St Ives - Mersey class The Princess Royal (Civil Service No. 41) The importance of the naming ceremony for St Ives' Mersey class lifeboat The Princess Royal (Civil Service No 41) was recognised by the weather, which slipped in a warm, bright and occasionally sunny morning following the previous day's heavy rain and an afternoon of steady drizzle once the proceedings were safely over.

The presence of The Princess Royal herself to name the lifeboat drew big crowds to the quayside in the picturesque Cornish town, bringing normal activities to a standstill.

The chairman of the St Ives station branch, John Chalcroft, opened the proceedings on the decorated West Pier and introduced Sir Angus Fraser, who represented CISPOTEL (the Civil Service, Post Office and British Telecom Lifeboat Fund) which had funded the lifeboat - the 41 st in its 125-year history.

Sir Angus handed over the new lifeboat to the RNLI, which was represented on this occasion by Chairman Michael Vernon, who in turn handed her into the care of Captain Philip Moran. Captain Moran, the honorary secretary of the station, accepted the lifeboat on its behalf.

A service of dedication followed, conducted by Methodist Minister Pastor Harold Stevens.

At the close of the service John Chalcroft took the microphone once again to invite The Princess Royal to name the lifeboat which carries her name.

Her Royal Highness expressed her pleasure in being able to be present at such a wonderful occasion and remarked on the proud history of the station before operating the lever to send champagne cascading over the bow of the Mersey in traditional fashion.

Having been introduced to the members of the crew the Princess stepped aboard for a short trip around St Ives Bay. As an accomplished small boat sailor she took the helm for most of the trip, with Coxswain Eric Ward later commenting most favourably on her abilities at the wheel.

A luncheon at the nearby Guildhall wound up the official proceedings enabling branch and station officials to be introduced to Her Royal Highness before her departure.

CISPOTEL has i 125th anniversary this year, and c the fund and the lifeboats it has Ballyglass -Arun class Mabel Williams An Arun class lifeboat was named on 4 May 1991 at BaJJyglass Pier, County Mayo, the first new offshore lifeboat station to be opened on the west coast of Ireland since 1927.

Mrs Mary Robinson, President of Ireland, named the new ifeboalMabeI Williams. The service of dedication and blessing was con- ducted by the Most Reverend Thomas Finnegan, Bishop of KilJala and the Right Reverend John Neill, Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry.

Handing over the new 52ft lifeboat to the Ballyglass branch, the chairman of the R NLI, Michael Vernon, said the ceremony was the culmination of several years' intensive study by the Institution.

'Having established the necessity for a lifeboat station on the Mayo coast which would in effect close the gap between Gal way Bay and Arranmore lifeboat stations, the next step was to find the best location. After much consideration Ballyglass was deemed the most suitable, giving the lifeboat immediate access to the main area of operation while ensuring safe and sheltered mooring at all times'.

The director of the RNLI, Lt Cdr Brian Miles, and chief of operations, Cdre George Cooper travelled from Poole to attend.

Paddy Leech, honorary secretary of Ballyglass branch, accepted the lifeboat and Michael Lavelle, chairman of the fund raising committee proposed the vote of thanks.

Mrs Robinson praised the voluntary nature of work done by lifeboat crews around our coasts and said how very pleased she was to be naming a brand new lifeboat in her native County Mayo.

Many of the large gathering then attended a reception at the Palm Court ballroom, kindly prepared by the Ladies' guild.

Portree - Waveney class Ralph and Joy Swann Ralph and Joy Swann, a 44ft Waveney class Iffeboat built in 1976 was re-dedicated for service in an informal ceremony at Portree Harbour on 21 June 1991.

Proceedings were led by Captain Darb.v George, chairman of Portree Station branch. Mr Andrew Cubie, vice chairman of the executive committee of the Scottish Lifeboat Council, handed the lifeboat into the station's care. The service of re-dedication was led by the Reverend William Campbell of Portree Free Church, the Reverend Mark Wathen of St Columba's Church, Portree and the Reverend John Ferguson of Portree Parish Church.

Formerly stationed at Ramsgate, Kent, Ralph and Joy Swann now serves in the relief fleet. Throughout her life, she has been launched 303 times, saving 199 lives.

Pwllheli - Mersey class Lilly and Vincent Anthony Pwllheli's new 12m Mersey class lifeboat was named in a special ceremony on Saturday 18 May 1991 at the lifeboathouse in Pwllheli's Outer Harbour. A bequest by Miss Amy Anthony of Colwyn Bay, who died in January 1988 aged 92. funded Lilly and Vincent Anthony, the £455,000 lifeboat which assumed its duties at Pwllheli on 25 January.

Following a welcome by Lt Col Thomas, Mr Jeffrey Mankertz, inspector of lifeboats for the RNLI's Western Division, described the capabilities of the lifeboat. Mr T. Cecil Roberts, representing Barclays Bank Trust Company Ltd. administrators of the late Miss Anthony's estate, then handed care of the lifeboat to The Lord Stanley of Alderley, who accepted her on behalf of the RNLI. He in turn presented the boat to Mr Dafydd Williams, honorary secretary for the Pwllheli station branch. A vote of thanks was proposed by Miss Irene Davies, president of the South Caernarfonshire Ladies' Lifeboat Guild.

The Right Reverend J. Cleadan Mears, Bishop of Bangor, conducted the service of dedication assisted by Reverend R.F.

Donaldson, vicar of St Peter's, Reverend M.L.

Davies, Minister of Salem, Reverend A.M.

Roberts, Minister of Penmount and Reverend G. Williams, Minister of Seion.

Lilly and Vincent Anthony was named by Mrs Eileen Lord, a close friend of Miss Anthony, in memory of Miss Anthony's cotton merchant father and his wife. The new boat replaces the Oakley class The Royal Thames, which had previously served at the station since 1979 and which is now continuing her service at Clogher Head.

Pwllheli station was further honoured by the presentation of a vellum to commemorate the centenary of the station's foundation on 11 April. The vellum, signed by the RNLI's president, HRH The Duke of Kent, chairman Michael Vernon and director Lt Cdr Brian Miles, was presented to Lt Col Richard Thomas, chairman of the Pwllheli branch by the Right Honourable The Lord Stanley of Alderley, a member of the RNLI's committee of management and chairman of the fund raising committee.

The construction of Pwllheli's station was recorded in THE LIFEBOAT of August 1891. It read: 'a new and commodious boathouse has been erected (at Pwllheli) for the reception of the lifeboat, its transporting carriage and gear, from the designs of the Engineer and Architect of the Institution, Mr W.T. Douglass' at a cost of £480. The ten lifeboats that have been on permanent station at Pwllheli during the last 100 years 1 have been launched on service almost 400 times, saving more than 200 lives. The Lilly and Vincent Anthony is now charged with maintaining this unblemished record.

Relief Fleet - Mersey class Marine Engineer An air of cheerful expectancy surrounded the Docklands Sailing Centre, Isle of Dogs, on 25 April 1991 for the visit of HRH The Duchess of Kent to name the relief Mersey class lifeboat Marine Engineer. The morning dawned bright enough, but blustery winds and clouds masking the sun brought a distinct chill to this special day.

As guests arrived, the scene became more colourful. It was something of a nostalgic return to Docklands for the RNLI - between 1882 and 1939 the Institution's storeyard and depot operated at Limehouse Cut, Poplar and many lifeboats were constructed at East End boatyards in the 19th and early 20th century.

For the Institute of Marine Engineers, who had launched a lifeboat appeal in commemoration of their centenary year, it was also a return to roots, for it was founded in East London in 1889.

Following the initial introductions, the Duchess of Kent and platform party took their places. Lt Cdr Brian Miles thanked all those who had contributed to the appeal, for it was they who had made the day possible. President of the Institute of Marine Engineers, Rear Admiral Michael Vallis, paid tribute to Institute members who had responded from around the world. Mr Michael Vernon, RNLI chairman, formally accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the Institution. The service of dedication was conducted by the Right Reverend John Klyberg, Bishop of Fulham, with music by a Salvation Army band.

Dressed in a rose pink suit, the Duchess of Kent spoke about her respect and affection for the RNLI, an affinity which had grown since girlhood visits to Yorkshire lifeboat stations.

She paid tribute to the fund raisers, to the designers whose technical skills had produced such an excellent lifeboat and to the bravery and seamanship of the crews, 'a byword all over the world and a source of deep pride to us all.' With this glowing acclamation the Duchess pushed the lever to cause the foredeck to be awash with champagne, to name the lifeboat Marine Engineer.

After three rousing cheers, the Duchess was conducted on board for a trip afloat and for the newer residents of the Isle of Dogs to see that lifeboats were back in Docklands.

Shoreham Tyne class Hermione Lady Colwyn Shoreham's 47ft Tyne class lifeboat gleamed and the area alongside the station was transformed by smart white chairs and a dais planted with flowers as over 600 people gathered for the naming ceremony of RNLB Hermione Lady Colwyn on 29 May 1991. Princess Alexandra, in her cream and yellow outfit and smiling happily, provided the sunshine on this cold and overcast morning.

Caroline Lettres, daughter of crew member Gerald Lettres, presented a posy to the Princess, helped by Michelle and Samantha, daughters of crew members Mike Fox and Barry Gathen.

After the national anthem, John Harrison, chairman of both the Shoreham Harbour branch and the appeal committee, opened proceedings and officially handed over the lifeboat to the RNLI. Michael Vernon, chairman of the RNLI, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the Institution and in turn delivered her into the care of James Partridge, honorary secretary for Shoreham Harbour station.

A service of dedication was led by Reverend Martin Sheppard, vicar of St Mary de Haura, New Shoreham, Reverend Stuart Kerlsey, rector of St Julians, KingstonBuci and Reverend Graham Carey, Port of Shoreham chaplain. John Harrison then invited the Princess to name the lifeboat.

Princess Alexandra said how pleased she was to be at Shoreham to name a second lifeboat. Her mother, Princess Marina (who was RNLI president from 1943 until her death in 1968) also named a lifeboat at Shoreham and her father, Prince George, had officiated at a similar ceremony in 1933. She paid tribute to the lifeboat crew and their families, to the voluntary workers and to all the people who had contributed to the local appeal to fund the new lifeboat.

Breaking a bottle of champagne over the bow of the lifeboat, Princess Alexandra named her Hermione Lady Colwyn. She then took a short trip in the lifeboat with coxswain John Landale at the helm before meeting families, officials and supporters at the Sussex Yacht Club.

Relief Fleet - D class Bacchus Corks were well and truly popping as the appropriately named Bacchus, a D class lifeboat funded by the Sunday Times Wine Club, took up her role in the RNLI' s relief fleet after a ceremony at the Horticultural Halls in Westminster, London.

The ceremony, opened by Mr Hugh Johnson, president of the Sunday Times Wine Club, took place at the Annual London Vintage Festival on the evening of 19 April.

A service of dedication was conducted by The Reverend Roger Holloway, priest vicar at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey, and Mrs Jillian Cole, secretary of the Sunday Times Wine Club named the lifeboat.

Bacchus was funded by donations from the 60,000 members of the club, established in October 1973 by wine merchant Tony Laithwaite, former editor of the Sunday Times Harry Evans, and Hugh Johnson, Sunday Times travel and wine writer of that time.

The club adopted the RNLI as its chosen charity after the tragic loss of the brigantine Marques and her crew, which had been chartered by wine club members.

Pride of West Kingsdown Mr Richard Crust, manager of the Portobello Inn and member of the RNLI's West Kingsdown branch, presented a new D class lifeboat to Mr Colin Williams, deputy divisional inspector of lifeboats for the South East at the Portobello Inn, West Kingsdown, Kent on Saturday 13 July 1991.

The manager, staff and customers of the inn had collected donations and organised special events - including a sponsored motorcycle tour round lifeboat stations - over two years to raise the £10,000 for the new lifeboat.

They were aided in their fund raising efforts by the RNLI's West Kingsdown branch.

Mr John Glover, chairman of the West Kingsdown branch, welcomed those in attendance to the ceremony, and The Reverend Brian Godfrey, rector of the St Edmund King and Martyr church, West Kingsdown, conducted a short service of dedication.

The new lifeboat was christened Pride of West Kingsdown by Mrs Anne Roud, honorary secretary of the local branch. Mrs Roud also unveiled the donor's commemorative plaque which will be displayed at RNLI headquarters in Poole, Dorset. Mr John Glover proposed a vote of thanks.

Pride of West Kingsdown will now assume her role in the RNLI's relief fleet, serving at locations throughout the.British Isles.

Billy Mills and George Ralph Following a tuneful two-year appeal which raised a total of £10,000, the members of Forest Row Lifeboat Choir were the proud witnesses at the naming and dedication ceremony of the 16ft (4.95m) D class lifeboat Billy Mills and George Ralph at Weirwood Sailing Club on the evening of 11 July 1991.

The choir, which has been together for over 40 years, sang their way to successful fund raising by performing at local functions and locations, including Christmas shopping evenings in East Grinstead.

During the appeal, they were offered a great deal of support by the RNLI's local Forest Row branch.

A welcome by Mr Leonard Groom, himself a member of the choir, was followed by the official presentation of the lifeboat by Mrs Myfanwy Townsend, the choir's conductor, to Mr Colin Williams, deputy divisional inspector of lifeboats for the South East, who accepted it on behalf of the RNLI. Mr David Sweet, local Methodist preacher, performed the service of dedication.

The lifeboat, which has now taken its place in the RNLI's relief fleet, was named by Mrs Joan Ralph in honour of her husband George, the late conductor of the choir, and in memory of the late founder of the choir, Billy Mills.

Llandudno - Mersey class Andy Pearce 'Overcast, some light showers, cool.' That was the BBC weather forecast for 18 June 1991.

After hours of steady downpour, the rain eased to make the naming ceremony of Llandudno's new Mersey class lifeboat Andy Pearce a little more comfortable for the hundreds of spectators who had steadfastly braved the elements.

Suitably clad in a white mackintosh.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent received a special souvenir programme from coxswain's son Gareth Davies and a posy from Jodie Frost, daughter of the head launcher before taking shelter on the podium. , The lifeboat was largely funded from the estate of the late Andy Pearce. In a short speech his mother, Mrs Diana Pearce, said, 'Andy was always there when he was needed and we are proud to think this lifeboat that bears his name will also be on hand whenever someone needs help at sea.' In accepting the new boat, station honorary secrelary Ted Yates recalled Llandudno's proud lifeboat tradition stretching back 130 years and paid tribute to all who had served in the crew for their timeless and priceless skill, loyalty and heroism. The Duchess of Kent expressed her sincere pleasure and satisfaction at being asked, once again, to carry out the naming of a lifeboat. She praised the 'all-weather crew' at Llandudno who, in their new all-weather lifeboat, give their services freely out of conviction and devotion to duty. With a champagnedrenching crack, Andy Pearce was named in time-honoured fashion.

Donning a lifeboatman's yellow jacket, the Duchess joined the crew under the command of coxswain Meurig Davies for a demonstration of the lifeboat's capabilities, taking the helm herself for part of the trip.

On her return, the Duchess ignored the car waiting to take her to the official St George's Hotel reception and walked instead, stopping to chat with onlookers waiting patiently to see her. The rain had not mattered at all.

Atlantic 21 class Relief - Clothworker The Inshore Lifeboat Centre, Cowes was the setting for the naming of Atlantic 21 lifeboat Clothworker on 3 July 1991.

It was The Clothworkers' Foundation's most recent donation in a tradition of regular subscriptions to the RNLI stretching back over 100 years.

Lt Col George Howell, chairman of the Clolhworkers' Foundation, handed the lifeboat into the care of the Institution, represented by Mr Anthony Oliver, deputy head of fund raising and marketing for the RNLI.

A service of dedication was led by the Reverend Stuart Cleaver, priest in charge Whippingham and East Cowes, and Mr Christopher Rawson, a governor of The Clothworkers' Foundation christened the new relief boat.

Kirkcudbright Peter and Grace Ewing The legacy of Mrs Jan Paton, Scottish district organising secretary (1946-1958), funded Kirkcudbright's new Atlantic 21 lifeboat, formally named Peter and Grace Ewing in memory of Mrs Paton's parents, on 27 July 1991.

The lifeboat was handed over to assistant chief constable Archibald MacKenzie, representing the RNLI, by Mrs Paton's nephew, Mr James White.

Mr Alex Strachan accepted the boat for the station, and the service of dedication was led by the Reverend Stewart Wilson, with Father Farrington and Canon Broun. The new lifeboat was named by Lady McGrigor, whose husband Sir Charles has recently retired as convener of the Scottish Lifeboat Council. The ceremony was chaired by Sir Nigel Henderson, chairman of Kirkcudbright RNLI station branch.

Marazion D class A D class lifeboat funded by the South West Federation of Sea Anglers together with donations from British Gas South Western was dedicated in a ceremony held at the Quay, St Michael's Mount on 14 July 1991.

The boat is on permanent station at Marazion, a new summer-only station operating from March to October, which runs as an extension to the Penlee station branch. Up to the end of May this year, its lifeboat had been launched 17 times on service, saving three lives.

The ceremony was opened by Mr James Hodge, president of the Penlee station branch.

The lifeboat was handed over to Lt Cmdr Jeremy Tetley, a vice president of the RNLI, by Mr Terry Bewes, fish recorder and fund raising chairman for the South West Federation of Sea Anglers. The boat was then handed to Mr Ken Grove, honorary secretary of the Marazion station. A description of the history of the D class boat was given by Captain Hugh Fogarfy, deputy divisional inspector of lifeboats for the South West. The Reverend T.S. Hichens, chaplain on St Michael's Mount, assisted by The Reverend Jeffrey Harper, chaplain of the Penlee lifeboat, led the dedication service.

Music for the occasion was provided by the St Erth concert band, directed by Mr George Lawry and the Govenek Choir, conducted by Mr Stephen Lawry.

Bangor-Atlantic 21 Youth Of Ulster If it had tried it could not have rained any heavier or at a more inconvenient time on Saturday 22 June at the harbour in Bangor.

Everyone who was anyone in lifeboat circles in Northern Ireland (and elsewhere) had gathered for the naming of Bangor's new Atlantic 21 Youth of Ulster - but by whom? There had been a lot of nudge, nudge, wink, wink during the week as to who the chief guest was going to be. Excitement mounted when it was disclosed it would be HRH The Prince Edward, in the Province on a one-day visit. Secretary of State Mr Peter Brooke was also in attendance.

After the national anthem, Mr Denis Templeton, chairman of Bangor lifeboat appeal committee, welcomed guests and handed the boat into the care of the RNLI, represented by Mr Clayton Love Jnr, a vice president. Mr Love in turn presented the boat to station honorary secretary Mr George Ralston. A service of dedication followed and vice admiral Sir Arthur Hezlet proposed the vote of thanks.

Prince Edward, smiling despite the rain, named Bangor's latest boat Youth of Ulster in honour of local children who helped to raise the funds in just a few months. The Prince also unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit and the sponsors. The ceremony was followed by an air/sea rescue exercise involving Bangor lifeboat crew, coastguards and the RAF's Rescue Service.

Neither the rain nor the wind could dampen the spirits of those who had gathered in their finery for this special occasion. And it will be remembered by many for a long time to come..