A PLAQUE has been erected to recognise a substantial donation made to Rhyl’s RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) station by a man in memory of his parents.

It was agreed a plaque would be put up in the station to recognise this gesture from John Bainbridge, and to remember his parents, who met at the regular dances held at Kinmel Military Camp, by.

Both John’s parents passed away in 2020, after 65 years of marriage.

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John, who visited the station for the plaque presentation on April 25, said: "My father, Charles Bainbridge, was born on June 10, 1934 in Staveley, Cumbria, and was quickly relocated to Farnham, Surrey by his mother in 1936.

“He was conscripted into the Army aged 18, and after his training and a few other postings, he found himself sent to Kinmel Military Camp.

“At that time, the camp held regular dances which the locals attended, which is how he met my mother, Agnes Bainbridge (née Wilson).

“She was born on August 18, 1929 living in River Bank, Bagillt, North Wales.

“They spent a lot of their time courting in Rhyl, later marrying on December 18, 1954, which also became a favourite holiday destination when we all returned to Wales as a family to visit relatives.

“They were married for 65 years and died within seven weeks of each other in 2020. I then decided I wanted them to have a lasting memorial, and not to let the inheritance money just be frittered away.

“We had always visited RNLI stations all over the country when on days out or full holidays.

“I have also been a member for over 20 years, so a donation to the RNLI seemed a fitting way to mark their lives and do some good at the same time.

“After talking to the RNLI, the Rhyl station seemed to be the best station to benefit from this and following my recent visit, I can say, hand on heart, they deserve all the help they get.

“The crew I met showed a great level of skill, professionalism and camaraderie, which was brilliant to see, and I am delighted to be able to help their work in a small way.”