Southend 60 years ago As it is October 1998 (date of letter), I thought readers may be interested in some pictures I took in October 1938! The photographs are of Southend lifeboat, Greater London (Civil Service No.3), in action.

C F Hodgkins Essex Just launched.

Passing in the lee of pier head… Returning with rescued fishermen and craft.

Letters from readers are always welcome Address them to: The Editor, The Lifeboat, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 or email us at: thelifeboat@rnli. org, uk All submissions should be marked 'for publication Stormy waters -- the great insignia debate continues… In the previous issue of The Lifeboat we featured correspondence between Miss Lucas and Ian Ventham, the RNLI's head of fundraisngX.

and marketing, entitled 'Why the divide?' The subject created quite some response - some of the less heated excepts are featured below! / take Miss Lucas' point with donation graded membership but I have some reservations. In the meantime. Miss Lucas, please reconsider your intention to end your membership... the fact that the RNLl acknowledges in certain ways the generosity of those able to donate larger cash sums is perfectly appropriate... this Governor/Offshore business is absolute rubbish... I was unpleasantly surprised to discover that I could not buy the same gear as an Offshore member... I do not think that the small indulgence of being able to buy a tie with slightly different insignia constitutes snobbery... nobody likes class divide but I totally agree with what the RNLl is doing... if the RNLl has found a way to raise more funds it is to be praised not denigrated... we don't go round staring at people's ties to work out their social standing... t do not distinguish between different types of membership and I doubt if any RNLl member would. They are all equally important to the survival of the RNLl... as a governor I am proud to be able to give more than some and it doesn 't bother me in the least that there are many more who, thankfully, can give more than me. I am amazed that anyone should be offended.

A compromise? The letters exchanged between myself and Miss Lucas, which were published in the Autumn 1998 issue of The t/fefaoaf have sparked a lively correspondence.

I think the honours are just about evenly divided. Six letters supported Miss Lucas' objections to the RNLl selling items emblazoned with our differing grades of membership; and a similar number said that if selling these items helped raise more money, then by all means do it.

This correspondence, and the strongly held views of supporters have caused us to stop and think. We believe there is a compromise.

From next year, garments in the Insignia catalogue will carry, where appropriate, a range of logos. Our many supporters who want to confirm their commitment with either a Governor, Offshore, or Shoreline logo will be able to do so. However, those who do not care to will be able to choose the nonspecific 'Lifeboat' logo to go on their purchase.

Thus, I hope the conflicting needs of two different types of people will be met.

Ian Ventham Head of Fundraising and Marketing.