It was a red letter day for Fleetwood on Sunday the 19^th February when we received an official visit from the High Sheriff of Lancashire, John Barnett MBE, DL. John, who was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Danielle, was welcomed by Station Manager Bob Loynes and members of the management team. A highlight of the morning saw the High Sheriff presenting 5-Year certificates and badges to a number of watchkeepers – who were each warmly congratulated on the lasting commitment they have shown to the work of the NCI. This was followed by a guided tour of Fleetwood tower, during which John chose to spend a considerable amount of time meeting watchkeepers on duty and observing our work first-hand. The High Sheriff thanked all of the volunteers for their dedication and remarked favourably on the high standards he observed.

On Saturday the 11^th February we were delighted to receive a visit from a number of Fleetwood Town Councillors. They were warmly welcomed to the station on what was a very cold morning, and spent a considerable length of time learning all about the NCI and our work at Fleetwood. Station Manager, Bob Loynes, thanked all of the Councillors for giving up their time to come down and visit the tower, and for the interest and the support which they showed for all that is done by our volunteers. The photograph shows Bob Loynes with the Councillors, including Terry Rogers, Chairman of the Town Council (left).

On February 19th we will have the pleasure of welcoming the High Sheriff Of Lancashire to our station for a visit which will also encompass  presenting some of our watchkeepers with their five years service awards.

John Barnett MBE DL, the High Sheriff of Lancashire 2016 – 2017 (centre) with his wife Danielle and the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire

John Gifford OBE, the Honorary President of the National Coastwatch Institute, paid an informal visit to the station on the 30^th October. John had previously visited Fleetwood when we were in the old Coastguard station, and said that he was amazed at the improvement in our facilities and equipment. John, who was accompanied on the visit by his wife, spent almost 2 hours observing a busy watch and talking with the watchkeepers and visitors to the tower. Following his visit, Bob Loynes (Station Manager) confirmed that The Honorary President had declared himself to be most impressed by the way in which we conduct our role here on the Fleetwood Coast, which he described as a testament to the work, time and effort which those involved in setting up the tower gave so freely.

There was a full house at Fleetwood Nautical College on the 27th July when members of Fleetwood Coastwatch bid farewell to Steve Martin, who is standing down as Station Manager after 8 years at the helm. During his time in charge Steve played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful move from the old, draughty lookout station to the new state-of-the-art premises at Fleetwood tower.
On being presented with a framed selection of photos by Bob Loynes, the new Station Manager, Steve expressed his appreciation for all of the effort and loyalty shown by the membership over the years. He said that it was impossible to thank everyone enough and that none of our success could have been achieved without a huge amount of help and enthusiasm from all of the members.
He wished all of the watchkeepers the very best for the future, and offered his congratulations and good wishes to Bob as he takes up the position of Manager.