ONCE AGAIN, to look back at the Boat Show is to look back on eleven happy and successful days. With the help of volunteer Shoreline members on the RNLI stand and of our friends at the Midland Bank stand, we enrolled 528 new members and a brisk business was also done in insignia; with subscriptions and sale of insignia we took, in all, £4,228 during the show.

Many old friends looked in to see us, six established members visiting us specially to make considerable increases in their subscriptions. That is a great encouragement.

One visitor who is always welcome was The Right Hon. Edward Heath, MBE, MP, who came to autograph copies of the 4th edition of the RNLI CookBook to which he had contributed a recipe for grilled chicken. While there, Mr. Heath, one of our founder YLA members and an outstandingly successful offshore yachtsman, agreed to answer a few questions put by Heather Deane, a member of our staff who has helped on the Shoreline stand at many shows: 'Mr Heath, it is almost six years to the day since you visited Earls Court on January 10, 1969, and bought the first Morning Cloud.

On that same visit you also enrolled as a member of the RNLI—No. 165. Would you be surprised to hear that we now have 28,030 members of Shoreline?' 'This is splendid news, and I think on your part you've done a tremendous job!' 'It would be interesting to know which event occurred first: did you feel you should enrol with the RNLI before or after you bought Morning CloudT 'Oh, I enrolled first.' 'Have you ever met any members of a lifeboat crew?' ' Yes, on many occasions' 'Does it increase your confidence, knowing there is a lifeboat station within hailing distance, in home waters ?' ' Yes, it does, most certainly.' 'Is there any advice you would offer to someone taking up sailing?''Make sure they learn how to do it. This is essential.' 'Are you happy with your present yacht? Is there anything you would like to change in her?' ' Yes, but of course, we are always trying to improve her.' 'Which is the next major sailing event you are looking forward to ?' 'There will be the Solent races next, and the Channel races. One always looks forward to these events' 'Finally, Mr Heath, have you a message for our lifeboat crews and our voluntary workers ?' '/ should like to express deep gratitude for the work you all do. Please, keep it up!' On August 7, Henley-on-Thames branch is holding a Boat Rally at Remenham Club, Henley, to which a warm welcome is extended to all Shoreline members. There is to be an Austrian Beer-garden—with appropriate musical accompaniment—and, in the evening, to wind up festivities, a dance.

Here is an excellent opportunity for Shoreline members in the Henley area to meet socially and also, of course, to help local fund raising efforts.

Further details will be available nearerTo: SHORELINE, RNLI, WEST QUAY ROAD, POOLE, DORSET, BH15 1HZ.

I should like to be a part of such a worthwhile voluntary cause by becoming a SHORELINE member of the lifeboat service and joining the Institution as: A Life Member and Life Governor: minimum donation £60, including journal A Member and Governor: minimum annual subscription £10, including journal An Offshore Member: minimum annual subscription £3, including journal Total subscription Below are the various items you are entitled to wear or fly as a member of SHORELINE: Members' tie (Terylene) £1.50 Lady's brooch £0.50 Metal car badge £1.55 Pair of cuff-links £1.75 8 "hoist flag £1.25 12" hoist flag £2.00 Dinghy burgee £1.25 Insignia payment Shoreline Giro number is 294 7056 NAME / enclose P. O'/'cheque/cash for £ . . .

ADDRESS Date Signature.