History of the membership scheme Sir - It is evident from your columns that there is some confusion as to the origins of the membership scheme. Consequently I feel it is time to put the record straight.

At its March meeting in 1968 the Committee of Management, of which I was then deputy chairman, asked me if I would try and raise money from yachtsmen.

I agreed and set up a committee.

I was commodore of the Royal Cruising Club at the time and enlisted the support of some well-known sailing friends. I had visited the German and Dutch lifeboat societies and was aware of their membership schemes.

My committee met frequently to formulate details and spent some time discussing a suitable name, finally deciding on 'Yachtsmen's Lifeboat Supporters Association, or YLA for short. I reported direct to the Committee of Management and not to any sub-committee.

It was decided to 'go public' at the London Boat Show in January, 1969. Sir Alec Rose had just completed his circumnavigation, so we asked him to be member number one and to stand up at the boat show and make the inaugural speech. All went well and we were then in business.

The Institution gave us a permanent staff and I put in Alasdair Garrett, a well-known RCC member as full-time secretary. When the Institution began to move to Poole the YLA office was temporarily located in offices in Salisbury, which was very convenient for me living in that city.

The objective of the YLA was principally to raise money and to do that it was necessary to recruit members. After a while it was considered that the name YLA lacked appeal and it was decided to change it to 'Shoreline'.

Once the scheme had been set up Head Office took over the running and my committee was disbanded. I continued to take a keen interest while the office was at Salisbury run by my friend for two or three years, but when it finally moved to the new HQ at Poole my involvement ceased.

I am naturally gratified that the membership is now well over 100,000.

F. R. H. Swann Ex Chairman and Life Vice President, RNLI Stratford-Sub-Castle, Salisbury.

Open Day thanks Sir - Many thanks for a most enjoyable day yesterday at the Open Day - interesting, informative and at times quite inspiring. Well worth the three-hour train journey each way to visit you.

My congratulations to all concerned for such a well-organised event.Please tell the panic-stricken young man on his first stint of talking to visitors we don't actually bite! My heart goes out to him, I know the feeling! Stephanie Carley Godalming, Surrey Thanks - and peace of mind Sir -1 would like to inadequately express my, and my family's, sincere thanks for your team's efforts in assisting me in Langstone Harbour recently.

As I was clinging to the anchor cable of the yacht that first came to our aid my last memories are of the sound of a large outboard motor - and I knew instinctively who it was.

I was released from RNH Haslar three days later and after a week's sick leave returned to my duties at the RN Staff College, Greenwich.

As a year-round fisherman and wildfowler in Langstone Harbour I am sure I can speak for all those who follow such pastimes, and many have spoken to me since the incident, that the RNLI presence at Eastney gives us much peace of mind.

Lt Cdr R.C Twitchen Emsworth, Hants.

Editor's note - Lt Cdr Twitchen's letter of thanks was sent to the Honorary Secretary at the Portsmouth station and is reproduced with his permission.A link with the past Sir — I was very interested to read in the Summer 1988 issue of THE LIFEBOAT that HRH Princess Alexandra presented the awards at the Annual General Meeting of the RNLI.

I remember attending an AGM in the late 1930s when her beautiful young mother, the Princess Marina, presented the awards, and a lifeboat was later given the name of her baby daughter Alexandra.

I wonder what became of that lifeboat, is it still in service? As a member of the Morden, Surrey, Women's Institute I used to collect regularly for the RNLI on flag days, and was given the ticket to the AGM in consequence.

In admiration for all the brave men who so freely give their services to help others in dangerous conditions I continue to give what I can to the funds, but in my eightieth year can give little physical help now.

Frances M. Breed Greetham, Rutland Editor's note - The 52ft Barnett Princess Alexandra of Kent entered service in 1958 and was stationed at Torbay. She was transferred to the relief fleet in 1975, served as station boat at Tynemouth in 1979 and 1980 before being returned to the relief fleet, and was sold out of service in 1983. She was launched 198 times and saved 88 lives during her 25 years with the RNLI.

Letters concerning any aspect of the RNLI are welcomed by the Editor, who reserves the right to shorten or amend them as necessary. Write to: The Editor, The Lifeboat, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ On the way back Sir — Some months ago there was a note in THE LIFEBOAT regarding someone who wanted information about boats which had left the service and gone into private ownership.

Last spring I was in Kippford, just south of Kirkudbright, and came upon a singlescrew Liverpool-type looking rather forlorn. I took some photographs of the poor old girl but my camera was misbehaving and the film was spoiled.

This year I had better fortune and enclose a photograph which may be of use to the enquirer. I understand that this boat is ex-Kirkudbright and has been used for 'trips around the bay'.

The owner died a couple of years ago and she was put up for sale. From the evidence of work being done it may be that she'll be working again soon.

John Brunning, Huyton with Roby, Liverpool.