July 6th 2011: New Station Opens At Caister
The 46th National Coastwatch lookout station is now operational at Caister on Sea, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. By kind permission of the Secretary, Coxswain and Crew of the Caister Lifeboat, NCI has been given free use of the elevated seaward viewing gallery in the old lifeboat building which is now an extensive and impressive museum housing the old Caister lifeboat together with a number of artefacts.
Headed by Station Manager Designate Rob Barker, the new team trained by NCI Gorleston report to HM Coastguard MRCC at Great Yarmouth in the event of any incident.
Their equipment in use comprises short and long range binoculars, charts, instruments, two Belcom crystal controlled marine band scanners (donated by the Caister Lifeboat crew), a new twin camera CCTV and new furniture. Wells-Next-the-sea National Coastwatch has promised a second-hand Radar set for the new station. Also promised is a computer to run AIS and a mapping programme.
Watchkeepers for the first watch included Freya Barker, wife of Rob Barker (pictured).
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution, Liskeard
The 46th National Coastwatch lookout station is now operational at Caister on Sea, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. By kind permission of the Secretary, Coxswain and Crew of the Caister Lifeboat, NCI has been given free use of the elevated seaward viewing gallery in the old lifeboat building which is now an extensive and impressive museum housing the old Caister lifeboat together with a number of artefacts.
Headed by Station Manager Designate Rob Barker, the new team trained by NCI Gorleston report to HM Coastguard MRCC at Great Yarmouth in the event of any incident.
Their equipment in use comprises short and long range binoculars, charts, instruments, two Belcom crystal controlled marine band scanners (donated by the Caister Lifeboat crew), a new twin camera CCTV and new furniture. Wells-Next-the-sea National Coastwatch has promised a second-hand Radar set for the new station. Also promised is a computer to run AIS and a mapping programme.
Watchkeepers for the first watch included Freya Barker, wife of Rob Barker (pictured).
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution, Liskeard
June 18th 2012: Official Opening of NCI Caister (Press Release)
On Saturday 16th June 2012 the National Coastwatch Institution station at Caister was officially opened by local Journalist and TV presenter Susie Fowler-Watt.
The opening was attended by senior members of the NCI, the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Caister Lifeboat crew and many of their supporters.
Recounting an incident when her partner, fellow BBC presenter Alex Dunlop, needed the services of the Caister Lifeboat to be “escorted” home due - as she put it - to a navigation error, Ms Fowler-Watt went on to express her delight in being asked to open the National Coastwatch Institution station at Caister, and hoped that the profile of the service would rise in the near future.
After the opening ceremony was completed and as a mark of appreciation for all his work in getting the new service up and running, a surprise presentation was made to Station Manager Rob Barker by members of NCI team at Caister.
A light lunch was enjoyed by guests of the station, and throughout the day the watch room was open to members of the public to visit.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution, Caister-on-Sea
On Saturday 16th June 2012 the National Coastwatch Institution station at Caister was officially opened by local Journalist and TV presenter Susie Fowler-Watt.
The opening was attended by senior members of the NCI, the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Caister Lifeboat crew and many of their supporters.
Recounting an incident when her partner, fellow BBC presenter Alex Dunlop, needed the services of the Caister Lifeboat to be “escorted” home due - as she put it - to a navigation error, Ms Fowler-Watt went on to express her delight in being asked to open the National Coastwatch Institution station at Caister, and hoped that the profile of the service would rise in the near future.
After the opening ceremony was completed and as a mark of appreciation for all his work in getting the new service up and running, a surprise presentation was made to Station Manager Rob Barker by members of NCI team at Caister.
A light lunch was enjoyed by guests of the station, and throughout the day the watch room was open to members of the public to visit.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution, Caister-on-Sea
June / July 2012: Martham Parish Magazine
"On June 16th 2012, members of the National Coastwatch Institution at Caister on Sea were pleased to meet and greet Miss Susie Fowler-Watt co-presenter of BBC Look East and her daughter Lola who came along to officially open their Station situated in the watch room above the Caister Lifeboat Heritage Centre.
Susie was introduced to invited guests and members of the public by Station manager Rob Barker and then gave a speech before unveiling a plaque which is now in pride of place in the watch room.
Susie was also introduced to Jon Gifford OBE who is the Honorary President of the NCI who has been instrumental in setting up many Stations around the country.
NCI Caister has been operating for a year now and although we only have 10 watch keepers we are managing to be operational from 0900 hours and 1700 hours Friday to Monday. The aim of the NCI is to keep people safe both at sea and around our coast."
Copyright: Martham Parish Magazine / Alan Perry
"On June 16th 2012, members of the National Coastwatch Institution at Caister on Sea were pleased to meet and greet Miss Susie Fowler-Watt co-presenter of BBC Look East and her daughter Lola who came along to officially open their Station situated in the watch room above the Caister Lifeboat Heritage Centre.
Susie was introduced to invited guests and members of the public by Station manager Rob Barker and then gave a speech before unveiling a plaque which is now in pride of place in the watch room.
Susie was also introduced to Jon Gifford OBE who is the Honorary President of the NCI who has been instrumental in setting up many Stations around the country.
NCI Caister has been operating for a year now and although we only have 10 watch keepers we are managing to be operational from 0900 hours and 1700 hours Friday to Monday. The aim of the NCI is to keep people safe both at sea and around our coast."
Copyright: Martham Parish Magazine / Alan Perry
November / December 2012: The Voice Of Caister Village Magazine
"What terrible summer weather we have had this year. The effect of the weather has been very noticeable on Caister beach. Last year we were rushed off our feet looking out for holiday makers on the beach and swimmers in the sea from June through to September. This year we were spotting the same autumnal dog walkers and fishermen as late as August.
In the winter months our attentions turn to training, fundraising andrecruitment. November the 6th sees our second ever Annual General Meeting with guest speakers from the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Guest Speakers and training evenings keep our motivation going through the winter when we are staring into cold misty seas and empty beaches.
We had our first training evening in October, working in teams on emergency scenarios using nautical charts. At the end of the exercises we were played a video of a real Mayday message. Unbeknown to one team, the scenario they were working on was a recreation of a real emergency at sea. It was a US Coastguard rescue and the Captain who made the call for help went down with his ship. Needless to say we were all quite moved and the evening's training became quite poignant. This particular call was chosen to illustrate that in an emergency, radio procedure can get forgotten and not all the information is passed on. If you would like to listen to the Mayday call search the internet for "Northern Belle Mayday".
On a more cheerful note, in July most of the Caister Watchkeepers made the long treck to Repps with Bastwick where The Repps Revellers summer romp "Pirates in Menspantz" was held in aid of Caister Coastwatch and Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Each charity was donated £150 from the two July performances along with smaller donations to Repps Church and Repps Village Hall.
In other fundraising news we had a successful street collection outside Roy's of Wroxham in September, collecting nearly £194.18 on quite a dreary day; on the same day Caister Social Club handed in the over flowing NCI Caister collection tin they have had on the bar pushing the total to £211. We will be having another collection outside Caister Tesco's on the 1st of December so please come over and say hello.
Another generous donation we have received is four CCTV cameras from the CCTV department of The Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership. Thanks to the GYTCP we can upgrade our system to get more and better quality coverage of our blind spots. Many thanks to all who have contributed/supported the work that NCI do.
Finally we would like to welcome our latest recruits Malcolm, Glynn and Pat, who are soon to complete their Watchkeeper training, also a welcome aboard to Nicola who has been roped in as a support volunteer. As always we are looking for more volunteers so if you think you might be interested look us up on facebook, contact us on the details below or take a look at the newly revamped national website www.NCI.org.uk"
Copyright: Caister-on-Sea Parish Magazine / Freya Barker
"What terrible summer weather we have had this year. The effect of the weather has been very noticeable on Caister beach. Last year we were rushed off our feet looking out for holiday makers on the beach and swimmers in the sea from June through to September. This year we were spotting the same autumnal dog walkers and fishermen as late as August.
In the winter months our attentions turn to training, fundraising andrecruitment. November the 6th sees our second ever Annual General Meeting with guest speakers from the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Guest Speakers and training evenings keep our motivation going through the winter when we are staring into cold misty seas and empty beaches.
We had our first training evening in October, working in teams on emergency scenarios using nautical charts. At the end of the exercises we were played a video of a real Mayday message. Unbeknown to one team, the scenario they were working on was a recreation of a real emergency at sea. It was a US Coastguard rescue and the Captain who made the call for help went down with his ship. Needless to say we were all quite moved and the evening's training became quite poignant. This particular call was chosen to illustrate that in an emergency, radio procedure can get forgotten and not all the information is passed on. If you would like to listen to the Mayday call search the internet for "Northern Belle Mayday".
On a more cheerful note, in July most of the Caister Watchkeepers made the long treck to Repps with Bastwick where The Repps Revellers summer romp "Pirates in Menspantz" was held in aid of Caister Coastwatch and Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Each charity was donated £150 from the two July performances along with smaller donations to Repps Church and Repps Village Hall.
In other fundraising news we had a successful street collection outside Roy's of Wroxham in September, collecting nearly £194.18 on quite a dreary day; on the same day Caister Social Club handed in the over flowing NCI Caister collection tin they have had on the bar pushing the total to £211. We will be having another collection outside Caister Tesco's on the 1st of December so please come over and say hello.
Another generous donation we have received is four CCTV cameras from the CCTV department of The Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership. Thanks to the GYTCP we can upgrade our system to get more and better quality coverage of our blind spots. Many thanks to all who have contributed/supported the work that NCI do.
Finally we would like to welcome our latest recruits Malcolm, Glynn and Pat, who are soon to complete their Watchkeeper training, also a welcome aboard to Nicola who has been roped in as a support volunteer. As always we are looking for more volunteers so if you think you might be interested look us up on facebook, contact us on the details below or take a look at the newly revamped national website www.NCI.org.uk"
Copyright: Caister-on-Sea Parish Magazine / Freya Barker
Jan. 25th 2013: Hospital Radio Yare Interview + Press Release
“The National Coastwatch Institution was initially set up in Bass Point in Cornwall following the government’s closedown of its coastguard in 1994.” This was the opening statement made by Robert Barker the manager of the Caister observation post at the start of his interview with Gerry Jarvis which was broadcast by Hospital Radio Yare last Tuesday evening.
In his very lucid and soft spoken style Robert went on to explain how the organisation has gone on to set up listening watch stations that monitor all the coastline of England and Wales with 55 stations and well over 2000 volunteers.
The Heritage Centre is where the Caister station is situated which gives a good view of the beach, the dunes and the sea. He went on to say there is a similar organisation just starting to cover the not inconsiderable coast of Scotland.
Robert said that due to the poor weather they had not been very busy this year but remembers they sent for the ambulance when a woman fell onto a rabbit hole on the dunes breaking a leg. He said that every station has its different uses and remits like for instance the Gorleston station only looks out to sea.
On the subject of sea vigilance he said that they do overlook a very busy shipping lane known as the ‘Caister Road’ and very big ships still collide in spite of their sophisticated technology as two did off the coast of Holland quite recently.
On that theme Gerry asked what equipment was held on the station to which Robert replied beside the binoculars and telescope most stations like us have Automatic Identification System (AIS), an automatic tracking system used on ships or Radar and each member has a personal radio. Robert said that members are by and large of an age where they don’t physically take part in rescues unlike those on ‘Bay Watch’ but are primarily the ears and eyes of the coastline that sound the alarm to those who can help such as the lifeboat and ambulance services."
Copyright: Brian Frederick / Gerry Jarvis (Hospital Radio Yare)
“The National Coastwatch Institution was initially set up in Bass Point in Cornwall following the government’s closedown of its coastguard in 1994.” This was the opening statement made by Robert Barker the manager of the Caister observation post at the start of his interview with Gerry Jarvis which was broadcast by Hospital Radio Yare last Tuesday evening.
In his very lucid and soft spoken style Robert went on to explain how the organisation has gone on to set up listening watch stations that monitor all the coastline of England and Wales with 55 stations and well over 2000 volunteers.
The Heritage Centre is where the Caister station is situated which gives a good view of the beach, the dunes and the sea. He went on to say there is a similar organisation just starting to cover the not inconsiderable coast of Scotland.
Robert said that due to the poor weather they had not been very busy this year but remembers they sent for the ambulance when a woman fell onto a rabbit hole on the dunes breaking a leg. He said that every station has its different uses and remits like for instance the Gorleston station only looks out to sea.
On the subject of sea vigilance he said that they do overlook a very busy shipping lane known as the ‘Caister Road’ and very big ships still collide in spite of their sophisticated technology as two did off the coast of Holland quite recently.
On that theme Gerry asked what equipment was held on the station to which Robert replied beside the binoculars and telescope most stations like us have Automatic Identification System (AIS), an automatic tracking system used on ships or Radar and each member has a personal radio. Robert said that members are by and large of an age where they don’t physically take part in rescues unlike those on ‘Bay Watch’ but are primarily the ears and eyes of the coastline that sound the alarm to those who can help such as the lifeboat and ambulance services."
Copyright: Brian Frederick / Gerry Jarvis (Hospital Radio Yare)
March 29th 2013: Great Yarmouth Mercury
Volunteers who keep a close eye on the sea from Caister have received their latest round of training. All members of Caister Coastwatch are now qualified to top notch standards after completing the National Coastwatch RYA / Ofcom approved Radio Course.
Station Manager Rob Barker said “I am delighted that all members took up the opportunity to take the in-house training. This makes 100 percent of our membership now qualified to RYA standards. It is my aim to make being a member of Caister NCI both enjoyable and rewarding.”
Copyright: Archant / Great Yarmouth Mercury
Volunteers who keep a close eye on the sea from Caister have received their latest round of training. All members of Caister Coastwatch are now qualified to top notch standards after completing the National Coastwatch RYA / Ofcom approved Radio Course.
Station Manager Rob Barker said “I am delighted that all members took up the opportunity to take the in-house training. This makes 100 percent of our membership now qualified to RYA standards. It is my aim to make being a member of Caister NCI both enjoyable and rewarding.”
Copyright: Archant / Great Yarmouth Mercury
October 7th 2013: Press Release
The National Coastwatch team at Caister today underwent their Declared Facility Status (DFS) Assessment and passed with flying colours.
It is a Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirement that all National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) stations attain Declared Facility Status within two years. Each assessment is carried out by a joint NCI and Maritime and Coastguard Agency team who check paperwork and operational records as well as observing the normal operation of the station. Once DFS is attained each station is checked annually to ensure standards are maintained.
Having checked station procedures and management structures, looked though documentation, questioned watch-keepers, evaluated their training regime and looked at the operational record of the station from its initial set-up in June 2011, the assessors were so impressed that they could not fault the Caister team on any count that they made the award without any recommendations!
Rob Barker, the Station Manager, said "for the station to achieve DFS status under exacting conditions with such excellent feedback from the assessors says a lot about the hard work and dedication shown by all members of Caister NCI. I am obviously very happy but also very proud of my members".
According to Mr. Barker "the next aim is to get the service open seven days per week, fifty-two weeks of the year". To do this he said "we need to recruit new members. Applicants must be over 18 years of age, able to climb a flight of stairs and be willing to commit at least 4 hours per week. Previous maritime experience is not necessary as training is provided and carried out on station and at the volunteers own pace".
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution, Caister on Sea
The National Coastwatch team at Caister today underwent their Declared Facility Status (DFS) Assessment and passed with flying colours.
It is a Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirement that all National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) stations attain Declared Facility Status within two years. Each assessment is carried out by a joint NCI and Maritime and Coastguard Agency team who check paperwork and operational records as well as observing the normal operation of the station. Once DFS is attained each station is checked annually to ensure standards are maintained.
Having checked station procedures and management structures, looked though documentation, questioned watch-keepers, evaluated their training regime and looked at the operational record of the station from its initial set-up in June 2011, the assessors were so impressed that they could not fault the Caister team on any count that they made the award without any recommendations!
Rob Barker, the Station Manager, said "for the station to achieve DFS status under exacting conditions with such excellent feedback from the assessors says a lot about the hard work and dedication shown by all members of Caister NCI. I am obviously very happy but also very proud of my members".
According to Mr. Barker "the next aim is to get the service open seven days per week, fifty-two weeks of the year". To do this he said "we need to recruit new members. Applicants must be over 18 years of age, able to climb a flight of stairs and be willing to commit at least 4 hours per week. Previous maritime experience is not necessary as training is provided and carried out on station and at the volunteers own pace".
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution, Caister on Sea
November 13th 2013: Press Release
Caister Coastwatch which has its station in the Lifeboat Heritage Centre recently held its recently Annual General Meeting.
Rob Barker, Station Manager since the group started, stood down and Mike Cooke took over at the helm. Tony McBain Oldham was elected Secretary and Linda Lawrence took over as Deputy Station Manager while Penny Gallop continues as Treasurer.
The evening also saw Heather Peck receive her epaulettes and a certificate as the Caister's latest fully trained Watchkeeper.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution, Caister on Sea
Caister Coastwatch which has its station in the Lifeboat Heritage Centre recently held its recently Annual General Meeting.
Rob Barker, Station Manager since the group started, stood down and Mike Cooke took over at the helm. Tony McBain Oldham was elected Secretary and Linda Lawrence took over as Deputy Station Manager while Penny Gallop continues as Treasurer.
The evening also saw Heather Peck receive her epaulettes and a certificate as the Caister's latest fully trained Watchkeeper.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution, Caister on Sea
January 10th 2014: Great Yarmouth Mercury
National Coastwatch Caister on Sea were invited to man an NCI stand on the first day of the London Boat Show, held at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London’s Docklands.
Since opening in June 2011, Caister has been instrumental in summoning lifeboat assistance to a holidaymaker swept out to sea on an inflatable raft, calling an ambulance for an elderly walker following a fall from the sea wall and many other incidents.
They have also been able to assist local mariners by plotting and reporting debris from the recent storm surge that affected so many along our east coast. Coastguards are provided with the precise visual location of any shipping reported in difficulties close to the wind farm and the treacherous sandbanks.
National Coastwatch Caister needs more volunteers to help maintain and improve the watch along the coastline. If you can spare four hours a week and are interested in helping keep people at sea and along the coast to stay safe. The unit is situated above the Lifeboat Heritage Centre at Caister. No previous experience is needed, and all training is done on watch duties.
For details, contact station manager Mike Cooke on 07796 684429 or visit the website ncicaister.webs.com
Copyright: Archant / Great Yarmouth Mercury
National Coastwatch Caister on Sea were invited to man an NCI stand on the first day of the London Boat Show, held at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London’s Docklands.
Since opening in June 2011, Caister has been instrumental in summoning lifeboat assistance to a holidaymaker swept out to sea on an inflatable raft, calling an ambulance for an elderly walker following a fall from the sea wall and many other incidents.
They have also been able to assist local mariners by plotting and reporting debris from the recent storm surge that affected so many along our east coast. Coastguards are provided with the precise visual location of any shipping reported in difficulties close to the wind farm and the treacherous sandbanks.
National Coastwatch Caister needs more volunteers to help maintain and improve the watch along the coastline. If you can spare four hours a week and are interested in helping keep people at sea and along the coast to stay safe. The unit is situated above the Lifeboat Heritage Centre at Caister. No previous experience is needed, and all training is done on watch duties.
For details, contact station manager Mike Cooke on 07796 684429 or visit the website ncicaister.webs.com
Copyright: Archant / Great Yarmouth Mercury
August 13th: 2014: NCI Granted Dedicated VHF Marine Channel 65
The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) has been allocated a national licence by OFCOM for the use of VHF Channel 65.
This dedicated channel has been granted to NCI with strong support from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Channel 65 will facilitate communications between NCI lookouts and seafarers on a variety of routine matters. Stations will be able to respond to requests from passing, as well as local sailing craft and fishing vessels for radio checks as well as actual weather and sea state conditions.
They will also be able to provide on request information on a range of local facilities including, for example, local moorings, charted anchorages, water taxi contact details and local hazards.
This facility is scheduled to become operational on 1 October 2014 when National Coastwatch stations will go live for the first time on Channel 65. In the meantime, stations will be equipped with a dedicated radio for this purpose and the service will replace the practice of some stations currently holding a licence to operate on Marina Channel 37. This will no longer be available.
Alan Richards, Chairman of the National Coastwatch said: 'NCI has long aspired to have the use of a dedicated national marine VHF channel to facilitate radio communications between stations and seafarers.
'This is a major milestone for us, not least as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the start of our organisation.
'It is indeed a significant and welcome step forward for NCI and is an acknowledgement of our professional capability to communicate effectively with all who use our coastal waters and with our Search and Rescue partners at both local and national level.'
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) has been allocated a national licence by OFCOM for the use of VHF Channel 65.
This dedicated channel has been granted to NCI with strong support from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Channel 65 will facilitate communications between NCI lookouts and seafarers on a variety of routine matters. Stations will be able to respond to requests from passing, as well as local sailing craft and fishing vessels for radio checks as well as actual weather and sea state conditions.
They will also be able to provide on request information on a range of local facilities including, for example, local moorings, charted anchorages, water taxi contact details and local hazards.
This facility is scheduled to become operational on 1 October 2014 when National Coastwatch stations will go live for the first time on Channel 65. In the meantime, stations will be equipped with a dedicated radio for this purpose and the service will replace the practice of some stations currently holding a licence to operate on Marina Channel 37. This will no longer be available.
Alan Richards, Chairman of the National Coastwatch said: 'NCI has long aspired to have the use of a dedicated national marine VHF channel to facilitate radio communications between stations and seafarers.
'This is a major milestone for us, not least as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the start of our organisation.
'It is indeed a significant and welcome step forward for NCI and is an acknowledgement of our professional capability to communicate effectively with all who use our coastal waters and with our Search and Rescue partners at both local and national level.'
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
Sept. 12th 2014: NCI Caister Nominated for Lloyds Bank Community Fund
Lloyds Bank Community Fund was set up to help local people to have a positive impact at the heart of their community. National Coastwatch Caister has been nominated to have a chance to be awarded £3,000 to enable them to continue their work in the community.
National Coastwatch Caister is a voluntary organisation, assisting in the protection and preservation of life at sea, on the shoreline and the beach. Technology cannot spot a distress flare, an overturned bat or a yachtsman or fisherman in trouble. Other vulnerable activities like diving, wind surfing and canoeing or kayaking are made safer with visual surveillance.
The service provides support to the Maritime Coastguard Agency, Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Services and other emergency services.
Many of the watchkeepers are trained in first aid and the use of defibrillators. To find our more about the Community Fund and how to vote please go to your local Lloyds Bank. When you have completed a transaction you will be given a token which you can post into a hopper within the branch. Alternatively visit lloydsbank.com/community fundfund.
Copyright: Archant / Great Yarmouth Mercury
Lloyds Bank Community Fund was set up to help local people to have a positive impact at the heart of their community. National Coastwatch Caister has been nominated to have a chance to be awarded £3,000 to enable them to continue their work in the community.
National Coastwatch Caister is a voluntary organisation, assisting in the protection and preservation of life at sea, on the shoreline and the beach. Technology cannot spot a distress flare, an overturned bat or a yachtsman or fisherman in trouble. Other vulnerable activities like diving, wind surfing and canoeing or kayaking are made safer with visual surveillance.
The service provides support to the Maritime Coastguard Agency, Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Services and other emergency services.
Many of the watchkeepers are trained in first aid and the use of defibrillators. To find our more about the Community Fund and how to vote please go to your local Lloyds Bank. When you have completed a transaction you will be given a token which you can post into a hopper within the branch. Alternatively visit lloydsbank.com/community fundfund.
Copyright: Archant / Great Yarmouth Mercury
November 8th 2014: With new members comes new ideas and opportunities, and so it was with the kind offer of the use of the lifeboat shed comes our first table top sale. Happily the event was well attended and the money raised will be put to goods use maintaining and improving our equipment and capabilities.
Thanks go to the Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service for allowing us to stage this event and their vital logistical contribution in moving the lifeboat outside on the day!
Thanks go to the Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service for allowing us to stage this event and their vital logistical contribution in moving the lifeboat outside on the day!
Jan 9th 2015: NCI Awarded RCC Medal for Services To Cruising
In a letter to NCI Chairman Alan Richards, broadcaster and journalist Paul Heiney, RCC Vice Commodore, said: “Every year, we make awards to people and organisations outside the Club who we believe have made a special contribution to cruising.
“In recognition of your first twenty years, and also the growing contribution you are making to the safety of yachts at sea, we are awarding the National Coastwatch Institution this year’s Medal for Services to Cruising, which we very much hope you will accept.”
In response, Alan commented: “I am delighted to accept this recognition of our work on behalf of the two thousand or so volunteers who make the whole operation possible. I know how much it means to them to see that their efforts are appreciated and there can be no better example of that appreciation than this award from an organisation with an enviable history of cruising.”
The medal will be presented at the Royal Cruising Club Annual Dinner at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in London on March 5th.
Paul Heiney is pictured here with NCI Trustees Ian Whalley and Richard Hews during his visit to the NCI stand on the opening day of the London Boat Show.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
In a letter to NCI Chairman Alan Richards, broadcaster and journalist Paul Heiney, RCC Vice Commodore, said: “Every year, we make awards to people and organisations outside the Club who we believe have made a special contribution to cruising.
“In recognition of your first twenty years, and also the growing contribution you are making to the safety of yachts at sea, we are awarding the National Coastwatch Institution this year’s Medal for Services to Cruising, which we very much hope you will accept.”
In response, Alan commented: “I am delighted to accept this recognition of our work on behalf of the two thousand or so volunteers who make the whole operation possible. I know how much it means to them to see that their efforts are appreciated and there can be no better example of that appreciation than this award from an organisation with an enviable history of cruising.”
The medal will be presented at the Royal Cruising Club Annual Dinner at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in London on March 5th.
Paul Heiney is pictured here with NCI Trustees Ian Whalley and Richard Hews during his visit to the NCI stand on the opening day of the London Boat Show.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
Every time a Co-op member shops in their local stores, they'll be given a token to put in the collection box of their choice. The more tokens in our box means a bigger share of the £1000 for Caister NCI - so please encourage friends and relatives who are Co-op members to vote for you each time they shop at their local store.
All donations are gratefully received and go directly to helping us keep our coastline and adjacent waters safe for everybody.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
Every time a Co-op member shops in their local stores, they'll be given a token to put in the collection box of their choice. The more tokens in our box means a bigger share of the £1000 for Caister NCI - so please encourage friends and relatives who are Co-op members to vote for you each time they shop at their local store.
All donations are gratefully received and go directly to helping us keep our coastline and adjacent waters safe for everybody.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
Sept. 16th 2015: NCI Caister Selected for Co-op Community Token Scheme
We're delighted to have been selected to take part in the Co-op Community Token Scheme. Our collection box should be visible in local East of England Co-op stores, so keep an eye out next time you visit.
We're delighted to have been selected to take part in the Co-op Community Token Scheme. Our collection box should be visible in local East of England Co-op stores, so keep an eye out next time you visit.
March 1st 2015: Summer Is Coming!
As the nights draw out and the days get longer it is time for us to revert to our longer (Summer ... yes that's right SUMMER!) watchkeeping hours. As from today - March 1st - the team will be keeping watch from 9am to 5pm. And, to coincide with the longer hours, we have a new poster to highlight our continuing need for volunteers who can spare a few hours each week to help keep the coast safe.
If you want to know more about the important work we do, and what is involved in becoming a volunteer Watchkeeper with the National Coastwatch Institution you can visit the national website and / or contact our Station Manager for further information.
Please feel free to download the poster (just click on the image) and display for all to see. The more it is seen the more potential watchkeepers will see it!
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
As the nights draw out and the days get longer it is time for us to revert to our longer (Summer ... yes that's right SUMMER!) watchkeeping hours. As from today - March 1st - the team will be keeping watch from 9am to 5pm. And, to coincide with the longer hours, we have a new poster to highlight our continuing need for volunteers who can spare a few hours each week to help keep the coast safe.
If you want to know more about the important work we do, and what is involved in becoming a volunteer Watchkeeper with the National Coastwatch Institution you can visit the national website and / or contact our Station Manager for further information.
Please feel free to download the poster (just click on the image) and display for all to see. The more it is seen the more potential watchkeepers will see it!
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
Sunday November 8th 2015: Just two photos from the many that were taken by various NCI Caister supporters. Hopefully they say everything that is to be said about Remembrance Sunday ...
Saturday May 2nd 2015 members of the team spent the day at Horning for the annual Horning Boat Show. With many watch-keepers and auxiliary Coastwatch members on hand to help it was a relaxing day for all. If you are interested in the work of NCI, and want to get involved you call always visit us in the Watchroom above the Caister Lifeboat Heritage Centre at Caister.
March 27th 2015: our second table top sale. Weatherwise, not a great day but that didn't keep the team from manning the errm, err ... canteen and making sure the cakes didn't look too lonely. Unfortunately the same could not be said for poor old Tony who was left to sit in a drafty doorway looking after the raffle ... but somebody had to do it and the cake was NICE!
Special thanks, as always, to Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service (CVLS) for allow us the use of their facilities.
Special thanks, as always, to Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service (CVLS) for allow us the use of their facilities.
February 20th 2015: A group of fifteen watch keepers and auxiliary members from NCI Caister were invited by Seajacks UK in Great Yarmouth to tour the Seajacks Kraken (IMO 9522207). A very informative hour and a half was spent on board as our guide showed us around the bridge, accommodation, rest and relaxation area before an unexpected - but greatly appreciated - snack in the galley / canteen.
Our thanks go to Seajacks UK for agreeing to such a visit in the first place, and to all personnel on board the vessel for being so accommodating at a time when they were otherwise pre-occupied in preparations for sailing to Cuxhaven ahead of anticipated bad weather in the North Sea. We would especially like to thank "Beth" for being our guide on the day and the as-yet un-named crew member who, at the last second, stepped in for the Master to explain the intricacy of operating such a vessel and getting it to within eighteen inches of a specified location where and when required.
More photographs can be found on our Facebook page.
Our thanks go to Seajacks UK for agreeing to such a visit in the first place, and to all personnel on board the vessel for being so accommodating at a time when they were otherwise pre-occupied in preparations for sailing to Cuxhaven ahead of anticipated bad weather in the North Sea. We would especially like to thank "Beth" for being our guide on the day and the as-yet un-named crew member who, at the last second, stepped in for the Master to explain the intricacy of operating such a vessel and getting it to within eighteen inches of a specified location where and when required.
More photographs can be found on our Facebook page.
November 4th 2014; Our third full year of operations and another mile stone passed.
Thanks to a highly successful period of recruitment during which we more than doubled our membership and watch keeping capacity in a little over twelve months, we were able to fulfill our stated aim of fully manned watches over Caister beach and the adjacent water seven days per week. The problem for Alan and, more recently, Ian was how to cram so many newly trained and eager watch keepers into the available time!
No matter, a solution is at hand ... plans are afoot to progressively extend our watch keeping hours into the long summer evenings and to create a three watch routine. Needless to say - with such plans in the pipeline and one or two "old hands" moving on together with the usual fluctuations in the amount of time we as volunteers can give - we're not letting up on recruitment!
As they say "watch this space". In the meantime here is a selection of NCI Caister faces OLD and NEW ...
Thanks to a highly successful period of recruitment during which we more than doubled our membership and watch keeping capacity in a little over twelve months, we were able to fulfill our stated aim of fully manned watches over Caister beach and the adjacent water seven days per week. The problem for Alan and, more recently, Ian was how to cram so many newly trained and eager watch keepers into the available time!
No matter, a solution is at hand ... plans are afoot to progressively extend our watch keeping hours into the long summer evenings and to create a three watch routine. Needless to say - with such plans in the pipeline and one or two "old hands" moving on together with the usual fluctuations in the amount of time we as volunteers can give - we're not letting up on recruitment!
As they say "watch this space". In the meantime here is a selection of NCI Caister faces OLD and NEW ...
September 2014; Caister NCI were nominated for a Lloyds Bank Community Fund award. At the time of writing it was too early to say whether we gained sufficient votes to secure the award but here's hoping! As part of a promotional campaign we decided to take a group photo of everyone holding the bank's supplied "Vote For Us" poster. Unfortunately the e-mail asking everyone to turn out for a photo shoot forgot the all important piece of information ... please come "IN UNIFORM". It's amazing what you can do with PhotoShop ... apologies to any watchkeeper who was airbushed out of BOTH pictures!
Post Script: In late November 2014 we received notification of an award of £500 from the Lloyds Bank Community Fund. This much needed cash injection will go towards making the presence of NCI at Caister more conspicous (keep and eye open for new sign posting on the seafront at Caister!), and to the upkeep of vital equipment such as our VHF radio and AIS equipment.
Our thanks obviously go to Lloyds Bank for running the scheme and allowing community groups such as National Coastwatch to benefit, and to everybody who voted for us at their local branch of Lloyds or via the online voting form. Thankyou.
Post Script: In late November 2014 we received notification of an award of £500 from the Lloyds Bank Community Fund. This much needed cash injection will go towards making the presence of NCI at Caister more conspicous (keep and eye open for new sign posting on the seafront at Caister!), and to the upkeep of vital equipment such as our VHF radio and AIS equipment.
Our thanks obviously go to Lloyds Bank for running the scheme and allowing community groups such as National Coastwatch to benefit, and to everybody who voted for us at their local branch of Lloyds or via the online voting form. Thankyou.
February 2014; as the winter evenings began to draw out, and with a new Station Manager (Mike Cooke) at the helm - to say nothing of our new patron, Mr. Henry Cator - preparations continued for our first summer of manning watches 7x days per week. From small beginnings we suddenly found ourselves with 25+ fully trained watchkeepers AND a new larger flag - all good reasons to look a little smug!!
January 2014: time to get the work of NCI into the boating community, and what better way to do that than with a display at the London Boatshow. Station Manager Mike Cooke, along with Deputy Station Manager Linda Lawrence and Auxiliary Member Nicola Cooke all made the trip to London to man the National Coastwatch stand together with personnel from "head office" in Cornwall on the opening day of the show.
December 2013: the Norfolk coast hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons for a second time in twelve months. The spectre of a repeat of the devastation of January 1953 hung over the area throughout the night of the 5th / 6th as a combination of tide, weather, wind and sea state threatened to overwhelm the area once again. Flood defences built in the intervening 60 years held and, while some property was lost to the sea, thankfully no lives were lost.
These photos show the scene immediately north of our lookout the following morning - the remains of the neighbouring beach cafe. Further north at Hemsby several homes were lost and up the coast up at East Runton (near Cromer) the recently opened NCI lookout had to be abandoned following a cliff fall.
These photos show the scene immediately north of our lookout the following morning - the remains of the neighbouring beach cafe. Further north at Hemsby several homes were lost and up the coast up at East Runton (near Cromer) the recently opened NCI lookout had to be abandoned following a cliff fall.
Summer 2013: the annual Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service Open Day, fund raising and recruitment at various local fetes - Martham, Filby and Caister to name a few - AND we even found time to fit in a radio interview ... strangely with one of our own watch-keepers asking the questions, spinning the discs and doing a passable Mike Smash impersonation (all, he claims, in the name of "chair-ity mate")!
July 2013: our first "Beach Safety Survey" - or was it an excuse for a pleasant summer evening walk with friends? - at least the plan was to map the beach north of our lookout to Second Avenue. What did we discover? ... just how big - courtesy of the sand dunes - a blind spot there is!
July 2013: Carnival and, more importantly, fete season; the time of year when our auxiliary "shorewatch" team goes into overdrive raising much needed funds and the profile of National Coastwatch.
March 2013: a selection of general beach photos showing the effects of the weather on the beach close to the lookout:
Winter 2012: a selection of general photos showing our latest Marine VHF acquisition and the watch room as it was then.
June 11th 2016: Congratulations, NCI Caister
On June 11th 2016 NCI Caister celebrated their 5th Anniversary.
The Celebration was held in the Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Shed at the invitation of the Directors of Caister Lifeboat. Guests included the NCI Honorary President Jon Gifford OBE, the Mayor and Mayoress of Great Yarmouth and Chris Bell from BBC Look East / Weatherquest who gave an exciting illustrated talk about his hobby of Storm Chasing in The U.S.A.
BBC Look East presenter, Susie Fowler-Watt, presented long service certificates and badges - a return visit as she had opened the Station in 2012 - and the Caister Coastwatch Shanty Singers' added to the atmosphere with some rousing sea shanties.
After the formalities there was a splendid buffet followed by the launch of the Caister Lifeboat which took us on an exciting trip out to the windfarm anf Great Yarmouth Outer Harbour to see the amazing Sea Jacks platform barges which were moored up there. Another example of the close co-operation between the two neighbouring voluntary search and rescue services.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
On June 11th 2016 NCI Caister celebrated their 5th Anniversary.
The Celebration was held in the Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Shed at the invitation of the Directors of Caister Lifeboat. Guests included the NCI Honorary President Jon Gifford OBE, the Mayor and Mayoress of Great Yarmouth and Chris Bell from BBC Look East / Weatherquest who gave an exciting illustrated talk about his hobby of Storm Chasing in The U.S.A.
BBC Look East presenter, Susie Fowler-Watt, presented long service certificates and badges - a return visit as she had opened the Station in 2012 - and the Caister Coastwatch Shanty Singers' added to the atmosphere with some rousing sea shanties.
After the formalities there was a splendid buffet followed by the launch of the Caister Lifeboat which took us on an exciting trip out to the windfarm anf Great Yarmouth Outer Harbour to see the amazing Sea Jacks platform barges which were moored up there. Another example of the close co-operation between the two neighbouring voluntary search and rescue services.
Copyright: National Coastwatch Institution
Summer 2012: vital fundraising and promotional work as undertaken by members of our all too small, but greatly appreciated, "Shorewatch" team.
Just as we are always keen to speak to anyone interested in helping us keep the coast safe in a Watchkeeping capacity, we would be especially pleased to hear from potential non-watckeeping volunteers who could help us in a "backroom" (Shorewatch) role, i.e. in organising fundraising activities and / or by helping with administrative works behind the scenes.
Just as we are always keen to speak to anyone interested in helping us keep the coast safe in a Watchkeeping capacity, we would be especially pleased to hear from potential non-watckeeping volunteers who could help us in a "backroom" (Shorewatch) role, i.e. in organising fundraising activities and / or by helping with administrative works behind the scenes.
April 25th 2012: a visit to RAF Wattisham, home to "Rescue 125" and "Rescue 126" or, as they are perhaps better known, the twin Westland Sea King search and rescue helicopters of "B" Flight, No. 22 Squadron.
January 2012: Fitting carpet tiles to the floor has made a huge difference to the comfort and feel of the watch-room. Previously the wind would find it's way in through the floor and walls making it impossible to heat in Winter. Mittens and two (even three!) fleeces were order of the day!
The Caister lifeboatmen of olde really were hardy souls ... even on dry land!
The Caister lifeboatmen of olde really were hardy souls ... even on dry land!
Autumn 2011: Shortly after we first opened our attention turned - for longer than was perhaps wise - to how we could attract new members to the ranks of the National Coastwatch Institution, and to what a recruitment poster could - not necessarily "should"! - look like.
Epaulletes planted firmly in cheek, these examples - for fear of copyright infringement and, more importantly, that someone might think we weren't taking the job entirely seriously - were, somehow, misplaced!
Epaulletes planted firmly in cheek, these examples - for fear of copyright infringement and, more importantly, that someone might think we weren't taking the job entirely seriously - were, somehow, misplaced!
Summer 2011: early days and watch-keepers at work through our first Summer at Caister.
May / June 2011; fitting out the old Caister Lifeboat watch-room to a minimum standard required by the National Coastwatch Institution ... we could worry about a few home comforts later!
National Coastwatch Institution Registered Charity No. 1159975