'ATTENTION ALL SHIPPING’

I thought you might be interested to know that my painting of the shipping forecast, entitled 'Attention All Shipping', was awarded top prize in a competition run by the British Cartographic Society. This is particularly amazing as I am not a professional or trained map-maker! The painting features an RNLI lifeboat near the Hebrides.
Jane Tomlinson
Eynsham, Oxfordshire 

' THE RNLI RESCUED HIS DADDY’

My little boy Arthur, who is only just 5, has been given homework for the first time. He was asked to produce something to do with the value ‘courage’. We explained about what the word courage means and, immediately, the bravest people he could think of was the RNLI as they went out in a big storm and rescued his daddy. He said that even though the RNLI must have been frightened they didn't run away and they pulled his daddy out of the water. He has drawn a picture, which I have attached for you. It's quite a big deal for him – he sat for a long time to get this right because it meant so much to him. Salcombe lifeboat crew rescued Arthur's daddy (Tristan Iles) and 11 other people from a boat that sank near the wreck of the Maine off Bolt Head. We have taken Arthur to see some of the lifeboats in Cornwall. He was blown away by them and by the crew. To him you are the most courageous people he knows and thinks of. He has told me that he hopes one day to be able to be part of the RNLI.
Anthea Iles
Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire

Our readers certainly seemed to be moved by the account of the Salcombe lifeboat disaster in 1916 – here are extracts from just two of the letters that we received:
‘COURAGE AND DEDICATION BEYOND BELIEF’
I was particularly touched by the article. I have sailed in many parts of the world and often encountered rough seas. Only a few years ago we were sailing round the north coast of Scotland and were warned to expect force 9 gales. Fortunately we were in a well-found vessel with powerful engines, but were tossed all over the place. Therefore I can imagine what the [Salcombe] crew must have experienced with only their muscle power to drive the lifeboat. Their courage and dedication is beyond belief. As a member of the Godalming and Cranleigh RNLI support group I often participate in street collections … most give something but quite a few tell us how much they appreciate your lifesaving work. I feel proud to be able to do a little to help but very humble.
David Snowball, Godalming, Surrey
‘BRUISED, BATTERED AND SHOCKED’
As a child I was privileged to know Bill Johnson, one of the two survivors. Grahame Farr’s book Wreck and Rescue on the Coast of Devon amplifies the details of his rescue with Edwin Distin: ‘They reached a rock about 40 yards from the shore and, with almost their last strength, climbed up on to it. Eventually a thin weighted line was flung to them and stimulants passed along the line which gave them the strength to haul on a heavier rope with lifebuoys, by which means they were dragged ashore. They were so bruised, battered and shocked that they were confined to bed for several weeks.’
John Chilton, Cirencester, Gloucestershire

‘A VERY PROUD GRANDFATHER’
I am attaching a picture of my 5-year-old granddaughter – Ruby – who helped me with a lifeboat collection in Marlow, Bucks. Ruby helped me for the first time last year, and has enjoyed it on both occasions. She is very inquisitive, and asked me why we were collecting for the lifeboats. I explained that originally I am from the seaside village of Withernsea in East Yorkshire, and it has a lifeboat station, and that they use the boat there to go out to sea to help rescue people. By raising money, we help to pay for the lifeboat and crew. If you wish you use the picture then please feel free to do so (as a very proud grandfather, I hope you do!).
Andrew Sanderson MBIFM

FROM RNLI SUPPORTERS ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
Thanks for ‘whiting’ to us with your Fish Supper highlights.

Here are some of our favourites:
‘Going to invite some 5 year olds over for fish fingers peas & mash followed by some jelly shaped into a shape of a fish with some ice-cream in a banana split dish & dress it to look like a boat.’
Lisa-Jayne McGalvin

‘An idea: by guest’s place setting, place two pieces of rope/string and they have to tie a specified knot according to difficulty ie 1 point for reef knot!’
Diane Brookman, Haverfordwest

‘Volunteer helmsman Carl Evans and his son, crewman Lewis Evans, serving up fish and chips earlier today.’
RNLI Porthcawl

Fabulous fundraising night last night for the @RNLI #RNLIFishSupper for 20 friends and family raised a fantastic £300 and such good fun! Joolz@farmerswifee

Write to us using the contact details at the bottom of page 2 or share your stories at twitter.com/RNLI or facebook.com/RNLI.