The naming of Lady of Lancashire FLEETWOOD'S NEW 44' WAVENEY LIFEBOAT by HRH The Duke of Kent PRESIDENT OF THE RNLIA LARGE CROWD lined the seafront at Fleetwood to see HRH The Duke of Kent name the new lifeboat. The early evening sun was bright, and a force 7 wind gave the 44' Waveney class Lady of Lancashire a chance to show how she tackles the sort of seas often encountered on service.

Welcoming the Duke of Kent, both the Fleetwood branch chairman, F. M.

Hardman, and honorary secretary R. T.

Willoughby, were clearly delighted that a member of the Royal Family was to carry out the first lifeboat naming at the station since 1939; it was particularly pleasurable that the man who was coxswain at that time, Jeffrey Wright, a holder of the RNLI's silver medal, was present for the naming. By contrast, the current Fleetwood coxswain, David Scott, 27 a few days before, is the RNLI's youngest coxswain.

Following the interdenominational service, the Duke of Kent said that it was always a pleasure to name a new lifeboat, and referred to the generosity and modesty of the anonymous donor, described as a Lancashire businessman (who was believed to be present).

The Duke of Kent took this opportunity to make public the bold new fund-raising venture referred to on page 183. A number of leading Americans in Britain, he stated, are planning an appeal to their fellow citizens to provide a lifeboat to mark the friendship and mutual goodwill shown during the celebrations of America's bicentenary.

An example, the Duke concluded, of the goodwill fostered by the cause of lifesaving at sea around the world.

With the bottle of champagne duly smashed over the lifeboat's bows., the Duke embarked for a short trip in the Wyre Channel. Protective clothing was donned as the lifeboat raced through the rough water, and it was not difficult to imagine her on rather more urgent business.—A.H.G..