RNLI stamps • I am associated with the Appledore branch of the RNLI, for which Mr Barrie Smale, of Blacon, Chester, is a keen charity stamp collector. I first learned of the Institution when I read a letter written by Mr Smale about the branch's stamp appeal in one of our local newspapers. I replied and sent just a few stamps. I did not retreat, but rather continued to help Mr Smale, with the aid of a letter he sent me, authorising me to collect stamps from everyone in Jamaica.

I too wrote letters to two other newspapers here in Jamaica, and the response was good. I had then begun to establish a personal friendship with Mr Smale through our correspondence.

He afterwards decided to invest me with the honour of being not just his Jamaican assistant, but his assistant in the West Indies! I have received a membership pin which I wear with honour, dignity and pride.

I have written to various West Indies' newspapers already, as I am in the process of writing to every newspaper in the Caribbean and neighbouring areas. A letter to one of the Barbados newspapers has produced other helpers for Mr Smale.

Although I am only seventeen years old and still attend school, I literally 'make' time to help him; and we are striving to reach the target of £1,000 by December.

I have read three issues of THE LIFEBOAT and have found them to be equally inspiring and informative.— GLENN A. BOWEN, Great Valley PO, Hanover, Jamaica, West Indies.

Used postage stamps, both British and overseas, can help to raise funds for the Institution. It is known that a number of branches have their own outlets, but for those branches who have not, any stamps they may be able to collect would be gratefully received by either Mr B. Smale, 28 Stratford Road, Blacon, Chester, or Mr R. Smart, Flat 18, 81 Oak Hill, Woodford Green, Essex. Both volunteers collect, grade and dispose of used postage stamps for the funds of the Institution —EDITOR.Wonderful magazine • Here is my annual subscription fee (88p) for THE LIFEBOAT magazine.

Congratulations on a wonderful magazine.

—KEVIN GRUER, Winton Loan, Edinburgh.

RNLI benefits 0 I have started producing custombuilt miniature scale models of yachts (about 10' 1") and, as a yachtsman and a strong supporter of the RNLI for many years, I intend to use the business to make some contributions to your organisation. The models are mounted in perspex showcases.

It must be realised that I am not operating full time at present but feel that this is a possibility for the future in view of the demand for the models.

1 feel that as a matter of courtesy I should let you know of my intentions.

I am enclosing my own cheque for £4 and also another from a good customer of mine for whom I have just completed a model. Knowing of my RNLI interest, he has asked me to pass on his cheque for £5.

My contributions may not be large in view of my limited production but I feel that they will be of help in your good work. Payment is required to be made on delivery and subject to the customer's satisfaction—this is based on the confidence that the finished product will bring pleasure.—BRIAN H. WILLIAMS, Breamore Cottage, Bridgefield, Farnham, Surrey.Long association 0 I am the honorary secretary of the Isles of Scilly ladies' lifeboat guild but it seems that I was taking a great interest in the lifeboat service at the early age of four.

Enclosed is a snap taken of me in 1923 with the coxswain of the Gorleston lifeboat, Mr William Fleming. We used to stay in his house, and to go for a trip in the lifeboat to the Scrobie Sands and back was always the highlight of my holiday. We thought perhaps you might be interested in the old picture for THE LIFEBOAT.

I sincerely hope the interest in the RNLI will continue in my family for many years to come for my two grandsons (two and a half and one) have Bowman Richard Lethbridge of the Guy and Clare Hunter lifeboat as their godfather.—MARGARET SOAR, Harbour View, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly.

Thanks • Thank you for taking part in the rescue operation of September 18. Do believe that I am sorry for what happened to the lifeboat and for what might have happened to the people who were on her.

1 hope the error of some young student will not give you a bad impression of French sailors.—CHRISTOPHE RIZET, Le Vesinet, France.

This letter was received by Coxswain Michael Berry of the St Helier lifeboat, Jersey, following the rescue of the crew of six from the French yacht Bacchus on the night of September 18. The yacht, which had run among rocks and anchored off La Mo tie in a west southwesterly force 7 to 8 wind, was extensively damaged, and, in reaching her, the lifeboat Elizabeth Rippon sustained damage to hull and port propeller—EDITOR.

Mr Lindsay Britton Mr Lindsay A. Britton, a well-known honorary secretary in the south west, died at Truro, Cornwall, in September.

He was secretary at Cadgwith 1957, Lizard 1958, and Lizard-Cadgwith from 1961 to the time of his death. Mr Britton was presented with binoculars in 1961 and a picture in 1965 for his devoted service to the lifeboats..