RNLI: At a well attended AGM of the North Cotswold branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution at the White Hart Royal Hotel in Moreton in Marsh on May 8 it was reported that over £13,000 had been raised in the area during the past year for RNLI funds. In her response Mrs Sheila Lloyd, senior area organiser, SW Region, gave examples of planned extensions to established RNLI Rescue Services. These included an Inland Lifeboat Service to cover lakes and the Norfolk Broads, a Beach Rescue Service on four trial sites this summer and Hovercrafts to facilitate rescues from mud flats and sandbanks. The meeting was also reminded that The Old Chequer Garden in Draycott would be open to the public on Sunday, June 17 and Mill Dene Garden, Blockley on June 24. Both in aid of RNLI funds. The evening concluded with a most excellent presentation by Peter Eden on his participation with a group of young people from all backgrounds in last year's Tall Ships Race.