RNLI volunteer honoured for 44 years' service to lifeboat crews

Connie Curzon is box secretary at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Northwich fundraising branch, which she joined back in 1979.

It all started when her husband, John, then a teacher at Sir John Deane’s College, made friends with RNLI volunteers while leading the school’s regular sea kayaking trips to Anglesey.

They asked him if he’d be able to help fundraise for them in Northwich, but being quite stretched for time already, put his wife forward instead.

“He said it was more of a me thing,” Connie said.

But it all worked out pretty well. 

The mum-of-two thrives in her role with the RNLI, as it’s helped her make lifelong friends of the staff at the pubs, clubs, and shops in Northwich who have RNLI charity boxes – which Connie calls ‘her boats’.  

But there’s more to Connie’s role than that. Over the years, she’s held raffles, tombolas, dances, and even collected old newspapers to raise further funds and help keep the RNLI afloat.

Now, in the run up to the RNLI’s 200th birthday in 2024, Connie was honoured for her outstanding service at a special ceremony at Barton Cricket Club on Monday, November 20.

Connie Curzon (left) received her certificate from RNLI Northwich fundraising branch chairman, Graham Humphries, on November 20 (Image: John Nattrass)

She was presented with a certificate by Graham Humphries, chairman of the Northwich RNLI’s fundraising committee, which itself turns 100 in 2024.

Connie, who also works as a dance teacher, said: “I just couldn’t believe it.

“I don’t do it for praise. I just love seeing all the people when I go and empty my boats.

“I don’t even have to show my badge anymore because everybody knows who I am.

“We’ve done all sorts to raise money over the years. Before the days of recycling, we used to collect old newspapers in a big van.

“We’d sit in a little cottage on Sir John Deane’s grounds and pick all the staples out of the supplements.

“That was laborious.

“All the pubs, club, and cafés who have our boxes – I just can’t thank them enough.

“I like to bake them cakes as a thank you.”

Connie said changes in the way people spend money over recent years, and the closure of businesses who once collected for her, has meant there’s been a decline in the overall take from her boats.

She added: “It’s so sad when pubs or shops close, as I’ve got to know the people over the years I’ve been doing it.

“We’ve seen a drop off in the funds we raise as a result, which is quite sad.

“But we move with the times. With fewer people using cash these days, we’ve started putting QR code stickers on the collection boats.

“If people don’t have cash, they can scan them with their phones which takes them to a page were they can chose how much they want to donate.”

RNLI Northwich fundraising committee member and colleague, John Nattrass, said: “During her time as box secretary, Connie has raised more than £70,000 from her boats alone.

“The certificate recognises this, as well as her 44 years of devoted service.

“Next year sees the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Northwich fundraising committee.

“We’re planning some exciting projects, including an increased presence at the Royal Cheshire Show, and an event at Marbury Park in June.”