With deep regret we record the following deaths: October 1996 Mrs Peggy Mabe, president of Fishguard and Goodwick ladies lifeboat guild. Mrs Mabe was a founder member of the guild in 1961 and held the office of treasurer during her time on the committee, becoming president in 1989. She was awarded the Silver badge in 1977.

November 1996 Colonel Kenneth L. C. Wright MBE TD, former chairman of the Portishead branch. Ken joined the branch in March 1976, serving as chairman until October 1976 but remained an active member of the committee until his death. He was awarded the Silver badge in 1986.

Ken Speakman, former honorary secretary of Ramsgate lifeboat station for over 20 years.

Thomas Cocking (Snr), full-time coxswain of St Ives lifeboat between 1976 and 1989. Thomas joined the crew in 1952, and was appointed bowman in 1955, second coxswain in 1965 and retained coxswain in 1967.

Thomas was also a crew member of the station's inshore lifeboat between 1964 and 1978. Thomas was awarded the Chairman's letter in 1972, Vellums in 1975 and 1977, Silver medal in 1997, long service badge in 1982 and a Silver second service clasp in 1984.

December 1996 Lady Norton MBE, a life vice president of the Institution. Lady Norton was elected to the committee of management in 1975 and served as a member of the fundraising committee from 1975 to 1985. In 1982 Lady Norton was appointed a vice president and then, in 1983, a life vice president.

Mrs Dorothy Blackburn, treasurer of the Halifax guild from 1979 to 1995. Mrs Blackburn also served Blackpool guild as honorary treasurer (1975-1987), chairman (1987-1993), vice chairman and box secretary (1993-1994) and committee member (1994-1996).

Mrs Blackburn was awarded the Silver badge in 1975 and the Gold badge in 1991.

Mrs Rita White, chairman of the Whitby guild from 1983 to 1990.

Mrs White was secretary of the guild from 1976 to 1980, vice chairman between 1981 and 1984 was a honorary member of the Whitby lifeboat crew. Mrs White was awarded the Silver badge in 1990.

Alfred (Alf) Manning, Margate lifeboat coxswain from 1966 until 1982. Alf joined the crew in 1946 and was appointed bowman in 1955, and second coxswain in 1958. Alf was awarded a coxswain's certificate of service and a long service badge upon his retirement.

Tarn Seattle, station honorary secretary of Arbroath lifeboat between 1987 and 1989. Tarn joined Arbroath crew in 1947, was appointed coxswain in 1963 and was full-time coxswain/mechanic in between 1966 and 1986.

Arthur Farrington, Seaham lifeboat coxswain from 1969 until 1976. Arthur joined the crew in 1954, becoming assistant mechanic in 1956 and 2nd coxswain in 1964. Arthur was awarded Institution's bronze medal for gallantry in 1973.

Mrs B Braithwaite, convener of the lifeboat shop in Edinburgh and supporter of the RNLI for many years. Mrs Braithwaite was a guild member for over 25 years and was awarded the Institution's Silver badge in 1981.

February 1997 Yves Herve, ex-coxswain of Criccieth lifeboat from 1964 to 1968. Yves joined the station in 1953, becoming head launcher in 1957 and acting coxswain in 1963.

Due to space restrictions we regret that only coxswains or branch and guild officers with a minimum of 10 years service will appear in this column..