IS THIS a lifeboat being launched under the shadow of some cliffs?

Where is this iconic beachside scene being played out in 1960s Sussex. Is that Hastings, with its rugged promontory overlooking the beach?

The craft looks like it might well be carrying flotation devices to help it weather the storms it may encounter while out saving lives as part of the RNLI’s fleet.

The RNLI itself has an extraordinary history both in this part of the country and elsewhere, touting itself as the fourth emergency service but relying on donations and volunteers rather than state aid.

Founded in 1824 as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, the RNLI was granted a Royal Charter in 1860 and is a charity in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Queen Elizabeth II is patron. The RNLI is principally funded by legacies and donations, with most lifeboat crew members being unpaid volunteers.

The RNLI now has 237 lifeboat stations and operates 444 lifeboats, including the inland boat stationed not far from The Argus newsroom here in central Brighton.

On average, crews rescue 22 people a day according to the latest figures and RNLI lifeguards operate on more than 200 beaches, paid by local authorities, while the RNLI provides equipment and training.

Considerable effort is put into training and education by the institution, particularly for young people. More than 6,000 children a week are given advice by education volunteers on sea and beach safety, and over 800 children a week receive training. The institution has saved some 140,000 lives since its foundation, at a cost of more than 600 lives lost in service.

Elsewhere on today’s pages there is an extraordinary photograph of a herd – or should that be a procession – of elephants walking trunk-to-tail through a high street

When did the circus come to town in 1960 and which town did it come to?

Were you there and were the elephants the stars of the show?

Finally, why is this shopkeeper concerned?