N EWS P O I N T There coutd only be one topic for Newspoint in this issue - the remarkable service by the Lerwick lifeboat to Green Lily, which led to the award of the first Gold Medal for 16 years to her coxswain and a further five Bronze medals to her crew.

Both Coxswain Hewitt Clark and the lifeboat were operating at their very limits when the Severn went in to the rock-bound coast in atrocious conditions.

Hewitt's skill, courage and seamanship were breathtaking, as was his confidence in his crew - and his lifeboat.

This service was truly the coming of age of the Severn, once the subject of ill-found press criticism when the prototype suffered minor damage on trials. Her Fibre Reinforced Composite construction took punishment which would probably have caused serious damage to any other material, her sea-going ability was proven beyond doubt and her power and manoeuvrability were put to the severest of tests.

She came through with flying colours, but the narrow margins of error, and the omnipresent risks for the rescue services, were underlined by the tragic loss of helicopter winchman Bill Deacon.

Severns cost around £1,7m each, but there are six lifeboat men and five survivors who cannot have the slightest doubt that they are worth every penny.

By chance this issue also contains an article looking at the RNLI's financial position. Having fought back from the doldrums of the mid- 705 when it was living almost hand-tomouth the RNLI is now in a strong position - with the financial backing to develop first-class lifeboats like the Severn and put them in the hands of men like Hewitt Clark.

The link between the people with the collecting box and the people in the foulweather gear could hardly be better demonstrated. Both are essential to the modern lifeboat service.

The Lifeboat is published four Times a year and is sent free to RNLI Members and Governors.

The next issue will be Summer 1998 and will appear in July 1998.

News items should be received by 24 April 1998, but earlier if possible. All material submitted for possible publication should be addressed to the Editor, The Lifeboat Royal National Lifeboat Institution, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.

Photographs intended for return should be accompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope.

Contributions may be held for subsequent issues and to reduce costs receipt will not usually be acknowledged unless requested.

For further information on how to join the Institution as a Member or Governor contact the Membership section at RNLI Headquarters, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.

Any products or services advertised in The Lifeboat by third parties are not in any way endorsed by the RNLI and the RNLI shall not be responsible for the accuracy of any information contained in such advertisements nor has it investigated or verified any of the information.

The Lifeboat is published by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and printed by The Friary Press, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1JL.

Lifeboat launches still increasing Figures released by the RNLI in February show that lifeboat launches are still maintaining their upward trend.

Provisional statistics show that lifeboats launched 6,754 times (6,466 in 1996} and saved 1,424 lives (1,307 in 1996). This is an average of over 18 launches and 4 lives saved each day. A further 1,138 people were landed and 4,120 brought ashore, making a total of 6,682 people assisted in 1997.

A breakdown of the figures shows that lifeboat services to pleasure craft account for 54.3% of services -continuing to be the largest proportion of statistics - and services to merchant/fishing vessels accounted for 14.7% of total services. In 1997 lifeboats spent a total of 9,448 hours at sea with 3.6% of total services carried out in winds of Force 7 and above and over 40% of services carried out in darkness. Since 1824, lifeboats have saved 131,270 lives.

Lifeboat services 1997 8000 r 7000 6000 - 5000 - 4000 3000 6,754 Brought in Lives tawvd 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Beyond the Millennium The RNLI has to look well into the future so that it will be able to provide the kind of lifeboat service needed as both types and patterns of casualties change and technology moves ever onward.

A major review of the future of lifeboats is under way at the moment, with members of the operational, design and technical teams taking a completely fresh look at the whole subject of lifeboats and their uses.

By re-analysing the data available from a huge number of recent services the project team has looked at every element of the RNLI's service, ranging from the ancillary equipment carried aboard a lifeboat to the lifeboat's capabilities.

Although the RNLI has a detailed five year plan, which is reviewed annually, this project, called 'Lifeboats Beyond 2000', is intended to take a much broader view of how the lifeboat service might develop over the next two decades.

After twelve months work the project team has been able to prepare a report which outlines its main findings, which will now be considered by the Institution and its Committee of Management.

Among the main findings were: • No significant changes will be needed in the present location of lifeboat stations.

• Each Operational Division will need between 45 and 60 new lifeboats over the period.

• Some new lifeboat designs will be needed, particularly a shorter-range, fast-response allweather boat and some additional capabilities provided for all inshore lifeboat classes.

• A detailed review should be carried out of all of the ancillary equipment carried by lifeboats.

• The favoured plan to meet the demands of the next two decades will cost some £870m.

• A current review of crew training procedures should take the 'Lifeboats Beyond 2000' report into account.

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 lo 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 BH15 1HZ Tyne class The cause of engine problems which affected some Tyne class lifeboats last December has been identified. A schedule for returning the lifeboats to service will be prepared once intensive trials, under way as we went to press in mid-February, have been completed.

Although the problem had caused damage on only a few engines, thirteen boats which had been fitted problems with the DDEC version of the Detroit Diesel engine were all withdrawn as a precaution.

This version of the engine incorporates an electronic engine management system, which gives bettercontrollability and extra power.

However, underthe severe conditions in which lifeboat engines operate the injection timing being used was causing the piston crown to overheat.

The engine specification is unique to the RNLI and is therefore not a problem which has been experienced in other applications.

Modifications have been implemented and a programme of shore tests and sea trials is under way as we write.

Inordertoprovethe effectiveness of the modifications two lifeboats will be running day-in, day-out between Eastbourne and Weymouth, each notching up a full year's running time in just a few weeks.

The engine manufacturers are meeting the full cost of the modifications.

New for old...

The steady stream of new Trents, Severns and Atlantic 75s entering service is inevitably displacing the oldest of the RNLI's lifeboats -and passing some notable milestones on the way.

It is remarkable, for example, that the ex-St Peter Port lifeboat, Arun 52-02 Sir William Arnold was the last wooden lifeboat to be sold by the RNLI when she found a new owner in mid-February 1998. Built in 1973 she had served the Institution for the best part of a quarter of a century before being replaced by the station's new Severn.

Only three wooden Aruns were built - 52-02 Sir William Arnold; 52-01 Arun (now sold to a commercial operator in Scotland) and 54-03 Edward Bridges (now in the collection of historic lifeboats at Chatham).

Another first is the availability of secondhand Atlantics, with earlier 21s coming on to the market as they are replaced by 75s. Previously an Atlantic 21 could be rehulled, re-tubed, re-consoled and re-engined as needed, keeping the 'original' lifeboat in service almost indefinitely! Of the displaced Waveneys many are likely to continue their work as lifeboats in far-flung I P'aces. So far the lifeboat organisations in New Zealand, Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Uruguay, Granada and Iceland have all expressed interest in ex-lifeboats which are coming up for sale.

There is a change too in the likely use for ex-lifeboats. In the past many have become yachts, with a few acting as ferries, trip boats and even fishing boats. The later generation - all 'fast lifeboats' - are much more likely to continue as working boats. Companies involved in pipe laying, ferries, fishery operators and harbour authorities are showing an interest in the ex-lifeboat fleet, although one fortunate soul is considering an Arun as a yacht. Undoubtedly a yachtsman of considerable taste! Many of the extremely highly-thought-of Atlantics will go to private owners, but at least one sailing club has decided that one would make an extremely effective safety boat! Not surprisingly lifeboats can achieve good prices secondhand, although in the past the system of tendering individually for each boat led to one or two bargains. Plans are afoot to offer the first of each class for tender to establish a base price and then to work on a fixed-price system.

ari: s* Last year marked the centenary of the loss of Margate rescue surf boat Friend to all nations along with nine of her crew. The surfboat was operated by a group of local boatmen in tandem with the RNLI lifeboat - generally the same men would crew both boats.

The centenary was marked recently by several events including a local parade and church service - and while doing some research into the disaster, Margate lifeboat crew came across a photo of the old RNLI lifeboat Quiver No. 1, taken the very same year.

They hit on the idea of recreating the scene 100 years later to mark the centenary, and as you can see the background has changed very little, unlike the boat and launching animals! THI LONDON INTERNATIONAL Boat Show Good show The RNLI's presence at the 1998 London International Boat Show once again proved to be a great success. Financial income, including sales items, membership recruitment and donations, was up 13% on last year's total - £10,000 was raised by the hard working Chelsea Pensioners alone who rattled collection boxes at passing visitors.

A very unusual, but successful naming ceremony took place at the show on 13 January.

The Atlantic 75, Toshiba Wave Warrior, resplendent in the RNLI's new 'tango' orange colour scheme, actually formed part of the stand's permanent display (see below).

Simon Walker, skipper of Toshiba's yacht Wave Warrior which took part in the BT Global Challenge, actually had to clamber up on the lifeboat to name her! Toshiba Wave Warrior was provided by a donation from Toshiba and money raised by sponsorship of the four lifeboat crew members who took part in the challenge on board Toshiba's yacht. (See corporate fundraising report on page 40).

The four crew members; Jack Goldie from Largs, Haydon Edwards from Craster, Angela Morris from Fishguard and Chris Gaskin from West Kirby also manned the RNLI stand for four days during the show as well as crew members from Blackpool, Brighton and Queensferry.

Former Beirut hostage John McCarthy, broadcaster and writer, presented the RNLI's annual Public Relations awards to Ulster TV, the Western Morning News, volunteers who maintain the Institution's Lifeboat! gallery at Chatham's historic dockyard and Eric Ward St Ives coxswain on 14 January. John also signed copies of the new RNLI promotional video, 'Lifeboats 2000', which he presents.

The RNLI stand, manned by volunteers from the London area has three aims-to promote awareness, to encourage support and to promote sea safety.

Calling all old lifeboats! Do you own an interesting ex-RNLI lifeboat that is seaworthy and smart? As part of its 175th anniversary celebrations, the RNLl is preparing to host a spectacular flotilla of lifeboats old and new from the UK, Republic of Ireland, Europe and further afield, around Poole Quay on a day to be decided during the week of 20 June 1999. There will no shortage of brand new state-of-theart lifeboats but, in order to mark 175 years of saving lives at sea, a feature of the flotilla needs to include some historic boats.

There are many interesting old lifeboats out there able to make the journey to Poole. The old boats could muster at the Historic Dockyard at Chatham and sail to Poole with boats from The Royal National Lifeboat Collection at Chatham. It is hoped that, once in Poole, there will be a Royal Review of the fine collection of boats.

Each participant will receive a commemorative item to mark the occasion.

The flotilla is being held during the week of the 18th International Lifeboat Federation Conference which the RNLl is hosting in Bournemouth.

Already delegates from 20 countries have indicated that they will attend, making it a truly world-wide event.

If you would like your boat to be considered please apply in writing as soon as possible with full details of your boat and, if possible, your proposed crew, together with a current photograph of the boat to: Frances Aldridge, Anniversary Project Manager, Public Relations, RNLl, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.

If your application has been successful you will receive a invitation to attend.

The number of places will be limited and first come will not necessarily mean first served. We are keen to include examples of as many classes of ex-RNLI lifeboats as possible, and lifeboats in good condition with a colourful past will have the best chance of selection.

Other plans for celebrating the 175th anniversary are continuing apace and regular updates will appear in these columns.

On the 12th day of Christmas… ... the RNLl gave a brand new Peugeot 306 to Gerry Knight from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, whose ticket was pulled out first in the RNLI's Grand Car Draw.

Gerry and wife Elizabeth could hardly believe their luck when tnev were invitecj to travel to England in January to be presented with their car by Brendan Eley, the RNLI's regions fundraising development manager, at George Hartwell Ltd in Bournemouth.

RNLl regional manager for Northern Ireland.

Beth Duffin said: 'Coleraine, Castlerock and Ballymena branches sold the most tickets in the province for the draw so it is fitting that someone from North Antrim should win first prize.

'Indeed congratulations are in order to both Gerry and to the members of Coleraine and Castferock RNLl branch who have sold the winning tickets as part of their exceptional fundraising efforts during 1997 - this is a just reward.' said Mrs Duffin.

Andrew Malyon of Fareham, Hampshire was second in the draw and Mark Tomlinson of Thames Ditton, Surrey, came third - both receiving Peugeot 106 cars.

Over 280,000 car draw tickets were sold in 1997, raising over £140,000 for the lifeboat service.

New D class for Whitby A very cold and wet afternoon greeted guests on 6 December for the naming ceremony of the new Whitby lifeboat OEM Stone II which was funded by Miss Olive Stone.

The new 4.9m D class lifeboat is the second lifeboat to be funded by Miss Stone, the first being an Atlantic 21 which operates in the RNLI's relief fleet. Despite a bad fall one week prior to the naming ceremony Miss Stone was determined to get through to Whitby to name the lifeboat, although this required a long journey from South Yorkshire accompanied by two paramedics.

Mr Jim Halt, chairman of Whitby lifeboat station started the proceedings and the lifeboat was then handed to the RNLl by Olive Stone. The lifeboat was accepted by Mr Ian Bryce, member of the RNLl comitee of management and delivered into the care of the station. Following its acceptance by Arnold Harper, station honorary secretary, a service of dedication was lead by Rev. M Asbitt.

Mrs Sheila Crabtree, chairman of Whitby ladies lifeboat guild proposed a vote of Thanks and Miss Stone was then invited to name the lifeboat OEM Stone II.

Slippery customer...

The RNLI's technical department is making progress with the new Fast Slipway Boat (FSB2) project, developing a class of lifeboat which is due to replace the Tynes from 2002 onwards.

Tenders have been received from a number of boatyards which are interested in working with the RNLI and building the new lifeboat, although at the time this issue of The Lifeboat went to press no firm decision had been made on the contract. There are likely to be many changes before the new lifeboats appear on the coast, but the drawing gives an indication of what they may look like.

New Years Honours The following have been honoured with the award of the MBE by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Years Honours for services to the RNLI: Ann Banner, chairman/treasurer of the former Billingham ladies guild.

Rodney Burge, coxswain of Amble lifeboat.

Graham Taylor, coxswain/mechanic of Filey lifeboat.

Michael Wheeler, former superintendent of the RNLI Poole depot.

Neil Workman, station honorary secretary of Red Bay lifeboat station.

Mrs Myrtle Pollard of Liskeard branch was also awarded the MBE for services to the community in Liskeard, especially to the RNLI and Oxfam.

Prototype renamed The prototype Severn class lifeboat used for training is to be renamed Peter and Marion Fulton, in honour of Lt Cdr Fulton, one of the RNLI's longest serving contributors to operational training.

The lifeboat was originally named Maurice and Joyce Hardy, in order that a gift of Maurice Hardy could be commemorated during his lifetime. The name was transferred, as agreed with Mr Hardy before his death, to the new Fowey lifeboat.

AGM and APA reminder The RNLI's 1998 Annual General Meeting and Presentation of Awards will be taking place on Thursday 21 May at the Barbican Centre at 1130 and 1430 respectively.

Supporters attending the Presentation of Awards in the afternoon will have the exciting opportunity to see Coxswain Hewitt Clark of Lerwick receive the Institutions's Gold Medal for gallantry.

Lady Vernon With deep regret we report that Lady Vernon, wife of Sir Michael Vernon, a vice-president and former chariman of the Institution from 1989 to 1996, has sadly passed away following an illness bravely borne.

Win a French gite holiday The Summer Lifeboat Lottery features another marvellous first prize - a one week French gTte holiday kindly donated by Brittany Ferries.

The prize includes ferry crossings and self-catering accommodation for up to five people, and the winner can select their choice of gTte or holiday home from the Brittany Ferries brochure.

This holiday is an excellent way to explore France and to enjoy the many pleasures it offers.

An additional £500 spending money will enable the winner to really savour the delights for which France is famed - including good food, wine and Gallic hospitality.

The Summer lottery also offers a further eight cash prizes that range from £100 to £1,000.

If you would like to receive or require more tickets, please ring Rebekah Rose on the lottery hotline: (01202) 663219.

Start your engines...

In February work was well underway on the new engineering training facility at the RNLI's Poole training centre.

The facility, which will consist of a classroom and engineering workshop, has been designed to teach all RNLI mechanics engineering principles and fault finding. A selection of running main engines, generators and auxiliary machinery has been installed to provide hands on experience in fault finding and repair.

Two new courses will be established to replace the current mechanics course at the ITE training consultancy in Bournemouth - the RNLI will now be able to train mechanics using RNLI machinery..