Dispatches RNLI Photographer of the Year 2006 The first ever RNLI Photographer of the Year competition, open to everyone at the charity’s lifeboat stations and lifeguard units, recorded the drama of working in a lifesaving environment using the Pentax waterproof cameras newly issued to help raise awareness of the RNLI.

Winners were announced at the London Boat Show, with prizes donated by Pentax UK Ltd and presented by BBC South Today weather presenter Georgie Palmer.

Overall winner (pictured) John Brooks, Portsmouth lifeboat station Best all-weather lifeboat image Ray Chapman, Skegness lifeboat station Best inshore lifeboat image John Gilmour, Swanage lifeboat station Best shorehelper image Michael Picknett, Redcar lifeboat station Best lifeguard image Robin Howell, Perranporth lifeguard unit Highly commended Richard Glyn,Workington lifeboat station See rnli.org.uk/photooftheyear for more pictures and details of runners up. Also see page 33. Home from the sea The RNLI’s music division has combined forces with the world-famous Band of HM Royal Marines and recording company Clovelly to produce another in their highly successful series of CDs. Home from the sea will be available at the RNLI AGM in May and then at rnlishop.org.uk, by calling 0870 6001824, and at selected RNLI shops. Pow wow There is often confusion in the media between the RNLI and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Of course the RNLI is a world-leading charity independent of Government while the MCA is responsible for implementing the Government's maritime safety policy and enforcing maritime law, but they work best side by side. In February 2007,the organisation’s two Chief Executives met at the RNLI’s Headquarters.

Peter Cardy (pictured) formally became the MCA’s CE in March, succeeding Acting Chief Executive John Astbury after five years as CE of Macmillan Cancer Support. He brings over 30 years of varied experience,much within the charity sector, as well as being a recreational sailor. The RNLI’s Chief Executive Andrew Freemantle says: ‘I look forward to working closely with Peter and the MCA to ensure together we save even more lives at sea.’ New Year Honours The following have been honoured by HM The Queen: Member,Order of the British Empire (MBE) For charitable services Mrs Alison Saunders, RNLI Trustee and Deputy Chairman For service to communities Mrs Marion Watson, member of Helensburgh RNLI fundraising committee and RNLI Life Governor – service to Helensburgh and Lomond; Mr John Johnston, former Eyemouth lifeboat station Coxswain – service to Berwickshire A new emblem for wearing on everyday clothing is now available to anyone appointed GBE, DBE, KBE, CBE, OBE, MBE or who holds the British Empire Medal. It doesn’t replace the badge and ribbon, which will continue to be presented at the Investiture. The emblem costs £15 including postage and packing from Toye Kenning & Spencer Limited. See www.tksmedalsandribbons.co.uk, email [email protected] or telephone 0247 684 8866 for more information. Exe marks the spot It’s an endless task to maintain the 230-plus RNLI lifeboat stations around the coast of the UK and RoI ensuring both operational function and good working conditions. Exmouth in Devon is next on the list.

Currently the all-weather crew have only temporary cabins on the quayside and use public toilets. Their lifeboat is impossible to launch at very low tides across the sand bar that’s accumulated at the mouth of the River Exe. Lying afloat, it can only be reached by inflatable boarding boat, which can be hazardous and takes an average of 10 minutes.

The inshore lifeboat is housed further along the seafront and across the road from the beach in a 1903 building. Launching can be delayed crossing the busy road and may be impossible in heavy seas.

Subject to consultation with the District Council, English Nature, the Environment Agency and Highways Department, a new combined boathouse is proposed, at a sheltered site, with carriage launching facilities, modern changing and training rooms, a mechanic’s workshop, and improved station access for crew and visitors alike.

The Exmouth crew and supporters in their community have already raised an amazing £880,000 towards the £1.6M needed for their new lifeboat station. If you can help them raise the rest then please contact Appeal Manager David Hannah at [email protected] or call 0800 543210 to make a donation and quote ‘Exmouth’. Kay to the rescue What led BBC Midlands Today presenter Kay Alexander (pictured centre) to a conviction that she must support the RNLI? On her recent visit to Angle lifeboat station in Pembrokeshire she explained that it was seeing the lifeboat launch during childhood seaside holidays, and later realising that the RNLI’s volunteers risk all to save strangers in terrifying circumstances. ‘The crews deserve only the best, safest equipment possible,’ she says.

Kay is now Patron of the City of Birmingham’s Tamar lifeboat for Angle £1M appeal. An evening reception hosted by Kay and husband Brian Conway launched the ‘Roll of Honour – 207 in 2007’, collecting pledges to be displayed at Angle lifeboat station.

For more information about the Tamar lifeboat for Angle appeal, please contact Regional Fundraising Manager June Addison on 01785 284583, [email protected], or see rnli.org.uk/tamar4angle. .