14 July 2009 A new book explaining the history and development of the NCI has just been published. Written by Brian French, The NCI Story charts the exceptional work and success of the NCI in reclaiming Britain’s disused Coastguard Stations.

This work details many of the 40 stations now operational since Bass Point on the Lizard was first reopened following the tragic and avoidable loss of two fishermen there in 1994. It sets out the vital role of the National Coastwatch, the training necessary for volunteers to qualify as NCI watchkeepers and covers some of the more dramatic incidents and rescues in which NCI has been involved. Over 200 photographs of stations and lifeboats are also included.

Brian French is a retired academic and ex Head of Education at Sheffield Hallam University. He has a PhD in Human Sciences, has worked for the British Council in India and Pakistan and was a consultant in Hungary and Lithuania. He moved to Truro in 2002 and became a volunteer NCI watchkeeper at Stepper Point near Padstow.

Copies of The NCI Story can be ordered from the NCI Shop at www.nci.org.uk for £12.99 plus cost of post and packaging.