EARLY in 1972 the Committee of Management of the RNLI decided to try to raise an extra £50,000 net in Cornwall to complete the total bill for the new Sennen and Falmouth boats.

Commander L. F. L. Hill, RD, RNR, Staff Officer (Appeals), who is running the Cornish Lifeboat Appeal, writes: 'It is most necessary that an appeal of this dimension should have a visible target such as a new boat or boathotise, and that the area to be covered by it be sensibly assessed. Planning is essential.

'Preliminary selection of a potential committee prepared to work and of possible patrons to cover the selected area who will assist by using their influence, so that when an open meeting is called their names can be brought forward at the appropriate time, is important.

'An open meeting should be called, to which people already considered should be invited, to introduce the reason for the appeal. Following an open discussion a vote for approval to go ahead should be taken. Those already considered and approached prior to the meeting will, it is hoped, put their names forward to serve on the committee. The patrons' names will then be suggested and the necessary approach following this meeting.

'All local newspapers as well as nationals should be given an invitation to attend. The first committee meeting should be arranged as soon as possible.

If the co-ordinator makes the effort to become known to the editors and reporters it will be found that press and television will give a tremendous amount of support, the local papers in particular being only too willing to print articles on events and their results, bringing in the names of those who have helped. Local papers are far more closely read than others and the local press should always be given an opportunity to attend committee meetings.

'In order to make sure that all requirements decided on will be ready forthe start, such as printed appeal letters, pamphlets, display cards, car stickers, extra boxes, envelopes addressed ready for posting, it is advisable to allow two to four months' preparation from the first committee meeting, so that full impact is gained by combined publicity from press and TV, and local branches can take account of the appeal when planning their activities for the next season.

'If the area concerned is being efficiently worked, the extra strain on local staff will require a co-ordinator to be moved in to ensure that normal routine fund raising is not neglected.

Typing staff must be available to the coordinator, and at all times the team must work to the best advantage. In order that the local branches and guilds are fully aware of the situation, the coordinator should, if possible with an Assistant District Organising Secretary, meet all committees and explain that the appeal is to raise money over and above normal income, that it is not intended to overload them in any way, but that their help and advice would be much appreciated. To encourage local committees it should be explained that any extra money raised by their efforts will be credited to them through their own accounts.

'Close personal contact with all county and civic officials is essential and much help and support can come from county chairmen, mayors, town clerks, heads of departments such as the secretary for education, secretaries for school boards of management, area secretaries for the Women's Institute, youth leader for contact with all youth clubs, county tourist and press officers, secretary to the Young Farmers' Association, etc. With the help and support of such as these the reason for the appeal will spread far and wide.

'As many talks and film shows as possible to all groups should be given.

'Share certificates in some form are a great attraction and at boathouses such as Sennen have sold very well indeed, especially £1 and £5 units. The £10 units are better for groups such as W.I.s, schools and clubs, with the thought that these will be duly entered in a book of honour to be kept at the station concerned.

The drafting of the appeal letter is most important and this will vary from area to area. It should be approved by the appeal committee and the coordinator.

Covering letters for various groups should go out with this letter and can be sent out with routine mail to W.I.s, schools, etc. Individual letters should be sent out to solicitors, doctors, accountants, dentists, and firms or groups recommended by the committee.

'Chambers of commerce, hotel and guest house associations should be met and their help asked for in placing boxes.

All breweries if contacted personally through one of their directors will help boxes go out to all their houses and will generally place them with their own deliveries. One brewery in Cornwall offered a barrel of beer to the house in their group which raised the most pro rata, so that all large and small would have an equal chance.

'Good places for new boxes arc boutiques, fish and chip shops, and ladies' cloakrooms. Launching boxes are best for this appeal work.

'Generally about 90 per cent of the new boxes will be retained if encouraged, and these should be listed and handed continued on page 64.