WHEN the Prince of Wales visited Bradford on 30th May, the Spurn Lifeboat Crew whose new Motor Boat is being provided out of the special fund raised in Bradford, and is to be named after the city played a prominent part in the welcome given to him, and were themselves warmly welcomed by the people of Bradford. They acted as part of the guard of honour to the Prince, as did Lifeboat men at Swansea on his visit to that town three years ago. The following account of their visit has been sent the Editor by a Lifeboat worker in Bradford :—

" The Spurn Life-boat crew undertook a new and pleasing duty on 30th May last when they acted as a Guard of Honour in the City Square, Bradford, on the occasion of the visit of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. They travelled to Bradford on the previous day, and on arrival were met by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, and Branch officials, with whom they were photographed.

Dinner was served at the Alexandra Hotel, and a hearty welcome extended to 'Bradford's Own' by Sir William Priestley, Branch Chairman, Mr. Sutcliffe Smith, Secretary, Mr. W. B. Saville, Miss Nora Grainger and others.

" The crew subsequently marched to the Victoria Square, where the Coxswain laid on the local cenotaph an anchor, composed of geraniums, lilies and corn flowers, inscribed : ' This anchor is placed here by the Coxswain and Crew of the Spurn Life-Boat in loving memory of the men of Bradford who fell in the Great War.' Following this tribute of brave men to others a hurried ' sail' (as one of the men described it) was made in a fleet of motors to Wharfedale, the crew first calling on the aged mother of the Branch Assistant Secretary (Mrs. Grainger, who for more than a quarter of a century has been an ardent Lifeboat worker), then on to Rawdon, where Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Gaunt, extended a hearty welcome. Yeadon Vicarage was next visited, and then Otley, where the stalwart men of Spurn were warmly cheered, and addressed by Sir Hastings and Lady Duncan.

" Burley was the next objective, where a call was made on Mrs. J. G. Hutchinson. Ilkley was the last visit on the tour, and here a very cordial welcome was extended by Miss Firth and the District Committee. Returning to Bradford the crew became the guests of the Institution's old friend, Mr. Francis Laidler, at the Alhambra, where they thoroughly enjoyed an entertainment which was greatly enhanced by the warmth of the real Yorkshire welcome extended to them.

" The great day arrived, and then was there anxiety to see that the Kapok Life-belts were adjusted to a nicety, that the medals were in proper position, and the red caps at the right angle.

Then the order,' Two deep—March,' and so into the City Square to take up the proud position as Guard of Honour to the Institution's President, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, on the occasion of his first visit to Bradford.

" The Chairman of the Branch, Sir William Priestley, presents Coxswain Cross to the Prince, and the Coxswain in turn presents each member of his crew.

What keen interest, cheery enquiries and hearty good wishes come from the royal visitor, how kindly and sympathetically he refers to the Institution's great work, how generally ' bucked up,' by his hearty hand grip and pleasant smile all the men are, and how delighted the Prince himself is to receive from the Coxswain the little metal Life-boat pincushion, with a ' Thanks very much, Coxswain!' " Back to the hotel, each man cheered beyond measure by the princely nature of their reception; and so to the station in the presence of a large crowd, for the return to Spurn where a man's work awaits them.

" It was a visit that will long live in the memories of a fine crew, with a remembrance of a real good time from whole-hearted Bradfordians, a know- ledge that as soon as possible ' The City of Bradford' Motor Life-boat will be on the Spurn Station, and a feeling that Life-boat work is very close to the heart of Bradford people.".