Skip to content

RNLI volunteer honoured for 'outstanding service'

News imageRNLI Brenda Couzens is standing holding a certificate and a walking stick. She is wearing a navy quilted jacket and a light blue jumper. She is standing in front of a boat. RNLI
Brenda Couzens, pictured in 2023, has volunteered for the RNLI for almost 30 years

An RNLI volunteer is to be commended with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for "devoting more than 28 years" of service.

Brenda Couzens is among eight Cumbrians recognised for their work in sectors including education, defence and business for the King's Birthday Honours List.

The RNLI said Couzens, from Penrith, had given "outstanding voluntary service" by helping to raise thousands of pounds for the charity until her retirement last year.

Dani Beckett, from the RNLI in Cumbria, said the team was "incredibly grateful for her dedication and we are delighted to see her recognised with this honour".

His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant, Alexander Scott, said it was a "source of immense pride for our county to see so many Cumbrians recognised for their remarkable contributions to society".

Scott said the honours reflected "years of dedication, commitment and service, often carried out quietly and without expectation of recognition".

Prof Stephen Thurston Munby from Kendal is to be recognised with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to education.

CBE is the highest ranking Order of the British Empire award, followed by OBE then MBE.

Also recognised were:

  • Director of Windermere Lake Cruises, Ernest George Fallowfield - awarded the BEM for services to tourism in Bowness-On-Windermere
  • Managing Director Warhead, Defence Nuclear Organisation, Dr Rebecca Weston, from Cockermouth - appointed companion of Order of the Bath for services to defence
  • Chair of Cumbria Economic Growth Board, David George Beeby from Cockermouth - appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to business, economic growth and to the voluntary sector in Cumbria
  • Consultant physiotherapist Dr Amanda Hensman-Crook, from Kendal, appointed MBE for services to physiotherapy
  • Chief executive officer of Charities Trust Linda Minnis, from Winscales - appointed MBE for services to the charitable sector
  • George Michael Dodd, from Carlisle - awarded BEM for services to rowing

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

More like this