RNLI pay tribute to ‘gentleman’ Arnold

Members of a Fylde coast lifeboat station have paid tribute to a ‘gentleman’ former crewman who has died.
Arnold Broxup, a former RNLI launcher, has died aged 90Arnold Broxup, a former RNLI launcher, has died aged 90
Arnold Broxup, a former RNLI launcher, has died aged 90

Arnold Broxup, a dedicated supporter and worker for the RNLI in Lytham and St Annes, died on Friday, aged 90.

Mr Broxup, known as ‘Arnie’ to his friends, volunteered for the charity for more than 25 years, helping as a tractor driver and head launcher.

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David Forshaw, of Lytham St Annes RNLI, said: “He was a gentleman who will be greatly missed by all who met or worked with him. Our thoughts are with Arnold’s wife Joyce and their family at this sad time.”

Born at the Guides House hamlet on the banks of the River Ribble in March 1925, he went on to become a founder member of the Ribble Cruising Club in 1950.

He joined the RNLI in 1961, helping to launch the lifeboat boarding boat by driving a caterpillar tractor over thick mud on the beach.

He also went out on the lifeboat when his tractor driving skills took second place.

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Mr Broxup retired from the service in 1986, but continued to help with fund-raising and assisting the crew.

In later years he helped to open the former Lytham Lifeboat Museum in the Old Lifeboat House and joined the Lytham Heritage Group when it was founded, assisting with displays in the town’s windmill.