THIS year marks the twenty-fifth anni- versary of the formation of the Stock- port crew of life-boat auxiliaries. In 1936 three young men were asked to collect on Stockport life-boat day. The following year they were asked again and with a number of friends collected a second time. The feeling among the men was that better results could be obtained if they were organised and dressed for the part. Thus the "crew" was formed, and whenever they take part in an effort or function oilskins or jerseys are worn. Even in the early days the interest and enthusiasm of the "crew" went far beyond the local life- boat day. Members made a study of the Institution's history, some studied the design and construction of life-boats and others went in for model-making.

Annual Church Service In 1938 they started an annual life-boat church service—an event which is still in the branch calendar each year. Help has been given by the "crew" at Accring- ton, Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne.

Bolton, Blackpool, Burnley, Man- chester, Morecambe, Preston and Southport. Representatives were sent to the Blackpool naming ceremony, to Scarborough, to the boat showinLondon and to the depot at Boreham Wood.

Crew Reformed After War When the war broke out in 1939 their activities were suspended, but Mr. W. L.

Barber, a founder member, reformed the "crew" as soon as it ended. Today there are ten members who are all associated in some way with scouting.

They take every opportunity of visiting stations and are prepared to help in many different ways—collecting, speak- ing, acting as stewards or showing films.

Unfortunately, no record was kept of money raised before the war by the team. Since 1955 they have collected over £900 and the excellent work done by this unique "crew" has been of real service to the North-West District and to the Institution as a whole..