RNLI treasurer retires after 39 years of service

Philip Barber has retired from RNLI Jersey after 39 years of service

A long-standing member of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Jersey has retired after 39 years of service, having followed in his father's footsteps.

Branch honorary treasurer Philip Barber joined the charity on 1 March 1986 as a result of his role with the then Midland Bank, which had supported the RNLI locally since the end of World War Two by filling the treasurer role from their employees.

His father had previously held the role and Mr Barber said: "I inherited all the old handwritten journals and cash books - I recognized my father's dreadful writing."

Midland Bank closed its local branch 17 years later and Mr Barber decided to continue with the role.

The RNLI said Mr Barber was responsible for maintaining accurate financial records at the local branch, which included promptly recording and banking all income using online systems, issuing receipts and ensuring all expenditure was properly controlled and supported.

Nigel Sweeny, lifeboat operations manager for the RNLI Jersey, said Mr Barber would be sorely missed.

'Relentless'

Mr Sweeny said: "Philip's perseverance in holding the Head Office to account was well-recognised, both with the local operations team but also at RNLI headquarters.

"Philip was relentless in ensuring that every penny due to RNLI Jersey was accounted for.

"His quiet presence and diligence to his role will be sorely missed by all of us at RNLI Jersey."

Mr Barber was awarded a commemorative statuette and previously had been presented a 30 year-long service award by the regional lifesaving lead for the RNLI Tom Mansell.