ANOTHER YEAR has come to the end, and a very successful one it was for Shoreline. Membership is well in excess of 97,000, and although we did not reach our target of 100,000 we were not all that far off. I doubt whether we shall be many months into 1984 before this milestone is passed.

* * * News about the activities of our Shoreline Clubs is always good to hear.

Shoreline Club No 4, at Milton Keynes.

helps at many fund-raising functions in its area. Just recently Mrs Martin kindly gave two Christmas cakes to be raffled; they were beautifully decorated, and much admired, and they raised £46 for the lifeboats. This club also takes part in the local Soap Box Derby. In 1982 its 8ft model lifeboat (see right) won first prize in the novelty class and last year it was asked to run a special lap of honour. Well done, Milton Keynes.

Up till now I have been able to tell you fairly regularly of new Shoreline clubs being founded—and clubs may well be inaugurated early in the year at Broadstairs, Rochford, Sheffield and Dover: more about that another time.

Sadly, however, this year I have to tell you of the disbanding for the time being of our first Shoreline Club, at Portsmouth.

At the recent AGM of Shoreline Club No 1 it was unanimously agreed to suspend activities temporarily because of lack of support; let us hope that I shall soon have the pleasure of reporting that this club is again under way. The response to the 'Give a Shoreline Membership for Christmas' appeal which went out with the autumn journal has been most heartening. So far more than 275 new members have been recorded, and requests are still coming in.

Thank you for this Christmas support.

As you know, over the years we try to find ways and means by which our supporters can benefit together with the RNLI. Fred Olsen Travel has made a number of special offers which have resulted in some very enjoyable holidays for lifeboat people and welcome contributions to lifeboat funds. In 1984 and 1985 Fred Olsen is offering holidays in Egypt of either nine or 12 nights duration. The short holiday will consist of a four-night Sheriton Nile Cruise and the longer of a seven-night Sheriton Nile Cruise, each combined with a five-night stay in Cairo. Prices start from £749 for nine nights and £860 for 12 nights, including all air travel, half board in Cairo, and full board and comprehensive sightseeing while on board the Nile cruise ship. Also included is a full day tour to the Pyramids, Memphis and Saqqara.

For each holiday booked through their company, Fred Olsen will make a substantial contribution to RNLI funds. Full information can be obtained from Fred Olsen Travel, 11 Conduit Street, London Wl, or telephone 01-491 3760.

I hope some of our members will be able to take advantage of this offer— and perhaps meet other lifeboat supporters on the Nile? I can assure you that you will be well looked after and be given a holiday to remember for many years to come.

And now we are already well into the new year. It is my pleasure to send every one of you the good wishes of all members of Shoreline staff here at Poole for a very happy and peaceful 1984—PETER HOLNESS, membership secretary, RNLI, Wesl Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 I HZ..