A LONG-SERVING member of the RNLI has been awarded a medal in recognition of her contribution and service.

Rosalie Whitlock has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours, His Majesty King Charles awarded the BEM for 52 years service to the RNLI, marking all the work Rosalie has done for RNLI lifeboats over those years. 

On Friday, May 19, at the RNLI Penlee Lifeboat station, Rosalie was presented with the BEM by Lord-Lieutenant Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE. The Lord-Lieutenant is the King’s personal representative in Cornwall in a role that dates back almost 500 years.

Falmouth Packet: Rosalie was presented with the BEM by Lord-Lieutenant Colonel Edward Bolitho OBERosalie was presented with the BEM by Lord-Lieutenant Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE (Image: Penlee Lifeboat)

Rosalie said: "I was just 20yrs old when I became Hon. Sec and I hope to carry on for many more years and have no plans to give up yet. All of Penlee’s coxswains have been outstanding in my time here and the RNLI volunteers have given their dedication.”

A delighted Rosalie and husband Russell attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace last week. 

This is not the first award for Rosalie, who is branch hon sec, has been awarded the RNLI's 50 years service award and already holds the RNLI's Silver badge, the Gold Badge and Gold Bar.

Falmouth Packet: Rosalie's British Empire Medal Rosalie's British Empire Medal (Image: Penlee Lifeboat)

In 1973 she became the youngest ever Ladies Lifeboat Guild hon. Sec. at age 20, and in 2010 she was made an Honorary Life Governor of the RNLI, the highest award a shore based volunteer can receive.

Rosalie has been the RNLI Shop Manager for some 40 years and still organises many of the fundraising activities. "I joined the RNLI along with my mother Binkie Wallen who would have qualified for the 50yrs medal also."

RNLI Penlee’s coxswains and volunteers are so thankful for the work Rosalie has carried out for our charity’s lifeboats, allowing them to save lives at sea.