National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) volunteers at two of the charity’s 60 stations are celebrating this week after receiving King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). It is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is the equivalent to an MBE.
NCI Nell’s Point in Barry, South Wales and NCI Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire have both received the prestigious award. The work of NCI volunteers is to keep a daily visual and VHF radio watch for anyone in difficulties as part of the charity’s mission to help save lives around the coast.
National Coastwatch has celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Run entirely by its 2,800 volunteers, the highly trained watchkeepers report coastal and local land-based safety-related incidents to HM Coastguard so expert help can be sent including Coastguard Rescue Teams and helicopters, RNLI and independent lifeboats and all emergency services.
Jaye Isherwood, Lee-on-the-Solent Station Manager said:
“Our crew of over 60 watchkeepers do wonderful work to enhance public safety and local community relationships. We are proud and honoured to receive the award and to have this formal recognition of our work.”
“We are delighted to receive this award. Our crew of over 50 watchkeepers do a remarkable job and make a significant contribution to public safety on a popular and busy part of the coast,” added Nell’s Point Station Manager, Trevor Saunders.
Stephen Hand, NCI’s Chair said:
“It’s a source of great pride and a double celebration for us all that NCI Nell’s Point and NCI Lee-on-the-Solent have both joined an ever-growing number of our stations to be selected to receive the King’s Award and before that, the Queen’s Award. It reflects not only on the dedication of our watchkeepers but also on the lifesaving work we do as an organisation. Many congratulations to everyone at Lee-on-the-Solent and Nell’s Point and to their local communities for their support.”
Representatives of NCI Nell’s Point and NCI Lee-on-the-Solent will receive the KAVS crystal and certificate from their respective Lord Lieutenants in 2025. In addition, two volunteers from each station will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June next year, along with other recipients of this year’s award.