MANY people ask us why there are so many RNLI guilds and branches so far from the sea. Well, it is surprising to know that so many local people tell us how they were rescued either this year or some time ago. Also, the lifeboats have been operating a long time on high seas but recently there are many sizes of lifeboats and you find them where there is a great lake, a large river or even when rescuing people from floods.

Not everyone realises that the entire RNLI operates by volunteers, collecting money or holding functions. Each year some £80,000,000 is raised to maintain, improve and develop larger boats.

Bromsgrove branch has been contributing over £10,000 each year and is a very active and social body of people. Each month there us a dinner meeting held at Bromsgrove School.

On January 28 Mr D Nichols spoke about "All that Glitters. It is amazing what a few common products can do when you need a shine on something.

On February 18 Mrs Betty Anderson spoke about "Backpacking in Nepal" which took place some ten years ago. The Friends of RNLI 49 Club have had another good year and a cheque for £600 was given to the Bromsgrove branch.

An RNLI Awards meeting was recently held, when Joan Hawkesworth, chairman of the Bromsgrove branch, was awarded a silver medal and Ken Reed, box and press secretary, was awarded a bronze medal. There is another ceremony taking place shortly when Bob Crump, vice chairman, will be awarded a bronze medal. Anyone wishing to join the RNLI should phone Judy Davis on 01527 857645. The AGM is being held at Bromsgrove School on April 15 at 7.30pm.