Glasses were raised last weekend to mark the 25th anniversary of the island's lifeboat.
Local RNLI crew, committee members and fund raisers gathered at the Braye Beach Hotel to mark the establishment of the emergency service in 1984.
Since its inception RNLI Station Alderney has undertaken 632 services, rescued more than 1,000 people and recovered vessels valued at a total of £15m.
Prior to 1984, Guernsey's lifeboat crew, as well as numerous local vessels, dealt with problems in Alderney waters.
Current coxswain Declan Gaudion was one of the original crew members. He said no one in the island could imagine life without a lifeboat now.
"You do wonder when you get a lifeboat how you managed without one. We average about 30 calls a year and while not all of them are life and death situations you get the odd one which is trickier than normal.
"Since 1984 the lifeboat has proved its worth. Having one here has been very worthwhile."
Mr Gaudion, who received an award for bravery at sea last year, said the RNLI is a great service to be involved with.
"Being on a small island the lifeboat is very much a part of life here. Personally I've found it very fulfilling - it's a very good service to be involved with.
"The memorable moments are too numerous to mention. One of the best parts is the people you meet and we've got great people on all sides of the operation, from the crew, to the committee and fund raisers. We're one big team."
Mr Gaudion said the main difference for Alderney's 18-strong crew these days are the improvements to boat technology.
"The boats are a lot more advanced now so everyone has to keep up to speed on all the systems."
Seventy people attended last Friday's celebration.
2 comments on this article
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Icey | Fri 9th October 2009 I would just like to echo IGs comments! We are very lucky to have them!
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Island Girl | Fri 9th October 2009 As an island we should be so proud of ALL our local volunteer crews. We are truly blessed that these people give up so much of their free time to train , risk their lives and ruin their social lives for others !!. And all for no reward other than to satisfaction of helping others and being part of a team.
Also we should thank the wives, girlfriends and families of these people who support them , worry about them out on shouts at all times of the day or night - The pagers can go off whenever during a dinner party, whilst asleepor even in the bath and they just drop everything and go !!.
God bless and thankyou.
The Journal believes this is an opportune moment to conduct a survey of the States. The aim is to help the States, its members and those who are considering standing for election. Click here to vote!
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on Tuesday 31st August and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors.
Sat 11th September 2010 Methodist Church Restoration Fund Jumble Sale, Island Hall, 14:00
Sat 11th September 2010 Myths and Stories from Ancient Egypt
An evening of fascinating stories told by international master performance storyteller Dr. Samira Kirollos, brought to you by the Alderney Theatre Group.
Sit back, watch, listen and be spellbound.
tickets £10 on sale at Shirley's Boutique and on the night at the door, Island Hall, 19:30 to 23:00
The Journal's first States Survey
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on Tuesday 31st August and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors. 