Why the Princess Royal dropped in on the St Agnes Head lookout

High on the cliffs above St Agnes, a small team of volunteers keeps watch over a stretch of the north Cornish coast that can turn quickly. On Tuesday (13 October) they had a royal visitor looking out of the windows with them.

The Princess Royal, Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), visited the NCI lookout at St Agnes Head. The visit was a chance to recognise the dedication of local volunteers and the part they play in helping to keep people safe around the coast.

📷The Princess Royal is shown round the watch room at the St Agnes Head lookout. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

Inside the lookout

Her Royal Highness was welcomed to the station by Stephen Hand, NCI Chair, who introduced Station Manager Mark Weston. Mark then introduced Technical Officer Paul Rafer and duty watchkeeper Caroline Pitura. Paul is not a watchkeeper himself, but he plays an important role in keeping the station’s equipment working.

During her time at the lookout she was briefed on the work the St Agnes Head volunteers carry out, the particular coastal risks along this part of the Cornish coastline, and the challenges of running the lookout off grid.

📷The Princess Royal unveils a plaque commemorating her visit. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

On to Driftwood Spars

From the clifftop, the Princess Royal travelled to Driftwood Spars in St Agnes. There, NCI Regional Trustee Helen Simpson formally welcomed her and introduced the proprietor of Driftwood Spars, Louise Treseder.

She was then introduced to the St Agnes Head watchkeepers who had come along, together with invited guests.

📷The Princess Royal meets St Agnes Head volunteers. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

Long service awards

In recognition of their dedication and commitment to the organisation, the Princess Royal presented long service awards to four volunteers:

• Helen Simpson, 20 years
• Stephen Barry, 10 years
• Rachel Ellis, 5 years
• Kathy Cullingworth, 5 years

📷The Princess Royal presents a long service award. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

A proud moment for the team

Mark said: “It was a tremendous honour for us to welcome Her Royal Highness to St. Agnes Head. The visit was a proud moment for the whole team in recognition for what we do and the hard work to restore the lookout.”

“Our volunteers give their time throughout the year to maintain a watch over these challenging coastal waters, and Her Royal Highness’s visit was a wonderful acknowledgement of their efforts and the valuable service they provide to the local community.”

📷The Princess Royal meets NCI watchkeepers. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

An active interest

Stephen said: “It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to NCI St. Agnes Head and we are grateful to her taking the opportunity to meet our volunteers and learn more about the lifesaving work they carry out along this beautiful stretch of the Cornish coastline.”

“St. Agnes Head is a wonderful example of the dedication and resilience of our volunteers, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe on the coast and save lives at sea. We’re privileged that HRH The Princess Royal, as our Royal Patron, takes such an active interest in our work, and her visit provides a special opportunity to celebrate with our volunteers, friends and supporters from the local community.”

📷The Princess Royal with volunteers inside the lookout. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

📷The Princess Royal outside the St Agnes Head lookout. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

📷The Princess Royal with an NCI volunteer. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

📷The Princess Royal with an NCI volunteer. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

📷The Princess Royal on the clifftop at NCI St Agnes Head. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head