Whilst reading the winter 1999/00 issue of the lifeboat, I came across the piece about the refurbished lifeboat Queen Victoria which was said to be thought as the oldest RNLI lifeboat in existence.

It is not the oldest boat owned by the RNLI.

That », honour lays with the Zetland which served Redcar . ,_ .. ..... ."_ . . . ff* from 1802 and the RNLI from 1825 until 1864 when she was condemned and local people raised the money to have her repaired. Her illustrious career was crowned on 29 October 1880 when she was called to serve one last time and rescued the crew of the brig Luna.

I work at the Zetland museum in Redcar and she is truly a great old lady - the oldest in the world.G M Reid RNLI Zetland Museum The Esplanade RedcarPreserving the old school? With modern techniques and practices, are the age old skills of seamanship in danger of being lost, and should there be a professional body dedicated to their preservation? The Society for Nautical Research believe there may be such a need and have agreed to further investigate the formation of such a body.

At present they would like to hear the views of interested people and organisations as to: • whether such a body is required • whether it should be independent or special interest sub-group of an existing body • whether people would be prepared to join such a body • whether other organisations would be prepared to accept it as a college group • what they (people or organisations) would see as the precise role of such a body • what they would be prepared to input and expect to gain from it Please give this some thought and send your comments to the address below.

It is hoped that the next step will be a one-day seminar in London to decide on the way ahead.

This will be towards the end of 2000, but date and venue have yet to be fixed.

Tom Peppitt LtCdr RNR. M.PhiUManne Science). FRIN, MNI Secretary, Small Craft Committee Society for Nautical Research Pond Cottage Kingston Isle of Wight P038 2JZ Tel: (01983)551334 email: [email protected] mystery solved This photograph, of what was obviously at one time an RNLI station, was taken by me last year at the little port of Solva in Pembrokeshire.

Would any readers know the history of this station? Mr PA Hindley Llanyblodwel Shropshire Assistant Ed writes: Solva lifeboat station, near St Davids, was opened by the RNLI in 1869 to cover the South side of St Davids Head and St Bride's Bay and was managed and operated by St Davids committee and crew. The entire cost of the facility was the gift of Mrs Margaret Egerton in memory of her husband who had been a active member of the RNLI Committee of Management.

The lifeboat, Charles and Margaret Egerton. a 33ft pulling and sailing lifeboat launched four times and saved four lives during her service at Solva and remained on duty there until the station was closed in 1887.Letters from readers are always welcome.

Address ihem to: The Editor, The Lifeboat, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BHI5 I HZ or email us at: [email protected] All submissions should be clearly marked 'for publication'.