IT is NOW MORE than four years since the series of official RNLI commemorative covers was started. These colourful philatelic souvenirs of events in the life of the Institution were first issued in 1974 during the 150th anniversary year, when several of the postal administrations in the British Isles issued special lifeboat stamps.

Further covers have been produced since then for many different events resulting in a regular contribution to RNLI funds. By the end of 1978 over 40 different covers will have been issued, many for naming ceremonies of new lifeboats or centenaries and 150th anniversaries of lifeboat stations.

All the covers depict lifeboats, both modern and early types, from specially commissioned drawings, and almost all of them are cancelled by one-day pictorial handstamp postmarks for the event being commemorated. A small number of each issue are carried aboard the lifeboat concerned and copies are also available signed by the coxswain.

Some early covers are no longer available from stock and these can change hands for anything up to £10 each. However, the RNLI philatelic agents have a comprehensive stock of the remaining covers and are always prepared to receive and consider offers of early covers for resale from collectors.

A complete list of covers available and current prices, including the RNLI cover album with an embossed crest on the cover, can be obtained by fowarding a stamped addressed envelope to: RNLI Philatelic Agents, 13 Best Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2XX (Tel. Canterbury 61859)..