NCI ST ALBAN’S HEAD SEEKING ‘FRIENDS’ OVER THE SPRING BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND AND BEYOND

20th May 2017.The trained volunteers manning the National Coastwatch station at St Alban’s Head are seeking ‘Friends’ to support them in their work keeping watch over those at sea and along the Jurassic coast path. 

Located to the south of Worth Matravers, St Alban’s Head station commands sweeping views along the Dorset coast from Anvil Point near Swanage in the east to Portland Bill in the west. The station also immediately overlooks the dangerous St Alban’s Tidal Race which is an area of very turbulent and often treacherous sea that can present a real threat to those navigating the waters along the Jurassic coast. The St Alban’s Head station is one of a chain of over 50 Coastwatch Stations that provide direct support to HM Coastguard and is one of a number of assets that include the lifeboats of the RNLI and Coastguard search and rescue helicopters.

The National Coastwatch is an entirely voluntary organisation which receives no public funding and relies entirely on contributions from members of the public to keep the station manned and operated by the team of volunteer watchkeepers 365 days a year. Since it opened the St Alban’s Head Coastwatch station has assisted the Coastguard with many incidents that have protected and saved life at sea and on the coastal path. 

The aim of the St Alban’s Head ‘Friends’ initiative is to gain support from members of the public who although they may be unable to volunteer as watchkeepers for various reasons, are still willing and able to provide assistance to the vital work of the St Alban’s Head National Coastwatch station. This could include helping with fund raising at  events in the area, assisting in providing tea and cakes to visitors at the station open days or taking part in work parties to maintain the station in top operational condition. The Friends of St Alban’s Head Coastwatch Station will receive a membership card, a welcome pack and a six monthly newsletter.

The ‘Friends’ initiative will be launched over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and the Coastwatch station at St Alban’s Head will be open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm on each of the three days from 27th to 29th May. Visitors will be able to find out about the work of the National Coastwatch volunteers, view the range of equipment used in the station and find out how they can join the ‘Friends’ of St Alban’s Head National Coastwatch. They will also be able to enjoy the fabulous views of the Jurassic Coast that can be seen from the headland. Hot and cold drinks and home-made cakes and biscuits will be on offer. Everything is free, although donations will be welcomed.

back to news

About

Currently almost 60 National Coastwatch stations are operational and manned by over 2600 volunteer watchkeepers around the British Isles from Fleetwood in the North West, through Wales, to the South and East of England to Filey in North Yorkshire. 

National Coastwatch watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. They are trained to deal with emergencies offering a variety of skills and experience, and full training by the National Coastwatch ensures that high standards are met.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The words National Coastwatch Institution and Eyes Along the Coast and the NCI logos are Registered Trademarks of NCI.

Contact


General enquiries
0300 111 1202

Media enquiries
0845 460 1202


[email protected]


17 Dean Street, Liskeard,
Cornwall, PL14 4AB