THE JOURNAL OF THE RNLI

Volume XLIV Number 456 Summer 1976 25 p THE BEST WEATHER CLOTHING IN THE WORLD

•AIRFLOW COAT JACKET & LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS ARE WATEPPPOOF & FREE FROrV COMOerNJBATIOlM

ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE BOAT INSTITUTION 0 letter of 28 February 1974 U from Assistant Superintendent (Stores) • Your company's protective clothing has 0 now been on extensive evaluation for over two years and I am pleased to advise that the crews of our offshore boats have found the clothing warm, comfortable and a t considerable improvement The issue of your clothing IB is being extended to all of our offshore life boats as RNLI style UJ replacements are required U in Dunloprufe 5 UJ a Waterproof Ralph Lee, Technical Editor 'Camping & Caravanning' Chest high UJ fly closed by concealed zip 0 ^ the finest outdoor garments 1 have ever seen . . . not just and touch 'n' close fastening good material and well made. It is the amount of thought that has Elastic braces id gone into the design that delights Elasticated Waist me ... I give this firm top marks Substantial internal seat, crutch and knee reinforcement 2 UIl a Leg width is adequate for entry of CD Derek Agnew, Editor of 'En Route' •n Magazine of the Caravan Club seaboots and may be reduced 0

Ul" by zip closure of two gussets on each leg — . I have been giving an The FUNCTIONAL r 5 extensive wear trial to SEAGOING OVERTROUSER Zips are heavy duty and incorrodible in I outdoor clothing made by n o Functional of Manchester . . . a All I can say is that one Bill Boddy in 'Motor Sport' Kevin MacDonnell in motoring magazine's description Photography of May 1975 of Functional as the Rolls Royce • ... A really top class of outdoor clothing is thoroughly conscientiously made ~ . . . My attempts to find the accurate If there was a better product ... the Rolls Royce of idea) photographer's garment have spread over many years . . I •o epithet I would use it bad-weather, keep-warm m 1 have sat fishing without clothing . . . clearly the best noticed recently that most outdoor H moving in torrential rain for six possible for outdoor T.V. Crews had ... a standardised m hours, I have been all day in the garment . . . and I was off on the work and play ... ^ H UJ middle of windswept lakes and trail of FUNCTIONAL Clothing I have never experienced the m s slightest discomfort. There are designed made and sold only by ... on a very warm day . . . pockets galore, really strong zips in spite of the two waterproof wherever they are needed and •a. layers there was no condensation . . n rain and wind could be non hanging around an airfield on a 0 UJ bitterly cold day I stayed warm. m existent for all the effect they 1 have on you FUNCTIONAL It's an all-weather job For the caravanner who The astonishing thing is the Ul wants only the best I thoroughly u-\_P recommend this range You price. It's incredibly well made cannot buy it retail, but only 20 C HEPSTOW STREET out of top grade materials direct from the manufacturer ^ MANCHESTER Ml 5JE This is the best clothing 061-236 2606/7 bargain . . . encountered for years — Alfred Place Store Street Tottenham Court Road London \VCIE 7KB 01-5804906 Counter Sales now at London and Manchester offices Write to Manchester office for catalogue - twenty pence

CLOTHItSJG FOR ACTION FIT FOR FUINJCTIOPJ WARM WIISJTER COOL IIM SUrVirVIEF THE LIFEBOAT

Summer 1976

/~^ ~ „ 4- /a-fri-fro Notes of the Quarter, by the editor 147 IlLiJ Beaufort Wind Scale 148 Lifeboat Services 149 XLIV Annual Awards 1975 153 456 A Weekend in September 154 Annual General Meeting and Presentation of Awards 156 Opening of new Headquarters at Poole 162 Chairman: Naming Ceremonies: Macduff and Swanage 163 MAJOR-GENERAL R. H. FARRANT, CB Inshore Lifeboats: Handing-over Ceremonies at Crimdon Dene, Hartlepool Director and Secretary: and Little and Broad Haven ... 164 CAPTAIN NIGEL DIXON, RN _, ,. ... Shoreline 165 Invergordon, by Dag Pike 166 Blue Peter Goes to Sea at Beaumaris, by Ray Kipling 167 Here and There 168 Editor: PATRICK HOWARTH Percy Garon, MC GM : Honorary Secretary of Southend-on-Sea Lifeboat Station from 1952-1975 169 Assistant Editor: A*T-rr*+-i-T-ci.<.-r\n Eye for Detai] in Lifeboat Desig- n 17i-m0 Book Reviews 171 Around the Coast 172 Headquarters: Royal National Life-boat Institution, Some Ways of Raising Money 173 West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1 HZ (Telephone PooJe 71133). Letters i/o Offshore Lifeboat Services, December 1975, January and February 1976 ... 177 London Office: Royal National Life-boat Institution, 21 Inshore Lifeboat Services, December 1975, January and February 1976 ... 178 Ebury Street, London SW1W OLD (Telephone 01-730 0031). Index to Advertisers 180

Editorial: All material submitted for Advertisements: All advertising en- consideration with a view to publication quiries should be addressed to Dyson in the journal should be addressed to the Advertising Services, PO Box 9, Godal- COVER PICTURE editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal National ming, Surrey (Telephone Godalming Appledore Atlantic 21 inshore lifeboat breasts Life-boat Institution, West Quay Road, (04868) 23675). heavy surf in Bideford Bay. She was donated Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ (Telephone by RAF personnel and their families stationed Poole 71133). Photographs intended for return should be accompanied by a at Wildenrath, Germany, who raised more stamped and addressed envelope. Subscription: A year's subscription of than £5,000 for the RNLI in just one year. four issues costs £1.40, including Since Atlantic 21 ILBs were first stationed at Next Issues: The autumn issue of THE postage, but those who are entitled to Appledore in the autumn of 1972 they have LIFEBOAT will appear in October and receive THE LIFEBOAT free of charge will launched on service 50 times and saved 30 news items should be sent by the end of continue to do so. Overseas subscrip- lives. This photograph was taken by Crew July. News items for the winter issue tions depend on the cost of postage to Member Clifford Edwards. should be sent in by the end of October. the country concerned. 145 Highly specialised Search & Rescue Craft from HALMATIC

The Self-Righting 'Arun' 54' on trial

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146 Raymond Baxter spoke of the impor- 'We would rather help to save lives than tance of the voluntary principle in place flowers on her grave.' At the time promoting the efficiency of the lifeboat of going to press The Northern Echo service and of how it enabled the campaign has produced over £4,000 in RNLI to get the best value for money. addition to arousing tremendous new If it were lost, he said, 'the country interest in the lifeboat service in the would certainly be the poorer in the north of England. moral and spiritual sense as well as in Similarly the Birmingham Evening the purely financial sense'. Mail ran a special campaign with the Colonel Crawshaw said that working object of increasing the branch's income in local and central government had and purchasing some piece of equip- caused him to feel depressed by 'the ment for the Exmouth lifeboat City of movement away from the voluntary Birmingham. Again readers' responses spirit'. A few years ago, he pointed out, were strikingly generous, and as a result it had not been necessary to pay some- of the Mail's efforts £2,000 has been one to come to a youth club to make a collected already towards a new boarding cup of tea. 'We could not', he said, boat for Exmouth lifeboat. 'administer the Life-boat Institution from a central source with the same Isle of Wight Appeal enthusiasm and dedication as it is It was also stated in the last number NOTES OF administered on a voluntary basis.' that the RNLI's Committee of Manage- ment had decided, as a temporary THE QUARTER Newspapers in action measure, to slow down the boat building In the last number of THE LIFEBOAT it programme in 1976 and to order only was reported that a series of small two new offshore lifeboats. At the same receptions had been held in Lintas time we made the point that the boat House to enlist the help of influential building programme would be stepped by the Editor groups for the work of the lifeboat up as soon as finances permitted. In fact service. One reception was for the press, it has already been decided to order an television and radio. Following that Arun lifeboat this year in addition to LIFEBOATS, IT IS OFTEN SAID, put OUt evening The Northern Echo, which is the two Rother lifeboats already bud- when other vessels are seeking the published in Darlington and is widely geted for. shelter of harbour. An example of how read in the north of England, mounted The new Arun lifeboat will be a lifeboat was able to carry out a a vigorous campaign entitled 'Lifeboat stationed at Yarmouth in the Isle of mission while other well-found vessels sos'. Wight. £50,000 towards her cost has were unable even to leave harbour Much ingenuity was shown by the been provided by the Wade Foundation, occurred on the night of December 1/2, newspaper staff in organising or pro- and an appeal is being launched in the 1975. The Cypriot coaster Primrose, moting fund-raising efforts. These in- Isle of Wight by Major-General R. A. which was in serious trouble some three cluded a ball for 700, a greyhound Pigot, a newly elected member of the miles from Dover breakwater, asked for meeting, fashion shows, cookery demon- Committee of Management and Presi- the help of a tug and later for that of a strations, sports meetings and sponsored dent of the Isle of Wight Lifeboat pilot vessel. Conditions were such that school projects. Board, to raise the necessary additional neither tug nor pilot vessel could put Numerous letters came from readers funds. out and the decisions not to allow them with donations, some of them signed to leave harbour were clearly correct. 'anonymous GAP'. Two sisters sent £5 New head office The master of a Townsend ferry said 'in memory of our mother whose In formally opening the new head the conditions were the worst he had birthday has just passed'. They added: office in Poole on May 6, His Royal known in eighteen years' service in the Dover Straits. Wind speeds gusting up Mrs Ann Ritchie, in company with Major-General Ralph Farrant, comes aboard Arun class to 100 mph were recorded, and he lifeboat 54-06, The Gough Ritchie, for which she is providing the funds, to be welcomed by commented that if Sir Francis Beaufort the builder, William Osborne (r). The Gough Ritchie, which will be stationed at Port St Mary, had lived 170 years later he might have Isle of Man, was lying alongside 54-05, the new Aberdeen lifeboat BP Forties, at Littlehampton. had to revise his wind scale (given on the next page). In spite of all this the Dover lifeboat put out, escorted the coaster and successfully piloted her into harbour. Details of the service, which led to the award of two medals for gallantry, are given on page 150. They are an incon- testable tribute to the Waveney class of lifeboat, it designers and its builders.

The voluntary spirit today Two speakers at the RNLI's annual general meeting spoke of the importance of voluntary service, not only within the RNLI, but to the nation as a whole. Both were clearly speaking from the heart and from experience. One was Raymond Baxter, best known today for his television programme, 'Tomorrow's World'. The other was Lieut.-Colonel Richard Crawshaw, Labour MP for Toxteth and a member of the RNLI's Committee of Management.

147 Highness The Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI, said: The decision to move to Poole can only be described as a bold and, I am quite confident, a wise one . . . There were a number of reasons for making the change. Perhaps the most important was that the offices in Grosvenor Gardens were on a long lease, which was in itself a diminishing asset. I think it is evidence of the wise financial management of the RNLI that after buying the land on which the new head office is built as a freehold property and completing the building it was able to report that the Institution's reserves stood somewhat higher than they had done a year earlier . . .' The Duke also called attention to the importance of the change in that for a century and a half London had been the site of the RNLI's head office. In its early years the RNLI was Opening of the new headquarters: The President, HRH The Duke of Kent, with (I. to r.) the Director, Captain Nigel Dixon, and the Chairman, Major-General Ralph Farrant. accommodated in the City of London, photograph by courtesy of Bournemouth News and Picture Service. first in Austin Friars and later in Great Winchester Street. A move to the City venor Gardens with which many of its Soon the move of the depot from of Westminster occurred in 1851. The supporters today are familiar. The main Boreham Wood to Poole will be head office was then off the Adelphi. administration during the last war was completed and for the first time in Half a century later there was a move to carried on in the depot at Boreham the history of the RNLI, headquarters Charing Cross Road, and in 1931 the Wood, but meetings continued to take and depot will be established on RNLI acquired the buildings in Gros- place in Grosvenor Gardens. adjacent sites in the same town.

BEAUFORT WIND SCALE

Limits of Wave height in metres, wind speed open sea Force in knots Description Sea (A knot is one nautical mile Probable Probable per hour) maximum 0 Less than 1 Calm Sea like, a mirror. — — 1 1-3 Light air Ripples with appearance of scales formed but without foam , crests. 2 4-6 Light breeze Small wavelets, still short but more pronounced. Crests have 0.15 0.30 glassy appearance and do not break. 3 7-10 Gentle breeze Large wavelets. Crests begin to break. Foam of glassy appear- 0.60 1.0 ance. Perhaps scattered white horses. 4 11-16 Moderate breeze Small waves, becoming longer: fairly frequent white horses. 1.0 1.50 5 17-21 Fresh breeze Moderate waves, taking a more pronounced long form: 1.80 2.50 many white horses (chance of some spray). 6 22-27 Strong breeze Large waves begin to form : white foam crests more extensive 3.0 4.0 everywhere. Probably some spray. 7 28-33 Near gale Sea heaps up and white foam from breaking waves begins to 4.0 6.0 be blown in streaks along direction of wind. 8 34-40 Gale Moderately high waves of greater length; edges of crests 5.50 7.50 begin to break into spindrift. Foam is blown in well- marked streaks along direction of wind. 9 41^7 Strong gale High waves. Dense streaks of foam along direction of wind. 7.0 9.75 Crests of waves begin to topple, tumble and roll over. Spray may affect visibility. 10 48-55 Storm Very high waves with long overhanging crests; resulting 9.0 12.50 foam in great patches is blown in dense white streaks along direction of wind; surface of sea takes a white appearance. Tumbling of sea becomes heavy and shocklike. Visibility affected. 11 56-63 Violent storm Exceptionally high waves. (Small and medium-sized ships 11.30 16.0 might be for a time lost to view behind the waves.) Sea completely covered with long white patches of foam lying along direction of wind. Everywhere edges of wave crests are blown into froth. Visibility affected. 12 64+ Hurricane Air filled with foam and spray. Sea completely white with 13.70 driving spray. Visibility very seriously affected.

148 to three-quarter throttle before attempt- to avert a similar situation, Coxswain ing to cross Long Sand on an easterly Bloom ordered Bowman Robert Kemp course; he was well aware of the risk and Jack Barrett to stream the drogue to of grounding, for although it was now 8 fathoms; this was no easy task in the high water the area was a mass of white violently moving boat, but was safely water with heavy 12' waves breaking achieved. Course was then altered south- irregularly, but with deteriorating eastward to run on a quartering sea. weather he decided that time was short The weather remained overcast with if the crew were to be taken off the yacht. heavy rain squalls and the wind had When half a mile east of Black Deep increased to north east by north force 9, No. 2 Buoy the lifeboat took a heavy roll with heavy seas accentuated by the to port, and through the wheelhouse sky- beginning of the north-north-east ebb light Coxswain Bloom saw a secondary tide. Visibility varied, reducing to one wave rising above the boat; shouting a mile in squalls. warning to all crew, he put the port Once clear of the heavy surf area the engine half ahead and swung the wheel drogue was recovered and the lifeboat Eastern Division hard to starboard as the lifeboat rolled altered course northward, coming up to starboard under the crest of the on the casualty at 1852. The 30' yacht, secondary wave. The three lookouts Tsunami, was lying to anchor, flying a 141 hour service in had moved aft and were abreast the flag distress signal, under bare spars. starboard wheelhouse door as the life- The heavy seas were causing her to veer severe gale boat rolled to an estimated 70° to excessively but the lifeboat was taken to starboard. Motor Mechanic Bryan within hailing distance to ascertain that A MESSAGE FROM THE YACHT Coronade to Ward, in his position to starboard of the crew would leave the yacht: the the Sunk Pilot Cutter, saying that a red the coxswain, managed to brace himself answer received was that they would do flare had been sighted southward, in the against the door sill, taking the combined so. direction of the Long Sand, was inter- weights of the coxswain and second Placing all fenders on the starboard cepted by Walton Coastguard at 1621 coxswain on his back as water filled the side, Coxswain Bloom took the lifeboat on Sunday, September 14, 1975. Sight- wheelhouse through the lee door and upwind until abreast of the yacht at a ings followed from the radio ship Mi after wheelhouse opening. distance of some 40 feet and met the Amiga in position 5r42.5'N,01°35'E, and For a few seconds the boat was yacht as she veered towards him. The at 1628 the deputy launching authority completely covered as the wave broke crew were spaced along the lifeboat's of Walton and Frinton station was over her and Jack Barrett and the two side deck and although two of the requested to launch the lifeboat. The younger crew members on the lee yacht's crew were helped across without maroons were fired at 1630 and at 1642 rail were submerged in heavy water. serious difficulty, the third man had to the 46' 9" Watson lifeboat Edian Momentarily Coxswain Bloom felt be grabbed quickly and hauled aboard Courtauld slipped her moorings off that a capsize was inevitable, "... as it as a sea lifted the lifeboat away from Walton Pier and set out on a south- went completely dark . . .', but the boat the yacht in a violent movement. easterly course. swung downwind as intended and As Coxswain Bloom manoeuvred to The weather was overcast with rain, drained rapidly. No crew members had re-position the lifeboat to take off the and the wind was north north east, suffered more than bruising as they were two remaining men, one of those already force 7. High water Harwich was pre- thrown to starboard and, in an effort on board told him that the owner and dicted at 1948. HM Coastguard diverted the Mansion RAF helicopter from another casualty to confirm the yacht's position, and at 1655 it was clarified that Coronade, to the east of the radio ship, was firing flares to attract attention to a second yacht in distress some 1$ miles to the north of Mi Amiga. The DLA and the Coastguard agreed that the lifeboat should be directed to the radio ship's position to assess the casualty's actual position in relation to Long Sand. By 1719 the lifeboat had reached Wallet No. 2 Buoy and, with all shelter from the land now lost, was rolling heavily in a rough beam sea. Coxswain Frank Bloom had decided that despite the severity of the weather he would go directly across the top of Gunfleet Sand and thence to the westward side of Long Sand. Crossing Gunfleet Sand in confused breaking seas, he instructed Crew Members Jack Barrett, Brian Oxley and Owen Bloom to keep lookout on the foredeck; the lifeboat reached Walton and Frinton: Black Deep No. 2 Buoy at 1810. Tsunami at anchor south of It was getting dark, but helped by Long Sand as Edian Cour- directions from the helicopter overhead, tauld approached. The wind was north east by north lights from the casualty were soon seen force 9, with heavy seas, two miles eastward; taking over the helm the weather overcast with from Second Coxswain Dennis Finch, heavy rain squalls. Coxswain Bloom ordered the lookouts photograph by courtesy of to clear the foredeck and reduced speed the lifeboat crew. 149 one other would not leave the yacht. The vessel and 5 miles east of Dover break- coxswain quickly decided that the only South Eastern Division water. At 2257 she reported that jury course of action was to try to tow the steering gear had been rigged and that a yacht into deeper open water before the Hurricane in Straits heading of 190°T was being maintained; full ebb tide made conditions untenable. of Dover she was in fact wind and tide rode and The second approach was made in a making up to the north east at a speed similar manner and the end of a 1\" DOVER STRAIT COASTGUARD received a of 2.4 knots. nylon towline passed from the bow to Mayday call at 2204 on Monday, Free Enterprise VII reported at 2318 the yacht owner, being cleared along the December 1, 1975, from the 1,199-ton that from radar observation the casualty lifeboat's side by all available crew phosphate loaded Cypriot coaster was 1J miles off the Goodwin Sands members until, at 20 fathoms, it was Primrose indicating loss of steering gear and closing. At 2320 Dover lifeboat made fast aft and secured around the in a position some 3 miles east of Dover arrived at the casualty having been yacht's mast, backed up to a cleat. The breakwater and that tug assistance was guided on to her by the deck and search- yacht's anchor cable was then cut. required immediately. lights of Free Enterprise VIII. Faithful At 2205 Dover Strait Coastguard Forester had covered the 5 miles from Towing began towards North Knock informed Dover Port Control that a tug Buoy. Coxswain Bloom's first intention, Dover Harbour at an average speed of was required forthwith for the stricken 7.69 knots despite mountainous quarter having been told again that the owner coaster, and in reply was advised that was determined to remain on board, was seas reliably reported by observers on the tug was not considered suitable in both ferries to be in excess of 25 feet to attempt the 25-mile downwind the weather conditions prevailing. So passage to Ramsgate. However, one of high. To have reached the casualty so the Coastguard informed the honorary promptly despite such conditions high- the yacht's crew told him that Tsunami's secretary of Dover lifeboat station and rudder was jammed hard a'starboard lights the fine seamanship and dogged it was agreed that the lifeboat would perseverance of Coxswain Liddon. and that the keel had apparently frac- stand by to launch if required. Her crew tured upon grounding earlier; some Captain Robinson, master of Free were already assembled and waiting Enterprise VII, said of that night: water was reported to be entering the advice to launch to a ferry adrift in hull. With the yacht in that condition Dover Harbour with an injured person Coxswain Bloom rightly considered that 'The weather at this time was the worst aboard. 1 have experienced in this area in some a long downwind tow was too hazard- At 2208 Townsend ferries Free Enter- eighteen years service in the Dover ous; there was a real danger of broach- prise VII and Free Enterprise VIII both Straits. The wind was jusf west of south ing, and if the yacht lost her keel and indicated a 15-minute ETA at the position and my anemometer was indicating capsized it might be impossible to of the coaster Primrose and the motor 100 mph in regular gusts and then settling rescue the two yachtsmen should they vessel Cornish Wasa reported her at 70 mph. Had Admiral Sir Francis be in the cabin. Beaufort lived 170 years later he would position to be some 30 minutes' steam- certainly have had second thoughts on At 1900, therefore, Coxswain Bloom ing from that of the casualty. At 2226 turned lifeboat and tow on to a northerly his wind scale. North Foreland Radio broadcast the 'The seas were mountainous and it was course to clear Long Sand Head, main- position of Primrose to be 4 miles east obvious to all that the Dover lifeboat had taining the wind on the bow for as long of Dover eastern breakwater. no chance of navigating visually.' as possible; the tow was lengthened to At 2221 Dover honorary secretary was 60 fathoms and the owner and his crew told that no tug assistance for Primrose Coxswain Liddon expertly conned member battened themselves into the was available and was asked to launch the Dover lifeboat into a position some yacht's cabin to man the pump. the Dover lifeboat. Accordingly, at 2237, half a cable off the starboard quarter of At 2112 Long Sand Head Buoy was the 44' Waveney lifeboat Faithful the coaster, which was shipping heavy abeam and course eased to westward. Forester slipped her moorings in the seas overall, and stood by, maintaining At 2341, abeam of Sunk Lightvessel, submarine pens and set out to sea. course and speed equivalent to the drift course was again altered to port, with Weather conditions recorded at Dover of the casualty. At 2355 navigation the tow passing Cork Spit Buoy at Strait Coastguard at the time of launch- lights sighted indicated that an unidenti- 0142 and Rolling Ground Buoy at 0210. ing showed the wind direction to be fied craft was fast bearing down on to From this point an increasing lee was from 200°T with the force as Beaufort and on collision course with Primrose. afforded, although the shallow water Scale storm force 10 (wind speed 48- Free Enterprise VII, acting as on scene effect still caused continual rolling. The 55 knots). Tide was just one hour after commander, broadcast a warning on helm was shared by the more experienced high water Dover. VHF and ascertained that the craft was crew members during the homeward The storm force winds and tide Malcolm Miller, approaching at 13 tow, which required continuous observa- created appalling sea conditions at the knots under bare poles, and that tion of the yacht and close attention to eastern entrance to Dover Harbour; an avoiding action was being taken. the towline. Tsunami was towed up the enormous maelstrom of confused sea At 0042, Dover Strait Coastguard Walton River and secured on a mooring and spume confronted Faithful Forester reported by VHF that the weather front at 0400; the return tow had been as she tried to claw her way seaward would pass through the casualty area in made at a speed of just over 2 knots. through the breakwaters. Before clearing 30 minutes' time and at about 0049, All five members of the yacht's crew them she was laid over on her beam with a wind speed reading of 100 mph were taken ashore and returned home in ends but righted herself and went on recorded by Free Enterprise VII, the transport arranged by Coxswain Bloom. under the expert helmsmanship of Dover lifeboat was for the second time At 0425 Edian Courtauld left the river Coxswain/Mechanic Arthur Liddon. on this service laid on to her beam ends and returned to her moorings; she was On clearing the eastern harbour by a combination of sea and wind reported refuelled and ready for service entrance at 2242, Faithful Forester was pressure; it was about half a minute at 0710. told by Free Enterprise VIII that the before the wind slackened and Faithful For this service the silver medal for course to steer for Primrose was 086°T Forester righted herself; she then gallantry was awarded to Coxswain and, after verifying this to be correct, the resumed station off the casualty. During Frank Bloom. The thanks of the lifeboat accordingly set course 092°M. this occurrence Free Enterprise VII, Institution inscribed on vellum were Wind speed at this time was recorded by keeping careful watch on the lifeboat, accorded to Second Coxswain Dennis instrument aboard Free Enterprise VII realised something was amiss and Finch, Motor Mechanic Bryan Ward, to be 70 knots—Beaufort Scale hurricane checked by VHF radio that all was well. Bowman Robert Kemp, Assistant force 12. Direction was 190°x. Tide was Meanwhile a Dutch tug reported by Mechanic Keith Richardson and Crew setting 054°T at 2.5 knots. VHF that she had sailed from Zeebrugge Members Jack Barrett, Brian Oxley and At 2245 Primrose gave her position and gave her approximate ETA as 0930. Owen Bloom. as 5 miles north east of Varne Light- The tide was now slack and as the 150 Bridlington: On the morning of November 27, 1975, Bridlington lifeboat, the 37' Oakley William Henry and Mary King stood by, with drogue streamed, while a coble and ten motor fishing vessels entered harbour. The wind was southerly strong gale force 9, the seas rough. Galatea was thrown almost into the harbour wall by the sea in this picture, but made a second successful run in. photograph by courtesy of Paul Berriff. wind had veered to west and diminished In the final paragraph of his report Western Division in force to 60 knots—still hurricane Captain Robinson wrote: force 12 though—Coxswain Liddon suggested to the master of Primrose that 'The whole incident from start to Night service for ILB he should steer 270°T with a view to finish must be the finest piece of seaman- ship I have ever seen with such limited making some westing and gaining a lee facilities in the worst possible conditions WATCHET COASTGUARD informed the from the land. By 0317 it was obvious and I salute this small band of dedicated honorary secretary of Minehead ILB that the coxswain's advice, which had lifeboatmen who risked life and limb station at 2325 on Saturday, September been followed, was sound as the coaster for some eight hours.' 13, 1975, that a flashing light, thought had closed to just under six miles from to be an SOS signal from a vessel in Dover breakwater. For this service the silver medal for distress, had been sighted off Hurtstone When some two miles off Dover gallantry was awarded to Coxswain/ Point. The ILB, a 19' Zodiac with twin Harbour eastern arm Primrose requested Mechanic Arthur Liddon. The bronze engines and equipped for night opera- a pilot to take her into harbour. At 0346, medal was awarded to Second Coxswain/ tions, was launched at 2335 with Christ- however, Free Enterprise VIII relayed Assistant Mechanic Anthony G. opher Rundle in command and Peter a reply to the effect that weather Hawkins, who maintained a very high McGregor and Albert Hartgen as crew. conditions were too severe for the pilot standard of navigation and communica- The wind was north east force 7, and vessel to put out, so Faithful Forester tions in particularly bad weather condi- the sea rough and confused. It was two offered to lead Primrose into the tions. The thanks of the Institution hours to high water and the flood stream anchorage. Thus at 0350 Dover lifeboat inscribed on vellum were accorded to was setting eastwards at about 2 knots. took station ahead of the coaster, and Second Assistant Mechanic Richard J. The night was dark with an overcast sky by passing alterations of course and Hawkins and Crew Members John J. and driving rain reduced visibility to speed and also details of the tidal Smith and Gordon Davis. Letters of moderate. conditions, at 0412 safely piloted thanks from Captain Nigel Dixon, RN, The ILB headed westward towards Primrose into Dover Harbour whence the Director of the Institution, were sent Hurtstone Point at slow speed because no other craft had dared to venture all to L. C. White, district officer of HM of the rough sea which was aggravated night. Coastguard Dover Straits, and the by wind against tide. A message was Once Primrose had anchored, Faithful masters of the Townsend car ferries received from the Watchet Coastguard Forester returned to her berth in the pens Free Enterprise VII and Free Enterprise mobile that the casualty, thought to be a where she was again made ready for sea VIII, Captain B. Robinson and Captain white-hulled sailing yacht, was about and placed on station at 0518. J. Davenport. 1J miles east of Hurtstone Point and 151 half a mile off the land. In view of the landed at 0136 into the care of the good southwards of about 5£ knots, weather conditions it was requested that honorary medical adviser, Dr P. Leech Coxswain Cocking surmised, correctly situation reports be passed from the (also a crew member), and the boat was as it subsequently proved, that the ILB every two minutes. rehoused and ready for service by 0210 trawler was probably now approaching At 2359, when half a mile north of with the crew standing by for an overdue Cape Cornwall Bank. Minehead Bluff, an illuminating para- local fishing boat. Svea was recovered Communications with Enfant de chute flare was fired, but nothing was later by a Minehead boat. Bretagne were very poor because of her sighted. The ILB continued westward For this service the thanks of the radio, and the Coastguard repeatedly and at around 0005 a flashing light was Institution inscribed on vellum were tried unsuccessfully to obtain an up- sighted briefly about 30 degrees on the accorded to Helmsman Christopher J. dated position from the master. It starboard bow some distance away. Rundle, and vellum service certificates appeared that such communication as Course was altered towards the light were presented to Crew Members Peter could be established had to be via Land's and the Coastguard was informed that S. McGregor and Albert J. Hartgen. End Radio. the weather was deteriorating and At about 1700 Coxswain Cocking progress towards the last known posi- made another calculation of his own and position of the light was being made South Western Division altered course to 250°M to intercept the with difficulty. The honorary secretary trawler. Twenty-five minutes later the instructed the ILB not to go west of Trawler taking water Coastguard suggested this same course Hurtstone Point and Barry Dock No. 1 and the coxswain replied that he was lifeboat was placed on alert. A FRENCH TRAWLER, Enfant de Bretagne, already steering that course and that his At about 0018 a beam of light was broadcast a Mayday call on the after- ETA at the casualty was 1805. At 1740 sighted right ahead some half-a-mile noon of Tuesday, December 2, 1975, Jane Hay's crew saw lights on the away. A second parachute flare was saying that she was taking water in starboard bow and asked Land's End fired but failed to illuminate the heavy weather in position 320°M 18 miles Radio to request Enfant de Bretagne to casualty, and the ILB headed on towards from St Ives Head. This information fire a flare to identify herself. The the light. Eventually, at 0029, a white- was given to the deputy launching casualty never did comply with this hulled 37' sloop-rigged yacht without authority of St Ives at 1502, and at 1520 request but, about five minutes later, sails was sighted lying beam on to the the 37' Oakley lifeboat Jane Hay, the lifeboat saw the lights of a towing sea, bows south east, and rolling on temporary duty at St Ives, was vessel and so realised that Enfant de heavily. launched. Bretagne was the next vessel astern of The wind was still blowing from the The tide was in the last hour of flood her. north east force 7, but the sea was and the wind was north north west force By 1820 Jane Hay had closed to becoming more confused, making it 7 gusting to force 9. The lifeboat there- within a few yards of the trawler's difficult to manoeuvre the ILB. fore encountered heavy seas on her starboard side where she took up Helmsman Rundle took the ILB close starboard bow from the moment of station and remained in very close down the port side of the yacht, Svea, leaving harbour as Coxswain Thomas escort in case the trawler should founder. and shouted to a person standing in the Cocking, Senior, set course for the There was still no communication with cockpit that the yacht was too large to casualty. the casualty but, despite the appalling be taken in tow; he advised that she After only about half an hour on weather conditions, the passage con- be anchored and the crew would be course the lifeboat received information tinued without further incident until taken off and landed at Minehead. that Enfant de Bretagne had cancelled the lee of Land's End was reached south The ILB, having stood off while the her Mayday because the leak had been of Runnel Stone Buoy. The Longships yacht anchored and became tide-rode stopped and she was now under the tow area had to be given a very wide berth with bows west, manoeuvred, with of another French trawler. Jane Hay to westward, as did Cam Base two miles difficulty, alongside her port side and was consequently recalled to station. southwards, because of the enormous managed to take off one man before She had almost reached St Ives Head seas. having to stand off again. On the second on the return passage when, at 1625, The honorary secretary St Ives then attempt the remaining crew, a man and Enfant de Bretagne sent a further message asked Penlee lifeboat to launch and a woman, were taken off in a similar reporting that her engine room was now take over the escort back to Newlyn. manner. All were safely on board the flooding in very heavy seas. HM This was done and the rendezvous was ILB by 0049. Coastguard suggested the lifeboat should made at about 1945 when four miles Svea had sailed in from Lundy Island return to the casualty and Coxswain east south east of the Runnel Stone. St trying to find shelter, but had lost her Cocking immediately turned seawards Ives lifeboat then handed over the escort sails and an anchor and had run out of again, this time setting course almost to Penlee and set course for home. fuel. In an effort to attract attention her due west to allow for what he estimated The Inspector HM Coastguard South crew had expended all their distress must have been the progress of Enfant West Division had by this time gone to flares at dusk, and had only an electric de Bretagne since her original Mayday. the Coastguard lookout at St Ives and torch with which to signal. From the description of the seas which reported that spray was in fact being The ILB made her way slowly back her master had given, and from his own blown across the lookout, which is some to Minehead, where the survivors were estimate of her probable speed made 70' above sea level. He became concerned Great Yarmouth and Gorleston: The coaster Sea Rhine, her cargo shifted, founders. Her mate had been taken off by the 44' Waveney lifeboat Khami.

152 for the safety of the lifeboat on her ILB in 1975 has been awarded to return passage and asked HMS Tartar, ANNUAL AWARDS Helmsman Michael Coates and Crew which was in the vicinity, to remain in Member David Wharton of Whitby for the area until St Ives lifeboat had T the rescue on July 25 of a man cut off returned to her station. 975 on a cliff by the tide. For this service The return passage found the life- Helmsman Coates was awarded the boat bucking headwinds of a steady Institution's bronze medal and Crew force 9 from due north as she passed The Maud Smith Bequest for the Member Wharton the thanks of the Longships. Conditions gradually outstanding act of lifesaving in 1975 Institution inscribed on vellum. worsened and, by the time she was has been awarded to Coxswain/Mecha- abreast of the Brisons, the seas were nic David Kennett of Yarmouth, Isle of The James Michael Bower Fund. Mone- reaching 35 feet and breaking and, for Wight, for the rescue on September 14 tary awards from this fund are being the first time in his experience of this of the crew of five of the yacht Chayka made to the three men who received lifeboat, Coxswain Cocking found him- of Ardgour. Coxswain Kennett was the RNLI's silver medal for gallantry self obliged to reduce speed. In spite of awarded the Institution's silver medal for services during 1975: Coxswain this, the seas off Cape Cornwall were for this service. Frank Bloom of Walton and Frinton; sufficient to tear the bow fender from Coxswain/Mechanic David Kennett of its fixing. St Ives Harbour was eventually The Ralph Glister Award for the most Yarmouth; and Coxswain/Mechanic regained by 2310 and, with some diffi- meritorious service by the crew of an Arthur Liddon of Dover. culty, the boat was recovered on to her carriage. This had been a most arduous service, miles east south east of the lifeboat becoming confused especially in the and Motor Mechanic John Hosking station, at 0620. A tug had already vicinity of the casualties. sitting at the radio had found himself on taken off the master of Sea Rhine and a Coxswain George Pockley had made more than one occasion in water up to seaman, but the mate had remained up his mind before launching that any his waist after exceptional seas had aboard. However, within minutes her attempt to take the lifeboat to the broken over the quarter and filled the list had increased sharply and the casualties would seriously hazard his cockpit. They were the worst conditions lifeboat went alongside on the port boat and crew and would prove un- Coxswain Cocking and his crew had quarter and took the mate off. The other successful. He therefore anchored at ever experienced in the lifeboat, and for two survivors were then transferred the entrance to the cove and veered the coxswain this spans a period of 25 from the tug to the lifeboat. At 0802 down cable. The rocket line was then years. Of the eight hours at sea, the last Sea Rhine sank and the lifeboat returned fired to the Coastguard on the cliff top, six had been in darkness and heavy rain. to her station arriving at 0915. who pulled in one veering line attached For this service the thanks of the to the breeches buoy. Unfortunately the Institution inscribed on vellum were rocket line fouled and chaffed through accorded to Coxswain Thomas Cocking, North Eastern Division before the veering line had been hauled Senior. Vellum service certificates were to the land, but the gear was recovered, presented to Motor Mechanic John D. Cut off by tide another line fired and the veering line Hosking, Assistant Mechanic William hauled to the cliff top successfully. Benney and Crew Members David L. A LOCAL COBLE alerted Flamborough With the gear rigged in this way the Smith, John T. Lander and William Coastguard on the afternoon ol breeches buoy could be guided directly H. Jenkyn. Saturday, August 23, 1975; two people to the two people on the cliff. As one of were cut off by the tide on the cliff at them had an injured leg, and to avoid West Scar. After viewing the site and further delay, Coxswain Pockley Eastern Division ruling out any attempt at rescue over the instructed Crew Member Alwyn cliff as too dangerous, the Coastguard Emmerson to go ashore in the buoy to Sea Rhine founders telephoned the honorary secretary of help. Such was the smooth, practised co- the lifeboat station at 1600, maroons operation between lifeboat crew and AT 0423 ON WEDNESDAY February 11, were fired and the 35' 6" Liverpool life- Coastguard that Alwyn Emmerson was HM Coastguard informed the honorary boat Friendly Forester launched at 1615. landed just below the casualties. secretary of Great Yarmouth and It was two hours before high water, with By this time the swell was reaching the Gorleston lifeboat station that a Mayday wind north-easterly force 2, a slight sea base of the ledge and the resultant call had been received from the coaster and moderate swell. confused water made it very difficult for Sea Rhine whose cargo had shifted, The position of the trapped people the casualties to get into the breeches causing her to list badly. was clearly visible from the launching buoy. While Alwyn Emmerson was The 44' Waveney lifeboat Khami set site. They were on a ledge some 8 feet helping the first person, Auxiliary out at 0439 in a strong breeze and a above the water. Both sides of North Coastguard John Powell was lowered moderate sea. It was high water and Landing have heavy outcrops of scar. down the cliff to help, and both people visibility was good. She reached the The swell, though moderate at the coaster, whose position was some 20 entrance to the cove, built itself up, continued on page 111

photographs by courtesy of H. E. Appleton.

153 A Weekend in September Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, 1975: 47 launches on service FOUR AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY

TWO SILVER MEDALS, a bronze medal, a super-Mare, Minehead and Hayling issue, and the report of the service by vellum, 47 launches on service, 34 lives Islands ILBs each went out twice; the Walton and Frinton lifeboat for rescued, nine vessels saved, 172 hours at Eastney ILB three times. which Coxswain Frank Bloom was sea. Not a record by RNLI standards, The award-winning services roughly awarded the silver medal appears on but nevertheless quite a weekend. Many followed the pattern of the weather page 149. of the services ended in no positive system as it moved from west to east: Once again we are indebted to the achievement; lifeboat or ILB had stood Weston-super-Mare and Minehead late Meteorological Office for allowing us by sometimes for as long as ten hours in Saturday evening; Yarmouth, Isle of to publish the weather charts below, gale force winds, willing to provide at Wight, very early Sunday morning; and to Jack Armstrong of the South- least background confidence to crews Walton and Frinton Sunday afternoon. ampton Weather Centre for the follow- working out their own problems, ready The reports of the services by Weston- ing assessment of the weekend's to move in when needed. 'Gave help' super-Mare, for which Helmsman Julian weather: appears 10 times in the table of launches Morris was awarded the bronze medal, The weather situation on September opposite. A total of ten hours was spent and by Yarmouth, for which Coxswain/ 13 and 14, 1975, can be described as at sea by three lifeboats looking for the Mechanic David Kennett was awarded 'typical' for the mid-September period, originators of flares and distress signals the silver medal, appeared in the last though it does sometimes seem rather which could not be identified. issue of THE LIFEBOAT. The report of the remarkable how often the peak activity Several boats launched more[than once service by Minehead for which Helms- of a depression such as this occurs at a during the weekend. Bembridge, Torbay man Christopher Rundle was accorded weekend. and Clacton-on-Sea offshore lifeboats the thanks of the Institution inscribed The low pressure area came across and Largs, Southend-on-Sea, Weston- on vellum appears on page 151 in this the Atlantic very quickly as a fairly

CHARTS OF WEATHER IN WESTERN EUROPE

154 weak feature but it reached the South- It was in fact this northerly gale force 9 was frequently experienced in west Approaches around mid-day on which caused most of the incidents, open waters. Saturday, found conditions which suited spreading as it did from the West The great danger of these storms it and began to deepen rapidly pushing Country on Saturday evening to the must lie in the brief but violent nature winds up to gale force in all quadrants. Thames Estuary by Sunday mid-day. of their lives. Mid-day Saturday, quiet As it deepened it slowed down but Frequent gusts of gale force 8 were and peaceful, Sunday night clearing finally cleared the southern North Sea recorded at land stations and severe skies and a fresh clear wind, but between on Sunday afternoon leaving a gale gale force 9 was measured at Brighton the two an 18-hour period of rain and force northerly behind it. and at Portland; one can deduce that gales and perhaps even tragedy.

Date and hours lives per- ves- ves- time of STATION CASUALTY at res- sons sels sels Services Rendered launch Sea cued landed saved helped

Offshore Lifeboats

13.9.75 0549 Bembridge FV Jumbo of Portsmouth 3 None 1246 St Helier Yacht Bannatyne 2 1 Gave help 1425 Baltimore MFV Joslyne 4 3 1 Saved boat & rescued 3 1718 Torbay Dinghies 1 None 1920 Fishguard Dinghy 2 1 Saved boat 1925 Clovelly Yacht Arundel Baron 9 None 2200 Workington Dinghy 5 None 2235 Dun Laoghaire Yacht 3 None 2345 Eastbourne Unidentified distress signal 2 None

14.9.75 0001 Fleetwood Flares 4 None 0035 New Quay (Dyfed) Yacht 4 None 0122 Yarmouth Isle of Wight Yacht Chayka of Ardgour 6 5 Rescued 5 0140 Torbay Yacht Amorel 4 7 1 Saved boat & rescued 7 0222 Clacton-on-Sea Flares 4 None 0608 Calshot Yachts 3 4 Gave help 1) Yachts Valkyrie and Bonaventure 2 0850 Selsey il3 Gave help 2) Motor yacht Honfleur of Gosport I 1 Gave help 0909 Harwich Yacht Tiamo 4 1 Gave help 0958 Barry Dock Yacht Amanda K 10 None 1017 Bembridge Yacht Tessa 12 Landed a body 1315 Humber Yacht Lady Nancy of Grimsby 4 1 Saved boat 1453 Newhaven Motor cruiser Beryl in tow of motor cruiser Carisbrooke 1 2 Escorted boats 1642 Walton and Frinton Yacht Tsunami 14 5 1 Saved boat & rescued 5 1650 Clacton-on-Sea Yacht Cyma of Deben in tow of cabin cruiser 5 2 Escorted boats 1957 Lowestoft Tug Robin IV of America 4 None

123 20 5 13

Inshore Lifeboats

13.9.75 1040 Largs Yacht Mystique 2 None 1409 Port Isaac Bather 5 None 1446 Holyhead Person fallen from cliff 1 1 Rescued 1 1557 Lyme Regis Dinghies 1 3 Gave help 1655 Southwold Dinghy Flap Jack 1 2 1 Saved boat & rescued 2 1730 Southend-on-Sea Bather 1 None 1749 Eastney Yacht Loren 2 1 1 Saved boat & landed 1 1838 West Kirby Persons cut off by tide 1 None 1954 Whitstable Fishing boat 1 None 2231 Weston-super-Mare Motorboat 4D 2 5 Rescued 5 2335 Minehead Yacht Svea 3 3 Rescued 3

14.9.75 0030 Largs Persons overboard from dinghy Tesang 2 None 0949 Minehead FV Amanda Kay 10 None 1205 The Mumbles Dinghy 1 1 Gave help 1325 Harwich Yacht Sara 2 2 Landed 2 1349 Eastney Dinghy 1 2 1 Saved boat & rescued 2 1415 Weston-super-Mare Motorboat 3 None 1530 Hayling Island Yachts 3 2 Gave help 1650 Southend-on-Sea Catamaran Uyo 2 1 1 Saved boat & rescued 1 1650 West Mersea Yacht Sea Badger 2 1 Gave help 1900 Hayling Island Yachts 2 2 Gave help 2010 Eastney Persons stranded on island 1 None 49 14 3 4 9

155 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and presentation of awards

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, WEDNESDAY APRIL 14 THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS — 1,038 LIVES SAVED IN 1975

'THOSE MARVELLOUSLY UNDER-STATED thundering, breaking wave, we, too, shall central secretariat for lifeboat organisa- CITATIONS . . .' Thus Raymond Baxter redouble our efforts, ride out the storm tions throughout the world. put into words the feelings of the and see our men safely home.' crowded Royal Festival Hall on the 'I am sure you will agree that this is a afternoon of April 14 as he rose to high compliment and an indication of move the traditional resolution im- the international standing of the RNLI mediately following the presentation of The day had begun with the morning today.' awards for gallantry. One after another annual general meeting at which Major- twelve gallant men, coxswains, helms- General Farrant had presented the General Farrant then turned to the men and crew, together with Martin annual report and accounts to the question of financial reserves. The move Ruddy, a 14-year-old Scout, had come Governors: of the head office to Poole had been a up to receive their medals, silver or successful venture both financially and bronze, from the Chairman of the 'I should like to welcome everyone to administratively. The building and the this marvellous turn-out of Governors. Institution, Major-General Ralph Far- Thank you all very much for coming . . . freehold of the land on which it stands rant. 'The wind was north north east 'As you all know this is the first time had been paid for almost entirely by force 9 ... heavy rain . . . while crossing that I have had the privilege of addressing disposing of the lease of 42-44 Gros- the Long Sand the lifeboat was laid over the Governors of the RNLI as Chairman. venor Gardens, which was, of course, a 70 degrees to starboard and momentarily I count myself fortunate in being in a diminishing asset. With the new build- overwhelmed . . .'; '. . . gale force 10 position to report to you on a year of ing, not only were the working and winds .. . seas over 25' swept the lifeboat, considerable success. Last year the lives travelling conditions of the staff im- some filling the wheelhouse . . .'; of over 1,000 people were saved from proved, but the Institution's funds were '. . . hurricane force winds . . . Dover . . . death by drowning. This is the true spared the burden of having to pay measure of the success of our work, and it extremely confused seas in the harbour it most gratifying to be able to add that London allowances. Despite an opera- entrance from which no vessel, save the no member of a lifeboat crew lost his tional deficit during the year the lifeboat, had been able to venture all life on service or on exercise during the RNLI's financial reserves were, in fact, night...';'... during the return passage year. Another figure of some significance somewhat higher at the beginning of the lifeboat encountered breaking seas is that last year the RNLI recorded its 1976 than they had been at the beginning of 40-50 feet in height...';'... gale ... he 100,000th rescue of human life since we of 1975, largely because of an improve- rowed five exhausting times backwards began to keep records around the middle ment in the stock market. and forwards through the heavy swell and of the last century. rough seas . . .' 'During 1975 the RNLI raised more money than ever before. In the same year 'Nevertheless ... we must continue to we sent six new lifeboats to their stations, regard our reserves as dangerously low... This is both the most solemn and the and when you consider that a modern Not so long ago reserves of £1 million most triumphant hour of the lifeboat lifeboat costs between £100,000 and meant that there was enough money to year. £200,000 this gives you some idea of the cover a year's operational costs even if no new money came in. Today £1 million It was Raymond Baxter, guest speaker constructional programme on which we have been engaged. During the year we in reserves would cover our running but nevertheless an old friend, who, as costs for only about two months.' he ended his speech, also put into words completed the move of our head office the buoyant optimism of the day. to Poole . . .' Despite having raised more money in The erosion of working capital and General Farrant went on to speak of 1975 than ever before, the Institution's the level of expenditure had been the Institution's close co-operation with expenditure for the year had exceeded examined most carefully in the course of lifeboat services overseas and other income by about a quarter of a million the year: organisations at home engaged in the pounds. While accepting this as a reality work of saving life at sea. During the which has to be faced, there was no 'As our first responsibility must be to year an RNLI delegation had attended doubt that lifeboat people were un- endeavour to maintain our coastal cover the twelfth International Lifeboat Con- deterred, looking ahead with renewed at its present level, the conclusion reached ference in Finland, at which 19 countries was that we must introduce a temporary determination and faith: had been represented. The first 54' Arun pause in the accelerated building pro- class lifeboat to have been built of GRP, gramme on which we embarked a few Now this crisis has not been the fault launched that spring, had made the years ago. of any of you for not trying hard enough. passage to Helsinki: 'I want to emphasize as strongly as I It is simply the product of inflation—the can that this is a pause and not a insidious rat in our national larder. It diminution of the programme. would be very foolish to pretend that the 'When she was shown to the dele- 'May I remind you of the background ? situation is not extremely serious, but gates . . . she aroused considerable In 1970 we decided to double the rate of the RNLI is used to serious situations. interest and admiration because she boatbuilding with the intention of raising No one needs the lifeboat when it is all looked as though she had been shipped the average number of offshore boats plain sailing. So be it. We have the men under wraps straight from the builder's completed in a year from five to ten. In to put to sea when everything is against yard. She is now on station at Weymouth. announcing the policy, the late Admiral them. Some of them are with us this We are already receiving enquires from Sir Wilfrid Woods, who was then our afternoon. It is up to al/ of us to prove foreign countries interested in purchasing Chairman, said openly that it was an act that though we may not be of their or building lifeboats of the Arun class.' of faith and that we did not have the mettle, we can at least emulate their financial resources at the time to ensure example. By meeting the challenge all At the wish of an overwhelming that the programme would be completed. square, as a lifeboat herself will turn her majority of delegates to the conference We had high hopes of our anniversary bow to challenge and overcome a the RNLI is to continue to provide a year to keep us going in this act of faith. 156 In fact, we have been building at this greater goodwill among the public at fallen short of capital requirements by accelerated rate, and that is why there large in this country than it does today. about £0.27 million, that sum had been are now 11 new lifeboats under construc- That this is so is principally due to the taken from reserve to fulfil the boat- tion which are due to be completed this voluntary efforts of all those who work building programme. year. One of these, a 44' Waveney, just for the service, an appreciable number of launched, is to be called Ralph and Joy whom are Governors of the Institution. After some discussion on the presenta- Swann as a mark of our appreciation of It is because, of the existence of this tion in the accounts of investments— the many years of devoted service to the goodwill that the Committee of Manage- their performance was agreed to have Institution of my predecessor, Com- ment is reasonably confident of over- been extremely good—the report and mander Ralph Swann. coming the serious financial problems accounts for 1975 were adopted. 'However, we are having to slow down which confront the RNLI today.' Next, the President, His Royal High- on construction because of inflation. ness the Duke of Kent, the Vice- Whilst on this topic, I recently heard the Coming to the accounts, a summary Presidents, the Treasurer, the Duke of chairman of one of our committees, who of which appear on this page. Major- Northumberland, and Deputy Treas- is a retired admiral—that does not pin him down too closely—comment that General Farrant pointed out that the net urer, David Acland, and other members when he was a lieutenant the cost of a current assets had improved during the of the Committee of Management were destroyer was about the same as the cost year by £0.36 million to a total of declared elected. Price Waterhouse of a 70' lifeboat now. It was a very good £3.74 million; much of the increase in were re-appointed as auditors and illustration when he first used it last year; freehold property, which stood in thanked for their valuable help and I am sorry to say that this year his excess of £1.5 million, was in respect of advice. destroyer would be only a 54-footer! the headquarters building at Poole. The The question was raised by Major The grim fact is that in the past five net income for general purposes of J. Showell-Rogers, RM (Poole) of the years the cost of building boats has slightly over £4.5 million showed an qualifications required for launching trebled. increase by some £363,000 which, with Therefore, we are having a pause in authorities. He said that, while he the building and are ordering only three the amount released from restricted understood that it had been laid down new boats this year, but by the end of the funds, brought available income for the that all station honorary secretaries and year we shall have completed 43 new year to over £5 million for the first time other launching authorities should be offshore lifeboats since 1970, which is an in the history of the Institution. master mariners or naval officers with average of seven new boats per year. In a year when national inflation had watch-keeping certificates, he felt that When sufficient funds become available been running at an average of at least rather than such formal qualifica- we shall order more new boats.' 24 per cent, the Institution had been able tions it was more important to find to curtail its overall expenditure increase people, with, of course, knowledge of General Farrant then spoke of the to 19 per cent, compared with 1974, the sea, who were conscientious and efforts being made to keep expenditure varying from 39 per cent increase in the reliable and who would not leave the down wherever possible without com- boat building programme to 5 per cent telephone unattended. The Chairman promising the efficiency of the service, in the costs of fund raising and publicity. replied that people chosen would be and also of the efforts being made to Administrative expenses had increased those who have the right experience at increase contributions, particularly from by 26 per cent, due mainly to salary and sea as well as the other qualifications. the marine sector of industry. pensions costs and the rises in costs of About 40 per cent of launching authori- travel and the telephone, but economies ties 'do the job because they are 'In presenting any picture of the were already in hand, and it was hoped excellent people who know what they RNLI's finances there is one primary that the increased cost of these adminis- consideration which must be taken into are about and not because they have a account, but which is not easily quanti- trative items would be held to about 6 master mariner's certificate or some fied. This is public goodwill, on which per cent in 1976. naval qualification. We are extremely the whole success of the service depends. In conclusion, General Farrant said flexible.' I can truthfully state that the RNLI in that as the net funds available for During discussion on flag days and its long history has never enjoyed capital expenditure at £1.35 million had house-to-house collections, Mr Booth

1975 ACCOUNTS SUMMARY EXPENDITURE £000's Lifeboat service: recurrent... 2,640 Although the deficit for the year of INCOME £000's capital ... 1,617 £268,000 has been more than covered by General purpose legacies 2,082 Lifeboat support: fund raising the improvement in the value of invest- Subscriptions and donations... 2,196 and publicity 811 ments during the year, with expenditure Miscellaneous 248 management 472 increasing, the need for adequate reserves Restricted Funds 746 becomes even more pressing, and the 5,540 Committee of Management is planning 5,272 accordingly.

APPEALS £0.15 TO INDUSTRY &. SPONSORS —

(SHORELINE)

Total: £5,540,000 Total: £5,272,000

157 of Wallington asked whether it might financial situation; of the deficit for the Coxswain/Mechanic Arthur Liddon, not be better to hold the London flag year of £268,000; of the efforts being Dover: silver medal day on a Saturday rather than on a made to keep down expenditure without Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic Tuesday; to which Captain Nigel Dixon, impairing the efficiency of the service; Anthony Hawkins, Dover: bronze RN, Director, replied that in Central and of the decision to introduce a medal: London, where a great deal of money is temporary pause in the boatbuilding Late on the evening of December 1, raised, and especially in the City, a programme. 1975, the Dover lifeboat Faithful Fores- week day was likely to be more success- ter launched to the aid of the coaster ful than a Saturday. Tuesday was 'Therefore, we are ordering only three Primrose which had lost her steering traditional and the RNLI enjoys the new boats this year compared with the gear. The wind was storm force 10 privilege, given to it by the Metropolitan 11 that are already on order and which gusting up to 100 mph. The crew of Police, of having the first flag day of the will be launched. Nevertheless, we are Primrose eventually managed to rig season. Therefore, unless there were any still confident that by about 1980 all our offshore lifeboats, apart from the three temporary steering gear; Coxswain other evidence to show that another day boats of the 70' Clyde class, which are Liddon advised a course to be steered would be better, the situation would be very stable, deep-draught craft, will for Dover and by passing alterations of left as at present. have a self-righting capability. That was course, speed and tidal conditions * * * our target six years ago and in spite of piloted the coaster into harbour. Major General Farrant, Chairman of the pause we are adhering to the policy the Institution, welcomed everyone to which we adopted in 1970 . . . Coxswain William Richards, Penlee: the afternoon meeting for the presenta- 'The RNLI has had some stormy bronze medal years—years in which the hands of Early on the morning of January 25, tion of awards: 'I am delighted to see Commander Ralph Swann and the late the hall so full. Congratulations!' He Admiral Sir Wilfrid Woods were at the 1975, the Peniee lifeboat Solomon spoke of the question-marks which had helm. We may well have stormy passages Browne launched in gale force winds been in many people's minds after the ahead—I expect more than one—but gusting to hurricane force to answer a end of 1974, 'The Year of the Lifeboat'. we can, I think, face the future with distress call broadcast by MV Lovat, the Could we possible do as well again? considerable confidence, principally crew of which were abandoning ship. Would there be a feeling of anti-climax ? because of the very great measure of Two helicopters had been despatched to goodwill which the RNLI enjoys today the casualty and were able to save two 'We now know the answer to those in Britain and Ireland. For this we are lives, but, sadly, 11 others were lost and questions. It can be given in a single greatly indebted to our honorary workers, the lifeboat had the arduous and sentence. In spite of the economic difficul- but I should also like to express our unhappy task of recovering five bodies. ties, of which everyone is aware, more thanks to what is now fashionably During the return passage the lifeboat money was raised for the RNLI last called "the media"—that is to say, the press, television and radio—for the encountered breaking seas of 40-50 feet year than in 1974 or any other year in in height. the RNLI's long history. This was a admirable way in which over the years measure of the achievements of our they have reported and commented on fund-raising branches and guilds, and the work of the lifeboat service . . . this Coxswain John Petit, St Peter Port: bar their efforts cannot be valued too highly. may be an appropriate moment to to his bronze medal I think that you are entitled to give introduce our guest speaker, although in Emergency Mechanic John Robilliard, yourselves a clap.' a sense no introduction is necessary, for the name and voice and face of Raymond St Peter Port: bronze medal Baxter are known to us all.' (Applause.) On completion of a service to a After the happy applause had died fishing vessel on the night of July 14, down, General Farrant went on to speak Concluding his remarks, General 1975, the St Peter Port lifeboat Sir of the success of local and regional William Arnold was called to the aid of appeals, such as the Bradford and Farrant then presented the awards for gallantry: the tanker Point Law, which was Bristol appeals and the Hampshire Rose aground on Alderney. As there was no appeal, which emphasises the importance immediate danger to the tanker's crew, and value to the RNLI of local pride in Coxswain Frank Bloom, Walton and Frinton: silver medal Coxswain Petit waited until first light a local lifeboat and crew. He also when, in gale force conditions, he held thanked the Institution's many regular On September 14, 1975, the Walton and Frinton lifeboat Edian Courtuuld the lifeboat just clear of the rocks, while supporters, such as 'our friends in the Crew Member Robilliard brought off six Civil Service and Post Office Lifeboat went to the help of the yacht Tsunami in distress on the south side of the Long of the crew (one in a stretcher) in the Fund' and other organisations like lifeboat's inflatable dinghy; he rowed Scouts and Guides, Rotarians and Sand. A strong gale, force 9, was blowing and there was heavy rain. Three five exhausting times backwards and Round Tablers, Foresters, Oddfellows forwards. As the tanker began to break and Buffaloes ... 'I know I shall be men were taken off the yacht, then, as the owner and one other insisted on up the six remaining crew members naming only some of the organisations were taken off by helicopter. to which the RNLI is indebted.' remaining on board, a tow line was General Farrant went on to talk of the passed and a long tow began at two new appeals being made to industrial knots in violent seas. This arduous Helmsman William Shearer, Berwick- service in dangerously shallow waters upon-Tweed: bronze medal enterprises and financial houses, to On May 31, 1975, Berwick-upon- shipping, insurance and other concerns: lasted 14£ hours. Tweed ILB went to the aid of a trimaran 'As you may have read, we were Coxswain/Mechanic David Kennett, Yar- capsized in rough sea. An unconscious delighted to receive a gift of £100,000 mouth, Isle of Wight: silver medal woman was first hauled from the under deed of covenant from the board In the early hours of September 14, water; two men clinging to the upturned of British Petroleum to provide a new 1975, the Yarmouth lifeboat The Earl hull reported that a second woman was lifeboat to be stationed at Aberdeen. and Countess Howe was called to the aid trapped beneath it. Helmsman Shearer (Applause). We hope that other great of the 28' sloop Chayka of Ardgour returned to harbour at full speed and, companies will follow that example. It disabled in storm force 10 winds and having landed the woman into medical is, perhaps, indicative of the variety of heavy confused seas seven miles south care and embarked a Coastguard with support the RNLI receives that this gift an axe, the ILB returned to the casualty is to be supplemented by one made by of the Needles Channel. With superb the Aberdeen students to provide the timing and expert seamanship Cox- and freed the trapped woman. electronic equipment in the new lifeboat.' swain Kennett twice brought the lifeboat (Applause.) alongside to snatch first three and then Helmsman Michael Coates, Whitby: the remaining two exhausted crew men bronze medal General Farrant then spoke of the on board. On Friday, July 25, 1975, Whitby 158 ILB was launched to the aid of a man hanging on to the crumbling rock face of a nearby cliff; he was in danger of losing his hold and of being swept away by the heavy breaking sea. The ILB was anchored off and, while Crew Member David Wharton remained on board, Helmsman Coates swam to the foot of the cliff attached to a line. He persuaded the man to slide down into the sea and they were both hauled back on board the ILB.

Coxswain/Mechanic Charles Bowry, Sheerness: bronze medal In the early morning of August 16, 1975, the Sheerness lifeboat Helen Turnbull went to the aid of a 30' yacht Eladnit which had lost her rudder and gone aground in a near gale and heavy broken water. As there was danger that the lifeboat herself might be driven aground, Coxswain Bowry anchored Medallists of 1975: (I. to r., back row first) Coxswain Frank Bloom, Walton and Frinton; and two crew members were veered Helmsman Michael Coates, Whitby; Coxswain John Petit and Crew Member John Robilliard, down to the casualty in the inflatable St Peter Port: Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic Anthony Hawkins, Dover; Helmsman dinghy. On learning that of the five Julian Morris, Weston-super-Mare; Coxswain/Mechanic Arthur Liddon, Dover; Martin people on board two were young Ruddy; Helmsman William Shearer, Berwick-upon-Tweed; Coxswain/'Mechanic David children and two adults overcome by Kennett, Yarmouth; Coxswain/Mechanic Charles Bowry, Sheerness; Crew Member Brian seasickness, the coxswain decided to Hodgson, Whitby; Coxswain William Richards, Penlee. tow the yacht off. This achieved, the yacht's crew, with first-class seaman- signalling for help. Although he had the South Goodwin Lightship, the one ship, were transferred to the lifeboat. been warned of the dangerous cross that was lost in the subsequent tragedy, currents and rocks in this vicinity he and gave the crew their first television immediately began to row out. After 20 set ... Crew Member Brian Hodgson, Whitby: 'My third qualification—and I have bronze medal minutes he reached the speedboat, now the Chairman nervously wondering where On August 18, 1975, Whitby ILB sinking, and succeeded in. getting the on earth this speech is going—is that I was conducting a search after a report four occupants and a dog aboard his enjoy the privilege of appearing from that a small boat had been swamped and inflatable before starting the arduous time to time in some of your living her crew of two men washed overboard. and dangerous row back to the shore. rooms, and have done so on two occa- While searching in rough seas one man sions to make the television appeal on was seen in the water outside the line of Major-General Farrant next called behalf of the RNLI. . . breaking surf and a second man, a non- upon Raymond Baxter to propose the 'Therefore ... I flatter myself that swimmer, in obvious trouble on the edge resolution. my wife and I are among colleagues Beginning a speech, every minute of and friends in your distinguished com- of the surf. Crew Member Hodgson pany this afternoon. The more I think entered the water to help the first man, which was to delight his audience, about that, the more proud I am to be so that the ILB could go directly to Raymond Baxter listed his qualifica- here at all. pick up the other man. The ILB then tions for '. . . participating in this 'Whether or not there are such things recovered Brian Hodgson and the first distinguished occasion'. They were, he as national characteristics, and the idea man just as they were about to be swept said, three in number: does not enjoy the support it did when into the surf. I was a boy, it is demonstrable that the "The first is that in my time I have people of Britain have much in common Helmsman Julian Morris, Weston-super- actually been a customer of the RNLI. By with ducks. They don't half take to the that I do not mean that I bought a flag Mare: bronze medal water! Three weekends ago my daughter from one of your charming ladies—• and I went to see the Head of the River Late on the night of September 13, although I have actually been known to Race here on the Thames, in which my 1975, the ILB was launched to the aid of do that too from time to time—but that son was rowing. That afternoon no less five people. They had climbed on to a I have had occasion to summon assist- than 380 racing eights competed against rocky ledge after their motorboat had ance at sea from the colleagues of those each other over the tideway from Mort- been wrecked at the base of a cliff, and gallant men whom we all honour today. lake to Putney—the University Boat Race they were in danger of being drowned I hasten to add that in this particular course in reverse, but that doesn't by the rising tide. After making one run incident no one got a medal—least of all matter because, as you will have noticed, in through the rough and confused me—but it gave me the opportunity to they all row backwards anyway. The seas, frequently grounding on sub- see the work of the Institution at close point is that over 3,000 men and boys—- merged rocks, Helmsman Morris ap- quarters; well, as close as the rise and fall and there were some heads even greyer between my old Dunkirk veteran . . . than mine with not nearly as much hair^ proached again, anchored and veered and the inflated rubber hot-water bottle were prepared to travel great distances down near enough to heave a line for which two splendid chaps had from literally all over the country to pull ashore. Four men were then hauled out abandoned the warmth and comfort of their guts out against each other in a to the ILB by the line and the fifth the local pub on a rather dark and blade-to-blade struggle over the most waded out. blowy night in the lower estuary of the demanding course in the world. All that Thames. All that was a long time ago ... for a few pints of beer which they would Martin Ruddy: bronze medal 'My second qualification is that many have to pay for themselves anyway. During the afternoon of June 7, 1975, years even before that... I went with my 'That sort of behaviour is, I like to 14-year-old Martin Ruddy of the 1st sister to my first dance. It was held in the think, still typically British. Certainly lifeboat house at Sennen Cove . . . little there is no such race elsewhere in the Ilfracombe Scout Troop was rowing his did I think that night that some 20 years world. No other people would be daft new 9' inflatable dinghy close to the and a world war later I would put to enough to attempt such a thing. beach when he saw a speedboat half a sea with the Dover lifeboat complete 'I believe that the Royal National mile to seaward, with her occupants with a television crew ... We went out to Life-Boat Institution is also typically 159 'Then there are the secretaries. They as the Chairman said, in the red. As of are a curious breed. They come from all this year our expenditure exceeds our walks of life and are of all ages, persua- income. sions and temperaments. They have the 'As one would expect, the danger invidious task of "pressing the button". signals were spotted early by those those It is not for them to share the excitement business men who give so generously of of the seagoing. It is for them to wait and their time and expertise in guiding the worry; to organise and co-ordinate; to affairs of the Institution. As the Chairman commit the crew to the task and then to told us, the Committee of Management supply the back-up. Could all that be has curtailed the programme of new boat done by other than volunteers? I do not building in order to preserve the highest know; frankly, I doubt it. standards of day-to-day maintenance 'The RNLI, as we all know, is built on and equipment.' a highly localised, if you like parochial, basis. It is made up of small groups of Raymond Baxter, ending his speech people who, even if they may not all be with the paragraph quoted on page 156 close friends, at least all know each at the beginning of this report, then other well. The whole ethos is to do with moved the resolution: the local community; from the coffee morning in the Midland vicarage and That this meeting fully recognising the the sale of work in Manchester to the important services of the Royal National fact that the coxswain's grandfather Life-boat Institution in its national work taught him the shoals round the river of life-saving, desires to record its hearty mouth, and that everyone knows that appreciation of the gallantry of the Fred is worried about his daughter's coxswains and crews of the Institution's Raymond Baxter of 'Tomorrow's World' baby. That is what it is all about. lifeboats, and its deep obligation to the fame, and a member of the RNL1 Public 'Industrialists as well as sociologists local committees, honorary secretaries and Relations Committee, moved the resolution. are now beginning to realise that big is honorary treasurers of all station branches; not necessarily beautiful. Everyone here to all other voluntary committees and British, or what many of us used to like could have told them that years ago. supporters and to the honorary officers and to think of as such. Its only purpose is to 'To those who wonder why the thousands of voluntary members of the go to the rescue of those in peril regard- organisation and financing of the RNLI financial branches and the ladies' lifeboat less of who they may be, where they come should not be, particularly these days, a guilds in the work of raising funds to from, what their business is or how they function of the State, my response, for maintain the service. managed to get into danger in the first what it is worth, is "God forbid". place. In order to do that men such as (Applause.) In the first place it is the Since the last annual general meeting those with us this afternoon are prepared consensus among those who know— the Committee of Management had to lay down their lives. We all remember permanent staff, honorary secretaries, awarded two honorary life governor- with pride those who have done so. That coxswains and crews, fishermen, and may sound all very well—a fine, flowery many in the other rescue services includ- ships, one bar to the gold badge and couple of sentences—but those of us who ing the Royal Navy and the Royal Air twelve gold badges to honorary workers have ever been in a bit of a dust-up at sea Force—that quite simply it would not for long and distinguished service. know that it is not just as simple as that. work, at any rate not with the same Presentations were made at the Festival It has to do with being wet and cold for degree of efficiency at the operational Hall by Major-General Ralph Farrant hours on end; with being brutally banged end. That, ladies and gentlemen, is all to all but Miss V. Hooper and Mrs about, deafened, blinded and utterly tiied, that matters. Sayer, who were unable to be there. and with being frightened. One of the 'Of course, if as taxpayers we were citations mentioned waves 40 or 50 feet called upon to find the money, instead of HONORARY LIFE GOVERNOR high and breaking. I estimate that from having to listen to me you could all be the floor to the top shelf of the gallery is getting stuck into the tea and buns, or P. G. Garon, MC GM less than 50'. Just look, ladies and better still be at home doing the gardening Honorary Secretary of Southend-on-Sea gentlemen, and think. Perhaps most of or the spring cleaning. You would not station branch from 1952 to 1975. us could do that once or twice and be have to waste all that time at committee Mr Garon, a highly respected member very pleased with ourselves. The lifeboat- meetings, on draughty street corners on of the Southend community, has been men live with that reality every day and flag day, and dreaming up new ideas for connected with the station since before night of their serving lives. the village fete. However, again I have 1930. In addition to being honorary 'These men put to sea in weather which two objections. First, all the evidence secretary of this busy lifeboat station, has every responsible skipper of vessels suggests that we get better value for he undertook talks and attended events which are ten times the size of the lifeboat money doing it our way; that is not just on behalf of the RNLI, and has for running for shelter. They know and a bigoted opinion, it is the conclusion of their wives, mothers and families know hard-bitten experts who have analysed many years been concerned not only that at any minute the call may come the finances and management of the with the crew but with the various slashing through the closely woven Institution. Secondly, because if it were sub-committees that run the operational fabric of everyday life like a cutlass so the country would certainly be the and fund-raising organisation. through a cushion. It may rattle the poorer in the moral and spiritual sense, china on the breakfast table, rupture as well as in the purely financial sense. Mrs P. Hamley-Rowan the routine of a working day, break up a (Applause.) Honorary secretary of East Sheen and quiet evening with the "tele" or down at 'In both contexts this country is Barnes branch since 1939. the local, rudely snatch from the warm demonstrably less well off than it was. Mrs Hamley-Rowan, although comfort of sleep. Sometimes the reason For many of us this is a matter of major may be trivial, the product of gross concern and regret. However, the very severely disabled and confined to a incompetence, ignorance or careless- presence of all of you here this afternoon wheel-chair, increases the branch ness. The boat may be back in a matter of is proof that though Great Britain may revenue each year. She is the longest minutes or after only weary and anxious be poorer than she was, she is by no serving supporter in the South London hours. means bankrupt yet. Unfortunately this district and has dedicated her whole life 'Yet year after year individuals and leads me to a cold fact which I am sure to raising funds for the lifeboat service. whole families of men continue to accept will come as a shock to many. Despite that call and fight like tigers when some- the triumphs of last year's 150th anniver- BAR TO GOLD BADGE one has the unhappy task of telling them sary, despite the RNLI's impeccable and G. T. Paine, MBE •ever-mounting record of service, despite that enough is enough. They know full Chairman of Dungeness station branch well that there is a queue behind them, the magnificient efforts of the fund- waitins and eager to take their places. raisers and the open-hearted generosity since 1931. Is there anywhere in the world a tradition of the British people who support them, Mr Paine has a record of unbroken more noble ? despite all this and more, the RNLI is, service with Dungeness station branch 160 since 1931. He has organised and Mr Kennedy has been a most efficient through his zeal and energy that over supported most fund-raising events in and active honorary secretary for nearly £80,000 was raised. the area and given considerable time to 25 years. In addition to looking after For a considerable number of years looking after the welfare of the lifeboat the operational duties of the station there has been a close association personnel, also ensuring that the station branch he has played a leading part in between the Royal Marines, Deal, and is operated in a highly efficient manner. raising funds in the area. the Walmer lifeboat station. This practical help continues to the present GOLD BADGE Dr J. Leiper, MBE time and was of immense value when J. J. Adams Honorary medical adviser of Aberdeen the new Walmer lifeboat was recently Honorary secretary of Hastings station station branch since 1948. named at her station. The vellum was branch since 1956. Dr Leiper has been a very active received by Colonel Shallow, Command- Mr Adams is considered to be an honorary medical adviser with Aber- ing Officer, Royal Marines, Deal. outstanding honorary secretary and runs deen station branch for almost 27 The last presentation by General a highly efficient lifeboat station. In years. In December 1966 he was Farrant was made to Lord Baden- addition he has devoted a considerable awarded a certificate in respect of his Powell; it was a special certificate of amount of time to fund raising on meritorious conduct when injured while thanks to the Scout Association for behalf of the RNLI. helping on a lifeboat service to the 'Operation Lifeboat', an appeal for trawler Heikendorf. He is always willing Scouts throughout the country during Mrs W. H. Almond to undertake talks and help at fund- 1974 to raise funds towards the cost Chairman of Adlington guild since 1939. raising functions. of a 44' Waveney lifeboat. The target Mrs Almond has provided great of £100,000 was exceeded by over leadership and inspiration to her com- I. Moar, BEM £1,000. The lifeboat, at present being mittee for over 25 years. She is a tireless Chairman of Longhope station branch built at Bideford, is to be named The worker and promotes considerable en- since 1971. Scout and will be stationed at thusiam for the RNLI in her area. Mr Moar gave much invaluable help Hartlepool. at the time of the Longhope disaster. To conclude the proceedings of the N. P. Clarke He is very active in local RNLI com- afternoon the Chairman called upon Honorary information officer of the mittee affairs and has been an enthusias- Lieut.-Colonel R. Crawshaw, QBE TD DL RNLI and honorary treasurer of Col- tic member of the branch for over 40 MP, to move a vote of thanks to Ray- chester branch since 1968. years. mond Baxter for his address. After Mr Clarke holds the only official speaking of Mr Baxter's distinguished appointment of honorary information Mrs E. Pemberton, JP war record in three fighter commands, officer of the RNLI. In this capacity he Honorary treasurer of Wallasey guild and of all the help he gives not only to undertakes many talks and film shows. since 1950. the RNLI, of which he is a member of He also provides invaluable information Mrs Pemberton has always been the the Public Relations Committee, but to different organisations and associa- main driving force of this excellent also to a number of other charities, tions. His branch support for the guild. Her considerable enthusiasm is Colonel Crawshaw continued: RNLI dates back to 1946 at Newport, warmly welcomed and she is always then at Harwich, Southampton, and prepared to be of help. 'For a few minutes I should like to finally to Colchester where he holds the touch on some of the points which Mr position of honorary treasurer. Mrs R. K. Sayer Baxter made in his very interesting Honorary treasurer of Newhaven guild speech ... He was doubtful, if the service ceased to be voluntary, whether it Mrs T. Dowding since 1952. could exercise the same influence over Chairman of Great Yarmouth and Mrs Sayer has looked after the the Life-boat Institution as it does at Gorleston guild since 1965. financial affairs of the guild for 23 present. I have news for you: it could During the years Mrs Dowding has years. She has also been one of the not. I am quite certain of that . . . We been associated with the Great Yar- leading organisers on the committee. could not administer the Lifeboat mouth and Gorleston guild, of which As the wife of the station honorary Institution from a central source with she is now chairman, it has raised over secretary she gets deeply involved in all the same enthusiasm and dedication as local lifeboat activities. it is administered on a voluntary basis. £32,000, mainly due to her leadership I have come to the conclusion, in my and untiring work. short life, that the efficiency of an Miss H. Weiste organisation which is taken over by a T. Downing Chairman of Orpington guild since 1964 central authority deteriorates in direct Honorary secretary of Barrow station and honorary organiser for Green Street proportion to the amount of money that branch since 1949. Green. is put into it. (Applause.) Mr Downing has undertaken the Miss Weiste was one of the original 'This organisation is unique in many responsibilities of honorary secretary of members of Orpington branch and is ways. There are those who man the Barrow station branch since 1947. without question one of the most active boats and who face the dangers. Yet During this period he has looked after members. She is probably the main they would be of no use if they were not the operational affairs and has also been inspiration behind most of their fund- backed up by all of you here who raising projects. When the guild was represent countless thousands who sup- very active with fund raising. port them during the year. However, formed in 1964 Miss Weiste was again, none of you would be any use if Miss V. Hooper appointed its chairman. it were not for people such as Raymond President of Barmouth guild since 1972. Baxter who, behind the scenes, uses his Miss Hooper as president of Bar- The Committee of Management had expertise, good common sense and offers mouth guild plays a very active part, also awarded the thanks of the Institu- advice in order to help us to run the assisting at all fund-raising functions. tion inscribed on vellum to Councillor RNLI... While people such as Raymond She has been on the committee for T. E. Hall, HON. MA, and to the Royal Baxter continue to exist in our society, many years and from 1955 until she Marines, Deal, for their outstanding the "Tomorrow's World" of those who retired from the position in 1968 she help and service to the RNLI, and these go down to the sea in ships will be secure was a very able and energetic honorary presentations were made at the Festival in time of emergency by the dedication Hall. of those who serve the Royal National secretary. Lifeboat Institution,' (Applause.) As Lord Mayor of Bradford 1974/5, J. Kennedy Councillor Hall promoted the Bradford The business of the afternoon being Honorary secretary of Lytham station appeal set up in 1974 to raise money to concluded, lifeboat people retired to the branch since 1951. fund a new lifeboat. It was largely foyer to meet their friends and take tea. 161 Opening of new Headquarters at Poole

THURSDAY, MAY 6, the day on which HRH The Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI, came down to Dorset to open the new headquarters at Poole in the morning and name the new Swanage lifeboat in the afternoon, was both memorable and happy; a. day of present celebration and future hope in which, to the great pleasure of lifeboat people, the head of the family had come to take part. As the royal helicopter flew in over Poole, head office staff left their desks to The new headquarters building, assemble on the forecourt with their designed by Leslie Jones and families, members of the Committee of Partners and built by Brazier Management, Poole lifeboat crew, a and Son of Southampton. group of pensioners, representatives of The Duke of Kent described the the local branch and guild, of the decision to establish the head County of Dorset and the town of office in Poole as bold, and also Poole, and of the architects and builders wise; he was pleased to see the of the new headquarters. familiar stone lifeboatman still Before the Duke performed the open- at the door, now gazing out to ing ceremony, unveiling a commemora- sea. A service of dedication was tive plaque, the Chairman, Major- conducted by The Lord Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Rev- General Ralph Farrant, thanked him erend George Reindorp, MA DD. for the great encouragement of his con- Also on the platform was the tinual help, and also thanked the people Mayor and Admiral of the Port of Poole for the warm welcome they of Poole, Councillor D. had given the Institution. Goading, JP:

I I After the opening ceremony, honorary secretary M. Perrins presented Coxswain/ Mechanic Frank Ide, Second Coxswain John Clark and other members of Poole crew to the Duke . . . who was then taken on an informal tour of the building by Major- General Farrant, starting (bottom, left) in the museum with (centre) curator Andrew Gould assistant P.R.O. (Poole). (Right) His Royal Highness studied the medal book with Alan Neal, assistant secretary (operations division), and (below, right) was shown round the drawing office by Symington Macdonald, chief staff officer (technical).

162 Naming Ceremonies MACDUFF and SWANAGE

DESPITE COLD NORTH-EAST WINDS Straight off the sea, hundreds of people gathered at the Fishmarket, Macduff, on Saturday April 3, for the naming of the station's 48' 6" Solent lifeboat Douglas Currie. She was named by Miss Caroline Currie, grand-niece of one of the principal donors; other donations include a legacy from the estate of the late J. J. Davidson and a gift from the Glasgow Ladies Guild. The lifeboat had been handed over to Sir Charles McGrigor, convener of the Scottish Lifeboat Council and a member Macduff, Grampian: Douglas Currie prepares for her naming ceremony. of the Committee of Management, by photograph by courtesy of W. J. Heinrich. Sir Alastair Blair, senior trustee of the Douglas Currie Trust. She was accepted A red helicopter of the Queen's new Swanage lifeboat has been named. on behalf of the branch by George Flight, bringing the Duke from Poole, R. L. Wessel took an unusual dual Mackay, honorary secretary and him- flew in over the little grey town to land role in proceedings: as a trustee of the self an ex-coxswain. him on Peveril Point. Children lined the Corah Foundation he handed over the * * * route of the short walk over the downs lifeboat to the RNLI, and then, as a Swanage, on May 6, was luckier in its to the lifeboat station where the official member of the Committee of Manage- weather. It was like a summer day, with enclosure, the foreshore and even the ment, delivered her to the care of sunshine, blue skies and a calm sea distant pier were crowded. At sea were Swanage branch. She was accepted by lapping the beach; just the day to Poole lifeboat and ex-lifeboat Gill, Captain D. A. N. Aldridge, honorary welcome a royal visitor, and this was dressed overall, while on shore the band secretary. the first occasjon on which a member of of the Royal Marines played music to In his speech, the Duke paid tribute the royal family had ever come to the set the heart dancing. One guest the to our 'incomparable crews', to the station. HRH The Duke of Kent, RNLI branch was particularly pleased to have dedication of their wives and to the President, was to name the 37' 6" with them was the widow of the late strong family traditions and the Rother class lifeboat /. Reginald Corah. J. Reginald Corah, after whom the generosity of the town of Swanage.

Swanage, Dorset: (left) Launch of J. Reginald Corah after her naming. The Duke of Kent then embarked to make a round of Swanage Bay. photograph by courtesy of A. G. L. Hardy.

(Right) Rebecca Marsh, daughter of Victor Marsh, presents to the Duke a silver model of boat and boathou.ie mounted on a Purbeck marble base.

Coxswain Ronald Hardy presents members of Swanage crew to His Royal Highness: (.'. to r.) Walter Bishop, John Bishop, Philip Dorey, Eric Dorey (shaking hands) and Second Coxswain/Mechanic Victor Marsh. photographs by J. P. Morris.

163 Inshore Lifeboats Handing-over ceremonies at Hartlepool, Crimdon Dene and Little and Broad Haven

SPRING, AND A NEW SEASON of inshore lifeboat service was given a fine start by the dedication of three boat generously given to the Institution by its friends: an Atlantic 21 for Hartlepool and D class ILBs for Crimond Dene and Little and Broad Haven. Hartlepool is, in fact, an 'all seasons' Standard bearer and ILB: The ILB station and the new Atlantic 21, bonds between Guides and life- Guide Friendship HI, had already been boat service were drawn even launched on service a number of times closer by the dedication before her dedication on April 24. She at Hartlepool, Cleveland, on is the third of the class to have been April 24 of Guide Friendship provided from the £28,000 raised by the III, the third Atlantic 21 Guide Friendship Fund for the RNLI in given to the Institution by 1974, 'The Year of the Lifeboat'. Guides, Rangers and It is not the first time that the Guides Brownies. The other two boats, Guide Friendship I and have helped the lifeboat service. In II, are already stationed at 1940 Guides of the British Empire Aberdovey and Eastney. raised £50,296 3s 4d to help the war photograph by courtesy of effort, £5,000 of which was given to the The Mail. RNLI to pay for a 35' 6" self-righting lifeboat. She was one of the little ships East of England, to Mrs G. M. Keen, a Ancient Order of Foresters, accom- which went to Dunkirk and later, in member of the RNLI Committee of panied by their wives and families, 1941, she was stationed at Cadgwith in Management. About 400 Guides, visited Crimdon Dene for the handing Cornwall. On June 14, 1947, she was Rangers and Brownies were present and over, dedication and blessing of a D class named Guide of Dunkirk. a number of them were taken afloat inshore lifeboat donated by the Order. Back to 1976, Guide Friendship III by Hartlepool crew after the ceremony. She was presented by R. Kirkland, one was presented by Mrs R. H. Owthwaite, Just a few miles away, on Saturday of their executive committee members, Girl Guide Commissioner for the North April 10, about 60 members of the and accepted by Councillor J. S. Cummings, chairman of Easingwold Turning back the clock', Guide Council and a staunch supporter of of Dunkirk dressed overall after Seaham lifeboat. 'her naming at Cadgwith, Corn- The third ceremony was on May 9, wall, on June 14, 1947. During down at Little and Broad Haven in her years of service she launched South Wales, when E. R. Mockett, 15 times and saved 17 lives. honorary secretary of Coventry branch, photograph by courtesy of handed over a D class ILB to Lieut.- The Girl Guide Association. Commander George Cooper, divisional inspector of lifeboats (west). The cost of the boat had been defrayed by the people of Coventry and in accepting her Jim Max, chairman of Little and Broad Haven branch, said that their generosity (Below, left) Crimdon Dene, would be remembered every time the ILB April 10: R. Kirkland, an exeu- was launched. ctive committee member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, and Little and Broad Haven, May 9: Handing T. P. Reynolds, honorary secre- over and dedication of new ILB donated by the tary of the ILB station, at City of Coventry. the handing-over ceremony. photograph by courtesy of A. Williams.

164 Shoreline Section

THOSE OF OUR MEMBERS who are lucky enough to be boat owners will no doubt be enjoying the start of the Diana White, a Rother lifeboat stationed at Sennen Cove. With your help a lifeboat of this class season with, this year, its unusually could be named Shoreline. warm and sunny spring weekends. We wish you good sailing. Length overall 37' 6" Engines .. .. Twin 52 h.p. Now that the membership office has Beam 11'6" Mermaid diesels moved to Poole we seem to have a Draft 3' I" Maximum speed . . over 8 knots closer liaison with many of our sea- Displacement 13 tons Range at maximum speed 150 going members and we are looking Crew 7 nautical miles forward to seeing more and more of Launched down slipway or from beach or carriage, or lies at moorings them. If you come to Poole on holiday this summer, or if ever you moor up at could be followed on these pages from With the enclosed form and self- Poole Quay on passage, we hope you the day of her keel being laid down in explanatory letter, therefore, we are will come to see us. the boatyard, through building, trials asking our members to make a con- Shoreline membership, now over and delivery to station, to the day of her certed effort to help the RNLI by 31,000, has grown to be a substantial naming ceremony, to which members providing a new, modern lifeboat for and committed part of the RNLI and it would be invited. Then would begin the the coast; and by forging a direct link makes a considerable contribution to- record of her service . . . between lifeboat crews and Shoreline wards the Institution's day-to-day run- Bearing in mind the generous, willing members. ning costs. Shoreline members, more- support we already receive, we should- A few people may not be in a position over, give us tremendous support. We not wish to ask our members for further to recruit a new member; some, on the have much appreciated over the past few monetary aid for this project—although, other hand, may be able to recruit years the enthusiastic letters which we naturally, donations would be most many more than one. There is no limit have received, the additional donations welcome. With our membership now to the number and we will gladly which have come with subscriptions, standing at over 31,000, if each and provide extra forms and any help the offers of help and requests to be put every member enrolled one new member, needed. We will back you up as much in touch with branches or guilds. the resulting increase in subscriptions as we can, but the success of this effort All of which leads us to believe that would be enough to pay for a Shoreline rests firmly with you. some more tangible bond with the lifeboat. It is as simple as that. Let us all look forward to the day lifeboat service would be welcomed; The RNLI has been forced to intro- when our boat, RNLB Shoreline, makes that Shoreline members would like to duce a temporary pause in its boat her first rescue and saves somebody come closer to crew members. building programme because of escala- from the sea.—G. R. 'BOB' WALTON, Well, what about a lifeboat ? ting costs in this time of inflation. membership secretary, RNLI, West Quay What about it, Members? a lifeboat Shoreline could put a boat on the Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ (Tel. to be named Shoreline whose story stocks. Poole 71133).

To: SHORELINE, RNLI, WEST QUAY ROAD, POOLE, DORSET, BH15 1HZ. I should like to be a part of such a worthwhile voluntary cause by becoming a SHORELINE member of the lifeboat service and joining the Institution as : A Life Member and Life Governor: minimum donation £60, Below are the various including journal items you are entitled to A Member and Governor: minimum annual subscription £10, wear or fly as a member including journal \ of SHORELINE: An Offshore Member: minimum annual subscription £3, Members' tie (Terylene) £1.50 including journal Lady's brooch £0.50 \ Metal car badge £1.55 1 Pair of cuff-links £1.75 8 "hoist flag £1.25 SHORELINE LIFEBOAT 12" hoist flag £2.00 Dinghy burgee £1.25 ' Total subscription Insignia payment

Stwreline Giro number is 294 7056 NAME 1 ,mdo**e P Oj cheque leash for £ ADDRESS Diite Si&'nature . . .

165 Authority has been formed to control and manage the development of this fine harbour which is ideally located for oil related development. The new lifeboat is closely tied up with the new Ports Authority. The organisation is typical of the close liaison which is being developed between harbour authorities and lifeboat stations. The newly appointed port manager, Captain Alistair Black, is also the honorary secretary of the new RNLI committee and comes to this area with a great deal of experience. After years with the Nigerian Port Authority, Captain Black came home to a post as assistant harbour master at Harwich; while he was there, a new lifeboat station was established at that port. Establishing a new lifeboat station is never easy. Tom Nutman, the divisional inspector of lifeboats for the area, has worked closely with the committee which is headed by Vice-Admiral Sir John Hayes, KCB QBE. In his dual role as INVERGORDON chairman of the Port Authority and chairman of the lifeboat committee, Admiral Hayes is further evidence of A new offshore lifeboat station in an area the close connections between the two *JU .,/ authorities. of development These close links are maintained in the crew. Coxswain Angus McDonald by Dag Pike is an executive with a tug company operating in the Cromarty Firth. A THE CHANGING PATTERN of Casualties The site chosen was Invergordon master mariner with extensive experi- around the coasts of Great Britain and which may evoke memories to ex-naval ence of craft large and small, he has Ireland has led to the replacement of people. Invergordon is situated on also served a spell with the Nigerian many traditional lifeboats by the faster Cromarty Firth, one of the finest natural Ports Authority. At 40 he provides the inshore lifeboats; they are more suited harbours in the country. The Royal experience to match the enthusiasm of to the type of casualty involved. In the Navy recognised this many years ago his young crew. northern North Sea a different change is and established a base there, and the Second Coxswain David Lipp teaches taking place with the development of firth was under naval control until 1958, at the Invergordon High School. In his North Sea oil and this has led to the when the base was closed. mid-20's, David teaches seamanship and establishment of an offshore lifeboat Oil has brought changes to the area. navigation among other subjects. Several station to improve the coverage in the The Navy is moving out and in its place of the crew work at the British Alu- area. the newly formed Cromarty Firth Ports minium works at Invergordon. One of them is Assistant Mechanic Mike Webb, now an executive with BA but previously (Below) 52' Harriett The James and Margaret Boyd leaves her berth at Invergordon and (above) heads eastwards towards the entrance to Cromarty Firth. On left, site of new refinery. a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy. Mike Webb's experience matches the practical experience of the only full-time man in the crew, Mechanic Ron Coggan. He is no stranger to rescue work, having spent many years as a sergeant fitter in the RAF marine branch. The high standard of maintenance of the lifeboat lying afloat at her berth along- side the old naval jetty is testimony to his devotion. And what of the boat herself? ON 913 has seen plenty of rough seas during her earlier service at Stornoway. The James and Margaret Boyd is a 52' Barnett which has been modified to incorporate self-righting gear with an inflatable bag. Cromarty Firth may offer shelter to large ships, but even inside the harbour the conditions can be severe for small craft. During our visit the wind was blowing straight down the firth from the south west and, being against the tide, it was whipping up a nasty sea. The mountains to the westward are the continued on page 172 166 THE COAST OF NORTH WALES JS QUJCt at calm and, having seen Blue Peter II put the beginning of April with the storms through her paces, director Ian Oliver of winter mainly over and the summer knew just what he wanted to film. still to come. The weather can change The day of filming dawned dull and in a few moments from bright sunshine rainy although there was an air of to strong hail storms which bombard excitement around the boathouse. the magnificent castles like miniature Everybody had been allocated a job but cannon balls. It is only a few weeks the real trial was patience as much of before the first holidaymakers arrive the day was spent standing around and therefore an ideal time to train the waiting for a particular sequence to be crews of inshore lifeboats, whose main completed. concern is the visitors. John Bubb, the divisional inspector Beaumaris lifeboat station has of lifeboats, showed John Noakes and guarded the Menai Straits from the Peter Purves the old and new ILBs and Anglesey side since its foundation in their boathouses and the morning's 1891. In 1967 one of the four Blue filming was under way. Each shot was Peter ILBs was sent there to increase set up with careful positioning of sound, the coverage and this year the inflatable lighting and camera crews and many of ILB has been replaced with a new Blue the sequences were repeated. The live- John Noakes and Peter Purves, aboard Blue Peter II, an Atlantic 21, so that the Peter II, with Lieut.-Colonel V. J. C. Cooper, liness of John and Peter kept everyone honorary secretary Beaumaris (second from station's ILB can be operational at in good humour. left), Coxswain William Pritchard, crew and night as well as during the day. Halfway through the morning a helpers. The BBC's Blue Peter television team, horde of schoolchildren suddenly ap- good friends of the RNLI for many peared across the green, like a tribe of years, were naturally interested in Indians pouring over the ridge in a seeing how their new ILB was settling western film. Fortunately the children in. Their visit to Beaumaris to film the were friendly and had come to see Blue Blue Peter new Blue Peter II was during 'working Peter in action. John and Peter both up', that is the familiarisation period spent much of their spare moments when the crew and launchers train with signing autographs and, when the their new equipment before it becomes children had gone away, John goes to sea at fully operational. This is the time when relaxed his wrists by learning some procedures are learnt and mistakes can knots, splicing and rope tricks from be corrected, because when a call for former coxswain Harold Jones. Beaumaris help comes there is no margin for error. The morning's events ended with the When John Noakes and Peter Purves recovery of the ILB into a net rigged arrived at Beaumaris the crew had across the launching trolley. All went already been at the boathouse for most well, in spite of the fears of one crew by Ray Kipling of the week, taking time off work or member that the boat would end up in working night shifts to be free during the town hall. After all, 10 to zero knots the day. That first day was sunny and in a few feet needs careful rigging of the net to catch the bows of the boat. Atlantic 21 Blue Lunch was curtailed by the arrival of Peter II, with Peter a helicopter from RAF Valley which Purves on board, exercised with Blue Peter II, winching launches into the up the divisional inspector. With the Menai Straits. helicopter's departure came hail storms which were to play havoc with the cameras. John Noakes donned a wet suit and put out on an air bed while Peter Purves summoned the ILB crew Exercising with a with a maroon and joined them in the helicopter from RAF 'rescue' of his colleague. Although the Valley, the mountains rescue was performed by the new ILB, of North Wales in the old Blue Peter II stood by to make the background. sure that John did not encounter any of the dangers of air beds which he was pointing out. The filming day ended with lifeboat coxswain Bill Pritchard hoisting the RNLI flag outside the new boathouse, but the ILB crew still had a night exercise on their schedule. There is no doubt that whoever chose the expres- sion 'working up' knew what they were describing because the Beaumaris ILB had certainly been working hard all the week. After one day's filming the crew and launchers of Blue Peter II had won the admiration of the Blue Peter team—and then, the summer season being started, like ILB crews all over the country they turned their attention to the more serious business of saving lives. 167 wonderful chaps who go out on the seas able to dispel a little gloom, bring a Here and to rescue folk in trouble.' spark of optimism. 'Many people who have never tried', he says, 'would be Lotteries Act 1975 surprised how one can be a help—and There The Secretary of State has made a be received.' Commencement Order under the Round Table 50th anniversary appeal Lotteries Act 1975, by making amend- Scottish radio appeal At their National Conference held at ments to Sections 45 and 43B of the The amount raised from the radio Blackpool in May, Round Table dele- Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963. appeal made by Coxswain/Mechanic gates from all over Britain and Ireland The following changes are now in effect: George Davidson, DSM, BEM, of Kirk- voted to raise funds for a Waveney Section 45: small lotteries by registered cudbright, on 'The Week's Good Cause' lifeboat. The appeal is to mark the 50th societies, associations or branches: The programme transmitted on BBC Scot- anniversary of the Round Table in price of a lottery ticket shall not be more land on Sunday, February 22, was 1977 and was proposed by tablers from than 25p (previously 5p); the value of a £1,316.50. Northern Ireland who realised that single prize shall not be more than Round Table Britain and Ireland £1,000 (previously £100); the total value Selsey Birdman Rally covered exactly the same areas the of tickets sold shall not exceed £5,000 Selsey Birdman Rally, an annual RNLI. (previously £750); the amount of pro- event in aid of RAFA and RNLI funds, ceeds appropriated for expenses shall will take place on August 15. Com- Village cricketers defeat Surrey not exceed 25% of the whole proceeds petitors attempt to fly 50 metres for a One of the best cricket matches, (previously 10%). prize of £3,000. They usually land in the possibly the best ever, in aid of the Section 43: lotteries incidental to enter- water well short of the finish line to be RNLI was staged at Charterhouse tainment: The expenses incurred in 'rescued' by the crew of the inshore School, Godalming, on May 16. A full purchasing prizes shall not exceed £50 lifeboat. Surrey team was opposed by a team (previously £10). drawn from the 815 village sides which Likely Lads compete in the Haig Village Champion- New Deputy Master, Trinity House Rodney Bewes, one of those likeable ship. Seven of the Surrey team had Captain Sir David Tibbits, DSC RN, 'Likely Lads', is among the RNLI's played in test matches, four for England, retired as Deputy Master of Trinity most stalwart supporters, as viewers of two for Pakistan and one for New House in April. Captain Miles Buckley the BBC's popular series know well. Zealand. Nevertheless, helped by some Wingate was elected as his successor. Thanks to Rodney, lifeboat collecting spectacular catches, the Haig National boxes have always featured prominently Village Representative XI got them all Obituary in episodes of each series, and now that out for 150 and won with 152 for four in It is with deep regret that we the film 'Likely Lads' is on general the 39th of the 40 permitted overs. announce the deaths in April of: release, audiences again have the The setting was a green and attractive Mrs R. M. Lloyd of Conwy, an opportunity to 'spot the lifeboat collect- one; Charterhouse School band played honorary life governor of the Institution. ing box'! excerpts from 'My Fair Lady'; and the Mrs Lloyd has been concerned with the The crew of the Lizard-Cadgwith whole occasion seem typically English RNLI for close on 70 years and, lifeboat is used to frequent visits from until it was realised that one of the although 91 last year, was still an active Rodney when he is at home in Cornwall Surrey opening batsmen, Geoffrey supporter; she was one of Conwy's and find his keen interest and support a Howarth, came from New Zealand, principal collectors on flag day in 1975. great encouragement. and one of the Village's opening R. M. Harris, honorary secretary of bowlers, Byron James, from Ynysy- Port Isaac from the time the station Thames barges, Essex smacks gerwn. was re-established with an inshore life- An illustrated talk on Thames barges There were two beneficiaries of the boat in May 1967, until December 1975. and Essex fishing smacks is to be given match, Geoff Arnold, the Surrey and by Mrs Molly Kennell, owner of the England cricketer, whose benefit year it Twenty-one years smack Hyacinth, at the University of is, and the RNLI. It was a generous Among those celebrating Flam- Essex lecture theatre at 8 pm on gesture of Geoff Arnold's to share the borough ladies guild's 21st anniversary Thursday, October 28. Tickets, price proceeds of the match with the RNLI. on January 12 were Mrs C. Murray- 50p in aid of the RNLI, from G. Dela- The chairman of the RNLI organising Wells, president for the full 21 years; fontaine, RYA Coach, c/o Essex committee was Mrs Richard Saunders, two founder committee members, Mrs University, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, and there were stalls and sideshows J. Pockley and Mrs R. Leng; and the Essex CO4 3SQ. Please send stamped under the trees, run by the Central present chairman, Mrs M. Burns, and addressed envelope and cheque made London Committee. treasurer, Mrs R. T. Hardy, who have out to RNLI. both been guild members since its Change of address Thank you . .. formation. So often the RNLI is both touched The new address of the Welsh District and heartened by generous, unexpected Two ways of looking at it... Office is now: Royal National Lifeboat gestures made perhaps anonymously, In the spring issue of THE LIFEBOAT we Institution, The Exchange, Mount perhaps by old age pensioners. Two published a photograph of Ernie Stuart Square, Cardiff CF1 6ED. The such instances occurred at the London Mangold, a man in his mid seventies telephone number remains the same, office in Ebury Street after reports of who, in two years, collected more than Cardiff 31831. the AGM and the deficit for 1975 had £900 for the RNLI. Now he has written appeared in the press. A man, his shirt to tell us something of the philosophy Pass it on ... sleeves rolled up, came in from a near-by behind his work. He says that many Many libraries, as a means of work site with two £10 notes in his people would like to help, but cannot economising, are reducing the number hand: he said that he and his mates had bring themselves to launch out and make of journals they stock. Perhaps your read that the lifeboat service needed the effort that meeting strangers involves. local library would like to have your money, so they had had a whip-round When he goes out, however, he is not copy of THE LIFEBOAT when you have and made it up to £20. A letter arrived just collecting money; he hopes that he read it; or it might be useful in a waiting on the same day from Miss Margaret will perhaps find his way to lonely room, at a school or in a club. So, please, Dent, sending her 'OAP's mite'—£3: people who long for a chat and a smile do pass it on—if it reaches more people, 'If I were a wealthy lady', she wrote, whether or not they are able to put it may bring us new friends and helpers. 'I'd love to buy a nice new boat for the something in his box; that he will be 168 fire force commander for the whole of Percy Garon, MC, GM Essex during the war years: '/ was very proud to hold that position because I had an amazing body of men with me and I think we had as much of HONORARY SECRETARY, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, 1952-1975 the punishment as any area, particularly with the oil fires which were very numerous and very persistent on the Thames side.' To control the spread of burning oil THE LIFEBOAT SERVICE, fire brigade, tyres on the back wheels being replaced he used a method he had worked out his family, Southend, the Thames . . . with plates to make paddles: himself and practised with the fire they are all as much a part of Percy brigade before the war: directing a fine Garon as he is of them; nor would he 'So, with the engine, gear box and back spray of water on to the oil so that it is have it otherwise. Ask him about his axle of the lorry fitted into the ship's boat, gently dowsed without being further life, and he will tell you about the I was placed on the Matandu River in dispersed. It meant walking into the people of Southend; he will tell you charge of the transport. Rather a near sea of oil directing the hoses on the fire experience because up to then that river about his brothers and sisters; about the had been enemy preserve—and it was ahead, with the ever-present danger volunteers of the fire brigade, '. . . an absolutely loaded with hippopotami and that the flames could outflank and amazing body of men . . .'; about the crocodiles. And there I was, on a small surround the advancing men. For his lifeboat crews, '. . . with whom I have ship's boat with just enough horsepower work he was awarded the George been privileged to serve ...'', about the to push her with the tide. If I had to go Medal. His comment? 'Igot the credit, two coxswains who have between them against the tide, well, it was a question of but the men did the job.' Nevertheless, spanned his 30 years service with the whether the petrol would last. Anyhow, I you cannot get away from the fact RNLI, Sid Page and Peter Gilson, was able to convey more than 25 tons of that, after fighting the fires, he, like '. . . two of the best in the world . . .' Ask goods up to a forward base by going up they, arrived home covered in oil from him about his achievements and he will and back on the tide. The river had a wide estuary, not unlike the Thames, but it soon head to foot. soon make it clear that his pride has shallowed and was much overgrown.' It was now 1945, and Percy Garon always been to be one of a good team. had given up his job as fireman and Suggest that he has made outstanding It was malaria which beat him. He returned to his business. His elder personal contributions and his reply suffered from all kinds, but when he brother, Frank, meantime had been a will be, 'I've been lucky.' contracted cerebral malaria he was great supporter of the RNLI, first as Perhaps this approach to life is invalided home. He had received his chairman of the Southend branch and natural for a member of a large, united commission in the field, and was later then as honorary secretary. One day in family. Percy Garon, born in Southend awarded the Military Cross for his work the Alexandra Yacht Club he turned to in 1890, was the third of four brothers on the Matandu. Percy and said,'/ haven't got long to go. and three sisters. Their father, Harry, Peace meant a return to his own I want you to promise me you will look had established in the town a family river, the Thames, where, over the years, after my lifeboat.' business with many facets and, on his Percy Garon has watched the traffic Percy Garon kept that promise. '/ early death in 1911, his children took change from sailing barge to com- looked after his lifeboat. I have had the over his responsibilities and carried on mercial steam ship to a vast and varied privilege of doing so, in one way or where he had left off. Harry Garon had fleet of pleasure boats. He returned in another, for over 30 years' also set an example of service to the 1919 to take his place once again in the At first he helped his brother by community which his family was to family business and to resume what was taking on the post of chairman of the build into a tradition. to be a lifetime of voluntary service. branch. After Frank had to give up in All Percy Garon's full, contented 85 His father, Harry Garon, had been 1947 there were two other secretaries, years have been spent in Southend, chief officer of Southend Fire Brigade Commander R. G. Jackson and J. H. except for the years of the first world from the time of Percy's birth until 1905, Perry, but both died in office, so, in war. A member of the Army Service when he had been followed by a 1952, Percy Garon became honorary Corps Motor Transport Section, he first brother. The moment Percy Garon got secretary. He retired last December served as a driver for the Army Council home he once again became a voluntary after 23 years and has since been and was then drafted to East Africa. fireman (this was before the days of a awarded honorary life governorship of There he joined in the overcoming of national service). On the death of his the Institution for his services. what would seem insurmountable ob- uncle in 1934, he was appointed chief His connection with the lifeboat was, stacles on a slow advance from the area officer, a position he held until the end however, much longer than his years of between Mombasa and Kilimanjaro of the second world war, in 1945. So office. There had been considerable into enemy territory; drought and deep this responsibility had been undertaken liaison between the fire brigade and the dust roads, shortage of petrol, isolation by the Garon family for 55 years. RNLI in the 1930s. He had seen a when the rains came . . . there was even Percy Garon was also to become the great deal of Sidney Page, who had a time when the lorries advanced by rail, railway wheels being substituted for conventional road wheels. Thus to Dar es Salaam. Down the coast by boat, and then came, for Percy Garon, the most testing period. It began with a Peter Gilson presents Percy summons to his commanding officer, Garon(l.) with the launching Major Dwyer: 'Garon, to the best of my hammer he has wielded so recollection you know a little bit about many times. Also there, the sea. You were a member of the second from right, Michael Alexandra Yacht Club at Southend? Pennell, divisional inspector Well, we're beat again by the rains—no of lifeboats, east, represent- ing all the coast staff who, vehicle can move—but we've got an over the years, have had the idea . . .' pleasure of working with A ship's boat was converted to power Mr Garon—and it has been by fitting a lorry chassis on board, the a pleasure. 169 been in the crew since 1911 and the East Coast, the Southend lifeboat during which he has met with serenity coxswain since 1934, making plans for launched seven times and was at sea battle, storm, fire and flood, as well as ways and means of giving immediate 26J hours: towing in first a motor the unremitting demands of day-by- protection to shipping in the river, barge, next a Cornish ketch, then a day responsibility, Percy Garon only should war be declared and they fishing bawley; standing by a grounded remembers with pride and affection the be attacked. tanker; standing by off Canvey Island; men who have walked with him. 'I've Fire at sea was not only a hazard of evacuating residents of Foulness Island been lucky', he says.—J.D. war. On December 8, 1962, the lifeboat to Burnham. under the command of Coxswain Peter During Percy Garon's term of office Gilson went to the aid of the Dutch the Southend lifeboat launched getting Sponsored Sail coaster Temar, on fire near Sea Reach on for 300 times. And always he was A sponsored sail at Roundhay Park is No. 2 Buoy, in near gale force winds. A down at the pierhead to see the boat planned in October by the Post Office tanker, Mobil Enterprise, was already off; to call out, 'All right, Peter. Good Sailing Club in support of Leeds Lifeboat helping the coaster, but as the lifeboat luck!'; to knock out the launching pin. Appeal. Dinghies will sail for six hours circled Temar a man's head was seen in Getting on for 300 times he had used on Waterloo Lake, minimum sponsor- the porthole of a blazing cabin. While that hammer, and at the branch's ship for each round 50p (minimum £5 three of the crew of Mobil Enterprise annual dinner which coincided with his per boat). It will be an open handicap worked from the deck to free the man, retirement Coxswain Peter Gilson pre- event and prizes will include awards for two of the lifeboat crew boarded Temar sented it to him, burnished and mounted the boat raising the most money and the to try to hold his head clear of smoke on a stand (the work of Assistant boat completing the most rounds of the and the man was able to snatch gasps of Mechanic Tommy Thornton, junior) course. Enquiries from North of oxygen from a mask held up to him by England clubs or individual sailors '/ was very proud. It is one of the most the lifeboat as she rose and fell alongside. treasured gifts I have ever received in my welcomed. Write to Paul Shillito, 15 There were floods, too. During the life: Meynell Walk, Holbeck, Leeds 11 gales of January 31 and February 1, (enclosing a stamp) or telephone Leeds 1953, which caused disastrous floods on Looking back over that long life, 452270. the compartment is filled with water the flap is fully closed by the ball (fig. 4), and An eye for detail it is held even more firmly shut by the head of water which fills the lower in lifeboat design compartment (fig. 5). As the boat rights herself, the water drains away, the ball rolls back into its resting place, the flap FREE PASSAGE OF AIR into engine room valve closes, the port valve, still clear opens and fresh air passes freely once and cabins of a motor boat under way is of the water, remains open and continues again. essential to both machinery and man. to supply air to the engines. It is not Without it, engines cannot run and the until the angle of heel approaches 100° Fig. 1 well-being and efficiency of the crew that both valves close, and it is then would soon be impaired. It follows that only a matter of seconds before, as the the ventilation system of a lifeboat for boat rights herself, the water drains which a watertight wheelhouse is an •away and the valves open once again. integral part of her self-righting capa- The air intake valve (see fig. 2) is an bility is of first importance. There must ante-chamber to the ventilation trunk- be vents and a trunking system; but ing system (A), the upper and lower where air can pass, so can water. What compartments being separated by a will happen should the boat capsize? hinged flap (C). Beneath the hinged flap To meet this eventuality the design is a perforated control box (B) through Fig. 1: Air intake valves sited in turn of wheel- office of the RNLI has produced a which air and water can pass but which house roof, port and starboard. gravity air intake valve with minimum is designed as a runway for the gunmetal Fig. 2: Boat upright; air enters freely. mechanical action which, with all the ball (D) which closes the flap. A, ventilation trunking into boat; B, perfor- virtues of simplicity, ensures not only In normal conditions the ball lies ated box through which air (and water) can that the sea is excluded as the boat goes quiescent at the base of the control box, pass; C, valve flap; D, 3%" gunmetal ball. over, but also that ventilation is inter- the flap is open and air passes freely Fig. 3: Heeling, 60°: force of gravity rolls rupted for as short a time as possible. through the perforated box to the ball outboard closing valve flap. Fig. 4: On her beam ends, 90°: valve closed To deal with the last point first, the trunking system (fig. 2). If the boat before water can enter ventilation trunking. valves are sited to port and starboard at should capsize, as she heels over the Fig. 5: Capsized, 180°: head of water adds the highest possible point in the boat's ball responds to the pull of gravity and strength to valve seal. structure (fig. 1). Should the boat be . rolls outboard to close the flap (fig. 3). Fig. 6: Righting: water drains away and valve rolled to starboard, while the starboard! By the time she is on her beam ends and opens.

Fig. 5 170 know, and I am sure Kenneth Wilkes knows, that 'life ain't like that' and when you arrive on deck with the sextant, you are lucky to be able to pick any three or more stars out of holes in the clouds without the foggiest notion what they are. Few yachts enjoy the luxury of a star-globe and it is useful to know how to use the sight reduction tables back- wards. Starting with altitude and azimuth and knowing your DR position, you can pick from the tables the declina- REVIEWS tion and SHA of the body observed. There is a lot of enjoyment to be had by the winter-bound ocean navigator from working through other people's • Dr Robert Haworth, the author of out that there were no suitable boats to logs. I was delighted to see that I had First Aid for Yachtsmen (Adlard Coles, be found in this area, where many ship- visited almost the exact spot indicated £3.95), is not only the honorary medical wrecks occurred. For some time work in one of the examples at twilight adviser to the RNLI's station at Bar- had been continuing on the production returning from Fastnet and, referring to mouth, but he is also an active member of a standard lifeboat. A prototype was my own sight book, to find that in a of the ILB crew, and in that capacity altered according to George Palmer's four-star fix I had used two of the same was awarded the Institution's silver proposals, and the first two built-to- stars used in the example.—K.M. medal for gallantry in 1971. order Palmer boats went to North Wales, He is therefore fuliy aware of the one being stationed at Cemlyn and the • The north-east coast of England limitations that small boats impose upon other at Barmouth. is synonymous with lifeboats. Quite first-aiders, and in this book he has Grahame Farr's admirable booklet apart from the famed Grace Darling pruned the subject hard and cut away gives constructional details and the rescue—and more important than it— theory, details of the structure and history of all Palmer lifeboats and it was this part of the coast that saw function of the body, and even the accounts of the services which they are the first coherent efforts to reduce the descriptions of the signs and symptoms known to have performed. Available appalling loss of life through shipwreck. .that may lead to accurate diagnosis. from Grahame Farr, 98 Combe Avenue, The first purpose-built lifeboat, the The equipment recommended is very Portishead, Bristol BS20 9JX, price 50p 'Original', was built by Henry Great- simple so it is perhaps a pity that the including postage.—P.M. head at South Shields and saved photograph on the cover does not bear hundreds of lives between 1790 and out the simplicity of the text. • Exercises for the Ocean Yacht Navi- 1830. Another Greathead lifeboat was With this original book on board any gator by Kenneth Wilkes (Nautical stationed at Spurn Point in 1800, but yachtsman can give instant first aid Publishing Co., £3.95) provides useful transferred to Redcar in 1802 and was which, in the waters around these exercises in astronomical navigation, named Zetland. She had a remarkable islands, should be quite adequate until the chronometer work and the computation career, performing her last service in advice given in the special chapters on of ocean passages for the yachtsman. 1880, and is now the main exhibit in a how to move casualties and how to Examples are gives from all types of museum near the new Redcar lifeboat communicate in emergency with other observation in both hemispheres. house and 37' Oakley lifeboat. ships or the shore brings more expert If the reader holds a copy of Ocean The intervening period of time, in help. Yacht Navigator by the same author he which Redcar had eight lifeboats, is However, any yachtsman cruising will be able to solve the problems in the chronicled in A History of the Redcar further should be better instructed and first three chapters by reference to Lifeboats by David Phillipson, a mem- better equipped.—G.H. extracts from the 1975 Almanac printed ber of Redcar crew for 12 years and in that book. We hope that he will now head launcher. This 15-page • Grahame Farr's Paper on Life-Boat already have copies of the sight reduc- illustrated booklet costs 50p (a percen- History, No. 2, tells the story of George tion tables and Norie's or Inman's tage of the profits goes to lifeboat Palmer's life-boats from 1828 to 1847. Tables in the shelf above his chart table, funds) and is available from Mr Palmer was an Essex man, who at the but if he has thrown away last year's Phillipson at 43 Stanley Grove, Redcar, age of 16 was in a boat which capsized Almanac, he must hurry to scrounge a Cleveland TS10 3LN.—A.H.G. in Macao Roads. He and other members copy from one of his fellow navigators of the crew remained for three days on before it is too late, otherwise the useful- • It must |be recorded with some the bottom of the boat before being ness of the last three chapters of the book sadness that Jack Froom's The Story of picked up by a Chinese vessel. In 1796 will fade away. the Southend Lifeboat (30p plus 9p he got his first command and five years As earnest of a thorough review of postage, proceeds to the RNLI, from later came ashore to become a partner the book, I promised myself that I would the author, 164 Stock Road, Billericay, in his family's East India trading house. find a spelling or printing mistake and Essex CM12 ORS) appears just as the He was MP for South Essex from 1836 an error in computation. I found the offshore lifeboat has been withdrawn to 1847 and joined the Committee of first, the only one I could find, on page from the station. Nonetheless, Southend Management of the RNLI two years 16 where a new star called 'MirkaF is lifeboatmen and townspeople can look after its foundation. In the same year to be found. I was equally hard put to it back with pride on nearly a century of he was appointed Deputy Chairman. to find a computing error, but found it lifesaving in the Thames Estuary; a The first lifeboats ordered by the at last on page 75 where an azimuth has tradition which is being carried into the RNLI were built by William Plenty at been incorrectly extracted from AP 3270 future by her inshore lifeboats. Newbury, but because he was unable which makes a nonsense out of a three- Mr Froom, who is secretary of the to obtain enough skilled labour he star fix. Thames Estuary Lifeboat Research delivered only three out of twelve boats If there is anything missing from this Group, records many of the remarkable ordered. The RNLI adopted a policy excellent book, I would suggest that services, such as the eight launches in a of persuading local committees to have there should be more examples in star gale that lasted two days in December local boats suitably modified, but the identification. It is good practice to pre- 1940. A silver and five bronze medals Vicar of Llanfairynghornwy in Anglesey, plan at the chart table the observations rewarded arduous service by a crew the Reverend James Williams, pointed you intend to make at twilight but I whose average age was 45.—A.H.G. 171 Practical help: (above) Scouts repaint Poole's old lifeboat house, now a museum, with paint supplied by 1C I as part of the Brighter Britain Campaign (photo, Jeff Morris), and (below) members of 206 air navigation course, RAF Finningly, as a charity project, paint Clovelly lifeboat house (photo, Western Morning News). Around the coast (Above) Southend's lifeboat Greater London II (Civil Service No. 30) launched for the last time on Sunday, March 28, before leaving station. She has been replaced by an Atlantic 21. photograph by courtesy of Evening Echo.

(Below left) Getting down to detail: Devon Scouts who visitedBideford Shipyard on March 6 were shown over \Vaveney 44-018 by Roger Sullivan, RNLI overseer steel. This lifeboat, to the funding of which Scouts have contributed more than £101,000 and which will be named The Scout, will be stationed at Hartlepool. photograph by courtesy of The Scout Association.

(Below right) Coxswain Harry Jones welcomes the Chairman, Major-General Ralph Farrant, to Hoylake lifeboat station on April 25. Committee and crew were present in strength to meet him and show him their 37' 6" Rather lifeboat Mary Gabriel. photograph by courtesy of Bob Bird.

funnelled into ferocious seas by the site and the development of the firth is Invergordon twin arms of the land running out to under way. Fraserburgh to the south and Wick to It is this development which might (continued from page 166) the north. It is in these conditions that well produce the first casualties. Around the search for North Sea oil goes on the corner there is Inverness Firth where and in which casualties may occur. there is similar oil work as well as breeding ground of many severe squalls The oil industry came to Cromarty yachts and fishing boats. Since the and walls of white squalls were whist- Firth in the early days when a site was lifeboat arrived at Invergordon eighteen ling across the firth, bringing'snow and sought for building the huge production months ago there have been no casual- stinging spray in their path. platform. The dry dock at Nigg, just ties. This has given the crew time to Outside the firth, in the open sea, inside the entrance to the firth, is one of work up to a high standard of efficiency; the south west wind is off the land. the largest in the world. Now planning all the hard work in training will be Here, it is the easterly wind which is permission has been given for an oil justified when the first call comes off feared, blowing in from the sea and refinery close to the Nigg construction Cromarty Firth. 172 (Some

At Tenby branch's AGM the crew presented a cheque for £1,000 towards the cost of an ILB boathouse. The money was raised with football matches, a dance and a sponsored tow of the ILB on her launching trolley to Pembroke Dock and back, more than 21 miles. The crew have also built by their own labour a fully equipped loft in the offshore boathouse; the money needed came from the pooling of exercise and practice payments.

JCB digger and using a pneumatic drill were involved; and that was only a start! Sue won her bet, and, with additional sponsorships and collection, earned £160 for the RNLI.

Crystal Palace Football and Athletic The Province of Northern Ireland Club raised £92 for the RNLI at a St improved its fund-raising in 1975 by Valentine's disco dance on February 14. 21 per cent; a sterling achievement in difficult times. The voluntary workers of Bury St Edmunds branch, re-formed Belfast raised no less than £11,000. two years ago, has already raised over £2,000, by organising a flag day, two London flag day, Tuesday March, 16, barbecues, two dances and a children's resulted in £83,864, which is £8,135 sponsored cycle ride. Until his recent more than the 1975 total: it was the death, the branch had the support as largest advance so far achieved in any chairman of Air Vice-Marshal Stanley year. Vincent, who had been one of the oldest pilots in the Battle of Britain. In 1975 Redcar guild worked ex- tremely hard to increase their high Sue Punch at work. Stan Timerick of Kingswinford has annual income to £3,500, and had photograph by courtesy of London Express. assembled a magnificent model railway already raised £1,250 towards their 1976 in his loft. Visitors have to buy a total by February. Opening the boat- Sue Punch, who works as a part-time platform ticket, and the proceeds all go house at Easter to sell souvenirs, barmaid at the Amsterdam Restaurant, to the RNLI. despite bitter north east winds, several Shoreham, claiming she could do any ladies donned specially prepared Easter job a man could do, accepted a challenge Over 1,000 people were present in bonnets. So attractive was the presenta- from Robert Denis that she could not the Assembly Hall of Walthamstow tion that they were invited to tour the complete a week's training on one of his Civic Centre one April evening to hear hotels and public houses with collecting construction sites. The stake was £50. a three-hour concert of jazz and Glenn boxes, and this is now to be a feature in Digging a sewer, laying bricks, driving a Miller style music played by Kenny the town. The treasurer is always alert for a telephone call from one of the Tamworth guild have held two 'knit-ins' at the home of their chairman, Mrs Marion Appleby four ships that have adopted the guild, Matthews. More than £.200 was raised on each occasion. and at a moment's notice dashes off to photograph by courtesy of J. Walker. the docks to receive money accumulated during a voyage.

A long beat for Police Constables John Myhill and Arthur Sykes of the Humberside Force: 152 miles from Fleetwood to Flamborough and it took them from September 16 to 20. Fleet- wood branch, Rotherham, Driffield, Bridlington and Flamborough guilds and Flamborough supporters club all helped with the sponsorship and a splendid £1,260.37 was raised. At the end of the walk there was a civic welcome at Flamborough and the lifeboat was launched for a trip afloat.

173 An exhibition by the Ladies Flower Club at Wythall, near Birmingham, held at Kings Norton Golf Club early last November, raised £100 which, at the The Lord Mayor of Man- chester, Dame Kathleen request of E. W. Turner, a Shoreline Ollerenshaw, jp, who member and the husband of the secretary opened Manchester Boat of the club, was kindly donated to the Show, meets David Jones, RNLI. The theme of this excellent ex- divisional organiser north hibition was 'Winter Cruise'. west, at the RNLI stand. With them are area organi- J. D. Lewis of Bury, Lancashire, sers James Murray and another Shoreline member, has since Brian Stevenson. £530 was Christmas been making a slight detour raised a I the show and a number of new Shoreline on the way to the school at which he members signed on. teaches to pick up another member of staff. She wished to make a contribution, but Mr Lewis suggested that, instead, Ball and his Jazzmen and Syd Lawrence she should work out how much she had and his Band. The concert, sponsored saved in fares and make out a cheque by the International Lloyds Insurance to the RNLI. He has sent in a first broking firm J. H. Minet and Co., instalment of £10. raised £750 for the RNLI. Among the guests were the Mayor of Waltham Tytherington County Secondary Forest and three members of Hastings School, Cheshire, organised a sponsored lifeboat crew with their wives. knit for the RNLI and achieved a fine total of £138. Hythe branch luncheon club raised over £150 for the RNLI during its winter season from October to March. There were 86 members at the last lunch on March 24, when the guest speaker was Colin Cowdrey, CBE. Also Leslie French, seen here (/.) with Mrs in March, the branch arranged a Gaelic Charles Hunting Simpson, chairman of coffee evening jointly with Cancer Fulmer and Iver branch, gave a presentation of excerpts from Shakespeare at Eton Research; 150 people were at the Town College on Sunday, January 18. £.400 was Hall to watch Robert Spicer's dog raised for the RNLI. Sandy present cheques for £215 each to the RNLI and Cancer Research, being Appledore branch was given £4 by the proceeds of Spicers of Hythe's four local girls who gave up sweets for golden jubilee celebrations. Lent but fined themselves Ip for any sweet eaten. Maldon Little Ship Club's New Year's Day sponsored yacht tender rowing race was won Havering branch of the Independent A 15" Easter egg given by Mr and by Brian Watkins (I.) and Malcolm Holland. Order of Foresters adopted the RNLI Mrs David Larcombe, owners of the Twenty-six boats took part and £.203 was as their charity for 1975 and raised White Rose Hotel, Sway, was raffled raised for the lifeboat service. £650, most of it by a 24-hour sponsored photograph by courtesy of Maldon and during a dinner dance at the hotel on Burnham Standard. bowl at Dagenham Bowling Alley. Saturday, April 17, and the £54.20 raised given to Lymington branch. The Membership of West Wight guild is egg was won by a Merchant Navy A costume Wreckers' Ball organised increasing and in 1975 £2,200 was raised. officer and his wife, Mr and Mrs by Bodmin and District branch at Activities included a cheese and wine Michael Farrow. Lanhydrock House, a National Trust party at the Royal Solent Yacht Club, property, last autumn raised £721 for coffee mornings, a ploughman's lunch Chanonry and District Guild had a the RNLI. The ball has become an party at Marsh Farm, Newtown, and the record season in 1974/75, raising over annual event and the next will be held sale of souvenirs at Easter and during £1,200 with coffee mornings, a sale, on November 19. summer weekends as well as the flag day house-to-house collections and a spon- collection. sored walk. continued on page 176

This badge was found in the archives of our Glasgow Office. It is thought to date back to the turn of the century. We think he was saying then: 'Please remember the Life-boatmen, Sir'. How do you think he would phrase Name .... this today. Send your suggestion with 25pto: Address The Director, Royal National Life-boat Institution, We will send £5 to the best entry as West Quay Road, judged by the Fund-raising POOLE, Dorset. Committee. I enclose PO/Cheque for 25p

174 Apart from the MERMAID Type 595-TP TURBO-PLUS Marine Diesel Engines being installed in the new WAVENEY Class R.N.L.I. 44ft Steel Lifeboats, twin MERMAID type 397 are currently being installed in a number of this type of ROTHER Class R.N.L.I. Self-Righting Lifeboats now under construction at William Osborne Ltd of Littlehampton.

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175 is given prominence by yacht brokers and chandlers. Most boats sport the USCG Auxiliary 'Courtesy Checked' sticker on windshields, and indeed everywhere one goes, be it marina, boat show or boatowners' meeting, the topic Letters... of safety is constantly being taught, discussed and practised. In the summer one of the local radio Sea Rhine founders anyone having knowledge of the stations runs a cabin cruiser broad- I would like to thank you and the crew artist or his works would contact me.— casting fishing and weather conditions of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston DAN M. REES, 74560 Monnetier-Mornex, on the bay itself, and safety tips are all lifeboat for your help when you came to France. part of the regular format. the assistance of Sea Rhine off Lowestoft While I am sure that Mr Jessett sailing on Wednesday morning, February 11. Rescue on Redwood Creek about the bay in his MV Red Duster It was a great disappointment to me As a Britisher, yachtsman and current flying the RNLI flag is a welcomed personally that we were unable to save resident of San Francisco I must addition, perhaps a word of warning is the little ship, but nevertheless it was register an objection to the remarks of in order. This being a bicentennial year most reassuring to see that 'blue flasher' R. W. V. Jessett in his letter published he should take care in boarding the when you arrived on the scene, and to in the winter issue of THE LIFEBOAT. boat of any super-patriot who may see some cheerful faces when I eventually He described his stirring account of misunderstand his undoubtedly good transferred to the lifeboat. I must admit ' . . . probably the first rescue in these intentions!—PETER SCOTT-PADGET, San the last hour or so on board Sea Rhine parts (San Francisco Bay) under the flag Francisco, California, USA. was somewhat lonely! of the RNLI; I do not expect it to be the Once again, many thanks to you and last.' He spoke of those rescued as All on a summer day . . . your crew, and I hope that when we next 'typical of SF Bay trailer boat operating; You might be interested to hear of a meet it will be under less tedious cir- they had no lifejackets, no flares, no brief incident which took place at cumstances.—DOUGLAS SENNETT, relief bailer, no seamanship .. .'. Goring Lock, on the Thames, last mate, MV Sea Rhine, 19« Arlington Road, Typical you say, Mr Jessett? Horse- summer. We were waiting in the lock Eastbourne, East Sussex. feathers ! for the water level to fall when a lady After years of sailing these waters I who was helping the lock-keeper said, This letter, much appreciated by the crew have been more than impressed with 'I see you are flying an RNLI flag. Could of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat, the extent of safety equipment used by you tell me where I can get one?' So was written to Staff Coxswain William the average weekend sailor. Anyone here was the perfect opportunity for me Dent.—THE EDITOR. who knows the United States cannot to explain about Shoreline. By that time help but admire the splendid job done the lock gates were open and away we Bernard F. Gribble by the US Coast Guard, its civilian went. I am researching the life and work of arm the USCG Auxiliary and other I don't know if she joined, but she Bernard F. Gribble, marine artist organisations such as the US Power certainly gave the impression that she 1873-1962, who painted many lifeboat Boat Squadron in the name of 'water intended to do so.—FRANK HARPER, scenes. I would be most grateful if safety'. The very latest safety equipment 6 Highbury Terrace, Bath.

Wells-next-the-Sea guild for Wells life- dress party. Anyone not wearing fancy Some ways of boat. dress is fined and the money so collected is usually donated to Neath branch. raising money In a sponsored sailing regatta on a This year's collection amounted to lake at Margam, Port Talbot, last £25.50. (continued from page 174) autumn, 160 West Glamorgan children raised £662 for the lifeboat service. For The day staff at Plymouth Telephone those who raised the highest amounts Exchange chose Plymouth lifeboat for Instead of buying birthday and there was a trip to sea in The their special charity gift in 1975. There Christmas cards for each other, the Mumbles lifeboat. was a sponsored walk, a bring and buy ladies who work on the BPF Section of sale, raffles and a number of individual Thorn Lighting, Leicester, saved the Every New Year's Eve Monkstone efforts, and two blankets were knitted. money and sent a cheque for £26 to Cruising and Sailing Club hold a fancy The result: £250 for the lifeboat.

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176 Lifeboat Services

(continued from page 153)

(and their dog) were in turn taken by breeches buoy to the lifeboat. John Powell and Alwyn Emmerson were then recovered in the same way. The operation was completed by 1720 and Coxswain Pockley recovered the gear, weighed anchor and was on the beach by 1725. Friendly Forester was re- housed and ready for service at 1800. For this service the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Crew Member Alwyn Emmerson. A framed letter of thanks signed by Major-General Ralph Farrant, Chairman of the Institution, was awarded to Coxswain George Pockley Barry Dock No. 2 lifeboat launched on September 27,1975, to help Storm Eagle, a yacht being and vellum service certificates were driven ashore by a strong south-westerly gale. She got a line aboard just as the yacht's anchor presented to Acting Second Coxswain rope parted and towed her, with her three crew, back to Barry Harbour. James Major, Motor Mechanic Robert photograph by courtesy of C. Geach, aboard pilot cutter George Ray. Major, Assistant Mechanic John Crossland and Crew Members George January 10. The Coastguard informed take Gold to the nearest safe anchorage Emmerson, Roy Leng, Robert Emmer- the honorary secretary of Campbeltown and hand over the tow to a suitable son, Malcolm Smales, Dennis Wood- lifeboat station at 1300. Of the several vessel. The coaster was taken to Duna- house, John Major and James Cross. A vessels in the vicinity, one was attemp- verty Bay, anchored and her crew of letter of thanks signed by Captain Nigel ting to tow the casualty to safety. five taken on board the lifeboat. Dixon, the Director, was sent to the At 1315 it was reported that the tow City of Glasgow II arrived back in Flamborough Coastguard mentioning line had parted and that the lifeboat was Campbeltown with the five survivors at the particular action of Auxiliary required, so, at 1327, the 52' Barnett 2120. Coastguard John Powell. City of Glasgow II set out in a west north west strong gale with a high se.a and poor visibility. It was two hours Services by Offshore Scotland South Division after low water. City of Glasgow II reached the Lifeboats, December Tow in strong gale casualty, cargo vessel Gold of Rochester, 1975, January and at 1600 and put a tow line on her. A VESSEL DRIFTING DANGEROUSLY close Because of the prevailing sea conditions, February 1976 to land at Caldrine Bay was reported to however, the tow was very slow and difficult. Consequently it was decided to Aberdeen, Grampian HM Coastguard on the afternoon of December 30 and January 29. Aith, Highland February 6. Amble, Northumberland December 14. Angle, Dyfed January 1, 3 and 6. Arbroath, Tayside December 1. Baltimore, Co. Cork January 31. Barra Island, Western Isles December 23, 30, January 14 and 20. Barry Dock, South Glamorgan December 3, 22, January 1,25 and February 21. Beaumaris, Gwynedd Number: A tug and a January 3. Grimsby fishing vessel were Bridlington, Humberside in collision near Bull Light December 1,13 and January 2. on the morning of April 1. Clovelly, Devon Being informed that there January 2 and 27. were people in the sea, Calshot, Hampshire Number lifeboat, the 46' 9" December 9, January 17, 19 and 29. Watson City of Bradford Campbeltown, Strathclyde III, launched in a westerly January 10. breeze with a slight sea and Clacton-on-Sea, Essex good visibility. She found January 4 and 16. that the tug had picked up Cloughey-Portavogie, Co. Down all five people from the sea; February 2 and 7. they were transferred to the Cromer, Norfolk lifeboat, given first aid for December 12, 14 and February 7. exposure and shock and Douglas, Isle of Man landed at Grimsby. January 3 and 4. photograph by courtesy of Dover, Kent T. J. M. Wood. December 1, January 13, February 1 and 24. 177 Dungeness, Kent Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway February 24. January 18. Services by Inshore Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Ramsey, Isle of Man December 12 and January 20. January 4. Dunmore East, Co. Waterford Ramsgate, Kent Lifeboats, December January 2. December 11, 17, 27 and 31. Eastbourne, Sussex Redcar, Cleveland 1975, January and December 13, February 9 and 24. December 7. Falmouth, Cornwall Rhyl, Clwyd December 7. December 12. February 1976 Flamborough, Humberside Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford December 1, 2 and 10. January 29. Fleetwood, Lancashire St David's, Dyfed December 26, January 25 and February 10. December 12. Aberystwyth, Dyfed Fowey, Cornwall St Helier, Jersey February 14. December 1 and 4. December 13. Beaumaris, Gwynedd Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk St Ives, Cornwall January 3 and February 15. December 1, 12,13, 18, 31 and February 11. January 19, February 1 and 19. Conwy, Gwynedd Harwich, Essex St Mary's, Isles of Scilly February 7. December 1 (twice). December 21 and January 31. Eastney, Hampshire Hastings, East Sussex St Peter Port, Guernsey December 6, 30, January 7,25 and February December 15, January 1, 2,20 and February December 13 and February 11. 27. 24. Salcombe, Devon Eastney (A.508), Hampshire Holyhead, Gwynedd January 27 and February 17. January 18, February 7 and 27. December 24 and February 5. Selsey, West Sussex Flint, Clwyd Howth, Co. Dublin December 12 and February 21. January 10 and 18. December 24 and February 14. Sheerness, Kent Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk Hoylake, Merseyside December 16, January 2, 24, 25 (twice), December 1, 14 and January 28. January 1. February 1, 5, 17 and 21. Hartlepool, Cleveland Humber, Humberside Sheringham, Norfolk December 14, February 7 and 29. December 2, 3, 13, 14, January 4, 19 and 22. January 1. Harwich, Essex Ilfracombe, Devon Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex December 1. December 11. February 20 and 22. Hastings, East Sussex Islay, Strathclyde Skegness, Lincolnshire January 14 and 18. January 10 and 21. January 11. Littlehampton, West Sussex Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway Southend-on-Sea, Essex December 17, January 17 and 18. December 17 and February 15. December 1. Llandudno, Gwynedd Kirkwall, Highland Stornoway, Western Isles December 18 and January 18. January 5 and 20. February 26. Lyme Regis, Dorset Lerwick, Highland Swanage, Dorset December 2, 18, January 3 and 5. January 18. January 24, February 15, 21 and 22. Lymington, Hampshire The Lizard-Cadgwith, Cornwall Teesmouth, Cleveland January 25. January 2 and February 1. December 12, 26, February 5 and 27. Lytham-St Anne's, Lancashire Llandudno, Gwynedd Tenby, Dyfed January 10. December 12. December 15. Margate, Kent Longhope, Highland Thurso, Highland December 30. December 18. January 21. Minehead, Somerset Lowestoft, Suffolk Torbay, Devon January 8. February 17 and 29. December 27, January 4, 10 and 28. Morecambe, Lancashire Mallaig, Grampian Troon, Strathclyde February 1. December 19, January 6 and 28. January 2 and 31. New Brighton, Merseyside Margate, Kent Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear December 21, 30, January 3 and 11. January 1 and February 9. January 10. Poole, Dorset Moelfre, Gwynedd Valentia, Co. Kerry December 4, 9, 15 and January 12. January 18. December 15 and February 29. Queensferry, Forth The Mumbles, West Glamorgan Walmer, Kent December 21, 27 and February 3. January 2. December 1 (twice). Silloth, Cumbria North Sunderland, Northumberland Wells, Norfolk February 15. January 13 and February 5. December 8. Southend-on-Sea, Essex Padstow, Cornwall Weymouth, Dorset December 1. December 13, January 3 and 14. December 1. Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear Penlee, Cornwall Whitby, North Yorkshire December 26, January 10, 18 and February December 2, 9 and January 28. December 18, January 20 and February 5. 18. Plymouth, Devon Wicklow, Co. Wicklow West Mersea, Essex January 11 and February 3. February 29. December 7, January 9 and 11. Poole, Dorset Yarmouth, Isle of Wight Weston-super-Mare, Avon December 7, 9, 15 and January 21. February 10. January 1. Port Erin, Isle of Man Youghal, Co. Cork Whitstable, Kent December 5. January 23. December 3, 6, 14, 30 and February 29.

SERVICES AND LIVES SAVED BY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE LIFEBOATS January 1, 1976 to April 30,1976: Services 262; lives saved 109 THE STATION FLEET (as at 30/4/76) 133 offshore lifeboats 123 inshore lifeboats operating in the summer 47 inshore lifeboats operating in the winter LIVES RESCUED 101,039 from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to April 30,1976

178 FROM FAIREY... THREE KINDS OF LIFEBOATS FOR THREE KINDS OF CONDITIONS. All built to the highest standards. Standards that have made Fairey justifiably famous as lifeboat builders. All three have all weather capability, but each is uniquely suited to the task for which it has been designed.

Interceptor 7.6 Fast Reaction Rescue Craft Specially designed for the rescue of survivors from large aircraft which have crashed in coastal waters. Interceptor gives instant response to distress calls providing immediate "first aid" prior to the arrival of asr conventional rescue craft. Medina 14m Self-Righting Lifeboat With a hull built from Cor-ten steel plate and an aluminium superstructure the Medina is one of the strongest boats available today. It has space for 10 survivors and 4 crew and has a range of 150 nautical miles at 16 knots. Hamble 16m Self-Righting Lifeboat Features a G.R.P. hull and aluminium super- structure. The Hamble has berths for 9 and cooking facilities. It has a range of 230 nautical miles at 17 knots.

Fairey Marine Ltd. Hamble, Southampton, Hants S03 5IMB. Tel: Hamble (0421-22) 2661/8 Telex: 47546

Zodiac, the best inflatable in the world. Zodiac is Number One. Built by the oldest and As a fast yacht tender, ski-boat, sub-aqua boat or best known inflatable manufacturers in the world, an honest-to-goodness runabout, the Zodiac range Zodiac inflatables confirm their pedigree, as soon from 7' 3" to 19 feet provides all the correct as the going gets tough. answers. Life Saving professionals, explorers in remote UK Concessionaires:— places and the military turn to Zodiac for their University Marine Ltd., Silverdale Road, HAYES, Middx. needs. In the cut and thrust of racing, Zodiac Tel: 01-573 8311 keep ahead of the rest - particulary in rugged Please send me your full colour brochure and price list describing conditions. the 1976 range of Zodiac inflatables. NAME ADDRESS L/7

179 Index to Advertisers Birds Eye Foods Outside Back Cover Henry Browne & Son Ltd 175 TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Cogswell & Harrison Ltd 180 Evett Sailwear Ltd Inside Back Cover When your organisation holds its next fund raising effort at a Fairey Marine Ltd 179 carnival, fete, donkey derby, boat show or similar activity you can make an additional £200 in a few hours by running a Functional Clothing Ltd Inside Front Cover Teddy Bears Picnic. No financial risk as all stock is supplied at Halmatic Ltd 146 wholesale price on full sale or return, nothing to pay until David Jolly (Tiller Master) 176 after the event, then you pay for what you use, return the Mermaid Marine Engines Ltd 175 balance. Send for full details giving Club/Guild name and Motor Cruising Association Inside Back Cover status to: Neco Marine Ltd 180 V. WEBSTER (DEPT LB) Old England Inside Back Cover BRINELL WAY Rentokil 175 HARFREYS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE Tiller Master (David Jolly) 176 GREAT YARMOUTH University Marine Ltd (Zodiac) 179 V.Webster 180 NORFOLK NR3I OLU C. P. Witter Ltd 176

ideal for retirement presentations etc. Every shades, etc. ALL AT WHOLESALE CLASSIFIEDS detail of an individual boat is reproduced. TRADE PRICES. Send for our 64-page 20p per word; Minimum 10 words A percentage of each commission is catagloue. SWINNERTONS LTD., Dept. donated to the RNLI. Details: Brian H. LB, UNION STREET, WALSALL WS1 FUND RAISING Williams, Marine Model Artist, 20, Bridge- 2HJ. Advertising pencils, superb ballpens, combs, field, Farnham, Surrey. diaries, each gold stamped Lifeboat name, SMALL VESSEL DELIVERIES etc., raise funds, quickly easily. Bran Tub TROPHIES TREVOR VINCETT Yacht Deliveries. Toys: samples from Northern Novelties, RACE SETS—MAINSAILS—DINGHIES BoT Yachtmaster. Prompt professional Bradford BD1 3HE. —CUPS. W. & E. Astin, 7 Westerly Lane, service by sea. Sail or power. Dartmouth Shelley, Huddersfield. Kirkburton 2368. Yacht Services. Mayors Avenue, Dart- MODELS OF LIFEBOATS FOR ALL types of Trophy Cups, Medals, mouth, Devon. Tel: (080-43) 2035. Following many requests my work, in Medallions, Shields and Statuettes, Sports the field of yacht and other sailing craft Prizes, Fancy Goods, Carnival Hats, INSURANCE miniatures, is being extended to include Balloons, Novelties, Fund-raisers. All FOR ALL INSURANCE, Phone, Call or custom built scale models of individual requirements for CHILDREN'S CHRIST- Write J. A. Harrison (Brokers) Ltd, lifeboats. These can be produced as simple MAS PARTIES supplied. ALSO NOW 'Security House', 160-16! Bromsgrove models or mounted on realistic sea bases, AVAILABLE TO CLUB MEMBERS, Street, Birmingham B5 6NY. Telephone: complete with crews, in miniature perspex Lounge, Dining and Bedroom Suites, 021-692 1245 (10 lines). For keenest rates, showcases approx. 5" X 41" x 3" and are Carpets. All types of light fittings and service and security.

ONE OF THE WORLD'S Automatic Pilot MOST POWERFUL To hold a set course FLASHLIGHTS in most conditions Repeater Compass For easy reading and optimum siting Electric Capstan Push-button control of 650 Ibs pull DYNALITE FLASHES Anchor Windlass One of the world's most powerful flashlights, 1,600 Ibs pull from specially imported from the U.S.A. This six-cell 12-220 volt D.C. supply flashlight is 80,000 candle power made of strong plastic, and unconditionally guaranteed for one Dinghy Hoists year. This is an ideal outdoor light for every For dinghies, etc., purpose including signalling. As sold to, and up to 1.500 (fas (iff tested by the Royal National Life-boat Institution. Also approved by the Game Conservancy. Will go to a depth of 30ft and remain 100% water- Indicators proof. For Rudder Angle, Battery State £6.00 (Batteries extra) Price includes VAT. Post and Packing 45p (UK only) NECO MARINE LTD.

Wrltt to Dept. J Walton Rd., Eastern Rd., Cosham, Portsmouth,

COGSWELL. &HAHB.IBON LTD Hants. PO61SZ Tel: Cosham (07018) 70988 Ultl

Designed and Printed in Great Britain by Ditchling Press Ltd., Ditchling, Hassocks, Sussex ENGRAVED FOR MARITIME ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS EXPERIENCED YACHTSMEN AND HARD WEAR CRYSTAL our GLASS FOUL WEATHER GARMENTS LIFEBOAT BRITISH DESIGNED TANKARDS

BRITISH MADE Profiles of some of RNLI's offshore fleet, strikingly engraved on half or one pint from Crystal Glass Tankards. Order individually BRITISH MATERIALS or as sets, selecting the craft of your choice and from the illustrations below. Manufactured in our own Factory WHY NOT COLLECT A SET? EVETT SAILWEAR LTD. TIMBER HALL WORKS THE SQUARE CATERHAM, SURREY, CR3 6QA Tel: Caterham (STD 0883) 44433 & 48704 1 CLYDE 2 ARUN

ARE YOU A 3 OAKLEY 4 SOLENT MOTOR CRUISER OWNER/CREW?

JOIN THE 5 BOTHER 6 WAVENEY

MOTOR CRUISING ASSOCIATION whose rallies, social events and quarterly journals are 1 /2 pint size £4.95 1 pint size £5.95 INFORMAL AND FRIENDLY Price includes VAT, post and packing Please clearly indicate quantity and reference Member of the R.Y.A. Motor Cruising Conference number and name when ordering. Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to "Old England". Allow 21 days for delivery. For details write to: The Administrator, distant Motor Cruising Association, 121 LONDON ROAD 17 East Street, Havant, Hants. KNEBWORTH- HERTS TELEPHONE: STEVENAGE 813431 Backbone of the FishingTrade.

This was one that didn't get away. One of a thousand million. A thousand million of the reasons why every day and night men put out to sea in all weathers to earn their living. A thousand million reasons why lifeboatmen are needed as much as they are. We at Birds Eye would like to voice our appreciation of the lifeboatmen. We are proud of our long association with them.