Barrow branch has set itself the target of raising £26,000, the estimated cost of reengining and refitting its lifeboat, the 46' 9" Watson, Herbert Leigh. The halfway mark, £13,000, was passed last October.

Arklow: On October 11, 1976, Ronald M. Delany, an Irish member of theCommittee of Management and an Arklow citizen by birth, presented a vellum to Coxswain Michael O'Brien commemorating the 150th anniversary of the station, which was established in 1826. Since that time the lifeboat has launched on service more than 250 times and rescued more than 300 lives.

Cambeltown lifeboat helps 120 Squadron at RAF Machrihanish in its 'at sea' dinghy drills and helicopter lifts. Last autumn members of the crew visited the Squadron and were shown over a Nimrod maritime reconnaissance aircraft; there was the opportunity, too, of very useful discussion on the problems of operating both Nimrod and lifeboat in air/sea rescues.

Portpatrick: During a visit to Galloway last October, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, Leader of the Opposition, was shown over Portpatrick's 47' Watson lifeboat The Jeanie and met members of her crew..