100 years ago The Autumn ' 906Life-boatJournat congratulated female fundraisers for their hard work after another successful Lifeboat Saturday: 'They are less ready to take a refusal than the "sterner"sex, and, this being so, they less frequently get a refusal when asking for help ...ifa man knows he will ultimately have to say "Yes,"he also knows it will save time to accede at once rather than discuss the matter.' It was also reported how, on 19 March 1906, the Padstow lifeboat crew launched into rough seas and a strong north east wind to the aid of cargo vessel grounded on the notorious Doom Bar.

The crew managed to get the damaged and leaking ketch off the bar and into the channel, but then had to deliberately beach her to prevent her sinking.

(See pages 5 and 9 for current news from Padstow.) ... 50 years ago In the section 'New ways of raising money', the September 1956 issue reported how a Mr Cyril Richards of Wolverhampton raised £1 11s 6d for the RNLI. He had collected the funds by imposing fines on people who 'talked shop' at a party.

A round-up of lifeboat shouts reported that, on 10 June 1956, the Bridlington lifeboat launched into rough seas to a yacht in distress. The yacht had suffered a ripped sail and fouled anchor but she and her three crew were safely towed back to harbour. (See page 27 for details of a recent Vellum service at Bridlington).

Hoylake lifeboat volunteers also received recognition in the journal after they carried a yacht's twoman crew on their backs to the lifeboat, before towing the vessel to safety (see picture).

... 25 years ago The front cover of The Lifeboat featured the Margate Lifeboatman at sunset, a memorial to nine men who lost their lives in December 1897 when their lifeboat capsized on the way to the Persian Empire.

On a lighter note, a poem printed in the 'Here and there' section described the wedding of the Swanage Coxswain's daughter, Belinda Marsh. As she was setting off for the church, the maroons were fired and the crew - including her father, Victor - rushed to the slipway complete with suits and carnations.

They arrived back in time for the speeches at the wedding reception, only for someone to notice through the window that a boat was on fire out at sea. They launched again but a passing yacht arrived on scene first and took the passengers off. The poem concluded: 'OKlads,'sang out the Coxswain, And they turned towards the shore.

By this time, you will have guessed, The bride and groom, toasted and blessed, Had gone along their way.

But Belinda has a special place In the hearts of the Swanage crew, As the Coxswain's lass who married 'Twixt rescue 'one'and 'two'!.