A LIMITED EDITION
I was interested to read in the autumn issue about the City of Sheffield’s return to the city that funded her. I was involved in raising an amount towards that boat when I was an honorary organiser in West Yorkshire, and I went to the naming ceremony. Also, I raised the money to commission this painting of the boat by professional artist Edna Lumb, whom I knew. A limited-edition print was produced and sold.
Stephen J Wood MBE

Re: Happy Memories

In the autumn issue of Special Delivery you featured the former Ballycotton lifeboat Ethel Mary. In 1959, I was detailed by the RNLI to report to Cowes to join this boat for her trip to Bremen for the International Lifeboat Conference. The coxswain was Middleton. Of the two reserve mechanics, Andy Mitchell was First Mechanic/Cook, and I was Second Mechanic/Radio Operator. We first called into Ramsgate for fuel, thence on to Den Helder in Holland, where we were well fêted. Next stop was Borkum in the Frisian Islands. From there, we were escorted by the Borkum lifeboat to Bremerhaven. I met many crews, who remained friends until their demise. Alas, now Andy too has gone down the slip for the last time. Years later, as a fleet staff coxswain mechanic, I was involved with the trials of the new Ballycotton Arun class lifeboat. I now live in Latvia, still surrounded by memorabilia of my days in the service. So you see, your letters do stir up the grey cells of oldies like me!
Billy Dent