14 July 2015 On  19 May 1995 Master Mariner Richard May stood the first watch at the Mundesley on Sea.

Richard had been asked by Captain Tony Starling - Lark, who founded NCI Bass Point, to try to establish a coastal lookout on the East Coast.  Mundesley became the second NCI station.

 On the exact date of the anniversary, over 50 watchkeepers past and present and their partners gathered to celebrate, together with NCI’s Honorary President Jon Gifford and Chairman Alan Richards.

They were joined by representatives of the HM Coastguard and the Mundesley Inshore Lifeboat.

 The guests of honour were Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Adele MacNicol and the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Nicholas Pratt.

Tribute was paid to Richard May’s work in establishing other NCI stations on the East Coast including Wells next the Sea and Runton.

Richard is retiring as a watchkeeper but continues as Life President of Mundesley NCI.

Mundesley was the first NCI station to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.  In many ways this was recognition of Richard’s work as well as that of the watchkeepers.

Jon Gifford presented Richard with a clock & barometer set mounted on a plaque with the NCI logo.

The Deputy Lieutenant presented several long service awards including twenty year awards to the last five original members: Arthur Adcock, Geoff Griston, Mari Chalk, Terry Webster and Richard May.

Martin Lee received a 15 year award and Tony Collins a 10 year award.

Eight five year awards were also presented.

Chairman Alan Richards in offering his congratulations also thanked the families of the watchkeepers whose support enabled them to carry out their duties.