7 Aug 2010 – For the first time ever, all 13 Cornwall NCI watchstations were represented on Tuesday 3rd August at an impressive and enjoyable gathering to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service presented by Lady Mary Holborow, the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant of the County.

The award was accepted by Jon Gifford, national chairman and Lady Holborow then presented each station with a Queen’s Award certificate. The award presentation took place at Truro School by kind permission of Mr Paul Smith, Headmaster, who nominated NCI Cornwall for this prestigious award in recognition of their success in helping to save lives at sea and along the Cornish coastline.

 

NCI volunteers are trained to “spot, plot and report” on such eventualities and, in 2009 alone, were involved in over 200 reported incidents around the county. Over 500 volunteer watchkeepers help to man the 13 Cornwall stations in daylight hours up to seven days a week 365 days a year. The numbers continue to rise as volunteers from all backgrounds, aged from 18 to over 80 in some cases, appreciate the part they are able to play in helping to ensure the safety of our coastline at no cost to the public.