IN the early summer of 1962 there were an exceptional number of life-boat exhibitions in various parts of the country, ranging from the opening of a new display centre at Exmouth to a major historical exhibition at Bradford; from the Irish Shipping Exhibition in Dublin to an enterprising venture staged by the Liverpool Nautical Re- search Society and a week's show at the Isle of Wight Industries Fair.

These were, of course, in addition to the display of life-boats on shore at the Scottish Boat Show at Glasgow, the Bath and West Show at Taunton, the Royal Highland Show at Edinburgh, the Royal Show at Newcastle and the Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate.

There were also many other agricultural shows, garden fetes and similar functions to which the Institution regularly contributes.

At Exmouth the display centre was opened on the 21st July by the Chair- man of the Council. A guard of honour was formed by the Sea Cadet Corps and many local organisations were represented. The display consists of a selection of models and equipment and a good deal of photographic material of both local and national interest.

The display centre at Exmouth brings the total of permanent life-boat exhibi- tions to five. The others are at Bamburgh, Brighton, Eastbourne and Whitby.

A month's exhibition was held at the Bradford City Art Gallery. Apart from the Institution's own exhibits, interest- ing items were provided by the Museum of Science and Engineering at New- castle-upon-Tyne and from several life- boat stations in the north-east of Eng- land. The exhibition included a number of models, pictures and paintings and historical documents and manuscripts.

The Institution owes a debt to the museum authorities for providing such excellent facilities and publicity..