Dewi Rowlands, a launcher at St David's from 1942 and head launcher since 1963, is the third generation of his family to serve this lifeboat station.

When he retired in January, they had, between them, spanned the 97 years since 1880. His great uncle, Henry Rowland, and father, Francis Rowland, were both crew members, and both were in the pulling lifeboat Gem when, in 1910, she was wrecked on service.

Francis survived but Henry was one of the three crew members lost; three seamen were rescued from the Democrat.

It is with deep regret that we announce the following deaths: January 1977 Mrs Dorris Hall, hard-working and efficient honorary secretary of Street branch. It was typical that mourners were asked, instead of flowers, to senddonations to the RNLI. Over £100 was received.

Horace James Lawrence, a member of Selsey lifeboat crew from 1928 to 1966. He was bowman from 1952 to 1960 and second coxswain from 1961 to 1966..