New members for RNLI Committee of Management Four new members were appointed to serve on the RNLI's Committee of Management-the Institution's trustees and controlling body - at its meeting on 28 November 1996.

• Anthony Dorey has been a member of the RNLI's Boat and Shoreworks Committee since 1995 and is a Non-executive Director of Vosper-Thornycroft (UK). He lives in Southampton and is a council member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

• Lord Greenway, photographer and author, has been a member of the Public Relations Committee for ten years and is a keen yachtsman - being a veteran of the 1979 Fastnet Race storm. He lives in North Devon and is Commodore of the House of Lords Yacht Club.

• Charles Hunter-Pease is Chief Executive of Volvo Car (UK) which has funded three all-weather lifeboats over a 10 year association with the RNLI.

He has been a member of the Fundraising Committee since 1991 and lives in Oxfordshire.

• The Hon Mrs Henry (Felicity) Douglas-Home has been Vice Convenor of the Scottish Lifeboat Council since 1990 and involved with the RNLI since 1983. She is the Chairman of the Duns and District Branch and breeds pedigree Highland Cattle.

At the same meeting Captain Sir Miles Wingate KCVO FNI, a member of the Committee of Management, was appointed a Vice President of the Institution in recognition of his work on the Committee and also on the Search and Rescue Committee. Sir Miles is a Master Mariner and lives in Devon.The Lifeboat on audio tape The Lifeboat is also available on audio tape in conjunction with Talking Newspapers.

The audio tape version is free, although recipients may wish to make a donation to cover the additional costs involved.

To receive The Lifeboat on a C90 audio tape please write to The Editor, The Lifeboat, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH151HZ.Enterprises' Mission.

RNLI (Enterprises) Limited is a new name which supporters of the lifeboat service may soon come into contact with - it is one of the .Institution's wholly owned limited companies, which allows it to trade even though it is a charity. Small scale trading is acceptable to the Charity Commissioners, but it is considered good practice to keeptrading functions separate. There are also tax advantages to operating in this way and, although only an accountant would understand the technicalities, the result is that more of the money raised goes into building and maintaining lifeboats and less goes into the Inland Revenue's coffers. This is an arrangement which suits lifeboat supporters! RNLI (Enterprises) takes over the functions of running the Institution's National Lottery which was previously run by RNLI (Lotteries) Limited. It's 'Lotteries', Jim, but not as we know it, as Enterprises' mission is also to boldly raise funds, if not exactly where no funds have been raised before at least under a different banner.

Many of the smaller trading functions of the RNLI - such as corporate promotions and sponsorship, the supply of school packs and Storm Force and Sea Safety items - will go through RNLI (Enterprises) Limited while RNLI (Sales) Limited will continue to deal with the major, and profitable, trading functions such as branch and guild and mail order sales.

The Institution's third trading company, RNLI (Trading) Limited, will be more familiar to suppliers of boats and equipment. It is partly a boatbuilding company - it buys all the materials, makes contracts for boats to be built and then sells the lifeboat to the RNLI at cost price - and also supports the fleet and shore facilities. It may seem an odd way of doing things, but it saves the Institution an awful lot of money in tax and VAT! All three wholly owned subsidiaries have a board of directors which consists entirely of RNLI staff and members of RNLI committees.NEWSPOI NT This issue of The Lifeboat is published as the 1997 London International Boat Show gets under way - which is very timely.

At the show the RNLI is launching its new membership grade, Offshore, which is aimed specifically at the sea user, mainly but not exclusively the pleasure sailor.

Well over half the RNLI's services are now to pleasure craft of some sort, and reasearch has shown quite clearly that many people who go to sea for pleasure would be willing - indeed, would like - to contribute more via the membership scheme. As a result the Institution has put together a package for Offshore members which enables them to provide more benefit to the RNLI's finances and also take advantage of discounts from major marine suppliers who are also keen to support the lifeboat service.

The time may well come when going to sea without Offshore membership will be considered socially unacceptable and irresponsible. There are more details of Offshore on pages seven and nine of this issue for those who cannot join at the Show.

With the Safety on the Sea initiative firmly in place the RNLI has also taken the opportunity provided by the Boat Show to bring home the kind of problems which can eventually lead to a call for the lifeboat. A small yacht displayed on the stand has been doctored to include the many, but sometimes subtle, faults which can lead to difficulties out of all proportion to the cost of preventing or repairing them.

Anyone who goes to sea for pleasure should make a point of visiting Stand 60E this year-their rewarding experience will be joining Offshore and the worry will come from examaning the potential faults aboard our Chamber of Horrors.First Severn on station The first of the RNLI's new 25-knot Severn class lifeboats has entered service at Harwich in Essex.

Albert Brown is seen here entering Harwich on 29 September and was officially placed 'on station' on 20 October 1996.

Although the class suffered from some early teething troubles the design has now been well proven. Coxswain Peter Dawson put things in perspective when he told 'The Guardian' newspaper: 'We're fully confident in the boat and always have been. You're bound to get problems on prototypes.

Give it 10 years and they'll all think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread!' Valentia, on the west coast of Ireland, was the second station to receive a Severn during October - encountering the tail end of Hurricane Lili while on passage. The station has already confirmed its confidence in the boat, saying: 'we've already been to sea in most atrocious conditions - Force 9 and high seas along this most exposed coastline on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.' Eventful OccasionsIn July 1996 the Greater London Region established a new Events Office at their office in Buckingham Street, London.

The aim of the new office is to research and manage fundraising events within the region which are beyond the scope of a single financial branch or guild - although they hope to involve individual branches whenever possible.

The Events Office would be very pleased to hear from branches in the region with any ideas or suggestions to add to the programme - which already includes the following 1997 dates:Thursday 5 June, Gareth Hunt Piano Recital (St John's, Smith Square); Sunday 6 July The first RNLI London Monopoly Walk (date to be confirmed); Friday and Saturday 12/13 September, The RNLI 24-Hour Book Sale (date to be confirmed); October, Dinner at the Guildhall.

For more information contact Susie Clark, Events Manager, or Sue Dowell, Events Coordinator-( 0171) 839 3369.

Fax (0171) 839 3337.D class named at Hayling Island A gentle breeze and a clear blue sky provided the backdrop for the naming of the new Hayling Island D class lifeboat on 15 June. Leonard Stedman, the second lifeboat provided by the people of Farnham, was named after the Farnham fundraising branch founder chairman and officially named by his widow Lois Stedman.

An appeal was launched in the business community of Farnham by branch chairman Roy Norgrove MBE JP and president, Rear Admiral Michael Stacey CB - the target for which was reached in under three months.

Double for Campbeltown Visitors and locals joined Campbeltown lifeboat community on 13 July for the opening of the 'Captain Ian Weir Crawford boathouse' and the handing over of the D class lifeboat, Spirit of Kintyre. Guests included Mrs McGugan, sister of the late Captain Ian Weir Crawford, whose generous bequest funded the boathouse; representatives of local businesses and individuals who had supported the appeal to fund the lifeboat; RNLI VIPs and many other guests.

The boathouse was officially opened by Mrs McGugan followed by a service of dedication. Mrs Stewart, honorary secretary of the Campbeltown ladies lifeboat guild handed the D class over to the RNLI, while Mrs Bell named the lifeboat Spirit of Kin tyre.Douglas Aikman Smith named at Invergordon Some 350 guests joined Invergordon lifeboat community on 17 August for the naming of their new Trent class lifeboat. Guests included Mr and Mrs Ronald Stephenson, representatives of the late Mr Douglas Aikman Smith; RNLI VIPs; Vice Admiral Sir John and Lady Hayes; representatives of HM Coastguard and HM Services; crew and families; station branch officials and fundraisiers; and local supporters.

Dr. Hutchinson, chairman of Invergordon station branch, started proceedings by inviting Miss Irene Coutts, daughter of the deputy second coxswain, to make a presentation to Mrs Stephenson who then named the lifeboat, Douglas Aikman Smith. A service of dedication was carried out by four members of the local clergy followed by the serving of refreshments for invited guests.And they're off! The BT Global Challenge got off to a somewhat choppy start in Southampton on 29 September 1996.

Toshiba Wave Warrior can be seen in the centre of the above photograph accompanied by Calshot's Brede class lifeboat, Safeway and Bembridge's Tyne class lifeboat, Max Aitken III.

For further details of the Challenge see the central fundraising update on page 35.

New insignia With the launch of the new membership grade, Offshore, the RNLI has introduced a new range of membership insignia for Offshore members and Governors. The Institution has also taken this opportunity to review Shoreline insignia - a brochure containing the new and exciting insignia ranges is enclosed with this issue of The Lifeboat.Forest Row Choir named at Shoreham The second D class lifeboat funded by the Forest Row lifeboat choir was named and dedicated by Dorothy Rumens, choir member, on 31 August 1996 Some 200 people attended the ceremony at Shoreham, including 50 choir members with their families, fundraisers from the Shoreham Harbour lifeboat society, Shoreham and Lancing ladies guild and members of the station branch.

Following the tragic death of two local men at sea, a local postman decided that something should be done to commemorate their lives and indeed put something back into lifesaving at sea and so the choir was founded in 1945 to raise funds for the RNLI. Previously money raised by the choir went into the Institution's general funds but recently after two successful appeals two D class lifeboats have been funded.

Eyemouth Trent named Over 350 guests joined Eyemouth lifeboat community on 29 June for the naming of their new Trent class lifeboat, Bardaycard Crusader.

Guests included representatives of Barclaycard and of the late Charles Beeby, services representatives, HM Coastguard and other special guests.

The ceremony was led by David Liddell-Grainger, president of Eyemouth station branch and the lifeboat was named by Ann Hirons following a service of dedication conducted by four members of the local clergy.

Following the ceremony, refreshments were served and all invited guests were delighted to see presentations by Eyemouth lifeboat crew members to Barclaycard.First lifeboat named at Dunbar in 35 years Hundreds of people flocked to Dunbar Harbour on 7 September to watch Mrs Pauline Poland officially name the station's new Trent class lifeboat Sir Ronald Pechell Bt in honour of her late brother.

Ivor McPhillips, in accepting the lifeboat of behalf of the station, performed his last official duty as station honorary secretary before his retirement. A service of dedication was led by the Reverend Alex Noble, followed by the naming with the traditional bottle of champagne.

The cost of the lifeboat was raised through various gifts and legacies along with the Dunbar appeal - a large portion coming from the legacy of Lady Dora Pechell, wife of Sir Ronald.

The story of the Trent's passage to Dunbar from Headquarters in Poole featured in the Autumn 1996 issue of The Lifeboat Lottery re-launch The Spring 1997 lifeboat lottery tickets are enclosed, you will have noticed their change in appearance! The books are now produced in books of ten for reasons of economy, therefore some members will find that the number of tickets they receive has been rounded up to the nearest ten.

For 50p someone will win £2000, £1000, £500 or one of the other 10 runner-up prizes in the Spring lottery. Buying tickets, or even selling them to family, friends and colleagues is an enjoyable way to raise funds for the RNLI. Every ticket sold contributes to the provision of the best possible boats and equipment for our lifeboat crews.

If you would like to receive more tickets, or join our existing members in selling them, please write to Rebekah Rose, RNLI Headquarters, or simply telephone our lottery ticket hotline on (01202) 663219, 8.30am - 5.00pm, weekdays.

RNLI facts Provisional statistics as at 27 November 1996 show that so far during 1996: • RNLI lifeboats were launched 4,960 times (an average of 15 a day) • 1,025 lives were saved (an average of 3 a day) • Some 3% of services were carried out in winds of Force 7 or above • Some 55% of services were to pleasure craft • There are 296 lifeboats on station • Some 129,500 lives have been saved since the Institution was founded in 1824 Costs The cost of running the RNLI in 1996 was £63.3m (£173,000 per day).

The approximate current costs of building a lifeboat in 1997 are: 4.9m D class fully inflatable £11,500 7.3m Atlantic 75 rigid inflatable £61,500 14m Trent £1,175,000 17m Severn £1,580,000Sheerness Trent named by HRH The Duke of Kent KG Even the dark clouds and splatters of rain decided to clear and let the sunshine smile on the new Trent class lifeboat at her naming ceremony on Wednesday 11 September.

HRH spoke to the assembled company and then took a trip out to sea. When he spoke he reminded everyone that Sheerness, despite being a relatively 'young' lifeboat station - only 30 years old, had a wonderful record of services, some heroic moments, including the Bronze Medal during the October hurricane of 1987, and now had one of the newest lifeboats in the RNLI's fleet.

Mrs Diane Berry, daughter of the nephew of the donors, said that George and Ivy Swanson, who had lived by the sea in Bournemouth for many years, and appreciated its dangers, would be so proud to know that there was a lifeboat, bearing their names, which would be ready at a moment's notice to go about the business of saving lives. The lifeboat was duly named George and Ivy Swanson, and her christening was heralded by a blast from the hooters of the boats nearby. Departing guests were given a bottle of special beer, so that they could go home and drink a further toast to the new Sheerness lifeboat and her crew.

Showtime! Readers who receive their copy of The Lifeboat in time to visit the London International Boat Show (3 January to 12 January 1997) may find the RNLI's stand (60E) even more interesting than usual.

To complement the Offshore membership drive and the Safety on the Sea initiative there will be a small yacht on show, into which all sorts of potential problems have been cunningly incorporated.

If you're a boat owner come along and check you haven't got the same ones...Two firsts for Zandra Aberdeen lifeboat crewmember Zandra Mackintosh broke RNLI records when she became the first lifeboatwoman to represent the RNLI at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on 9 November. Coxswain Graham Walker of Wells lifeboat was also present at the festival, making it the first time the RNLI has been invited to have two people representing approximately 4,000 volunteer crew members.

D class named at Angle Ethel Clark, tireless RNLI fundraiser achieved a lifetime's ambition when she officially named Angle's lifeboat Isabella Mary on the 22 September.

The lifeboat was funded by the legacy of the late Mrs Isabella Finlayson who also contributed towards the Tyne class lifeboat Good Shepherd.

Mrs Finlayson lost seven relatives at sea and wanted her entire estate to go to the RNLI.

Ethel of Angle lifeboat station and honorary secretary of the Hakin Point branch, christened the station's new D class with the traditional champagne following a service of dedication by the Reverend Tony Turner, Rector of Angle.the same ones...

Doc's lifeline...

Doc Cox, former That's Life' presenter, has specially penned a catchy new song called 'Lifeline' which features in a new RNLI Video. The Video called 'Lifeboats' has been specially produced to help make children more aware of the hazards of the sea. It is aimed at children aged five to seven and compliments the 'Lifeboats' educational resource pack released earlier this year.

The video demonstrates the types of incidents young people can get into when at the seaside, and it shows what to do when you see someone in trouble.

The 'Lifeboats' video costs £5 (or complete with resource pack for £10) and is currently available from Anne Millman, youth promotions coordinator, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. Cheques should be made payable to Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

D class named at Fishguard.

Fishguard's new D class lifeboat was named Arthur Bygraves at Fishguard lifeboat station, Goodwick on 21 September by Mrs Margery Bygraves who funded the £11,000 lifeboat in memory of her husband.

Mrs Bygraves has a long-standing association with the RNLI - she is a committee member and former souvenir secretary of the Woodley and Earley branch in Berkshire.

Due to pressure on space not all naming ceremonies intended fo publication feature in this issue of The Lifeboat. Ceremony reports not featured will appear in the Spring 1997 issue..