your shout Dear Editor, My wife and I were privileged recently to spend a day visiting RNLI Headquarters at Poole. Every aspect that we saw or heard made us deeply proud of the Lifeboat service and full of admiration both for the people and the organisation.

We saw operating several lifeboats and how impressive they were, particularly the latest Tamar, with its fully integrated electronics and ergonomic controls operated from shock-protected seats for all the crew. What truly innovative care your design department has taken, nothing being left to chance.

We walked through your remarkable residential College with all the latest aids to teaching – even a pool in which survival in a stormy sea at night can be simulated – but most humbling was the obvious professionalism and enthusiasm of the instructors and the infectious pride of the students, most of whom had given up their own time to be there.

Especially memorable was a class of young lifeguards about to deploy for the Summer season.

Their instructor told us that prior to RNLI involvement with their club, they had no proper equipment, uniform or training whereas now they have all three.

Lastly we saw the logistic operation to keep all this running, with over 20,000 items in a modern warehouse served by forklift elevators that can rise up to nine storeys. I spent 32 years in the Royal Navy (I am a retired RN Engineering Commodore) so I know what a ship should look like and what it takes to get her there, in that malign environment which is bad weather at sea – and yet this is your norm! I spent 8 years working for a US fi rm and my American friends could not believe that in the British Isles what they assume has to be run by a Government agency is done by charity and very well done too! Long may the RNLI continue and be an inspiration, even in other fi elds as it is in rescue at sea. Yours sincerely Robin Kerr, Bath Dear Editor, Regarding the question in the Spring 2007 issue whether those rescued by the RNLI go on to donate: I was rescued by the Padstow lifeboat in 1968 [pictured] when I was 20, together with ? ve members of my extended family. My father and uncle made a donation at the time and I am a Shoreline supporter. I also put money in every single lifeboat box I come across.

My husband always complains to the people minding the box that he doesn’t know why he’s contributing as look what he’s had to Regarding the question in the Spring 2007 issue whether those rescued by the RNLI go on to donate: I was rescued by the Padstow lifeboat in 1968 [pictured] when I was 20, together with ? ve members of my extended family. My father and uncle made a donation at the time and I am a Shoreline supporter. I also put money in every single lifeboat box I come across.

My husband always complains to the people minding the box that he doesn’t know why he’s contributing as look what he’s had to put up with ever since! He thinks it’s very funny but at least the RNLI is not forgotten by us and we spread the word whenever possible. Keep up the wonderful work.

put up with ever since! He thinks it’s very funny but at least the RNLI is not forgotten by us and we spread the word whenever possible. Keep up the wonderful work. Yours very gratefully, Margaret Humphreys (née Mattos) by email lifeboats Dear Editor Would you believe? Some dirty rotten bounder of a sneak thief has nicked my Governor’s stick-on badge off the rear of my car. It must have taken hours because you Lifeboat lot don’t muck about and the adhesive was designed to last. Would you be kind enough to send me another? Meanwhile, I will keep a sharp lookout for any cars sporting the Governor logo driven by a person who does not look like a Governor. Are there any characteristics I should be looking for?! Kind regards Terence SkinnerLondon To add your shout, write to the Editor at [email protected] or RNLI Headquarters, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ .