We’re very proud of our employees and no more than Wesley Stokes, Senior Negotiator at our Watsons of Cromer branch.
Wes, who also lives in Cromer is a lifeboatman and part of the Cromer RNLI team of volunteers, and can often be called away from his desk at any time to head out to an incident. Being on call 24 hours a day means volunteers can get called to a shout, whatever the time of day or weather conditions.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was founded in 1824 and is the largest charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the UK the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man as well as on some inland waterways. There are numerous other lifeboat services operating in the same area. The RNLI is principally funded by donations and legacies with most lifeboat crew members being unpaid volunteers.
Wes’ father, Peter Stokes is also a volunteer. They are often on duty together on the Cromer RNLI lifeboat, but when they are, family feelings go out the window. They’ve got a job to do and they focus on that. Peter has been with the Cromer crew for 11 years and has no plans to hang up his boots just yet.
Due to advances in technology, the number of shouts that volunteers are called out to is decreasing, but being a lifeboatman is still a 24 hour job; being called out at 2am or 2pm. Father and son have been called out on various ‘shouts’ together this year assisting in many local incidents.
Wes has been a volunteer for 4 years now and enjoys the comradery. He said: “I had just had my first son and my father said it was the right time to join the crew. We try and keep out of each other’s way on the boat. We are not father and son there, really – we’re there to do a job and just get on with it.”
Watsons continues to support Wes and his important work in the community. However, if you happen to be in the branch one day, and Wes jumps up and runs out – know that it’s not you – he’s on a shout!
Find out more about Cromer RNLI or contact our Cromer Branch on 01263 515120.
Make a donation to Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
