3rd July 2023 Solemnity and celebration were the order of the day as watchkeepers from NCI Whitstable gathered in St Peter’s Church, Sydenham Street to witness the dedication of their new standard.

In a service punctuated by music, laughter and some short periods of silence the standard was formally dedicated by NCI Chaplain Father Jack Greenhalf from St Alphege Church, Whitstable and officially received by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, the Right Honourable and Most Worshipful Councillor Jean Butcher. 
Watchkeeper Pat Solley (pictured) was standard bearer throughout the procession and dedication, and Station Manager Bob Smith read from the Gospel of Matthew.  The event was also supported by a representative from Whitstable’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Mr Barry Toogood from the Royal Naval Association’s Whitstable branch.  Mr Toogood carried the RNA standard, and read the poem, “The Cup of Ocean” by Amos Russel Wells.