lifeboat.


The station was then on the seafront and later moved to Middleton’s Corner, before the new Albatross boathouse was built in 2003.


Nick was appointed helm following his initial training and in 2003 became training co-ordinator for the station. Over the years he has trained and mentored many of his fellow crew members.


‘I’m amazed how much effort everyone puts in; we have a healthy number of young crew members at Looe not all necessarily from a marine or boating background, and the training and effort everyone puts in should be admired,’ said Nick.


Volunteers on inshore RNLI lifeboats are expected to stand down at the age of 45 but Nick was offered an extension until he reached the age of 50.


A keen kayaker, fisherman and conservationist, Nick has no intention of breaking his ties with the station and


Nick Pope with his wife Mags at Buckingham Palace garden party. Picture: RNLI


will become a shorecrew member helping launch and recover the lifeboat.


He adds:‘I still have my pager but now don’t have to run as fast if it goes off!


‘I’m used to going to bed knowing where my clothes and keys are in case we get a shout, so it’s going to be hard getting out of that habit as it’s been a part of my life for so long.’


Nick was presented with a photo collage of his time at Looe RNLI by crew members at their party last month, as well as other gifts.


David Haines, RNLI Lifeboat operations manager at Looe, said: ‘Nick has been an extremely valued member of the RNLI crew and we’re sad to see him retire as helmsman.


‘He has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the station and is hugely respected by his fellow crew members.


‘We know he’ll continue to be a part of the RNLI family and are delighted he’s staying as a shorecrew volunteer at the station.’


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