The Annual General Meeting The 167th Annual General Meeting of the RNLI was held on the morning of 14 May 1991, at the usual venue on the South Bank in London, with the annual presentation of awards for 1990 following in the afternoon at the nearby Royal Festival Hall.

Opening the proceedings at the morning AGM for the Institution's Governors the RNLI's Chairman, Mr Michael Vernon, began by reminding the meeting that 1990 had been an eventful and difficult year in many parts of the world, with a sharp recession and uncomfortably high inflation affecting these islands.

However the Chairman was able to report: 'The evidence of the 1990 annual report and accounts is extremely encouraging. Nevertheless, let us not forget that the cost of our massive boat building and shoreworks modernisation programmes has risen significantly, as has the expense of operating our lifeboat service. Furthermore, despite a recent recovery, the fact that the value of our investments fell very sharply in the calendar year illustrates that we are certainly not insulated from our country's economic problems; this must never be overlooked in planning for the future.' Having touched on the difficulties of the past year Mr Vernon went on to look at the remarkable successes: 'As usual our lifeboat crews have done the Institution proud. Only two years ago the RNLI answered more than 4,000 calls. Now, we are up by nearly another thousand to 4,935. In fact, in little over a decade ourwork-loadhas doubled, and on average 500 more people each year are rescued. In 1990 alone the lives of 1,601 people were saved.' Although commercial shipping is no less in need of the RNLFs services than it was, launches to pleasure boats and fishing vessels have risen in recent years. A review carried out last year showed that there was an increase in the number of inshore fishing vessels seeking assistance, and modern navigational equipment and greater speed may be tempting this type of vessel further offshore than is sometimes prudent.

Mr Vernon then went on to explain one of the important changes made as a result of the review: 'A/so included was a re-assessment of the distance offshore that our fleet could provide effective cover. We felt able to announce that we could increase this from 30 to 50 miles at virtually any point around the coast of Great Britain and Ire/and. This is a major landmark in the Institution's policy continuously to improve the lifeboat service.' Stressing that the RNLI's primary aim and duty is to save lives at sea the Chairman emphasised the critical aspect of speed of response.

'Every single minute counts. A minute may sound a short time, but it can easily mean the difference between life and death to someone in the water.' There were many factors which contributed to the' speed of response', Mr Vernon went on, outlining the progress the RNLI is making to improve it. One factor has nothing to do with more powerful engines or improved hull design and this is the time between callout and a lifeboat launch.

Thanks in large part to electronic paging this has been reduced significantly over the past 10 years.

Moving on to a subject which is high on the RNLI's list of priorities at the moment the Chairman turned to facilities at lifeboat stations, stressing their importance and reflecting how the programme of modernisation and refurbishment has gathered momentum.

He stressed that the rebuilding is not for cosmetic reasons, in many cases the original boathouses were built to house a pulling boat whose launching power was probably munching grass in a nearby field.

'Nowadays sophisticated tractors need to be under cover as much as the high-tech lifeboats they serve. We are a/so doing our utmost to provide the modern facilities our crews deserve.' The need to improve boathouses to accommodate the new generation of lifeboats was inextricably linked with the most important factor in getting to a casualty quicker - the increase in the speed of lifeboats - and Mr Vernon confirmed that the Institution is on schedule for its target to have fast lifeboats at all stations by the end of 1993.

The Mersey building programme had continued at an impressive rate throughout 1990 with orders recently placed for the last 14 fibre reinforced composite (FRC) boats - due to be completed within the next 22 months. Eight new Merseys were completed in 1990, and nine more will be in service by the end of 1991. Two Tyne class and the last of the long line of Aruns had also gone to their new stations.

The Chairman was also able to report that the new Fast Afloat Boats (FAB) 3 and 4 are progressing on schedule.

'The 17m prototype, FAB 3, is undergoing the most rigorous sea trials which will continue until we can be completely satisfied that she is in every way suitable to become the first of a new generation of fast All-weather lifeboats. It is fair to say that first impressions are very encouraging. Last year you will remember I caused something of a sensation by announcing that this boat would cost £lm to build, this year it is the boat herself which is causing the sensation.' To put the price into perspective Mr Vernon added that although the 18-knot Arun class building programme was complete the price would now be somewhere around £800,000. Although the extra speed and size was bound to cost more the difference is by no means unreasonable.

The meeting heard that the 14m FAB 4 prototype is not far behind her larger sister and is being fitted out at Osborne's yard in Littlehampton. She will be launched by the end of 1991.

INSHORE LIFEBOATS Moving on to the smaller lifeboats Mr Vernon referred to development work on a 22ft version of the Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable at the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre at Cowes.

She is showing excellent seakeeping tendencies with impressive speed. Also under examination is the feasibility of a 35 to 40 knot inshore lifeboat, launching from a slipway, davit or off a beach.

Turning from the hardware of sea rescue to the people who make it possible the Chairman emphasised that the contribution of lifeboat crews could not be stressed too highly. Their free availability, their courage and their skill were paramount, but their skill could always be enhanced by rigorous training.

Ten stations receiving new boats in the past year had meant ten crews undergoing week-long familiarisation courses at Poole, followed by a passage back to station.

7 think it is a mark of the whole-hearted dedication of our crews that they are prepared to give up their own time to attend these courses. Volunteers they may be but highly expert lifeboatmen they are determined to remain.' New-boat courses only represented a part of the specialised operational training, which is not a new invention, he explained. The RNLI has always recognised the importance of ensuring expertise in every field and there are facilities for training at every level for staff and volunteers.

OPERATIONAL REVIEWS The RNLI's newly-declared undertaking to increase lifeboat cover to 50 miles offshore had been assisted by the Institution's regular system of 'coast reviews'. These allow it to assess the service provided by every station and take into account local conditions, casualty potential and the availability of crew and ensure that the right boat is in the right place at every location. The reviews now being undertaken include a detailed study to see how many stations operating only an All-weather lifeboat could improve their service if they also had an Inshore lifeboat.

The ebb and flow in the need for lifeboat cover was well illustrated during 1990, Mr Vernon explained. Three former stations, Teignmouth in Devon, Tobermory on Mull and Courtown in the Irish Republic, were reinstated following periods when a lifeboat had not been required.

Brand new stations are also needed sometimes, and an All-weather lifeboat station is currently under evaluation at Portree on the Isle of Skye, while Marazion in Cornwall has an Inshore lifeboat for the first time. Other changes have seen Walmer in Kent operating a 29 knot Atlantic 21 in place of an 8 knot Rother class. The Chairman summed up the changes succinctly: 'No one can accuse us of standing still!' Two major station projects were also reported to the meeting. The first is at Workington, where the Institution's first 'davit launching' system for an All-weather lifeboat is under construction. It is the only way that 24-hour cover by a Tyne class lifeboat can be guaranteed on that inhospitable section of coastline.

At Angle in Pembrokeshire the first new slipway and boathouse to be built for 31 years is to be constructed. The current slipway is beyond economic repair and a new structure is the only solution. Both Workington and Angle will cost more than £ 1 m, but the shoreworks are as essential to saving life as the new lifeboats.

Paradoxically the RNLI currently pays no Value Added Tax on new lifeboats or new boathouses, but incurs the full rate on slipway and boathouse modification and refurbishment.

The Chairman emphasized that VAT is a very serious problem which is being tackled with vigour. Increasing expenditure on shoreworks led to a VAT liability of about £600,000 last year, and the figure will be greater still in 1991 - exacerbated by the increase from 15% to 17.5%.

Every effort is being made to persuade the Government to alter the present anomalous regulations and, in company with other charities, the Institution still fears that it could lose its existing zero-rating status after European harmonisation in 1992. This could place a burden on the RNLI of as much as £3m a year on present costs.

The Government's desire to assist charities is seen in concessions to individuals, such as Gift Aid, payroll giving and covenants, but the Chairman remarked that it makes no sense if the Institution has to hand the money back, and more, through Value Added Tax.

THE FUND RAISERS Having dealt with a less than happy situation Mr Vernon moved on to more pleasant matters, reminding the meeting of the Headquarters and Depot Open Days in August and of the warm reception shown to the public by those who man the lifeboat stations. The effects of this publicity are hugely beneficial, the Chairman explained, adding: 'We know from recent research that some 88% of all adults know about us, and are sympathetic to the cause.

There is some concern, however, that we are failing to capture the attention of the under-25s as much as outlong term future demands, and steps are currently under way to improve matters.' No matter how efficient the Institution, how quick its response times or how well it is known nothing would be possible without those who raise the funds to keep the RNLI running, and in reporting the reaching of the end of another financial year in an excellent position to plan for our future the Chairman extended his thanks once again to the fund raisers.

In 1990 the hugely effective volunteer branches and guilds workforce was directly responsible for raising over £ 1 Om for the first time, not including the credit for attracting a very large proportion of the legacy income - which was another record in 1990 at some £31m.

Mr Vernon admitted that he could not do justice to all the fund raising efforts of the year, but would nonetheless like to congratulate the organisers of the four local appeals in Lincolnshire, Filey, the Mersey area and Derbyshire who all reached and surpassed their targets in 1990. Between them they had raised over £ 1.8m to fund new Mersey class boats.

Turning from the past year to the future Mr Vernon sounded a note of warning: 'History shows the Institution feeling the effects not during but immediately following the periods of highest inflation. So I believe we could be entering a danger zone now. Although the RNLI has a unique appeal, the methods of attracting support are in many ways no different to those used by all the other major charities in the country. The job of our full-time fund raisers is to see that the RNLf's use of such methods is as professional as can be.' MEMBERSHIP One fund raising effort which is working extremely well is the recruitment of members by advertising. Over 23,000 new members joined thanks to the 1990 campaign and membership currently stands at 190,000, with Governors now numbering 29,676. Mr Vernon then drew attention to rising costs with a comparison of the cost of being a Governor: 'When the Institution was founded in 1824 it cost a guinea a year to be a Governor. It remained a guinea, believe it or not, until 1969 when it increased to a more realistic £10. £10 in 1969 is the equivalent of well over £70 today, and another increase is long overdue. I suspect I will have something to say about this when we meet again.' The Chairman then turned his attention to the accounts for 1990, which showed that the Institution had fared extremely well, in spite of inflation. Income during the year had risen by 8% in real terms to £52.4m, and sales of souvenirs and gifts, which fell by 1%, were the only casualty of the economic climate so far. All other sources of income advanced strongly.

Expenditure in the year had increased by exactly the same percentage as income, with almost half of the increase attributable to modernisation and the building of new lifeboat stations. Mr Vernon pointed out that in the next five years this programme will have cost some £20m, and that figure would need to be borne in mind when setting fund raising targets for the future.

Although a significant feature of the 1990 accounts was the substantial fall in the value of investments there had been a significant recovery of the losses so far in 1991: 'The volatility of markets over shorter periods can be withstood thanks to our generally robust financial position.

This enables us to think about the RNLI ten, twenty and thirty years into the future. I am confident that we are well able to meet any of today's challenges but this does not mean we can ever relax our efforts to achieve the best in every possible respect. To that end we have a duty to examine all possible means at our disposal of saving life at sea.' Concluding his report to the Governors Mr Vernon returned to the people who make up the RNLI, and without whom it could not exist.

'Ultimately it is the volunteer spirit of lifeboatmen and women which will guarantee effective lifesaving into the next millenium. The sea will always demand skill and courage from rescuers.Lifeboat crews in turn depend on you and the thousands ofGovernors and other supporters that you represent to speed them on their way with the resources you provide so unstintingly. Thank you for providing them in 1990. Long may you continue .' A lifeboat is norm available for visile to view between t two meetings, but this year major structural work on the Festival Pier made it impossibl to bring a lifeboat alongside.

A photocall was however arrangec.

for press and photographers at Tower Pier before the AGM, using tr Mersey class lifeb Marine Engineer.

The Presentation of Awards The annual presentation of awards ceremony during the afternoon saw a good turnout of supporters and distinguished guests in the Festival Hall. In his wekome the Chairman expressed the Institution's great pleasure at having its President, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, present to make the awards.

Bringing the audience up to date with the news of fund raising, operational and technical advances, which he had earlier reported to the Governors, the Chairman paid tribute to the loyal support from thepublic and volunteers. This support, he said, enabled the RNLI to follow such ambitious plans for the future and he emphasised that the year's results had been achieved in a period of sharp recession and uncomfortably high inflation.

Referring to the increased speed of response, reported during the AGM, Mr Vernon repeated his praise of the people involved: 'Electronic paging and the gradual improvement in shore facilities account for much of the difference, but it is also a fine reflection on the calibre of the crews and in particular those unsung heroes the shore helpers.' Mentioning progress in boathouse improvement and the development of new, even faster lifeboats the Chairman remarked that FAB 3 was: '...not just a metre longer than an Arun or a good seven knots faster, she is a more sophisticated rescue machine in every respect and in my opinion will provide excellent value for money.' But it was people who were the Institution's main asset and, linking progress afloat with that ashore Mr Vernon said: 'As lifeboats become faster yet more demands are placed on their crews. There is less time to think as hazards loom quicker than they did in the old boats, and accurate navigation becomes ever more critical. Modern electronic aids have revolutionised search and rescue, but they are only as good as their operators. The time our crews are prepared to sacrifice in learning how to use a modern lifeboat to its full capability is of immense value to the Institution. Their readiness to man the lifeboat when there's a shout is the most generous gift of all.

The 100th anniversary of the first street collection was of particular interest, as it was an historic event for volunteer fund raisers nationwide. Mr Vernon added that, as though to celebrate the anniversary, the fund raisers had turned in record figures yet again, singling out for special thanks the branches and guilds new record of over £ 10m.

'That is an extraordinary achievement in which you should all take pride. We have some splendid examples of dedicated voluntary service among our awardees this afternoon. Each one of them will know what it means to take up the challenge year after year of a yet higher fund raising target.

Mr Vernon added that the fund raisers highest recompense would perhaps come when they heard the citations read for the gallantry medals to be awarded that afternoon, there being no better proof of the importance of the Institution for which everyone worked so willingly.

In closing the Chairman introduced His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI, who was to present the awards.

It had been five years since the President had last presented the awards for gallantry and to voluntary workers, and in his opening remarks he reflected that in that time over 7,600 lives had been saved, 180 new boats built and lifeboat technology had advanced by leaps and bounds.

His Royal Highness went on to say: 'What you have not done, I am delighted to say, is change the way you are. I can vouch for that from the visits I have made to the coast, the conversations I have had with lifeboat people and the reports I receive about your activities. Society today is so often accused of being too mercenary, and yet the current strength of the RNLI as an organisation dependent on volunteers and voluntary funding must surely temper such an outlook.' The Duke added, however, that he was pleased to see that the RNLI was not an organisation blinkered by its traditions.

He reflected that in his twenty year association with the Institution the lifeboat fleet had been adapted to cope with an increasing variety of casualties, from being tailored to serve merchant and fishing vessels it was now dealing with more than an equal number of calls from the holiday maker and the pleasure sailor.

'Rightly, I am sure,you have put much emphasis on speed to the scene of the casualty.' he added, 7 know that has meant taking younger men as lifeboat crew to withstand the battering they receive in a heavy sea. Indeed, I detect an increased effort all round to attract youth onto the side of the RNLI, and this shows the Institution is looking both to the present and to the future and that is admirable. But what makes the RNLI extra special is that it appeals to all ages. Anyone and everyone can become involved. Old age is no barrier to fund raising, in fact it appears to be an excellent way to stave off the effects! The branches and guilds of the RNLI are an example to all the charities in the land both for their dedication and for the results achieved. Congratulations to you all.' His Royal Highness then singled out those who were to receive awards for special praise before moving the traditional resolution recognising and honouring the work of all crews and voluntary workers. The Duke then presented one honorary life governorship, four bars to the Gold Badge and 27 Gold Badges, honouring tireless work on behalf of the Institution.

The presentations of Awards for Gallantry followed, with a Silver medal for Acting Coxswain James Dougal of Eyemouth lifeboat station and Bronze medals for Second Coxswain/Mechanic Shane Coleman of Lowestoft, Helmsman Peter Heading and Crew member Robert Gorman of Aberystwyth and Scalloway fisherman George Williamson. Interestingly two of the lifeboatmen - Shane Coleman and Robert Gorman were at sea in vessels other than lifeboats in their medal-winning services - and George Williamson is a commercial fisherman with no direct connection with the RNLI. Bravery and the saving of life at sea knows no boundaries.

Full details of the awards for gallantry and to voluntary workers are given below.

To wind up the proceedings Commandant Vonla McBride, a member of the RNLI' s Committee of Management, proposed a vote of thanks to His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent for attending the meeting and for presenting the awards.

The Annual Meetings have traditionally been held on a Tuesday in London, for reasons no doubt lost in the mists of time.

A/though the subject has not been raised at the AGM the Institution would be pleased to hear if Governors, or others would prefer an alternative arrangement.

Awards presented by HRH The Duke of Kenl at the Royal Festival Hall on 14 May SILVER MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY Acting Coxswain James Dougal Eyemouth On 6 October 1990 Acting Coxswain James Dougal took Eyemouth's relief Waveney class lifeboat to sea in hurricane-force winds when several groups of divers had been caught at sea in rapidly worsening conditions.

Two of the divers were found and taken aboard while the lifeboat searched unsucessfully for two others, who were later washed ashore safely.

Conditions prevented the lifeboat returning to Eyemouth and she had to enter nearby Burnmouth using car headlights as leading marks due to a power failure ashore.

The .service is recounted in full in this issue of The Lifeboat.

BRONZE MEDALS FOR GALLANTRY Second Coxswain/Mechanic Shane Coleman Lowestoft Shane Coleman was at sea, alone, in the Lowestoft pilot boat on 26 January 1990 when he saw a coaster and tug collide. The wind was Force 9 to 10 with 6ft seas and driving spray.

The tug began to sink so he immediately moved in to the rescue, plucking the three crew from the wheelhouse roof before the vessel sank.

Floating cordage fouled both of the pilot boat's propellers and she was in great danger of being pulled under by the sinking tug. All four men were picked up by Lowestoft lifeboat.

The rescue is recounted in full in the Autumn 1990 issue of The Lifeboat.

Helmsman Peter Heading and Crew Member Robert Gorman Aberystwyth Peter Heading was helmsman of Aberystwyth's C class inflatable on 18 September 1990 when she launched to an 18ft yacht in difficulties with one man aboard, and subsequently took her in tow. With 5ft to 6ft seas running over the bar outside the harbour and worsening weather there were fears that the lifeboat and tow would have difficulties returning through the dangerous seas.

Crew Member Robert Gorman agreed to take his own 32ft fishing boat to sea, and after careful manoeuvring was able to take over the tow and return to harbour with the yacht while the lifeboat escorted them.

The vessel was swept by a large breaking sea while crossing the bar.

The service is recounted in full in the Spring 1991 issue of The Lifeboat.

George Williamson Scalloway Commercial fisherman George Williamson put to sea in his own 36ft boat on 8 October 1990 when another fisherman had been wrecked and stranded on a nearby islet. Aith lifeboat was on her way, but would take some time to arrive. In storm force winds he worked his way through waters strewn with creel lines and thenusedhis21ft open tender to resc ue the man from the island.

The rescue is recounted in full in this issue of The Lifeboat.

HONORARY LIFE GOVERNOR Mr H Biggs Broadstairs Branch: Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer 1950 to date BAR TO THE GOLD BADGE Mrs B Sanders Walsall Ladies' Lifeboat Guild: Chairman 1965-1967,1970- 1971,1976-1978,1983-1984. Walsall Branch: President 1984 to date Mrs R Clarke Colchester Ladies' Lifeboat Guild: Committee Member 1950 to date, Honorary Secretary 1967-1973. Colchester District Branch: Honorary Secretary 1973 to date Mr S A Chase Thurrock Branch: Chairman an President 1953 to date Mrs J Hardy Swanage Guild: Guild Member 195 to date, Honorary Secretary and Fla.

Week Organiser 1965-1984, Presi dent 1985 to date GOLD BADGE Mrs A M Hodge Edinburgh Ladies' Lifeboat Guild Committee Member and Honorar; Secretary 1952 to date, Flag Da; Convener 1969 to date Mrs D Blackburn Blackpool North Shore Guild: Hon orary Treasurer and Vice Chairmai 1975-1987. Blackpool Ladies' Life boat Guild: Chairman 1987 to date Blackpool Luncheon Club: Chairmai 1984-1985, Honorary Treasurer 1991 to date. Halifax Ladies' Lifeboa Guild: Honorary Treasurer 1979 t( date Mrs D G Wilson Bromborough and Eastham Branch Chairman 1965 to date Mrs C D Price Prenton (Liverpool) Branch: Chair man 1965 to date Mrs R G Foster Driffield Ladies' Lifeboat Guild Honorary Secretary 1969-1983 Chairman 1983 to date Mrs B Martin Ludworth and Mellor Ladies' LifeboatGuild: Honorary Secretary 1962- 1968. Cowbridge Branch: Committee Member 1969-1971, Honorary Secretary 1971 to date Mrs P de Reybekill Handsworth Wood Guild: Committee Member 1966 to date, Chairman 1968-1970,1974-1976,1981-1983.

Birmingham Branch: Souvenir Secretary 1979 to date Miss J Johnstone Leamington Spa Branch: Honorary Secretary 1965 to date Mr G A Guy (deceased) Wolverhampton Branch: Branch Member 1967-1990, President 1972- 1990 Mr H P Bell Harwich Station Branch: Branch Member 1968-1986, Administration Officer 1970-1975, Chairman 1975- 1979, Vice Chairman 1979-1981, Chairman 1981-1986, Eastern Region Liaison Officer 1987 to date The Lady Mackintosh of Halifax Norwich Ladies' Lifeboat Guild: President 1967 to date Mrs S A Chase Thurrock Ladies' Guild (now amalgamated with Branch): Chairman 1968-1980. Thurrock Branch: Honorary Secretary 1968 to date Mrs M V Blatchford Plymouth Ladies' Lifeboat Guild: Committee Member 1966 to date.

Assistant Honorary Treasurer 1966- 1967,Honorary Treasurer 1967-1989 Mr G Moth Port Isaac Station Branch: Crew Member 1947-1953, Honorary Treasurer 1966 to date Mr R Norgrove JP Farnham Branch: Committee Member 1974 to date. Vice Chairman 1978- 1981, Chairman 1981 to date Mrs F W Forbes Horley Ladies' Lifeboat Guild: Honorary Secretary 1967 to date Mrs P Slater Margate Ladies' Lifeboat Guild: Committee Member Pre-1956 to date, Vice Chairman 1973-1974, Chairman 1974-1976, Vice President 1976-1978, Assistant Souvenir Secretary 1980 to date Mrs J Knight Camberwell Branch: Lifeboat Day Organiser 1953 to date, Honorary Secretary 1967 to date, Honorary Treasurer 1971-1983 Mrs P Johnston St Marylebone Branch: Chairman 1965-1980, Lifeboat Week Organiser 1980-1984, Chairman 1984 to date Mrs M Wentworth Harrogate Ladies' Lifeboat Guild: Chairman 1950-1960, Committee Member 1961 to date, Vice Chairman 1975-1976 Captain W J Knight Limerick Branch: Honorary Secretary 1966 to date Mr T S Wyllie Dunoon Station Branch: Assistant Honorary Secretary 1937-1939, Assistant Honorary Secretary 1945- 1952, Honorary Secretary 1952-1965.

Troon Station Branch: Committee Member 1966-1979, Vice Chairman 1979-1982, Chairman 1982-1990 Dr D Busfield Humber Station Branch: Honorary Medical Adviser 1968-1990 Mr R A Pain Dover Station Branch'. Honorary Treasurer 1966 to date, Chairman 1982 to date, Deputy Launching Authority 1984 to date Alderman T Bithell Flint Station Branch: Committee Member 1966 todate,Chairman 1968 to date Mr D O'Sullivan Ballycotton Station Branch: Deputy Launching Authority 1964-1967, Honorary Secretary 1967 to date Mr P J Gallaher Valentia Station Branch: Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer 1968 to date.