review by John francis, lifeboat Enthusiasts’ Society Honorary Secretary

I have had the privilege of evaluating the DVD version of this archive of 580 issues ofthe Lifeboat and found it very easy to use. There are instructions on the box and a telephone number for technical support. I also printed the ‘Help’ screens.

Depending on the age and version of your operating system, installation takes 15–30 minutes if you include the pdf facsimiles with the programme and database.

Once I accessed the archive itself I soon became familiar with the various search commands. You can view pages in their original format or as plain text.

However, if it wasn’t printed in the Lifeboat, you won’t fi nd what you are looking for! Don’t try to fi nd a particular lifeboat by offi cial or operational number as they are seldom quoted; use the name instead. Lastly, the pages have been scanned and optical character recognition applied to create the searchable database so there can be errors in spelling.

To sum up, this is a wonderful tool for those interested in the RNLI and is excellent value for money.

review by Dick robinson,co. clare fundraiser and former Valentia crew Member

This publication is superb. It is a gold mine of information and the system is easy to install and simple to operate. The search options: by issue; by year; by station; by service and a straightforward text search let the operator go to whatever interests them immediately. As a research tool and as a history record this archive can only be spoken of in superlatives.

Not only can you keep pace with the service side of the RNLI but you can also follow the growth of the organisation and meet the great people who served the Institution. It is a social history of the changing demography of the coast and how the RNLI changed with it.

I have been collecting lifeboat and maritime material since 1957. This archive is the fi nest I have seen and I recommend it to anybody with even a smidgen of salt in their veins or regard for the spirit of volunteering. 31

review by Jane weller, rNli member

The archive of the Lifeboat is an amazing insight into the lives of people from all walks of life from 1852–2008.

Searching the database is straightforward and each volume can be looked at in detail. As someone who enjoys family history, I compared the archive with the 1861 census but could not fi nd anyone of the time recorded as donating from my village.

As I read, questions arose … What made Miss Elizabeth Lee (aged 85) from Beverley, Yorkshire, decide to give £2 in 1862?

Would decrepit ships still be sailing around our coasts at risk of sinking if the Lifeboat had not lobbied the Government of the day to bring in legislation to control their seaworthiness?

What will the lifeboats of tomorrow look like? What has the RNLI been doing since its inception? The answer is defi nitely: search the archive! From browsers to historians, I feel there is something here for everybody

A home afloatby Gary cooksonReview by Carol Waterkeyn

‘Gorgeous’ is the only word for this book! Gary Cookson looks through the porthole into life afloat and shows us some wonderful examples. From traditional narrowboats to the largest barges, yachts and houseboats: if you hanker after life on the water, here are some wonderful examples to tempt you.

Gary explains some of the practicalities but this is not a ‘how to’ manual. Rather, using beautiful interior and exterior photography throughout, it promotes a way of life to aspire to.

If you are a restless soul who likes to move on, a maritime or river home will come with you. If you can’t envisage everyday life on the water, boats can make excellent holiday homes. Finally, those keen on DIY might like to borrow some of the wonderful space-saving ideas for their homes on terra firma.

Hardback bookPublished by Adlard Coles NauticalISBN 9780713688771Price £19.99

the May flower – a barging childhood by Nick ArdleyReview by Carol WaterkeynFirst the dream – now the reality!

Nick Ardley’s childhood was spent living on a converted barge. Nick’s parents purchased the former trading barge in 1950 during their engagement and, after conversion, it became the Ardleys’ home for the next 28 years.

His account shows us that life was enjoyable but hard work as there was constant maintenance to be done and all the children were expected to help. While much of the book is charming, particularly the accounts of family life, outings and barge racing, some of the detail about upkeep of the vessel is best suited to those who know something of the subject themselves – it may inspire, it may put you off!

Paperback bookPublished by TempusISBN 9780752442259Price £16.99

the time of terrorby Seth HunterReview by Derek King fwtmt

Attention to detail, depth of knowledge and descriptive expertise are all requisites for a good book, whether fact or fiction. Seth Hunter’s The time of terror certainly has all three qualities, but sometimes the detail is so intricate as to slow the plot and the display of knowledge seems almost self indulgent. Readers may wonder whether they have a textbook on maritime warfare, a potted history of the French Revolution, or a novel about one man caught up in those events.

Mr Hunter treats his hero, Nathan, quite cruelly, having him set upon or beaten around the head so many times to move the plot from one location to another that it is a wonder Nathan makes it to the end of the book!

All in all this is a readable book but, to maintain an interest in the remainder of the trilogy, readers may want a little more flesh on the bones of Nathan, the ubiquitous Tully and his mysterious lady friend.

Hardback bookPublished by HeadlineISBN 9780755343058Price £19.99