THE SOUTH BANK MEETINGS, MAY 13, 1986 Annual General Meeting and Presentation of Awards Apart from the citations for a silver and two bronze medals which received rapturous applause when they were read out to the audience at the Royal Festival Hall, two other features of the day's proceedings will stand out in the minds of those present at the South Bank in The Chairman's Speech Record number of launches The morning meeting of governors was, as ever, well attended and all were no doubt impressed to hear from their chairman, the Duke of Atholl, that 1985 had been the busiest year ever for lifeboats and that another record sum had been raised to support their activities. . . .

'Looking first at the statistics of services, our lifeboats launched 3,864 times during the year, and saved 1,742 lives. This is an average of four and three-quarter lives every day and is the second highest number of lives saved in peace-time. I can assure you that the assessment "lives saved" is not made without a careful analysis of the rescue to see whether the persons's life was in real danger. If the person was assisted by the lifeboat but would, in all probability, have survived without that assistance, the record reads "person landed" and a further 713 people came into that category last year . . .

'Mark Twain is attributed with the saying that there are three kinds of lies, "Lies, May. The first was the attendance of the Duke of Kent, the RNLI's president, and his impressive speech and the second was the chairman's announcement of the Institution's target 'to complete the introduction of the RNLI's fast lifeboats by 1993'.

damned lies and statistics", implying that figures are to be treated with some caution to say the least. One must therefore be very careful in drawing conclusions from the tables of rescues which appear in the report before you. For example, last year lifeboats launched 520 times to board sailors, more than double the launches to this category in 1982. This is a high figure and 285 lives were saved. However, most of those launches were relatively straightforward and were carried out with great efficiency by our inflatable lifeboats averaging less than an hour per rescue.

'The number of launches to fishing vessels was almost the same — 536 - but the effort involved was much greater, and lifeboats spent 1,460 hours at sea helping fishermen, with almost a fifth of the rescues in winds of force seven or greater.

'So the pattern of rescues is complex and the main point to be drawn from the figures is that no matter who is in trouble at sea, our lifeboats will respond quickly and our lifeboatmen will use all their skills and endurance to one end - that of saving lives.

They have never wavered from that task and I hope that everybody in this hall will agree that our grateful thanks and goodwishes for another safe year go out to lifeboat crews everywhere.' New boats, new target Speaking of the duty the RNLI's governors had to provide the best available lifeboats and equipment for lifeboat crews, the Duke went on to report good progress with the new fast carriage boat which is designed to replace the carriage launched Oakley and Rother class lifeboats . . .

'The Oakleys and Rothers are the present carriage lifeboats and the softening of the wood around fastenings in the hull has led to expensive repairs. It is vital to put the safety of our crews first and to ensure that their lifeboats are fit for sea in all respects even though this has meant that at four stations these repairs have had to be carried out with no relief lifeboat available. The Institution has taken steps to accelerate the survey programme for all Oakleys and Rothers and to move forward with their replacement, the fast carriage boat, as quickly as possible. However, I have said before that developing a new lifeboat is a meticulous process and whilst completing the design is a high priority, extensive trials will also be needed.' The Duke then explained the Institution's newly set seven year target to complete the introduction of fast lifeboats around the coast . . .

' The target will mean the replacement of our slower, 8 knot, wooden hulled lifeboats with faster classes. The process was started some years ago when Waveneys, then Aruns took over where Watson and Barnett class lifeboats had served. It is continuing with the Tyne and now that our designers are working on the fast carriage boat it is realistic to set the target to replace all the older classes. This is an ambitious goal and will involve doubling our normal rate of boat building. The increase in pace has already begun and as I speak there are now 20 new lifeboats under construction, with a similar number of inflatables and rigid inflatables on order for delivery this year.

To sustain such a high level of new construction will require a considerable investment in time, effort and, not least, money.' The cost involved The estimated cost of achieving this target of boat building is £50 million. It was possible to place a further £2.25 million from the 1985 income into the fleet reserve fund (set aside to ensure an uninterrupted building programme) which now stands at £4.35 million; a small figure, the Duke commented, compared with the cost of the whole programme . . .

'The total expenditure in 1985 was just short of £20 million. After the allocation of money to designated funds, a balance of £1.6 million was transferred to the general funds, bringing the Institution's reserves to 31 weeks expenditure, a reasonable working level. These reserves are, of course, invested and the investment income generated more than pays the Institution's administration expenses which have been kept down to 4.7% of income for yet another year. I hope you will agree that this is a most creditable figure which reflects the careful housekeeping of the Director and his staff.'Another encouraging sign is that the fund-raising and publicity costs have been reduced in proportion to the income, though it is of course important to continue to spend in these areas to ensure a healthy income in the future.' Early retirement A further special allocation of £850,000 had been made in 1985 which will be needed to compensate full time lifeboat mechanics or coxswain/mechanics who face earlier retirement than originally anticipated following the Institution's decision to reduce the age from 60 to 55. The decision, made because of the increased physical demands of modern lifeboats . . .

. . . 'was taken after much study and largely on the advice of our medical and survival committee, bringing the RNLI into line with other emergency services such as the police, fire brigade and armed forces whose front-line men often retire even earlier. The committee of management must look at the overall good of the lifeboat service and the need for early retirement was no soft option and has caused concern among some crews. The committee recognised that full-time men, who expected to work to 60, need proper compensation and conditions are being worked out on the principle that they would not be out of pocket, based on their expected earnings to the age of 60. Furthermore, the early retirement is being phased in over five years to reduce the impact on existing crew members.' Another cost highlighted by the chairman, not always given full consideration by the public, was that of the constant maintenance, adaptation and modernisation of the Institution's 200 shore establishments, the lifeboat stations themselves. They are all in or by the sea, the most hostile environment possible, and almost £l'/2 million had to be spent in this area last year.

Fund raisers' achievements That all these costs could be met, the Duke pointed out, was entirely due to the hard work of fund raisers . . .

'Some very successful appeals reached their targets in the last year. In Edinburgh, over £450,000 was raised to provide a new lifeboat for Fraserburgh. New lifeboats were also funded by appeals in Cramer, Glamorgan and Belfast with the appeal committees attracting support from industry, clubs, schools and the general public.

New appeals have just been launched in Lowestoft and Dublin and we are about to launch an appeal in Glasgow and wish them all every success.

'Record levels were achieved in Christmas sales with staff stretched to the limit to meet the huge demand for RNLI cards and gifts. Shoreline continues to flourish and I am pleased to say that most members and governors have responded well to the increased subscription rates agreed at this meeting last year.

'A new junior membership scheme, Storm Force, had a good first year, enrolling over 4,000 children. The scheme, if you will forgive the pun, is still in its infancy and, like all infants, it needs all the support and encouragement you can give it, so please try to interest children, teachers and youth groups in Storm Force.

'The Chancellor's 1986 budget is strictly outside my report on 1985 but, as it contained good news for charities, it is worth mentioning now. VAT was lifted from charity advertising, a most welcome move which will save the Institution £40,000 per annum but it still leaves the Institution with a VAT bill for some £200,000. However, the Chancellor also announced tax benefits to encourage company donations to charities and payroll giving by employees and these should help us considerably.' The chairman ended his speech by welcoming new members of the committee of management and the movement to adopt the 1985 report and accounts was then unanimously agreed.

Presentation of Awards The hubbub in the foyer and the more restrained hush of the auditorium of the Royal Festival Hall immediately before the RNLFs annual presentation of awards are familiar signs of the keen anticipation that precedes any well loved show. This year was no exception, particularly as the RNLI's president, the Duke of Kent, was there to present the awards.

Before the presentations the Duke of Atholl addressed the gathering of voluntary workers and began by showing how all the efforts of those present were brought together by the three rescues they were to recognise that day . . .

' These three men represent different parts of the country, operate different, modernclasses of lifeboats which were funded in different ways. They could well be called a microcosm of the RNLI, showing how the fund raising provides the lifeboats which the voluntary crews then use so skilfully to save lives from craft of all types and all nations.' He then asked his audience to consider the record number of rescues and the 1,742 lives that were saved in 1985 . . .

'On average, every day last year, lifeboat crews saved 43/4 people. If you think of a family that you know - a father, mother, two children — then imagine that they were saved one day last year, and their neighbours with three children the next day, and so on, for 365 days, you may get a better picture of our lifeboatmen 's achievements.' The Duke outlined the progress in lifeboat design since the first fast lifeboat was introduced and reported that the fast carriage lifeboat was undergoing her initial trials. He then told the fund raisers about the Institution's target to complete the introduction of fast lifeboats by 1993 and the projected £50 million cost of achieving this aim.

The present reserve set aside for the building programme was £4.3 million, just under ten per cent of the total needed. He stressed, however . . .

'if current fund raising trends can be sustained, I am confident that we will meet our target and the resulting modernised lifeboat fleet will be a fine tribute to our collective efforts.' Listing the successful appeals for new lifeboats which took place in 1985 and announcing the launch of others he added . . .

'Branches and guilds once again excelled themselves and, with their customary ingenuity, increased their totals whilst enjoying their fund raising.' Shoreline and RNLI Trading had another successful year and the junior membership scheme Storm Force got off to a sound start. The range of activities now used to raise funds shows, he said, . . .

. . . 'that everybody, rich or poor, young or old, can help the RNLI in some way.

People can give time as volunteers, money as subscribers to Shoreline, donate British and foreign coins and stamps or buy goods from RNLI Trading. Every contribution, even a few coppers in a collecting box, is welcome, for it is the addition of an enormous number of relatively small sums that makes up the millions needed to run the lifeboat service . . . " '. . . Just as it is not possible to mention the efforts of every lifeboat crew, it is equally impossible to pay tribute to every individual who has contributed or worked to raise funds for the RNLI over the past year. Perhaps I can, through those present today, give the committee of management's warm thanks to you all but at the same time ask you to keep up the good work.' To illustrate the need for the fund raisers' support the Duke underlined the extent of the RNLI's activities . . .

'The whole institution consists of 200 lifeboat stations, over 2,000 crew members and over 350 lifeboats. Every station, every crew and every boat needs support. There are mechanics, surveyors, engineers, electronic experts and inspectors of lifeboats all of whose lives are dedicated to supporting the crews. Teams of full time regional and area organisers work long and unsocialhours to help branches and guilds. In Poole, and in Cowes, there are depots manufacturing and providing spare parts and equipment for the lifeboat fleet 24 hours a day . . .' '. . . Taken overall the logistical support of our fleet is something in which we are all involved. Our leadership comes from our president, who each year attends a number of lifeboat functions and particularly when he agrees to speak, he inspires us all, and compels us to redouble our efforts on behalf of the lifeboat service.' The Institution, the chairman said, was greatly indebted to the Duke of Kent for all the work he does on its behalf. He then invited the president to address the meeting.

The President's Speech 7 regard it as a great privilege to be able to attend once again the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's presentation of awards and to hear from the chairman of the great success of the last year which was evidently the busiest in the Institution's history. I have not the least doubt that one of the main reasons for this success is the high regard in which the lifeboat service is held throughout the country. This was vividly illustrated by the exhibition of maritime art which I attended at Sotheby's in January.

The willingness of owners to lend their most prized works of art, knowing that the exhibition was to benefit the RNLI, was most heartening. The exhibition, which I found to be of enormous interest, showed many facets of our maritime heritage, and it attracted great press and public attention. A portrait of Grace Darling, especially, remains in the memory, shown alongside a painting of a modern lifeboat rescue, and together they portrayed the sea as a constant adversary which has been bravely faced by generations of lifeboatmen.

'We have already heard from the chairman the outline of some of the recent lifeboat rescues—and I know that the details when you hear them in a moment will make stirring listening—which show that the work of the RNLI today is as vital as it ever was.

For the vast bulk of our trade is still carried by sea and merchant vessels, which although they are safer than ever before, still need the protection of the rescue services. Our fishing fleets and oil exploration vessels are an important part of the economy and they too look to the RNLI for assistance.

'The growth in pleasure boating, which ranges from windsurfers to ocean going yachts, has added greatly to the work of the Institution but I feel that it is worth placing in perspective. The sea gives pleasure to thousands of people and the majority of those going afloat treat it with the respect it deserves. One only has to look to the excellent work of such bodies as the Sea Scouts and Sea Cadets to realise how youngsters derive benefit and enjoyment from a responsible approach to seafaring.

Nevertheless there is, and probably always will be, a small minority of inexperienced seafarers or sea users, some of whose occasionally foolhardy exploits do cause concern. But what must be understood is that even the best equipment and training cannot guarantee a safe passage and everybody using the sea, whether professionally or for their pleasure, has a duty to support the RNLI. The Institution, in its turn, hasserved seafarers well by providing a highly efficient rescue service for more than 160 years.

'Next month I will be visiting the Douglas lifeboat in the Isle of Man, where our founder, Sir William Hillary, served in the crew for many years before the RNLI existed. It was this work as a lifeboatman which inspired him to found the Institution in 1824 on voluntary principles. As President of the RNLI, I am proud of the qualities of service built up over the years which I am quite certain will continue into the future.

High standards are apparent as soon as you step into a lifeboathouse. There you see a fine, modern lifeboat, polished, strong, and well designed and equipped. The crew's lifejackets and waterproofs are neatly arranged, ready for instant use. On the walls you see details of past rescues and perhaps photographs of former crews.

Whether the station has a large lifeboat or an inflatable, you can sense the pride the crew has in its boat, the whole atmosphere is one of professionalism and efficiency.

'The qualities of the fund raisers too are manifest wherever you go. The constant increase in our budget places heavy loads on them, and the great success of funds raised can be put down to their hard work, dedication, ingenuity and, 1 think, not least to their cheerfulness in which they go about their task, even if thay may mean shaking a collecting box for hours in the pouring rain.

'But at any lifeboat station, whether remote and isolated or in the centre of a thriving community, it is the quality of the lifeboat crew that impresses above all. A great deal is said about falling standards in so many parts of society, yet here we have a body of men and women whose dedication is as strong as ever. Young people continue to volunteer to join lifeboat crews and it is with them that the RNLI's future lies. If they start going to sea in the lifeboat, as most do, in their late teens or early twenties, they they will quickly build up the experience and knowledge needed and will also develop the kindness and compassion which typify lifeboat crews. They will become trained volunteers and learn professional lifesaving skills. With such people in the lifeboat service, we can all face the future with confidence.

' The results of their work are admirably summed up, I think, by a postcard that I saw pinned up in the Wells lifeboat station, which both my wife and I have visited in recent years. It was written by a schoolgirl who had been out for a walk on the beach with some friends. Her friends had reached a sandbank and the incoming tide cut them off. She raised the alarm and the inflatable lifeboat sped to the rescue and saved the three boys. Later the schoolgirl wrote a simple postcard which said "Thank you for saving three boys from my class. Life would be very dull without them." 'All of us in the RNLI can share that schoolgirl's thoughts. Life would be both dull and sad to thousands of families if the RNLI did not exist. By working together, with our crews carrying out the task of lifesaving and those ashore supporting their work, we can all be proud of a modern service for whom excellence is second nature.' Long applause greeted the speech and when it had subsided Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, director of the RNLI, stood to read the citations of the three bravery medals which the Duke of Kent presented.

Helmsman Alan Clarke, Hunstanton, bronze medal On March 31, 1985, Hunstanton lifeboat rescued a board sailor and recovered his board in a westerly gale and a rough sea. Helmsman Clarke took the Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat, Spirit of America, into shallow water and, although grounding on two occasions and filling with each rolling sea, reached the exhausted man and, as he was blown alongside, took him and his craft aboard. (Full report, page 222, THE LIFEBOAT, Autumn 1985.) Second Coxswain Peter Bisson, St Peter Port, bar to his bronze medal On August 11, 1985, St Peter Port lifeboat towed the French yacht Matam II with a crew of three to safety in a strong southerly gale and a heavy breaking sea. Second Coxswain Bisson had to negotiate many rocks before he could bring the 52ft Arun class lifeboat, Sir William Arnold, close enough to the yacht to carry out the rescue. The lifeboat's inflatable dinghy was launched with three crew members on board and a towline was passed to the yacht.

(Full report, page 256 THE LIFEBOAT, Winter 1985/6.) Coxswain/Mechanic Ronald Cannon, Ramsgate, silver medal On December 26, 1985, Ramsgate lifeboat towed the grounded French fishing vessel Gloire a Marie II with a crew of seven aboard clear of the shallows in a violent north-easterly storm and very heavy seas. In hazardous conditions Coxswain Cannon manoeuvred the 44ft Waveney class lifeboat Ralph and Joy Swann close to the fishing vessel and after two lifeboat crew members had boarded her, shewas towed clear of danger. (Full report, page 5, this issue.) It was then the turn of the voluntary workers to receive their awards, again presented by the Duke of Kent: Honorary Life Governor MrN. Wells Lifeboat day organiser of Kingstonupon- Thames branch from 1956 to 1977, and honorary secretary since 1956; awarded silver badge 1967 and gold badge 1979.

Mr L. W. Aplin Honorary treasurer of Exeter branch from 1950 to 1963, honorary treasurer of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton branch 1963 to 1978 and president since 1978, also honorary treasurer and organiser of the Exmouth display centre since 1979; awarded gold badge 1974.

Mr J. T. Sutton Honorary treasurer of Kilmore Quay station branch from 1950 to 1966 and honorary secretary since 1966; awarded binoculars 1968 and gold badge 1979.

Mr H. N. Morrison MBE Honorary secretary and treasurer of Barra Island station branch since 1946; awarded binoculars 1957, barometer 1968 and gold badge 1977.

Bar to Gold Badge Mrs R. A. V. Maughan Chairman of Wimbledon branch since 1946; awarded silver badge 1961, and gold badge 1970.

Mrs B. Morris Committee member of Woolwich branch from 1947 to 1966, lifeboat week organiser 1947 to 1966, chairman 1966 to 1985 and president since 1985; awarded silver badge 1975 and gold badge 1979.

Mr H. J. Downing Chairman of Stourbridge branch from 1963 to 1980, and president since 1980; awarded statuette 1973 and gold badge 1981.

Mrs D. G. Lanyon Honorary secretary of Wellington branch from 1935 to 1959 and president since 1964; awarded gold badge 1959.Mr C. Baxter Honorary secretary of Kilkeel branch since 1958; awarded silver badge 1969 and gold badge 1979.

Gold Badge MrJ. B.Webb Honorary secretary of Crowborough branch 1951 to 1961 and chairman since 1961; awarded silver badge 1962.

Mr J. C. Kennedy Crew member at Newquay from 1939 to 1945, unofficial fund raiser 1945 to 1965 and chairman of Newquay station branch since 1965; awarded silver badge 1970.

Mr J. A. B. Hoare Committee member of Tiverton branch from 1947 to 1961, assistant honorary secretary and treasurer 1961 to 1975, president since 1970; awarded silver badge 1968.

Mrs G. Agate QBE President of Aldeburgh ladies' lifeboat guild since 1962 and also chairman since 1966; awarded silver badge 1977.

Mr B.Griffith Flag day organiser of Convey Island branch from 1954 to 1967, honorary secretary since 1967 and president since 1983; awarded silver badge 1977.

Mrs G. T. Coughtrie Convener house to house collections for Glasgow branch from 1955 to 1971, and honorary secretary of Hexham ladies' lifeboat guild since 1973; awarded silver badge in 1971 for her work in Glasgow.

Mrs E. Harbottle Honorary treasurer of Hexham ladies' lifeboat guild since 1961, vice president from 1977 to 1985 and chairman since 1985; awarded silver badge 1975.

Mrs R. Coates Honorary secretary of Cleadon ladies' lifeboat guild since 1962; awarded silver badge 1976.

Captain E. Senior Honorary secretary of Grimsby branch since 1962; awarded silver badge 1975.

Mrs J. R. Garside Committee member of Golcar ladies' lifeboat guild from 1928 to 1930, vice president 1930 to 1944 and president since 1944; awarded silver badge 1961.

Mr J. K. Milroy Chairman of Ayr branch since 1962; awarded silver badge 1973.

Mrs E. Robb Honorary secretary of Connemara branch since 1964; awarded silver badge 1972.

Mrs S. W. Whateley Assistant honorary secretary and treasurer of Bude branch from 1941 to 1971, honorary secretary from 1971 to 1975, honorary treasurer (guild) since 1976, president (branch) since 1982; awarded silver badge 1971.

Mr S. W. Whateley Honorary secretary Bude financial branch 1954 to 1966, honorary secretary Bude station branch 1966 to 1986; awarded silver badge 1965 and binoculars 1977.

Mr R. H. Reay Committee member of North Sunderland station branch from 1951 to 1952, assistant honorary secretary 1960 and honorary secretary since 1960; awarded binoculars 1975.

Mr F. N. Ball Assistant honorary secretary of Skegness station branch from 1964 to 1965, honorary secretary since 1965; awarded binoculars 1975.

Mr J. K. Boardman Honorary secretary of Littlestone station branch from 1966; binoculars 1976.

Mr R. Oxley JP Honorary secretary of Walton and Frinton station branch from 1960 to 1980 and chairman since 1980; awarded binoculars 1981.

Mr W. P. Budget! Honorary secretary of Salcombe station branch since 1965 and chairman since 1981; awarded barometer 1977.

Mr C. H. Gill, JP CP Committee member of Douglas station branch 1934 to 1961 and president since 1961; awarded silver badge 1970.

Mr F. P. Mongey Honorary secretary of Tramore station branch from 1964 to 1984 and chairman since 1984; awarded binoculars 1977.

Mr J. Groat MBE Honorary secretary of Longhope station branch since 1962; awarded statuette 1969 and binoculars 1977.

Mr J. P. McWhirter Acting launching authority of Campbeltown station branch 1938 to 1948, assistant honorary secretary 1948 to 1969 and honorary secretary since 1969; awarded silver badge 1970 and binoculars 1980.

Dr R. N. Rutherfurd Honorary secretary of Kirkudbright station branch 1964 to 1973, honorary medical adviser since 1961 and vice-president since 1981; awarded binoculars 1974.

The end of the proceedings came as Brigadier Robertson, a vice-president of the RNLI, paid tribute to the President and expressed the official thanks of the meeting for his address, for presenting the awards and for the time he gives each year to the affairs of the RNLI..