The casualty's view of a rescue ... and thanks to the crew Having read the discussion 'Men behind the medals' in the Autumn issue of The Lifeboat, I wanted to comment on some of the points as seen through the eyes of a 'casualty'. I also wanted a chance to thank the crews who came out on the night of 9 November 1990 to tow my friend's yacht, with detached rudder, off the silt near Selsey Bill.

Although it was fairly calm at the time, the swell was lifting us off the bottom and crashing us back down with some force. In view of this and the forecast, southerly Force 4 or 5, it seemed sensible to seek assistance sooner rather than later. Because Selsey's Tyne class lifeboat was unable to reach us, the D class inflatable was called to bring us a tow line.

Although Peter Race states that lifeboat crews never lecture, it was with some embarrassment that we awaited the opening comment of the lifeboat crew as they approached with instructions.

'Good evening' said a voice cheerfully out of the dark. I half expected him to continue 'are you waiting for a lifeboat?' in the way one might expect a taxi driver to phrase a question to a group of people waiting outside a restaurant in the rain.

On the matter of towing, I agree with Alan Thomas and would add that a disabled, abandoned yacht could be a danger to other vessels. As for the tow itself, my only experience of this tricky business was watching one of the RNLI's earlier series of videos in which a rudderless yacht was being towed during the race round the Isle of Wight. The yacht in the video was swaying from side to side and heeling as though tripping over its own keel.

We experienced no such discomfort and, despite the swell, remained fairly well 'pointed' all the way into Chichester.

On arrival we marvelled at the helmsman's boathandling as we were tied alongside the lifeboat, manoeuvred through the moored boats and deposited alongside the pontoon. Whatever lifeboat crews think about engine noise, I found the steady drone of the Tyne's powerful engines very reassuring whilst we were under tow.

Finally, on the aftermath and the question of money, I agree with what was said. A service as skillful and as sophisticated as the RNLI, supported and provided on an entirely voluntary basis, must surely be among the most remarkable things to exist in a world of budgetary prudence and commercialism. People must take time to reflect on this, on the dangers they escaped and on what was salvaged for them. Hopefully, many will, like the canoeists mentioned in the article, make some effort on the Institution's behalf.

My sincere good wishes and thanks to the crews of the Selsey lifeboat station for their goodhumoured efficiency.

Liam J. Corr Wandsworth London. Long memories On reading the Letters page in the Winter 1990/91 edition of the journal I see that Lew Hardy has memories of the longship The Hugin.

It may be of interest to him and your other readers to know that The Hugin is on public display at Pegwell Bay near Ramsgate and has been for many years from the time when she first arrived in this country.

Chris Sandwell Crew member Margate lifeboat Margate, Kent. Credit where it's due! I recently travelled to London by rail and wanted to pay by cheque. I handed the cheque and my cheque card over to the booking clerk, but was embarrassed when I realised that the fare was £56 and my cheque card is only surety for £50! 'Have you any other means of identification, madam?' he enquired.

I don't drive and seemed to have nothing useful with me when, in my purse, I found my RNLI membership card. The clerk took it away and returned, beaming, to "hand me my ticket.

The RNLI card was obviously very creditworthy and I was deeply impressed! Even in landlocked counties the RNLI comes to the rescue.

There's a thought for the day - and the next membership campaign? Mrs F.A. Titley Leicester Ryde's Ark In 1909 a Miss Emily Madelina Du Pre, the daughter of Caledon George Du Pre of Wilton Park, Buckinghamshire, had a beautiful Italian style villa built in Ryde, Isle of Wight.

On an adjoining piece of land she had several outbuildings erected, including a large one 42ft long by 19ft wide. It had doors 14ft wide which opened onto the street and it is said that this building contained a fullyequipped lifeboat.

One version of the local story is that Miss Due Pre was eccentric and wanted people to be trained in lifeboat work.

Another version is that the lady had a dread of a repeat of Noah's flood and wished to be ready for it! If any reader could supply any information about the story and as to what happened to the lifeboat, I would be very pleased to hear from them.

R.E. Brinton Curator, Carisbrooke Castle Museum Newport, Isle of Wight P030 1XY An even break May I appeal for the help of readers of The Lifeboat? Unfortunately, my copy of 'Off the Slipway', the first plate in the 'Heroes of the Sea' collection produced some years ago, and sponsored by the RNLI, has recently been broken.

I wondered, therefore, if there was a member who had possibly suffered a similar accident to another plate, or plates, in the series and so had a copy of 'Off the Slipway' they would be willing to sell to me.

Alternatively, if anyone knows where I could buy a replacement, I would be pleased to hear from them.

G. Whitehead Chatsworth Copt Hewick Nr. Ripon HG4 5DB Yours, in limbo...

I thought I awoke this morning a happy man - alas, it was all a fantasy. There it was clearly stated in your magazine 'the will of the late Jeffery Burr' . (People and Places -• 'For that very special occasion' - Ed) Under the terms of my will I seem to have omitted any reference to the RNLI, clearly a matter, which had I been alive, I would have to have had rectified.

Perhaps, like Scrooge, I was going through a dream and would be able to put that matter right.

I checked the obituaries in both The Times, which is normally read in this household, as well as The Telegraph, which is not. Not a sign.

Perhaps it was an omission on my widow's part? I checked with St Peter, who in turn had a word with Gabriel.

No-one of the name given had passed through the Pearly Gates.

As a precaution, and as St Peter knew of the alleged deceased's connection with the law, checked in fluent Bellsybabble, the current devilish language, of which he was a master, with his opposite name in Lucifer's realm.

There was no joy there either.

Saint Peter, of course, had a record of the late William Spurr, of his late widow, and also of Mary Sennett - but of 'Jeffery Burr' as yet, none.

Finally I checked my own properties. I appeared to be all present and correct.

Everything seemed to be in its right place and in reasonable working order.

I hope my wife will be pleased. It would be difficult for her to man, woman or perhaps 'person' the RNLI stand at Porthcurno in the summer with a shade. It could put people off.

Possibly there may have been a little bit of an error in the magazine. If there has, and I am right, you might care to 'put it right' and print this letter to assure my friends that I am still here, albeit only for a little while longer.

If, of course, I am wrong, I must just be in limbo. How does one get out of that condition? Jeffery C. Burr St, Levan, Cornwall Editor's note - Our sincere apologies to the very much alive Mr Burr, a slip of the sub-editor's pencil can have such dire consequences.

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