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Alex Smith

An artist's impression of proposed improvement work on the A92 near the harbour.

Angus & The Mearns

Opposition expected at Arbroath cycle and walking paths meeting

February 26 2020

An artist's impression of proposed improvement work on the A92 near the harbour.

Angus & The Mearns

‘Secretive’ council blasted after Arbroath dual carriageway row

December 26 2019

The Arbroath sustainable transport scheme timetable has been hit by the pandemic.

Angus & The Mearns

Cash doubt over £13m Arbroath dual-carriageway scheme

December 9 2019

Arbroath RNLI operations manager Alex Smith. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.

Angus & The Mearns

RNLI chief fears lives could be lost in ‘ridiculous’ £6.9m Arbroath cycle path proposal

August 19 2019

Trooper Alex Smith, of 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, leaps into the air during rehearsals for 10 Soldiers (Ben Birchall/PA)

Soldier performs on stage after keeping dance passion secret

April 4 2019

Trooper Alex Smith, of 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, leaps into the air during rehearsals for 10 Soldiers (Ben Birchall/PA)

Soldier performs on stage after keeping dance passion secret

April 4 2019

The UK’s longest-serving lifeboat crewman has retired to terra firma after spending more than half his life saving others in the dangerous waters off Angus.
Arbroath RNLI crew marked the 36 years of service Ron Churchill has devoted to the organisation with a gathering for the presentation of a certificate of service in an event at the harbour lifeboat shed.
In various capacities as lifeboat crew member and mechanic, Ron has been involved in saving no fewer than 21 lives, and been involved in countless other challenging operations, some sadly tragic.
In 2012, as he marked his 60th birthday, rather than starting to wind down as many may have done, Ron became something of a celebrity as the oldest serving lifeboat crew member in Scotland.
Prior to retiring, Ron had also become the longest active serving boat crew member in the UK, and whilst retirement beckons he is not completely cutting his ties with the Angus station.
Alex Smith, lifeboat operations manager at Arbroath, said: “People with the dedication and commitment to a cause, such as Ron has shown to the lifeboats here in Arbroath, are very rare.
“We are extremely fortunate to have benefited from his service over many years and the value of the knowledge and experience he can pass on to our current and future crews is immeasurable.
“Unfortunately for Ron, as for all of us, time waits for no man and he has reached a stage in life whereby it’s time to step off the boat, but he will remain an integral part of the lifeboat service here at Arbroath for many years to come.
“He certainly deserves all the recognition he receives having dedicated more than half his life to the RNLI.”
Ron said “I have loved every minute of my time on the lifeboats.
“There were of course many challenges over the years but more than anything the camaraderie of the crew always pulled us through.
“As one chapter ends though, another begins and I’m delighted to be able to continue as volunteer DLA (deputy launch authority) and training assessor for the station.
“I would like to say I look forward to a relaxing retirement but I’m sure between my new roles and the list of things my wife has given me to do I’ll probably be busier than ever.”

Ron is pictured (right) being presented with his Certificate of Service from Alex Smith with some members of the current crew watching on.

Angus & The Mearns

UK’s longest serving lifeboatman Ron harbours little hope of putting feet up on Angus dry land

January 30 2019

Arbroath RNLI crew with (front left to right): Area lifesaving manager Gavin Baird, operations manager Alex Smith, Peter Willis, Sam Clow and Ron Churchill.

Angus & The Mearns

Arbroath lifeboat station back on solid course for the future following controversy

July 5 2018

The controversial blue loo

Angus & The Mearns

Lack of love for lobster shack plan sinks Arbroath loo takeaway conversion

August 9 2017

Alex Smith.

Former Dundee United manager Alex Smith wants 16-team top league

March 22 2017

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