March 19th, 2024.



National Coastwatch Institution Newhaven was recently honoured by being granted the Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) by HM King Charles III. The award is the MBE for volunteer groups.

The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman presented the award at a ceremony attended by The Vice Lord Lieutenant, Mr Graham Peters DL, Deputy Lieutenant Mr Derek Stevens DL and Mrs Amanda Hamblin DL.

About 50 watchkeepers from NCI Newhaven attended the ceremony which included special guests, among whom were Maria Caulfield MP and Mr Graham Easton of HM Coastguard.

NCI Newhaven is celebrating its 20th year of public service this year. NCI trained watchkeepers keep a safety watch over users of the coast and inshore waters every day of the year from their lookout on Castle Hill, Newhaven. NCI is a declared asset of HM Coastguard.

The award was accepted by NCI Newhaven Station Manager, Mick Carter, (pictured), who said: "To receive this award in recognition of our public service as trained volunteer watchkeepers is a unique honour and we are hugely grateful for that recognition."


www.nci.org.uk/newhaven