SOME RECENT PUBLICATIONS REVIEWED THE HISTORY OF THE LONGHOPE LIFEBOATS THE STORY OF THE FLEETWOOD LIFEBOATS Written and published by Jeff Morris Honorary Archivist of the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society Jeff Morris is by now well-known for his pocket guides to lifeboat stations and these volumes add, or bring up to date, the situation at two more stations.

The Longhope volume is an addition to the series, relating the history of the station from its foundation in 1874, including the tragedy which occurred there in March 1969 when the 47ft Watson class TGB capsized with the loss of her entire crew of eight. This, and many other services, form part of the book detailing the difficult rescues carried out by the station's lifeboats.

The Fleetwood history is a second edition, bringing the story of the station's lifeboats right up to date following the arrival of a new Tyne class lifeboat in October 1989.

The History of the Longhope Lifeboats is available from Jeff Morris, 14 Medina Road, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 5JB at £2 (including p and p) and The Story of the Fleefwood Lifeboats from Mike Purcell, c/o The Lifeboat Station, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6DN, price £1.50 plus 25p post and packing.

THE HISTORY OF THE CARDIGAN LIFEBOATS by Donald Davies Published by Jeff Morris Written by Donald Davies this 25-page paperback is published by Jeff Morris, and is in the same format as similar books from his own pen.

The volume chronicles the history of the Cardigan lifeboat station from its founding in 1849 through to the present day and the operation of a high speed C class inflatable.

Photographs to accompany the text also reflect the variety of lifeboats at the station, the earliest dated 1903 and the latest showing the C class with her County launching tractor.

Another splendid history of a lifeboat station at a very reasonable price - £1.50 (plus 25p p and p) from Mrs E. Arnold, Aelwerdd, Gwbert Road, Cardigan, Dyfed. AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO OUR LIFEBOAT STATIONS - PART 5 Written and published by Jeff Morris Just as the title implies this is the latest volume in a series which will eventually cover the whole of the coastline.

The fifth volume covers the area from the Isles of Scilly to Aberdovey and includes, wherever possible, photographs of current and previous lifeboat houses - even when the station has longsince been closed.

A useful volume with much abbreviated information packed between its paperback covers.

The book is available from Jeff Morris at 14 Medina Road, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 5JB.

A TOWN'S PRIDE - Victorian Lifeboatmen and their Community Written and published by Rob Blann, Worthing West Sussex BN11 5JL at £10.95 including p and p ISBN 09516277 08 Local author Rob Blann has a close connection with both Worthing and the RNLI, and combining these interests has Jed to this 175-page softback examination of the role of a town's lifeboats.

Well illustrated with charming Victorian photographs the volume brings home the close connection between a lifeboat station and the community of which it is part and which it also serves.

Although localised, and covering a short period of history, 'A Town's Pride' will have appeal outside the town of its origin for the fascinating glimpses of Victorian life which it offers.

Profits from the publication will go to the RNLI.

MR GREATHEAD'S LIFEBOATS by Adrian G. Osier, published by Tyne and Wear Museums Service ISBN 0 905974 47 6 A well-researched account of the development and use of the lifeboats of Henry Greathead, usually accepted as the designer and builder of the first purpose-built lifeboat.

Greathead's life is also well chronicled, taking in his eventful time at sea and his final bankruptcy and fall from grace. Well illustrated and very readable, but also a valuable reference book. LAUNCHED ON SERVICE - A photographic Portrayal of an Operational Lifeboat Station by Willis Shaw, published by A. Quick and Co ISBN 09504912 41 The pen name Willis Shaw conceals Captain Rod Shaw, who has been connected with the Harwich station for many years, the last five of them as honorary secretary, and his son who helped with much of the research. There can be few people better able to provide a general portrait of a station in action.

Although providing a brief outline of the early years from 1821 until the station was closed in 1917 the book concentrates on the period from 1965 when Harwich was re-opened, and gives an interesting insight into the running of a lifeboat station as seen by the people involved. Although taking Harwich as its example, the feel of the operation as a whole could be applied to many other stations around the coast.

Both headline-catching and routine services are recounted and well illustrated - often with quite dramatic photographs - and the fund-raising and social aspects which are so much a part of any lifeboat station also receive their fair share of attention. The personal touch of the author brings everything to life, and some interesting 'asides' resulting from his own involvement and touches of wry humour enliven the text.

'Launched on Service' comprises 115 wellreproduced A4 pages and is available from Rod Shaw, 17 Franks Road, Harwich CO 12 3RJ at £8.75 including p and p.

Also Received.

EMERGENCY: KERRY COAST Richard J. Robinson, 5 Corrovorrin Avenue, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland, £6 including p and p An interesting look at a community's lifeboat( Valentia in the far south west of Ireland) and its links with other organisations, with useful appendices of services and statistics.

FROM DAUNTLESS TO ANNIE A History of Wlcklow Lifeboat Station by Ciaran Doyle, IR£3.50 Ciaran Doyle, the Assistant Mechanic, has compiled an informative narrative which covers the 130-year history of Wicklow 's lifeboats. Proceeds to the RNLI.

MY ISLAND WAR Recollections of Wren by Marjorie Williams, The Limes, Hiham Green, Winchelsea, E. Sussex, £3.75 (p&p 50p) Charming wartime recollections of a Wren on the Scillies. Only one mention of lifeboats, but £2 per book sold goes to the RNLI..