After nearly four decades of balancing the books for Jersey’s lifeboat crews, the RNLI’s Jersey treasurer has hung up his ledger.
Philip Barber, Branch Honorary Treasurer for the RNLI, stepped down from his position after 38 years of service at the end of last month.
Mr Barber started at Midland Bank in March 1986, with the bank supporting the charity since the end of WW2.
Decades of dedication
Following the closure of Midland Bank’s local branch, he decided to continue with the role for 21 years, following in his father’s footsteps.
In his role as Branch Honorary Treasurer, Mr Barber was responsible for monitoring financial records, banking all income through the RNLI’s online systems, issuing receipts, and ensuring all expenditure is correct and controlled. They also produce end-of-year reports and safeguard funds.
He previously worked closely with the chief officer of the RNLI’s payroll to ensure all operations ran smoothly.
On occasion, he would also make sure that local suppliers’ bills were quickly settled from local funds and chase the institution for recompense.
“Relentless”
“Philip’s perseverance in holding the head office to account was well-recognised, both with the local operations team but also at RNLI headquarters,” commented Nigel Sweeny, Lifeboat Operations Manager for RNLI Jersey.
“Philip was relentless in ensuring that every penny due to RNLI Jersey was accounted for. His quiet presence and diligence to his role will be sorely missed by all of us at RNLI Jersey. We wish him well in his retirement.”
More recently, Mr Barber was awarded a commemorative statuette.
The Regional Lifesaving Lead for the RNLI, Tom Mansell, also presented Mr Barber with a Long Service Medal to express gratitude for his work.