The work of
Wells Harbour
Commissioners
Groups and Clubs
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Harbour Groups, Clubs Harbour Users Advisory Committee This Committee consists of representatives of the various harbour users groups to advise the Commissioners and keep each other informed. The Committee meets twice annually (usually in November and April) to report on their group’s activities in the harbour and plans for the future. The Chairman and Harbour Master brief the Committee on news relating to the harbour, and any problems are fully discussed. This forum provides a very useful link between all the harbour users and enables the Commissioners to hear the views of all harbour users and to react to their requests and ideas. If you have any queries or matters you would like addressed, please feel free to contact the appropriate representative who will raise the matter at the next committee meeting. Following the April committee meeting, the Commissioners hold their Annual Public Harbour Meeting, when all harbour users are invited to hear reports from the Harbour Master and Commissioners about news and plans for the harbour. This provides an opportunity for harbour users to ask questions and publicly discuss any ideas. Committee Members
Coastal Harbours Forum The Coastal Harbours Forum brings people from along the coast together to discuss common issues. The group comprises people from all along the coast who, because of their occupations and connections with the sea, know each other and share common concerns. Forum members
NCI Coastwatch Wells Station Manager Dennis Woods, (01328) 711877
The Wells station, one of thirty-eight officially accredited NCI lookout stations strategically positioned around the coast between Rossall Point in the north-west and Sunderland in the northeast, is an integral part of the Coastal and Maritime Search and Rescue system. As such it acts in support of and reports directly to, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency at Great Yarmouth, which in turn activates and controls the front line agencies including the RNLI, the Air-Sea Rescue Authority, the police, ambulance, Customs and Excise, Immigration and Animal Welfare organisations as necessary. Although the coastguard at its HQ in Yarmouth has the capability to monitor events at sea using its state of the art technical equipment, it is unable to observe activities on the beach and foreshore at Wells. The local coastguard mobile patrol has only a couple of vehicles to cover a vast area between Brancaster and Morston and therefore appreciates the support and co-operation of the local NCI watchkeepers. The Lookout is manned during daylight hours throughout the year on a two-man rota involving around forty volunteers. Their task is to monitor all activity in the area in order to prevent any situation developing into a life-threatening incident. All information is assembled and forwarded to the relevant authority in a clear and logical format to facilitate appropriate action. All vessels are logged as inward or outward bound and a close watch is kept on the safety of the activities of the general public whether they are simply playing on the beach, dog walking, bird watching, riding, fishing, boating, swimming, windsurfing or even earning their living from the sea. Problems of a purely local nature, which can be dealt with immediately, are referred to either the Wells Harbour Master or to the Pinewoods security staff as appropriate. Incidents in the past have included suspected explosives, windsurfers with broken masts, stranded cockle pickers, horses and microlights, lost children (and a father), medical problems, dead seals, off-station buoys and relaying ship-to-shore messages. In short, the Watchkeeper's role is simply to spot a situation, plot it on the chart and report it to the appropriate authority. The general public is invited to visit the Lookout at any time during opening hours (summer 9am to 6pm, winter 9am to 4pm) either for advice on local matters or to provide information on potential incidents. The Watchkeeper's day is split into three shifts of either two or three hours duration, training is on the job and in two afternoon seminar-type sessions per annum. The only qualifications needed to become a Watchkeeper are a high level of common sense, a reliable attitude and the time to spend three hours a week on duty, although in the latter case a certain amount of flexibility is built into the system to meet personal conditions. There are always vacancies for new members from any walk in life; there are even husband and wife teams that function effectively! Anyone interested in learning something new whilst performing a valuable public service should call the lookout on 01328 710587 or pay a visit to see what it's all about. You'll always be welcome! Wells Cruising Association In the past, Wells Cruising Association has arranged informal local cruises for Wells boaters, the aim being social and to give inexperienced crews the confidence to go further afield in the company of others. Brancaster boats have often joined in and taken part in the competitive 'Golden Cockle Race' which is staged in September. Events such as beach barbecues and supper evenings have also been arranged and members often meet up on Friday evenings at the Sailing Club to discuss and plan trips over the odd beer or two. Recently, however, interest has diminished and cruises have not been arranged. These events are well worth reviving and if you are interested in joining in or helping to arrange cruises, please contact us. The cruising association representative, Martin Nicholls, can be contacted on (01366) 381361. Wells Sailing Club Commodore - Martin Read (01263) 821439 The clubhouse is situated at the East End of the town on the waterfront. Members are pleased to welcome crews of visiting yachts to use the showers and facilities at the clubhouse when open. New members are always welcome... if you'd like to join, please contact the membership secretary John Gibbs on (01603) 419272 or Martin Read (01263) 821439. Wells and District Ski Club Commodore - John Turrell (02476) 610784 Organises regular water ski-ing and watersports activities off Wells beach. Windsurfing at Wells There is presently no windsurfing club at Wells but there is close communication with the beach manager and ski club to ensure mutual and safe co-operation. Ray Page, (01362) 687267, represents windsurfers on the Harbour's Leisure Users Advisory Committee. Windsurfing permits for the year cost £25 and can be purchased at the Harbour Office. |
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