3rd May 2016. Each year the Isle of Wight celebrates the efforts and impact of voluntary and community activity with the Isle of Wight Community Awards. There are eight categories for these awards and NCI Needles were entered into the Local Communities Category. Watchkeeper Charlotte Rayner organised the station’s entry and organised the site visit of the Awards selection committee, where she enthusiastically outlined the role of the NCI and in particular the Needles Station. During this application process, Deputy Station Manager Tony Cole and Watchkeeper Paddy Noctor provided help and support.

Despite this being the category with the most applicants, NCI Needles won the Local Communities category, which was sponsored by the Isle of Wight Council. Cllr Charles Chapman, Chairman of IOW Council, presented a team of representatives, led by recently elected Station Manager Tony Stables, with a Certificate and a cheque for £300.

As a category winner, NCI Needles was entered into an overall contest of the eight category winners and were runners-up.The Islands joint Health & Social Care task force sponsored this award, and the Needles team were presented with a certificate and a cheque for a further £500 by Maj. Gen Martin White Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight.

From left to right in the photograph are Cllr Charles Chapman, Station Manager Tony Stables, Watchkeepers Lizzie Hutchinson and Charlotte Rayner and Deputy Station Manager Tony Cole.