THE BOAT SHOW at Earls Court in January went with a bang this year! First there was the bomb. Luckily no one was injured, and the way in which everyone walked quietly and calmly to the exits and cleared the building in a matter of minutes was most impressive.

Then there was the succsss of the Shoreline Stand. 365 people signed on as new members—one for each day of the year. I 'signed on' the 365th, Mr Van Tijn, in the train on my way home from London to Salisbury on the last night. We were particularly pleased to welcome aboard Howard Lang, Captain Baines of the BBC television serial 'The Onedin Line', and to hear his comments on seafaring; apparently the BBC received congratulatory letters from all over Europe on the high degree of authenticity achieved by this programme.

On the last day of the show, Member No. 165 called at the stand—the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Edward Heath.

He was greatly interested in the Atlantic 21 ILB which the RNLI had on display.

Elsewhere in this journal details are given of 'Lifeboat International', the exhibition to be held at Plymouth from July 19 to August 17. A special Yacht Rally is to be held at Plymouth duringthe opening weekend. The Royal Western Yacht Club of England is kindly helping the RNLI in providing the following Programme: Saturday, July 20: (i) Finish of any passage races arranged by individual clubs to Plymouth.

(ii) Race round Eddystone and perhaps one other mark: start 9 a.m.

(iii) Yachts received in Millbay p.m.

(iv) Seafaring party late p.m., including food and drink.

Sunday, July 21: (i) Privileged viewing of Exhibition, (ii) Special lifeboatmen's service a.m.

in Millbay, to which yachtsmen will be welcome.

(iii) Royal Western Y.C. of England 'At Home' to all yachtsmen 12.00.

'Pay for your own drinks' basis.

It is very much hoped that this will provide the basis for an enjoyable weekend at Plymouth coincident with yachtsmen lending their support to the RNLI at one of its major 150th anniversary events. Any Shoreline member who would like to join the rally is asked to write to: The RNLI Exhibition Office, 30 George Place, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 3NY, Devon (Plymouth 69124).

giving the following information: a. Yacht's name, tonnage, length overall.

b. Owner/Skipper's name RNLImemc.

Number in crew j bership nos.

d. Intended attendance at which events: Clu b PassageRace: Eddystone Race: Evening Party: Privilege Viewing: At Home RWYC.

With spring upon us, many of our members will be fitting out their boats for the coming season. Please do not forget to check your distress flares and replace them if necessary.—G. R. (Bob) Walton, Shoreline Organising Secretary (Membership), 29a Castle Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire (Tel.: Salisbury 6966)..