THE RNLI was the beneficiary of the 1983 Newmarket Charity Race Day on Saturday June 25 when just over £13,500 was raised for the lifeboats. Although the morning began dull and overcast, by midday the cloud had dispersed and the sun shone on the racegoers and stand helpers (above left). The model Solent and Waveney lifeboats on show were by courtesy of Robert Mortlock of Felixstowe and the Watson by courtesy of Roger Whistler of Southend-on-Sea. Newmarket Round Table gave its support, running a bottle stall which raised £642.39.

Three of the seven races on the card were sponsored: the Van Geest Stakes, the Childwick Stud Stakes and the Holsten Diat Pils Maiden Stakes. Mr and Mrs van Geest were guests of the RNLI for the day but Mr Joel, who donated money towards the Childwick Stud Stakes race, unfortunately could not attend. Other guests included Coxswain Richard Davies of Cromer and Coxswain Peter Burwood of Harwich.

The grand draw, which raised £3,607.40, was made by Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, director of the Institution (above right); with him were (1 to r) Jane Sullivan of the Eastern Region Office, an announcer, George Price, regional organiser (East), Vivian May, a member of the RNLI Fund Raising Committee, and Peter Osborne, area organiser (East). First prize, a 14-day cruise for two to the Canaries donated by Fred Olsen Lines, was won by Mrs Sheila Jones of Southwold, where the voucher was later presented to her by Helmsman Roger Trigg and Peter Osborne. photographs by courtesy of Colorlap International.