First in the world I was most interested to read the article on Lionel Lukin in the summer number of THE LIFEBOAT. I see that the author is a member of the Hythe branch of the RNLI. If he has not already read the article on Lionel Lukin published in THE LIFEBOAT for November 1925, I suggest he try to borrow a copy. It gives a pretty concise history of the man and his work.

One point not brought out by Frank Martin in his notes is the fact that the Lowestoft boat, Frances Ann, was a sailing as well as a rowing lifeboat, and was based on the Lowestoft beach yawls. This makes her the first sailing lifeboat in the world.—j. w. MITCHLEY, Chairman of the Port of Lowestoft Research Society, 50 Kirkley Cliff, Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Any ghostly encounters? I am currently writing a book about the history of seafaring and would be grateful to hear from mariners, both retired and active, who have anecdotes to tell. I am particularly interested in experiences of ghost ships—either eyewitness accounts of these apparitions and similar happenings, or second- -hand descriptions and stories. I would also be grateful for any details about further sources of information, either written or pictorial, on this phenomenon.

—GRAHAM HOUGHTON, Peasy Cottage, 2 Bradney Lane, Bawdrip, Bridgwater, Somerset TA7 8PZ.

No call unanswered At 8.30 am on Sunday August 19, 1985, a MAYDAY distress call was received from the Lemon Tree Cafe on the seafront at Ferring, Sussex. They were right out of change and expecting a busy day. Mr Deryck Stanley, box secretary of Worthing branch, immediately launched himself and, after filling up with silver from Mrs AnnParr, in charge of souvenirs, hurried to the scene. The mechanical box in the cafe was emptied, providing further loose change, and after being suitably refuelled at the cafe, the box secretary was back on station and ready for service at 9.30 am.—MRS j. E. PEARCE, Worthing, West Sussex.

For this service, a letter of thanks, signed by Shelley Griffiths, editorial assistant, was sent to Mrs Pearce asking her to convey the Institution's thanks to Mr Deryck Stanley.

Civil SAR servants A note to congratulate you on a really splendid helicopter article—it will very effectively demolish the oddballs we get, who claim that the lifeboat has been overtaken by new technology.

However, no mention is made of the four civil SAR helicopter units currently operational around the North Sea, albeit that only the one (HMCG Sumburgh) truly qualifies for an RNLI link.

Bristow's have day and night capable Bell 212s on Shell Expro's Brent Field, whilst Bond has day-only SA365 Dauphin 2s on Elf's Frigg, and BP's Forties Fields. The last has, in fact, received the 1984 Sea Rescue Award from the Shipwrecked Mariner's Society for a quite remarkable rescue from the MFV Whylla's liferaft after she sank in a force 10 storm on 16 November last year. We also have the world's most advanced SAR helicopter; this is a Bristow S-61N, based at Sumburgh for HMCG with the only fully-automated flight control outfit in the business.—JIM FERGUSON, (Rotor & Wing magazine), 19 Rosebery St, Aberdeen.

Starting stall I am writing to thank all readers of the journal who kindly answered our branch request for help with regard to a souvenir stall. The response from all over Great Britain was overwhelming and after much thought and deliberation we were able, via the souvenir secretary of the Gloucester branch, to obtain a suitable stall which is now fully in operation and has been much admired.

If any other branches are interested in acquiring such a stall perhaps they would contact me and we could let them have details.—DAVID SPENCER ESQ, chairman, Teignmouth branch, Laurel Cottage, Ideford, Nr Newton Abbot, Devon.

Grace Darling For a book I am writing about Grace Darling, I should appreciate any information, literature or recollections pertaining to the Grace Darling League, which was founded by Constance Smedley in 1933 and existed until 1938. All communications will be returned to the sender. JESSICA MITFORD, 6411 Regent Street, Oakland, California 94618, U.S.A..