With deep regret we record the following deaths: January 1996 Coleman Hernon, ex-coxswain of Aran Islands lifeboat (formally known as Galway Bay).

Coleman became bowman of the lifeboat in 1949, 2nd Coxswain in 1951 and coxswain in 1960. After 15 years as coxswain, Coleman retired from the post and served as deputy launching authority until he was appointed station honorary secretary in 1977, a position he held for some 16 years until he became station honorary press officer in 1993. Coleman was awarded the Institution's Bronze Medal for gallantry in 1962, the Chairman's letter in 1967 and binoculars in 1988.

February 1996 Ken Knight, Master Mariner, president of Bumpstead and district branch. Ken was a founder member of the branch in 1981, holding the position of chairman until 1984 when he was made president.

Mr Wallace Barber, RNLI honorary life governor. Mr Lister was a founder member of the Stockport crew of auxiliary lifeboatmen - a unique group with a record of 58 years service to the RNLI. He was honorary secretary from 1937 to 1972, chairman from 1979 to 1993 and president of thecrew. Wallace received the award of Honorary Life Governorship in 1995 for his 62 years service to the RNLI and also received the Silver badge in 1962, Statuette in 1970, Gold badge in 1971 and Bar to gold badge in 1981.

March 1996 Albert Haines, ex-coxswain of Dungeness lifeboat. Albert's service with the Institution began in 1941 as a crew member of Dungeness lifeboat, becoming bowman in 1947. In 1965 he was appointed second coxswain with promotion to coxswain in 1975, a post he held until his retirement in 1979. Albert received the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum in 1974.

Mrs Ruby Wilson, honorary secretary of the Llangefni guild. Mrs Wilson joined the guild in 1969 and was souvenir secretary for some 10 years until her appointment as honorary secretary in 1994. Mrs Wilson was awarded a Statuette in 1992.

Group Captain G. Griffith, secretary of Ruthin branch. Group Captain Griffith became secretary of the branch soon after joining in 1968 - he relinquished the position in 1987 but remained on the committee. He was awarded a Silver badge in 1981.

April 1996 Jane Cookson, treasurer of Morpeth guild. Jane joined the committee in 1974 and became treasurer in 1976, a position she held until her death. Jane was awarded the Silver badge in 1991.

Harold Armstrong, retired acting coxswain of Staithes and Runswick lifeboat. Harold joined the crew in 1960, becoming bowman in 1965. In 1968 he was appointed second coxswain and became acting coxswain in 1973, a position he held until his retirement in 1977.

Mrs Elizabeth Wiles, founder chairman of the Louth branch.

Mrs Wiles founded the branch in 1970 and was awarded the Silver badge in 1986 upon her retirement as chairman. She continued to organise Louth flag days and received a framed letter of appreciation from the Director in January 1996.

Mrs Irene Lamont, former president of the Lerwick ladies lifeboat guild. She was chairman of the reformed Grimsby ladies guild from 1964 until 1983 and was awarded a Silver badge in 1982.

Mrs Pleydell-Bouverie, mother of Lord Montagu of Beaulieu; president of the Lymington ladies lifeboat guild. Mrs Pleydell-Bouverie joined the branch in 1986.

May Mrs J E Mustard, President of the Renfrew ladies lifeboat guild. Mrs Mustard joined the guild in 1962; was honorary secretary from 1967 to 1972, and thereafter president from 1973 to 1993. She was awarded a Silver badge in 1978 and Gold badge in 1989.

Dr Ian C Low CA, president of Broughty Ferry station branch for over 20 years. Dr low was an extremely generous benefactor to the lifeboat station for many years and was awarded a Silver badge in 1994..