from page 203 Opening time approaches and already a queue of visitors is building up. Forward publicity, arranged by Don Harris, deputy national organiser, had resulted in announcements of the sale by two radio stations; it all helps.

Suddenly, packing cases disappear, the floor is swept and everyone is at action stations as the doors open sharp at 1030.

Within a quarter of an hour people are two or three deep round all the stands. Raffle tickets are being taken up fast; a queue is growing outside the Boutique; the marmalade stack is swiftly disappearing; the cake stall is bringing up its reserve stocks; and the first few people are collecting cups of coffee and scones.

Within three-quarters of an hour the first 'takings' are being brought to Gordon Stewart, the honorary treasurer, and Tom Foley, both retired bankers, who have set up their counting house in a quiet office. Runs to the bank to make deposits—another of Don Harris's jobs—will soon start.

Within an hour the Garden Shop looks almost as though a cloud of locusts has passed by and, with business brisk, all the stalls are beginning to look somewhat depleted. Before 'putting up their shutters' the Bottles, Garden Shop and Good-as-New stalls will each have taken more than £1,000.

By the end of the 1981 spring sale, more than £9,600 gross was taken. Just in one day. Just in one hall. But it is the result of a year's planning and much sustained effort by a very large, devoted and well-organised team.

Tired they will surely be at the end of the day (and there is still the clearing up to be done . . .) but, having made such a magnificent contribution to the work of the lifeboat service, they can with full justice feel that their hard work has been very well worth while. And what of future years? How much further will the ripples spread?.