A LESSER KNOWN BRANCH of the RNLI is the Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society. It was formed in 1964 to cater for the needs of those with a technical or historical interest in the work of the Institution. Initially there were only eight members, but over the years the number has increased to around 500.

Members interests may be split into three main areas: two have remained constant, namely lifeboat history and modern technical development as it affects the RNLI; the third is lifeboat modelling. This latter field is by no means new in the ship modelling world, but it is only in very recent years that the hobby has become directly associated with the society. Experience has shown that members benefit in many ways from the society, and this is especially true for the modeller. Plans of lifeboats are of course available for sale from RNLI HQ, but it is from the Lifeboat Enthusiasts' own model consultants that members can gain that little extra bit of detail or know-how if needed. To build a model lifeboat can easily take 2,000 hours, but it is well worth the effort if you are lucky enough to have the necessary skills. Models fall into two categories: the static model and the radio controlled working model. Although both reflect different aspects of the hobby they are just as exacting and require as much effort.

The model consultants are Brian King and David Reed, both medal winners on more than one occasion at the Model Engineer Exhibition.

At the outset it was the history of the Institution that roused interest in membership.

As the society has progressed this interest has grown and many members have developed very detailed re-cords covering lifeboats, stations and services. One such member, Grahame Farr, the society's official archivist, is a recognised authority on lifeboat history and as such has been able to aid the growth of the society and do much to help members increase their knowledge.

It was mainly due to Grahame's efforts, and that of Dr and Mrs Yorke of Formby, that we now know the first known lifeboat was stationed on the Mersey in 1776 at Formby, and not at Bamburgh in 1786 as had originally been thought. Grahame has written many books on the history of lifeboats, their crews and stations in the West Country and Wales. His other works cover official numbers, lifeboat stations throughout the British Isles, and various earlier types of lifeboat. Other members, Jeff Morris of Coventry for example, have also undertaken much research, enabling them to write detailed station histories. These books are not only of interest to the historian, but also useful fund-raisers at station branches.

Members' individual interests vary over a wide range. The most common is of course historical in so far as details of local history of certain parts of the coast are researched and collated. Other members find interest in postage stamps depicting lifesaving subjects. The taking and collecting of photographs has always been popular, though because of the sheer magnitude of the task it has not yet proved practicable to compile a central photographic index. Also popular and very rewarding is collecting postcards from both home and overseas.

Older cards are rare but still come to hand from time to time in the most unexpected places. Lifeboat stations have always been a source of interest to members. Indeed, Derek Waters of Winchester, together with his family, has visited all the lifeboat stations on the mainland of the British Isles. Ofcourse much spare time is spent helping with local branch activities and Shoreline is well supported also.

A small proportion of members own ex-lifeboats which they use for various purposes. One is Gill of London owned by Paul Neate of Poole, who takes great pride in keeping her in as near original condition as possible. Others use their craft as work boats and some have carried out excellent conversions to yachts or cabin cruisers.

Although basically a correspondence society there are occasional meetings of Enthusiasts held in London, usually at the Daily Express International Boat Show at Earls Court. This year, however, it is intended to hold a special gettogether of Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society members at Poole on Saturday July 24 in connection with the RNLI HQ and depot open days held as its contribution to Maritime England 1982. Members will be given full details of this event in the near future.

The main means of communication is by a fully illustrated newsletter which is circulated to all members both in the UK and abroad. Produced in offset litho by the Institution's own printing department at Poole, this brings together all facets of the society and its work. Up-to-date news of operational matters is regularly provided in a feature by the Institution's Public Relations Officer, Ray Kipling. Members contribute letters and articles on various lifeboat-related matters which in turn lead to further exchanges of correspondence.

The newsletter is well illustrated with photographs originating from members, the RNLI and other SAR organisations at home and abroad.

Indeed, it has been as a direct result of various photographs having been published that hitherto unrecognised prints have been identified. Members are also kept well informed on technical developments and lifeboat movements.

Within the Lifeboat Enthusiasts' society there are area research groups which have been set up to study in detail the work of the RNLI in various parts of the country. Areas at present covered are the Thames Estuary, the section of coast from the Humber to the Tees, and in the north west, around the Lancashire coast, the Mersey Estuary and North Wales. Although part of the Society, these groups are autonomous in their operation, producing their own newsletters and having separate membership fees.

Membership of the Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society at present costs £3 per year for adult members and £1 for juniors under the age of 18. Unfortunately, however, because of rising costs it is anticipated that from August 1, 1982, these will have to be increased to £5 for adults and £2 for junior members.

Overseas membership details are available on application.

I and my wife, Pam, honorary secretary and assistant honorary secretary respectively, will be pleased to provide membership forms upon request. Our address, and those of the honorary secretaries of the area research groups, are give below: Addresses of honorary secretaries: Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society: John G. Francis, 13 West Way. Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent BR5 1LN.

Humber-Tees Lifeboat Research Group: John D. Fox, 24 Headfield View, Thornhill Leas, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 9JP.

North West Research Group: Ronald Parkinson, 59 Somerville Close, Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside L63 OPQ.

Thames Estuary Research Group: J. C.

Froom, Burford Lodge, 164 Stock Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 ORS..