As we draw into the last quarter of 2012, we can reflect on a year of awards and celebrations.

Our Patron continued her travels around the RNLI (see page 4), we appointed an inspiring new Council member (28), and fundraisers and lifesavers alike achieved new heights (3, 14 and 39).

All of this was against the backdrop of the Olympics, located in the UK but with truly universal meaning. High-minded values of hard work, stamina and courage were promoted – and welcomed – across cultures and ages. And the RNLI played its part (33 and 48).

We’re good at the detail too. How do we operate in an ever-more international environment (6), with ever-more sophisticated technology (24)? Occasionally with some supernatural assistance (36) perhaps!