10th February 2018. The team from the National Coastwatch Institution station at Bass Point on the Lizard were among a number of local volunteer groups to get a big “thank-you” from St Ives and West Cornwall MP, Derek Thomas.

One of a series of similar meetings arranged in his constituency, the event at Helston’s Central Methodist Church was specifically aimed at the many organisations run by volunteers which, according to Mr Thomas, play such an essential role in Cornish life. Derek Thomas MP commented: “It was wonderful to be able to meet with a wide range of people who are united in their desire to give something back to their community. The National Coastwatch volunteers do a fantastic job in ensuring that in the event of an incident at sea or along the coastal path, there is someone looking out for them for all 365 days of the year. Volunteers really are the backbone of our community - they are a forgotten army and I was very happy to put on an event at which I was able to thank the Bass Point team for all their hard work.”

NCI Bass Point Station Manager, Peter Clements, said: “The people who man the lookout at Bass Point throughout the year are all volunteers who turn out in all conditions to help ensure the safety of those at sea and on the cliff paths. The public regularly show their appreciation in a number of different ways, and it’s also really rewarding to part of an event like this where our local MP also gives his thanks for the work we do.”

Representatives from the National Coastwatch stations at Cape Cornwall, St Ives, Penzance and Gwennap Head also attended similar meetings with Derek Thomas MP.

The photograph shows MP Derek Thomas with the team from NCI Bass Point