Pembroke Ladies Lifeboat Guild held their annual general meeting on March 25 at the Old Kings Arms Hotel, Pembroke, by kind permission of the hotel proprietor and Guild vice-president, Shirley Wheeler.

Guild vice-president, Jennie McIntosh, chaired the meeting, as president, Rosie Allen-Mirehouse, was unable to attend. Jennie opened the meeting by thanking the 21 members who were able to attend, on behalf of president Rosie, for such an outstanding year's fundraising.

Chair Daphne Bush profoundly thanked members, too, for their hard work and personal generosity, which undoubtedly, together with local supporters' sponsorship and loyalty, was the key to the outstanding sum raised for year ending December 2013.

Treasurer Penny Blackborow began her report by thanking members and box secretaries, Margaret Byers and Maggie Pegg, for supporting her in her first year as treasurer, particularly thanking her predecessor, Norma Surtees, now assistant treasurer. Penny was delighted to announce that funds raised for 2013 amounted to £47,734.78.

Penny expressed thanks also to Norman Edwards, director of the Old Kings Arms Hotel, and Mark Wheeler and Louis Scott, son and son-in-law of Shirley Wheeler, who contributed an incredible £24,096.59 to this figure, by running the Athens Classic Marathon in aid of the RNLI. Norman, Mark and Louis were sponsored locally and nationally.

Funds sent to the RNLI were further boosted by Kath Klau, souvenir secretary, assistant souvenir secretary, Maggie Pegg and Rose Phillips with a souvenir sales profit of £2,120.34. Special thanks to these ladies who travel to numerous venues and events throughout the year.

Officers for 2014 were re-elected en bloc. Namely, president - Rosie Allen-Mirehouse, vice-presidents - Mary Monsen, Shirley Wheeler, Norma Surtees, Jennie McIntosh, chair and honorary press officer -Daphne Bush, vice-chair - Viv Kerrison, treasurer - Penny Blackborow, asst. treasurer - Norma Surtees, honorary secretary - Tamzin Lewis, minute secretary - Sandra Thompson, souvenir secretary - Kath Klau, asst. souvenir secretary - Maggie Pegg, box secretaries - Margaret Byers and Maggie Pegg.

The next fundraising event is now ongoing in the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock area. The annual national RNLI house-to-house collection began in this area on March 31, and will continue until April 13. Guild members wish to thank local supporters for their co-operation and generosity during this period.

Finally, on behalf of the Guild and the RNLI, our gratitude for attending and appreciating our fundraising events in the locality in 2013. Guild members look forward to seeing you at 2014 events also. Your support is vital and hugely appreciated, enabling the charity's provision of a free 24/7 lifeboat service, inland waterway rescue service, flood rescue service and seasonal lifeguard service. See more at http://www.rnli.org.uk">www.rnli.org.uk

D.B.