Letters where our son is a member of the lifeboat crew. The day was made poignant when one of our Olney visitors told us she had a great great uncle who died in the 'Mexico Disaster'. this was the largest lifeboat loss of life ever and involved lifeboat crews in Lytham st Annas. On 9th December 1 886 the Mexico, a German barque, got into difficulties in a storm. Subseqently the Southport lifeboat was launched (14 lives lost) the St Annes' lifeboat was lost with the loss of a further 13 lives. The Lytham lifeboat was able to save the 12 crew members of the Mexico. This was a big news item at the time as the event was to affect many people's lives In the area, resulting in 16 widows and 50 orphans. Sir Charles Macara, a Manchester industrialist, who lived in St Annas, started the first ever charity street collection to provide funds to help the families. Just like today's lifeboat crews, the men who drowned were all volunteers The lifeboats and equipment used today are much more modern and provide the crews with more protection but Ye and commitment of the crews Splashpool inquiry Dear Editor David Trend It is clear that, with almost a hundred people signing the online petition so far, the comments contained, plus the support of the Olney Town council that there is a significant number of local people who wish you would unlock the gate to the Splashpole Path leading to the weir. Therefore I would respectfully ask that you reconsider this request. If it would be helpful Steve Clark the Mayor, Ron Hall the proprietor of the Phonebox and myself are, subject to date, prepared to attend your meeting to discuss the issue. RNLI - Open Garden event Jane Stuart Dear Editor We would like to thank the generous people of Olney and the surrounding area for supporting our Open Garden on 30th June. The sun shone, lots of cake was eaten and the acapella group 'The Reluctants' entertained us with their harmonious singing. We were able to send £1 ,507.80 to the Lytham StAnnes branch of the RNLI, ROOKLANDS DENTAL CLINIC LTD • Full range of dental treatments • HygienistServices s' miles better! www.brooklandsdentalclinic.co.uk • Specialist Services including orthodontics and periodontics • Dental Implants • Sedation Clinics • DentalEssentialsClubwithgreat benefits for all the family • FacialAestheticsofferedhere • 4 large air conditioned dental studios • 1 minute drive from junction 1 4 M 1 • Free parking CALL NOW FOR MORE DETAILS T: 01908235124 E: enquiries@brooklandsdentalclinic.co.uk goodpractice Dental Hygien mem r TH RAPY PA Brooklands Farm, Newport Road, Broughton, Milton Keynes MKl 6 OHU PhoneboxMagazine 11