IN the course of a year the R.N.L.I. receives hundreds of letters and drawings from children in praise of the life-boat service. Quite a few of the writers send donations to the Institution, and from time to time extracts from their letters appear under 'New Ways of Raising Money'.

The illustration (top right), for instance, is the work of Timothy Whitnall, then aged 8, of Canvey Island, Essex, who, in telling us that he was coming to London with his two illustrated scrapbooks 'For Those In Peril' (llin. by 17 in., 18 pages) and 'The Life-boats' (same format, 24 pages), added (to our alarm): 'My little sister Rebecca says she wants to be a life-boat man and she is only three years old'.

FAMILY CALLED Our first thought, when we got Timothy's letter, was that perhaps he might make the journey on his own—with sister Rebecca—in a bath-tub from Canvey Island to Westminster pier. A covering letter was therefore sent to his guardian pointing out that, while we would be delighted to see Timothy, was everything above board so far as coming to London was concerned ? Back came a reply that everything was in order and that, if agreeable, his father and brothers Simon (aged 10) and Mark (7) would like to call at 42 Grosvenor Gardens.

This attractive letter reached the R.N.L.I. from Linda Verrall, Class I, Forge Lane Infants' School, Forge Lane, Hanworth, Middlesex. The envelope flap, which was reversed for reproduction here, shows a golliwog and animals round a pillar-box.Timothy explained how a year before his interest in life-boats caused him to start to compile scrapbooks about the work of the R.N.L.I. In the course of talking to him it was soon clear that he had a thorough knowledge of the subject. This interest has spread in the Whitnall family and in the future— well, no one can tell what it will lead to. Coxswain Timothy Whitnall ? President Rebecca Whitnall of the ladies' life-boat guild ? The importance of children in helping to spread interest in the work of the life-boat service cannot be over-estimated. Schools are for ever setting life-boat projects which must stimulate interest at home. In this connection the B.B.C.

children's TV programme 'Blue Peter' has perhaps made the greatest impact and the most lasting effect.

Oil Painting Presentation For their many kindnesses to the Goodwin Sands and Downs branch of the R.N.L.I. during their two years' mayorality, the Mayor and Mayoress of Deal (Councillor and Mrs. John Blake) were in March this year presented with an oil painting of the Walmer life-boat by the branch committee.

The painting, presented by Mr. Alfred J. Schermuly, branch president, was the work of his 48 year old son, Mr. Alfred Schermuly, jnr., a Hove, Sussex, artist, and was in the colourful style of Van Gogh..