27th October 2022. The High Sheriff of Cornwall, Andrew Williams visited the National Coastwatch Institution station at Polruan to formally open the newly refurbished lookout, and meet the dedicated volunteer watchkeepers who keep a safety watch along the coast.

Mr Williams met Station Manager Ray Rigg, Training Manager John Helme and Watchkeepers John Ridgeway and Brian Cook. He was impressed with the new-look station which has been re-roofed to keep the water out and fully refitted inside, with a grant from the Marjorie Barrie Polruan Bequest. This includes a new Radar system which the station hosts on behalf of the Fowey Harbour Commissioners and Lord Wills has kindly allowed the station to mount a camera in his grounds to facilitate the view immediately under the cliff which has always been a blind spot.

Members of NCI Polruan's 30 strong team keep shifts at the station in daylight hours throughout the year. The trained and experienced watchkeepers maintain a visual and listening watch for people or vessels in difficulties and liaise closely with HM Coastguard, who in turn instigate rescue action when needed. NCI volunteers work very closely with HMCG, the RNLI and other emergency services to help save lives as sea and around the coast.

The High Sheriff has chosen NCI as one of his Charities for the year and has now visited all of the stations in Cornwall to meet volunteers and see their operations at first hand. He is very keen to raise awareness of the NCI in Cornwall and help attract more volunteers and support fundraising. The Charity is staffed and managed by volunteers and is entirely funded by public donations and sponsorship. NCI Polruan is currently recruiting, if you are interested in joining the team, please contact Ray Rigg on 07956 286270.