Tuesday March 15th
We were visited today by the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker, J.P. – accompanied by her consort. They stayed with us for over an hour, taking a very keen (and obviously genuine) interest in all that we do. They were met by Steve Scholes, Deputy Station Manager, and a number of watchkeepers. The timing was fortuitous in that 2 of the Nautical College students were also present as part of the work experience they are undertaking at the tower. Mrs Parker took time to speak with all of the watchkeepers and the students, and was clearly engaged by everything that she saw and heard about our work at Fleetwood.The High Sheriff left this comment in the visitor book.
“Wonderful work and voluntary commitment. Thank you'”

Thursday 3rd March
A number of our watchkeepers visited Knott end coastguard where they met With a member of the coastguard team (Phil) everyone enjoyed the afternoon being shown around the station and the equipment in use.
A big thanks to all at Knott end from all at NCI Fleetwood.

On Thursday, 3rd March, Sally Naden from Radio Lancashire, brought her morning show to Rossall Tower. Sally’s outside broadcast gave her the opportunity to meet members from NCI Fleetwood and Wyre Rangers.

FLEETWOOD CHAPTER DONATION

On Thursday, 3rd March, Fleetwood Chapter members Eric Bridge, Robert Boal, Scribe E and Robert Thompson, Z, visited the NCI station at Fleetwood, to present a cheque for £100. This is a fantastic donation from the local organisation and it is expected to contribute to a defibrillator training dummy.
At Rossall Tower, National Coastwatch purchased a defibrillator, because of its isolated position and about 30 members are trained to use the lifesaving machine, if required. However, the ‘dummy’ is expected to contribute to the continuous training required, to ensure in an emergency, the casualty gets the best chance of survival.
By happy coincidence, the Masonic team’s presentation coincided with a visit to the tower from Radio Lancashire’s morning show, with Sally Naden. She broadcast the presentation live on air.
Steve Scholes, Operations Manager with NCI Fleetwood said, ‘’ The support from the local community means a lot to our members. This fantastic donation will help towards important lifesaving training. We can’t thank them enough for their help’’

On Friday, 15th January, local Member of Parliament for Fleetwood and Lancaster, Cat Smith, visited the Fleetwood Observation Tower, home of the National Coastwatch Institution.
After hearing of how NCI was formed and the work of the volunteers, she was shown the high level of equipment used by the Watchkeepers and informed on the training given at the Nautical College, Fleetwood. This ensures the annual assessment, the Declared Facility Status (DFS), is passed each year by the volunteer Watchkeepers.
Along with the equipment used for keeping watch over Morecambe Bay and the ever shifting sand banks near Fleetwood, Cat was also shown the defibrillator, purchased by NCI and it was explained that there were around 30 Watchkeepers trained to use it, if required.
The MP passed on her best wishes and thanks to the volunteers for the work they do at Fleetwood and hopes to return again soon.