The ancient mariner
Having joined the RNLI aged 16, Tony Hawkins was coxswain for 23 years and was appointed an MBE in 1998 for selfless service. While no longer an active crew member, he still makes a valuable contribution as station manager. “He’s full of stories,” Jack says. Decades ago, a hovercraft crashed into the harbour wall and Tony steered the lifeboat into the gap so that passengers could step out of their seats onto the deck. No wonder he also holds a bronze medal for gallantry. The Dover crew specially commissioned Jack to make this portrait in gratitude for Tony’s many years of service.