From John Keyworth, lifeboat operations manager, Bembridge RNLI, and John Gulliver, chairman, Bembridge RNLI Guild:

In view of Mr Bristow’s two letters (CP, 04-05-18 and 01-06-18), we feel we owe our many supporters in Bembridge and on the IW a response.

As with most issues, there are always two sides of the story.

As far as ‘removing’ the collection box from Mr Bristow’s shop, our volunteer went in and asked the lady who was serving (Mr Bristow was not there) whether, given Mr Bristow’s earlier letter in the CP, they would like the box removed temporarily.

She said she thought that might be sensible, so it was duly taken away.

We would be more than happy to bring it back if Mr Bristow would like us to.

We are truly grateful to all our supporters who allow us to put collection boxes on their counters, and to all those good people who put money in them.

The recent bad publicity about incidents at Scarborough and Whitby is clearly regrettable, but in both cases what appeared in the press was very one sided and bore little resemblance to the truth and the decision to stand down volunteers was certainly not taken lightly.

The RNLI recognises the years of dedication and the skill involved in becoming a crew member, helm or coxswain and fully understands and respects the close bond and camaraderie of the crew and other volunteers but there are some behaviours that will not be tolerated.

Lifeboats cannot be allowed to be taken for joyrides in rough weather without full crew; nor does hardcore, graphic pornography have any place at a lifeboat station.

Bullying or aggressive behaviour and threats of violence towards volunteers or staff will not be tolerated.

The RNLI press release of May 12 makes interesting reading and can be found at rnli.org.uk — news and media and then search for Daily Mail.

Finally, the reserves Mr Bristow quotes are exactly that and provide the RNLI, in line with the Charity Commission’s guidelines, with enough funds to operate for six to 12 months without income.

It costs £180 million a year to run the service — nearly half a million pounds a day — plus a capital expenditure of £40 million to £50 million a year in replacing old lifeboats and infrastructure.

So £200 million would not last long.