2nd May 2012

LYME REGIS: Lifeboat crew pay tribute to stalwart member Mac

LYME Regis lifeboat crew member Jon Broome has paid tribute to RNLI stalwart John Sewell, who died last week.

Known better to his friends as Mac, Mr Sewell was a former lifeboat crew member and boathouse custodian.

Mr Broome said: “Mac was the sort of crew member who was simply always there. He was quiet, unassuming and thoroughly reliable. When he was no longer a full crew member he still wanted to be involved.

“He never wanted a pat on the back and was just glad to be part of the operation. Mac was just one of those gems who come along now and then and upon whom a volunteer operation likes ours relies.”

Mr Sewell joined the lifeboat crew in 1967 and acted as a shore crew member from 1971 to 1991. During his time as a crew member he helped rescue no less that 281 people.

Mr Sewell’s final role with the lifeboat was as boathouse custodian, with his main duties being to open and close the lifeboat station double doors everyday.

He proudly carried out his duties along with pet poodle Meggie until 2010 at the age of 88. On his 89th birthday, the crew marked his dedication to the RNLI by presenting him with a vellum certificate.

Mr Broome added: “When he became boathouse custodian he turned up every morning and every evening 365 days a year to open and shut the big doors, usually accompanied by his pet poodle.”

PICTURE: RNLI STALWART - Former lifeboat crew member and boathouse custodian John “Mac” Sewell with beloved poodle Meggie