John Budge Retires after 50 Years as an RNLI Volunteer

That the Parliament congratulates John Budge, who is from Orkney, on his retirement following 50 years of dedicated service as an RNLI volunteer; understands that John began volunteering as a reserve crew member in 1970, following the Longhope Lifeboat disaster in 1969, and has supported the work of the RNLI through a number of invaluable roles since then, including as the Orkney station mechanic and, more recently, lifeboat operations manager; acknowledges that John’s exceptional commitment and support for the RNLI also extends beyond his work at the station; applauds his incredible fundraising efforts over the years; notes that John is well-known for his entertainment at social occasions for the RNLI, through his popular accordion playing and sharing of great tales from his time with the lifeboat; thanks him for his outstanding contribution to the lifesaving work of the RNLI; pays tribute to this remarkable milestone of half a century of service to keeping communities in Orkney safe, and wishes John a very long and happy retirement, as well as a very happy 70th birthday.