history

National Coastwatch Institution

PORTLAND BILL

HISTORY

History of NCI Portland Bill

In the early 1970's there were 43 major coastguard stations, 160 lighthouses and 30 lightships around our coastline. All were manned 24 hours a day keeping safe watch over our busy waters and coastal areas. Following a government review it was decided that lighthouses be automated and coastguard lookout stations, manned during daylight hours, be closed down and major coastguard stations be reduced in numbers.

In October 1994 a team of volunteers formed a new charity, the National Coastwatch institution ( NCI ), to restore the visual security facility and hence make a significant contribution to marine safety around our shores. The first Coastal Surveillance Station ( CSS ) to open was at Bass Point in Cornwall, other stations quickly followed on and by 1998 there were 13 CSS with an ultimate target of 60 early in the millennium.

In May 1996 at Portland Bill a small band of enthusiasts lead by Dave Crabb, the first Station Manager, under-took the formidable task of refurbishing a dilapidated ex-Coastguard Station. The station had previously been manned by CG staff as a look-out and Signal Station on a constant watch by night and day prior to its closure.

Refurbishment was completed in early 1997 and on 27th May of that year it was declared officially open.

The NCI is responsible to HMCG for the provision, maintenance and operation of Declared facilities. Each CSS is organised by its Station Manager and manned by Volunteer Watchkeepers and supported by voluntary contributions. Each CSS is responsible for raising money locally to fund its operation.

The lookout was originally built in 1934. The watch room was cosy to say the least with just enough room for 2 watchkeepers. After a massive fund raising campaign the building was totally re-built in 2004 it was re-opened on the 27th July 2004 the building was blessed by the Reverend Anita Thorne & attended by 100 guests. Whiskey Bravo(SAR Helicopter) carried out a fly past, in honour of the occasion.

The re-build increased the watch room size from 7' x 9' to 12'9'' x 16' and gave us extra space below for storage, a meeting room and a sewing room for our flag maker's industrial sewing machine. We had a large glass vestibule built into the watch room, in 2007 thanks to generosity of Maiden Windows the vestibule was removed and an extended storm porch was fitted at the top of the stairs, with doors opening to the east & west this has not only given us extra space but provided much needed safety for watchkeepers.

The originally building had a 50ft Canadian Pine mast, this was replaced by a new steel reinforced fibre glass mast with yard arm, the good wood from the old mast was used to make various items such as door stops and fruit bowls which were sold on our charity stalls and the remainder was given to local people for firewood. Our old mast is propping open doors all around Dorset.

We were very honoured to have the new look out officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal. On the day the weather threw everything at us rain and a force 9 gale. The Princess Royal took part in the rescue of a yacht which was in difficulty in heavy seas, off the bill. She manned our high powered binoculars throughout her visit. We could not have staged a better visit to demonstrate the work we do at Portland Bill Coastwatch.

Coastwatch, Portland Bill were first to spot this yacht in trouble, we reported it to HMCG at Weymouth and then relayed the May Day when it was given by the yacht, some time after. Photos courtesy of the SAR helicopter 'Whisky Bravo' and the Weymouth RNLI lifeboat.

Our planned "tea Party" for the visit had to be moved to the local inn, where Geoff Peters, Station Manager said "it's not every day he takes a princess into the local pub".

And finally ...

The Mayor of Portland, Tim Woodcock was so impressed with the work of the watch that he asked if he could join the team. He started in January 2006 along with seven other recruits. Is Portland the first to recruit a Mayor?

The Mayors of Weymouth & Portland