THE dedicated service to the RNLI of 92-year-old Mrs Betty Oke of Holsworthy was recognised on Thursday June 30 at a ceremony at Dartington Hall when she was presented with the Bar to the Gold Badge by the chairman of the RNLI, Charles Hunter-Pease, writes Christine Williams.

Having been members of the Bude branch, in the 1960s Betty and her husband John set up a branch in Holsworthy even though the town is 10 miles from the coast.

For 52 years she and members of the branch worked hard to raise funds with flag days, coffee mornings, 10 mile walks, luncheons and street collections.

She had previously been presented with two bronze badges by RNLI president, the Duke of Kent, and a gold badge by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at ceremonies at the Barbican in London.

However, Betty said last Thursday’s presentation was special as it took place in the South West in the beautiful surroundings of Dartington and in the presence of members of her family including her grandson and his wife from New Zealand.

Local branch secretary Ron Gerry said: “Betty received the biggest ovation of all at the ceremony. It was a proud moment for Holsworthy as with just twelve members the branch is the smallest in the South West.”

Betty added she had received the award on behalf of the whole committee.