Farewell donation to Fleetwood's lifeboat crew

A couple celebrated their retirement from running a pub by handing over a donation to Fleetwood's lifeboat crew.
Fleetwood lifeboat crews stage a demonstration rescueFleetwood lifeboat crews stage a demonstration rescue
Fleetwood lifeboat crews stage a demonstration rescue

The volunteers received £1,100 from Benny and Gail Emsley, the licensees of the Queens Hotel, in Fleetwood.

Benny, from Fleetwood, joined the Icelandic fishing fleet from his home town, before sailing out of Lowestoft. But he then decided to jump ship and start a new career in the licensed trade.

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Ben and Gail started their new careers at the Kings, in Fleetwood, then moved to Liverpool before returning to the Fylde, firstly as licensee of the Victoria in St Annes and then the Queens Hotel, in his home town 10 years ago. They were licensees for 43 years.

Benny’s annual ‘bonus ball’ collections has given thousands of pounds to local charities over the years. Fleetwood RNLI were the final recipients of the Queen’s generous customers.

Benny and Gail thanked his fantastic staff at the Queens.

Tony Cowell, 2nd Coxswain at Fleetwood lifeboat said: “It’s always sad to see a local character like Benny retiring, he’s been a great supporter of Fleetwood lifeboat over the years. This is a fantastic gesture from him, his staff and his customers.”