Author Archives: nsiross1

Boost for SAR capability

Boost for SAR capability
On Monday the 6th June members of Fleetwood Town Council handed the station a cheque for over £950 to enable us to complete the purchase of a new Search & Rescue package. An incident in fading light last winter involving a small vessel taking on water had highlighted a specific need for watchkeepers to be able to maintain visual contact, and to communicate effectively in poor visibility. This latest generous donation from the Town Council has allowed Fleetwood to enhance its capability by acquiring new binoculars with improved specification for low-light conditions, together with a powerful loudhailer and light. Members of the station are pictured receiving the cheque from Leader of the Council, Terry Rogers and other Councillors.

 

Royal Recognition for Fleetwood

Royal Recognition for Fleetwood

We are delighted to announce that Fleetwood has been honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2017. This prestigious award is the equivalent of the MBE for voluntary organisations, and is the highest award made to groups in the UK. The station was nominated for the award by Cat Smith MP, and her proposal was given strong support locally – notably by Fleetwood Lifeboat and the Fleetwood Nautical College.
The official citation acknowledges our role in keeping a lookout for the safety of users of the Fleetwood and Wyre coastline, and the National Panel which advises HM The Queen particularly wished to record their admiration for the community work that we do. All of the volunteer watchkeepers share a tremendous sense of pride in having their work recognised by such a wonderful award.

Lancashire TV visits the tower

This week after being disappointed at having missed the High Sheriff of Lancashire’s visit to the tower, Lancashire TV (freeview channel 7) came to the tower to explore some of the reasons for he and his wife’s visit the video explains all.

Red Letter Day

It was a red letter day for Fleetwood on Sunday the 19th February when we received an official visit from the High Sheriff of Lancashire, John Barnett MBE, DL. John, who was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Danielle, was welcomed by Station Manager Bob Loynes and members of the management team. A highlight of the morning saw the High Sheriff presenting 5-Year certificates and badges to a number of watchkeepers – who were each warmly congratulated on the lasting commitment they have shown to the work of the NCI. This was followed by a guided tour of Fleetwood tower, during which John chose to spend a considerable amount of time meeting watchkeepers on duty and observing our work first-hand. The High Sheriff thanked all of the volunteers for their dedication and remarked favourably on the high standards he observed.

 

Fleetwood Councillors visit Fleetwood

On Saturday the 11th February we were delighted to receive a visit from a number of Fleetwood Town Councillors. They were warmly welcomed to the station on what was a very cold morning, and spent a considerable length of time learning all about the NCI and our work at Fleetwood. Station Manager, Bob Loynes, thanked all of the Councillors for giving up their time to come down and visit the tower, and for the interest and the support which they showed for all that is done by our volunteers. The photograph shows Bob Loynes with the Councillors, including Terry Rogers, Chairman of the Town Council (left).