Lifeboat Fund receives gift as tribute to late retired Newhaven Coxswain

The Lifeboat Fund is extremely gratified that one of its good friends has chosen to commemorate one of his family friends in support of the 150th Anniversary Appeal.

The gentleman remembered is Len Patten, who joined the Newhaven lifeboat in 1968 and served as Coxswain/Mechanic from 1977 until retirement in 1988.

Len was held in profound respect and great affection by crew members and friends alike for his long and exemplary service to the RNLI as Newhaven Signalman, and later Coxswain.

Commander Michael Woodroffe, RNLI Divisional Inspector for the South East (1975-1982) paid a personal tribute, saying: "Coxswain/Mechanic Len Patten was a first class lifeboat coxswain, a wonderful ambassador for the RNLI, and a gentleman. I would say they don't make many like Len anymore - he was one of the best."

Very sadly, Len passed away on 11 January 2015.  As a mark of respect the flag at RNLI Newhaven was lowered to half-mast after the following Sunday morning’s training exercise.

Len was a true professional, awarded the British Empire Medal in 1988, and a Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the RNLI Chairman for his actions on 16 October 1987 when the crew of five of a French trawler were saved in the aftermath of the Great Storm.

The Coxswain and crew at RNLI Wells will save lives for many years to come in the Shannon class lifeboat for which the kind donation has been made, to honour the memory of Len Patten.

Photo credit: RNLI/Alan Novis