Exmouth A WARM SUMMER'S DAY on the South Devon coast, royal visitors and a naming ceremony were guaranteed to bring holidaymakers, local inhabitants and lifeboat supporters to every vantage point in and around the Exmouth docks when Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Kent came to name the new 33ft Brede lifeboat on Tuesday July 24.

It did not matter that there were a few short showers of rain—the music by the Band of the Royal Marines from Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, together with the colourful flags and bunting and the bright dresses and hats of the ladies quickly dispelled any chance of gloom.

Cheers greeted the arrival of the smiling Duke and Duchess who, after introductions to county and civic officials and relations of the donors of the lifeboat, were presented with a bouquet and souvenir programmes by Amy Smith, daughter of Helmsman Glen Smith, and Debbie Graham, daughter of Second Coxswain Keith Graham.

After the playing of the National Anthem Mr L. W. Aplin, chairman of Exmouth station branch, welcomed everyone to the ceremony and said . . .

'We are indeed proud to have our President, accompanied by the Duchess of Kent, present at this ceremony.' On handing the lifeboat over to the RNLI, Mr N. G. Finch, representing the donors, said how delighted and honoured his grandmother would have been to have such a splendid lifeboat named after her. Then Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Compston, a deputy chairman of the Committee of Management who received the new lifeboat, said, 7 need hardly tell you what a pleasure it is to accept a new lifeboat from generous donors . . . the lifeboat in front of you is one of the 33ft Brede class which has proved to be a very successful design for the RNLI. She will be a great asset and will add to your station's impressive total of lives saved from the sea.' When Mr D. W. H. Sargeant, station honorary secretary, had accepted the new lifeboat on behalf of the branch, there followed a short service of dedication conducted by The Right Reverend E. A. J. Mercer, The Lord Bishop of Exeter, assisted by The Reverend G. F.

Watts, station honorary chaplain.

The Duke of Kent then addressed the gathering, saying how delighted he and the Duchess were to be present on such a special occasion in the station's long history.

'As President of the RNLI, I have had the pleasure of visiting a great number of lifeboat stations in the United Kingdom and through them all runs a thread—the bravery and dedication of our lifeboatmen and the support they receive from their patient and loving families . . . The Institution is fortunate in receiving generous gifts to pay for new lifeboats and I add my thanks to those already expressed to the donors of the new Exmouth lifeboat. I am sure that this new lifeboat will serve the station well and it gives me pleasure to ask my wife to name the lifeboat.' 'I name this lifeboat Caroline Finch; may God bless all who sail in her,' whereupon the Duchess of Kent pressed the button to break the traditional bottle of champagne on the lifeboat's bows. After three hearty cheers, led by Les Vipond, the divisional inspector for the South West, the royal party boarded the lifeboat for a short trip.

During tea, at the Pavilion, afterwards, the Duke and Duchess met crew members and their families, station officials and members of the branch and guild. Finally, after the Duke and Duchess had taken their leave, Mrs Aplin, chairman of the ladies' guild, was presented with the RNLI's gold badge by Admiral Compston.—H.D.

Poole SELDOM CAN Poole Town Quay have been more crowded than on the afternoon of Wednesday June 13 when Poole's new lifeboat, a 33ft Brede, dressed overall and gleaming in the sunshine, awaited her naming. Not only were visitors standing thick behind the seated guests but there were also a number of launches anchored off, filled with well wishers. The cheerful playing of Oakmead School Band, Bournemouth, which was to provide all the music for the afternoon, added to the happy atmosphere.

The new Brede had been principally funded by the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland, and a great many representatives had come from far and wide to join with members of Poole station branch and guild, the lifeboatmen and their families, on this memorable occasion. Guest of honour was Mrs A. W. Browne, ARRC JP, past president of the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs, and on her arrival she was presented with a bouquet by Tracey Coles, daughter of Crew Mem-her David Coles. Mrs Browne and her husband, who accompanied her, have long associations with the lifeboat service; Mr Browne had been much concerned with the former Seaham lifeboat station and his family had served as crew members in Scotland. Speaking later in the afternoon, Mrs Browne expressed her delight that her choice of charity for her year of office had met with immediate and enthusiastic acceptance at the annual assembly of the Inner Wheel and her pleasure at the great co-operation of all the clubs which had brought the idea to such happy fruition.

To open the proceedings all the guests were welcomed by His Worship The Mayor of Poole, Councillor J.

Breckell, president of Poole branch.

After Mr M. G. K. Pennell, inspector of lifeboats for the south east division, had described the new Brede, Mrs A. W. Browne formally handed her over to the RNLI. The lifeboat was accepted by Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Compston, a deputy chairman of the Committee of Management, who in turn, after expressing the Institution's heartfelt thanks to the Inner Wheel, delivered her into the care of Poole branch; she was received by Lt-Cdr K.

S. Pattisson, honorary secretary of Poole lifeboat station.

A service of dedication followed conducted by The Reverend Canon John Potter, Rector and Rural Dean of Poole, assisted by The Reverend Basil Watkins-Jones, Vicar of Lilliput, where the lifeboat is stationed, The Reverend David Kynaston, Superintendent Minister of the Poole Circuit of the Methodist Church and The Reverend Father Tony Bennett, Assistant Priest, St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Poole.

After the hymn 'Eternal Father' and the Blessing had brought the service to a close, at the invitation of Dr R. W.

Adam, chairman of the branch, Mrs Browne rose to name the lifeboat Inner Wheel. The bottle of champagne broke and, as the new 33ft Brede cast off her moorings to give a demonstration of her manoeuvrability, she was greeted with warm applause from the shore and a welcoming fanfare on the hooters of the merchant vessels lying alongside the opposite quay. To round off the afternoon, Mr and Mrs Browne and other guests were invited aboard Inner Wheel to be taken for a short trip in Poole Harbour by Coxswain/Mechanic Frank Ide and his crew.—J.D.

Relief 33ft Brede and Withernsea THE GLORIOUS WEATHER enjoyed throughout May and June changed on Friday, June 22 to one of strong winds and threatening clouds. It did not, however, detract from two special occasions on the east coast.

At Bridlington the naming of the 33ft Brede class relief lifeboat Enid of Yorkshire took place, under the chairmanship of Dr T. R. Wilson, chairman of Bridlington lifeboat station. The harbour, with the Salvation Army band playing, made a grand setting. Mr A. T.

Sanderson, the donor, wished the ceremony to be a real family occasion. His brother, Mr Noel Sanderson, handed the boat over to The Marquis of Normanby, a member of the Committee of Management, who received it on behalf of the RNLI. The Reverend Charles Fox, Vicar of the Parish of Newbold De Verdun, and nephew of Mr Sanderson, led the service of dedication and Mrs Muriel Fox, the donor's sister, named the lifeboat.

The family then boarded Enid of Yorkshire for a sail around the harbour, accompanied by Bridlington's 37ft Oakley and D class inflatable lifeboat. It really was a family occasion, with relations travelling from Ireland to witness the ceremony. Everyone concerned was duly thanked by RNLI deputy director, Lt-Cdr Brian Miles, in particular the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners for their excellent co-operation and hospitality.

The formalities were concluded with a presentation of bouquets to Lady Normanby and Mrs Muriel Fox Mary, Lady MacDonald of Sleat, and Dr Jean Wilson, president and vice president respectively of Bridlington ladies' lifeboat guild.

The following day, June 23, saw opening of the new Withernsea lifeboathouse and the handing over of station's new D class inflatable lifeboat.

The boathouse, funded by a local appeal, has a working area with excellent facilities for the crew in addition a crew/committee room; it also has marvellous view of the operational area, with all communications to hand.

Mr B. Nordon, station administrative officer, welcomed everyone and introduced Mr and Mrs N. Menhennet, representing the Rotaract Club Croydon South who funded the boat.

The deputy director, Lt-Cdr Brian Miles, accepted the boat, then passed her into the care of Withernsea branch.

Mr Barry Brigham, honorary secretary, received her on behalf of the station and crew. The service of dedication was led by The Reverend P. I. Addision, Vicar of Owthorne and Rimswell with Withernsea and formerly a Chaplain in the Royal Navy, with The Reverend D. Anderson (United Reformed), The Reverend R. Fowkes (Methodist) and The Reverend M. Marsden (Roman Catholic) taking part.

Lt Cdr Brian Miles declared the new lifeboat house open and bouquets were presented to Mrs Menhennet and Mrs Miles. The lifeboat was then launched in a heavy breaking sea and illustrated the skill and seamanship of the Withernsea crew.

These were two extremely interesting, exhilarating, and somewhat unusual days, which once again showed the commitment of the fund raising supporters bearing fruit with the provision of boats, a boathouse and equipment.

—B.H.S. Relief 47ft Tyne THERE is NOTHING like a band to bring out a sense of occasion and the sound of the Band of HM Royal Marines Commander- in-Chief, Naval Home Command, striking up beside the RNLI Poole depot quay just after midday on Thursday, June 28, raised the spirits of the crowd enough to match the effervescence of the champagne poised above the bow of relief lifeboat, 47-002.

Soon to lose her anonymity and officially to become Sam and Joan Woods, the second of the 47ft Tyne class lifeboats lay with her bow to the quayside, dressed overall, and her crew, sentinel, on the forward deck. On her starboard side, like a maid of honour, was the 48ft 6in Oakley class lifeboat, Charles Henry, ex Selsey and waiting to be sent to Baltimore. On her port side the brand new 33ft Brede class lifeboat Nottinghamshire destined for Invergordon was moored, a bridesmaid on this occasion.

The late Admiral Sir Wilfred Woods, GBE KCB DSO DL, after whom and whose late wife the lifeboat was to be named, was chairman of the RNLI Committee of Management from 1968 to 1972. It was therefore very fitting that the naming ceremony of his lifeboat should be witnessed by a large number of today's RNLI Committee of Management (meeting in Poole the previous day), many of whom had still fond memories of the man himself.

Before the ceremony began, Admiral Woods' daughter, Mrs A. W. Hemsted, who was to name the lifeboat, was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Dawn Cullinane, the youngest staff member at Poole. Then, after RNLI director, Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, had opened the proceedings, the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the Institution, stood up to speak. He remembered being convener of the Scottish Lifeboat Council at the time of the two lifeboat disasters, at Longhope in 1969 and Fraserburgh in 1970, when Admiral Woods was a tower of strength and steered the RNLI through a difficult period. The Duke also welcomed Mrs Eleanor Girling to the ceremony and thanked her for her donation of all the electronic equipment aboard the new lifeboat. The main cost of the lifeboat was provided from the general funds of the RNLI.

Commander Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, accepted the lifeboat from the chairman and gave a description of this class of lifeboat. He pointed out that she was the result of much careful work by the RNLI and in outlining some of the equipment she carried, said that the VHP direction finder was one of the most important new developments in lifeboat search and rescue.

The service of dedication which followed was conducted by The Reverend Rupert Lonsdale who had officiated at Mrs Hemsted's wedding some years earlier. He was assisted by The Reverend Canon John Potter, Rector and Rural Dean of Poole, The Reverend Alfred Joy, Minister of the Baptist Church at Poole, and Father Eamonn McGivern, Parish Priest of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Poole.

Following the singing and prayers, Mrs Hemsted prepared to name the lifeboat. She remembered how her father had taken every opportunity to go to sea in a lifeboat during his time as chairman. She thanked the RNLI for inviting her to perform the naming, saying it gave her immense pride. Then she released the bottle of champagne which showered its contents over the foredeck of Sam and Joan Woods.

The formalities over, the official party, which included Mrs Hemsted and Mrs Girling, went on board the lifeboat and were taken out into Holes Bay to be shown how she performed. Meanwhile, overhead and right on schedule, a Royal Navy Wessex helicopter arrived, trailing the RNLI flag which fluttered taut at the end of a winch wire.—E.W-W.

RNLB Foresters Future AS IF TO ENSURE that the occasion would be a bright and colourful one, members of the Executive Council of the Ancient Order of Foresters proudly wore their emerald green collars to the naming ceremony of the 33ft Brede lifeboat Foresters Future. The ceremony was held on Thursday July 19, the first day of RNLI Open Days in Poole, and so, not only was there a large party of Foresters present to witness the ceremony, but visitors to the Open Days also had the opportunity to see a lifeboat being named.

At the centre of attraction for everybody was the 33ft Brede lifeboat Foresters Future, the eighth lifeboat of this class to take up station or relief fleet duties. At present she is stationed at Alderney, Channel Islands, for 12 months of evaluation trials to assess the suitability of Alderney as a permanent lifeboat station.

Before the ceremony began those attending were well entertained by the Queen Elizabeth School Wind Band from Wimborne, under the direction of Mr Grant Bocking. As the platform party arrived Mrs Renee Roddie, wife of the Order's High Chief Ranger, was presented with a bouquet by Paula Mills, the youngest member of staff at Poole headquarters, who had only joined ten days before.

Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, director, opened the proceedings by describing the new boat and her capabilities; his speech was followed by that of Mr Raymond Roddie, High Chief Ranger of the Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society. Mr Roddie said how pleased the society was to continue its association with the RNLI and compared the new Brede lifeboat with earlier boats funded by the Foresters.

Adding that the naming ceremony was taking place in the Order's 150th anniversary year and the RNLI's 160th anniversary year, he paid tribute to the lifeboat service and said, 7 hope that the Order and the Institution will continue their association for the next 150 years.' In accepting the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Compston, a deputy chairman of the Institu-tion, told those present that since being placed on service at Alderney in March 1984 Foresters Future had already been out on service six times . . .

'The Ancient Order of Foresters must feel as much satisfaction and pride as does Coxswain Stephen Shaw and his crew; both played a major role in those services, and it gives me enormous pleasure to accept this lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI.' A service of dedication and blessing was conducted by The Reverend Canon Barney Hopkinson, Rector of Wimborne Minster, after which Rear Admiral Graham invited Mrs Roddie to name the lifeboat, which she proudly did with the now very familiar, but traditional words. Mrs Roddie then pressed the button to break the champagne bottle over the bows of the lifeboat which, much to the delight of all onlookers, broke with a resounding crash.

As the platform party boarded the lifeboat for a short trip around Holes Bay a search and rescue helicopter from RNAS Lee-on-Solent flew overhead with an RNLI flag streaming from its winchwire. The flag retrieved, the helicopter took part in an SAR demonstration with the Poole lifeboat Inner Wheel, another 33ft Brede. Although the naming ceremony might have been briefly forgotten during the demonstration, it will remain as a lasting memory for everyone present.—S.J.G.

Re-dedication at Stornoway ON WEDNESDAY, July 25, a mild, overcast day in the Western Isles, guests invited to attend the re-dedication ceremony for the new Stornoway 52ft Arun class lifeboat Sir Max Aitken II were welcomed by the stirring music of the Lewis Pipe Band, resplendent in traditional attire, and by 2.45 pm more than 500 friends and supporters settled into their seats at the harbour, with the boat dressed overall and gleaming in the foreground and the castle as a backcloth across the water.

As the appointed hour approached, the platform party arrived and, passing between ranks of immaculate Scouts and Cubs, were escorted to the platform by an imposing and accomplished pipe major. With the Town Hall clock striking three, the chairman and former coxswain, Mr Ian Maclean, opened the proceedings, with the Laxdale Gaelic Choir leading the singing of the National Anthem and Christine Mackenzie, the seven-year-old daughter of the station honorary secretary, presenting a posy to Lady Heath who was accompanying her husband, Sir Barrie Heath, representing the Trustees of the Beaverbrook Foundation.

In welcoming everyone attending this special occasion, the chairman expressed the station's good wishes to Sir Max Aitken and hoped that his stay in hospital, which had prevented both himself and members of his family witnessing the occasion, would be brief, and in their absence greeted Sir Barrie and Lady Heath as most welcome guests and representatives.

Responding, Sir Barrie paid tribute to Sir Max, welcomed the arrival of the boat on station and acknowledged that she had already been called out on six occasions following her naming ceremony at Cowes earlier in the year. On behalf of the RNLI, Sir Charles McGrigor, a member of the Committee of Management and convener of the Scottish Lifeboat Council, having paid tribute to the donors for the provision of the boat, expressed gratitude to all who, through their endeavours, so generously contributed to both the funding of the lifeboat service generally and, particularly, the ladies, supporters and friends who energetically supported their own boat in Stornoway. He concluded by commending the lifeboat to the station's continued use in service, to the benefit of the seafaring community and those who use the waters around the Western Isles.

In accepting the lifeboat on behalf of the station and community, Mr A.

Matheson, convener of Comhairle nan Eilean, The Western Isles Island Council, said . . .

'There is no more profound factor in the life of this community than the sea. No other element has shaped our destiny, influenced our culture, affected our economy and changed our daily life with such all pervasive intensity. It is fitting, therefore, that such a large and representative section of our people should be here to participate in this ceremony and by their presence give tangible expression of our appreciation of and tribute to the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.' With a vote of thanks from Mrs K.

Hardy, the guild president, to everyone participating and making the occasion possible, a most moving service of dedication was conducted by The Reverend R. Morrison, with unaccompa- 1151 nied hymn singing being led by the Laxdale Gaelic Choir, culminating in his blessing the lifeboat and delivering the benediction at the quayside.

Memories will long remain for the people of Stornoway and visitors alike of a particularly solemn yet joyful day in the Western Isles and a lasting cameo will be the setting of the harbour and the lifeboat, whose engines had sprung to life, turning on her axis in strict tempo to the strains of a Scottish waltz played by the pipe band.—K.T.

Buckie THE NEW 52ft Arun class lifeboat Charles Brown, the second Arun to be donated by Mr David Robinson, had already undertaken four services since arriving on station at Buckie in March, but in the early hours of Saturday August 25 she was gleaming, in pristine condition and in position for her naming ceremony later that morning. By 10 o'clock the passive scence of Buckie harbour bathed in early morning sunshine, with flags and bunting barely fluttering, became transformed with the bustle of guests and cars arriving, police directing the parking and stewards ensuring everyone was properly seated.

The Findochty Salvation Army Band and Choir took their places and gently but melodiously entertained the assembling throng until the notes of the bagpipes played by Sinclair Longmore imposed themselves upon the scene and through the avenue of Army Cadets appeared the platform party.

The naming ceremony and dedication of Charles Brown was under way and all present saw Coxswain William Mc- Donald's daughter, Lorraine, gracefully making her presentation to Mrs Constance Brown, namer of the boat. Mrs Brown is the widow of Charles Brown, after whom the lifeboat is named and who was a close friend and business associate of Mr David Robinson.

Then Mr D. J. Scott, station branch chairman, opened the proceedings; having eloquently welcomed all present, he introduced the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the RNLI, who delivered the lifeboat to the station. Captain T. Garden, station branch secretary, accepted her and Mrs M. Murray, guild president, expressed appreciation to all involved in the ceremony.

With due solemnity, the service of dedication, conducted by The Reverend J. R. Osbeck, assisted by The Reverend A. Barr and The Reverend T. N. Johnston, received a total response from all who were witnessing the occasion. Mrs Brown, escorted by the divisional inspector for Scotland North, Lt John Unwin, then moved from the platform to the dais at the quayside and duly named the lifeboat. The champagne bottle was broken and, as if echoing the approval of all concerned, an air sea rescue helicopter flew past with the RNLI house flag proudly displayed from its winch wire.

The ceremony was concluded. The lifeboat with her special guests on board disappeared round the pier-head and a congregation of people, seemingly reluctant to leave, thronged around the site exchanging greetings, cameras clicking to record the moment.—K.T..