PORTLAND'S National Coastwatch team has been keeping our coastline safe throughout the pandemic - but the vital organisation needs support from the community if operations are to continue.
National Coastwatch (NCI) at Portland Bill operates a voluntary lookout service, keeping an eye on all types of vessel in the Portland area - as well as walkers and climbers.
Its lookout at the Bill is managed, operated and maintained by a team of over 70 highly trained volunteers and is open most daylight hours every day of the year except Christmas Day.
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Coastwatch at Portland Bill has been operational almost all of the time throughout the national coronavirus crisis. Numbers of boats out fishing and for leisure are now increasing as restrictions ease, as are the numbers of people walking along the coastal paths, climbing, or just enjoying the scenery.
NCI Portland Bill is part of a national charity which provides a lookout service at over 50 locations around the coast in support of the coastguard and other maritime safety agencies.
It is totally reliant on the generosity of local people for donations to fund its operation, receiving no public funds at all.
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The operation is under real pressure right now because its normal fundraising activities have been curtailed for the last 15 months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Station manager Geoff Peters said: “Local people have historically been extremely supportive and very generous when able. They’ve supported the cause at social events and with donations into collection boxes, etcetera.
"Just keeping the operation going on a day-to-day basis costs several thousand pounds each year. Keeping the lookout building and all of the equipment necessary to perform the service needs even more funds.”
Residents can help by donation to the NCI Portland Bill fundraising page at Virgin Money Giving which can be found by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com and searching for 'National Coastwatch Portland Bill' or visiting the following link:
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1020991
Geoff Peters added: “Please help if you can. Any donation of any size will be gratefully received. "We hope to be back at local events and present amongst the community very soon.”
In 'normal' times visitors are welcomed at the lookout in Higher Light Lane, Portland, DT5 2JT.
NCI Portland Bill’s website can be found at www.nci-portlandbill.org
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