On 21 January 2017, Dr Sarah Wollaston, M.P. for Totnes, took time off from her busy parliamentary schedule to open the updated Visitor Centre at the Froward Point National Coastwatch Station. This was a notable moment for the Station as it marked the end of yet another phase of upgrades to the former WW2 shore battery lookout since it opened in 2005.
The isolated Station lacks mains electricity so the Visitor Centre displays are static printed acrylic panels explaining the local flora and fauna, Start Bay shipwrecks, local walks as well as the role of the “Eyes Along the Coast” volunteers and Search and Rescue services.
Sarah Wollaston also viewed the new panoramic Station windows provided by Southfield Windows of Totnes, new radar equipment, new monocular scope and defibrillator. All these developments have only been possible thanks to the enormous generosity of the general public, sponsors and the willing co-operation of the National Trust – without which the organisation would not exist.
Sarah has been a consistent supporter of Froward Point and expressed a big “Thank You” to the sixty or so volunteers who faithfully maintain the service 365 days a year.
