Gold Badge awardees (Continued from page 160) Mrs J. G. Sweeney Honorary secretary Donegal branch since 1963; awarded silver badge 1974. - Mr E. J. Sage Assistant branch honorary secretary Southend station branch from 1952 to 1966, secretary to the appeals committee since 1966; awarded silver badge 1966.

Mr D. L. Johnson Honorary secretary Penlee station branch since 1967; awarded binoculars 1975.

Mr T. A. Morris Honorary secretary Borth station branch since 1966; awarded binoculars 1976.

Mr E. G. Phillips Honorary secretary Little and Broad Haven station branch since 1967; awarded binoculars 1978.

Mr S. Baxter MBE Committee member Morecambe station branch since 1966, honorary secretary 1967 to 1978, deputy launching authority and branch chairman since 1978; awarded binoculars 1978.

Mr A. E. Thurgood Honorary secretary Helensburgh station branch since 1968; awarded binoculars 1978.

Dr R. M. L. Weir Honorary secretary Kinghorn station branch since 1965; awarded binoculars 1977.

The following awardees, both recipients of Gold Badges, were unable to attend at the Royal Festival Hall, but will receive their awards locally: Mrs B. Marriner Honorary secretary St Albans branch since 1968; awarded silver badge 1979.

Miss L. Cowley Honorary treasurer of Port St Mary Ladies' Guild from 1953 to 1975, president of the station branch since 1975; awarded silver badge 1970.

Also awarded a Gold Badge was Mr W. Llewellyn, assistant honorary secretary of St. Davids station branch from 1963 to 1966 and honorary secretary from 1966 until his death shortly before he was due to attend the annual presentations.

Thanking the Duchess for the part she had played in the proceedings, Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Compston, a member of the Committee of Management, commented: "The image of the RNLI man is a splendid one and we enjoy great public support and when you see the enthusiasm here today we all know why. But the greatest support we get is that from members of the Royal Family.

"We are well aware how busy you are and you have many other charities equally deserving but we do hope in the years to come there will still be spare pages in your calendar in which you might put in our name, in pencil at least.".